Board Chairman Henry Hofschneider said he has met with their assistant administrator, Therese Ogumoro, who expressed concern about some of the political signs that pose hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Hofschneider said some campaign billboards are too close to the road.
The Saipan Zoning law requires a certain distance from the edge of the pavement when erecting temporary or seasonal signs.
The board, Hofschneider said, is asking the candidates to move their campaign signs away from the edge of the road.
Some pedestrians may be put at risk when avoiding campaign signs blocking their way, he added.
“We don’t want to wait for any accidents to happen,” Hofschneider said.
He cited a zoning law provision that fines violators up to $1,000.
For the campaign signs that are mounted on trailers, the candidate should back them off to give clearance for vehicles making emergency pullovers, Hofschneider said.
He reminded candidates that all campaign signs should not obstruct the view of motorists and pedestrians.
The Department of Public Lands issues the permits for these signs that are displayed on public lands and charges a minimum of $150 for the entire campaign season.
But Hofschneider said the zoning safety measures also apply to campaign signs on private lands.
The zoning regulations, he added, do not deprive land owners the use of their properties as long as safety requirements are met.
