Signs, flyers to be prohibited on Tarentum utility poles, even for nonprofits, charities

Signs that advertise lost cats and yard sales no longer will be permitted on utility poles in Tarentum.

Neither will signs touting events for charities and nonprofits.

Council is expected to vote at its next meeting at 6 p.m. on June 14 to modify an ordinance regarding boroughwide posting.

Manager Michael Nestico said the borough has always prohibited signs to be hung from utility poles in most cases.

The existing ordinance carries a small exception for charities and nonprofits. They are allowed to post with council’s approval.

Council President Scott Dadowski said poles in certain locations were getting filled with flyers, not necessarily by nonprofits, and it became a safety issue both for borough workers and for drivers.

“This is just another example of trying to clean up ordinances that have been on the books a long time,” Dadowski said.

“Maybe 20 years ago, there was no issue with having it set up like this, but the wording doesn’t fit anymore. It makes everything more clear and applies to everyone across the board.”

In addition, signs and notices are usually attached to the poles with tacks, nails or string, which can be a hazard to borough workers and cause damage to the poles, he said.

Signs also can cause line-of-sight issues for motorists, he said.

“The new ordinance is a slight adjustment to the original version by eliminating the exception for nonprofits and charities,” Nestico said. “We felt that it was a gray area that should be eliminated.”

Violators of the new ordinance will be charged with a summary offense and could face a fine of $300 to $1,000.

“Safety issues presented by posting signs or materials on poles are not lessened by a posting from a nonprofit organization,” Nestico said.

“We are looking to eliminate the exception so that all residents, groups and entities are being treated similarly.”