Spring cleaning focuses on illegal signs and vegetation

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 12, 2018

Spring has sprung, along with thriving vegetation and illegally placed road signs. Both signs and vegetation can block driver visibility and pedestrian access.

The public should not place signs (garage sale, real estate, political campaign or others) in the road right-of-way, which generally includes the roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks. Signs shouldn't be attached to traffic sign posts, power poles or signal cabinets. Illegally placed signs are subject to removal by the County.

Maintenance of vegetation growing in the road right-of-way is the responsibility of the property owner or lawful occupant. This includes vegetation hanging over the road, covering signs, near sidewalks, blocking light from street lights or impairing travelers' visibility at intersections.

Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to a minimum of:

• 12 feet directly over portions of roadway
• 2 feet in from the edge of the roadway
• 9 feet directly over all portions of sidewalks and walkways

The County may trim trees or other vegetation within the road right-of-way when it's interfering with the use of the right-of-way or is having adverse impacts to the road or traveling public.

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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