Belleville Council approved a change to the election sign by-law at Monday’s meeting.
The requested change came from councillor Kathryn Brown who said she was notified that four of her signs, all placed on private property in rural areas, were in non-compliance, due to their proximity to an intersection.
Under the current by-law, an election sign could not be placed closer than 164 metres (50 feet) from an intersection, even on private property.
Brown said that the distance was excessive, especially in rural areas, and restricted homeowners’ ability to show support for a candidate on their own property.
She put forward a change to the by-law requiring election signs be set back a minimum of 15 feet (4.57 metres) from any curb or edge of the traveled portion of the road, including the shoulder, at any intersection.
City Clerk Doug Irwin noted that the city would notify all candidates and staff of the new 15-foot rule.
A formal amending bylaw would come to the next council meeting for proper adoption.
Council all voted in favour of the change in a 9-0 recorded vote.
