Let the electioneering begin in McCandless — but keep that yard sign away from the edge of the road.

Temporary signs like the ones used for political campaigns or to advertise yard sales and other services will now have to be at least 5 feet from the side of the road in McCandless and can only be placed on private property with permission from the owner. McCandless officials on Aug. 24 approved changes to a law that it passed last year that was supposed to prevent the temporary signs from becoming traffic hazards and litter.

The previous rule allowed signs 3 feet from the edge of the road, but town officials extended the distance because the signs often blocked the view of motorists.

Town officials said the signs also create litter when they fall and a number of the placards made from plastic have been found covering stormwater drains. The metal wire used to erect some of the signs also can damage lawnmower blades.

Violators could face a fine of as much as $300 after receiving a written warning from the town.

But in practical terms, signs that are too close to the roadway likely will be removed by town employees and kept at the municipal building until the owners can be contacted for them to be retrieved.

Council had considered setting the distance at as much as 10 feet, but several members raised concerns that doing so might infringe on private property rights.

“I appreciate the fact that we listened to our residents for different guidelines on how far back we should consider,” said Councilwoman Trish Cloonan. “I think that our residents spoke out and we listened to them.”

Cloonan had lobbied for an exemption for signs used by real estate companies to advertise open houses. But the exemption was not included because the signs could cause the same problems as any other improperly placed sign.

Also scrubbed from the ordinance was language that called for the $300 fine to be levied for each sign on each day it is in violation.

The changes will kick in 10 days after the revised ordinance has been advertised, said manager Bob Grimm.

Council President Kim Zachary suggested that the town notify major political campaigns about the new rules “to save ourselves some trouble in the long run.”

Grimm said the new rules for temporary signs will be “posted conspicuously” with key points highlighted “so people can access it.”

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