Remove Campaign Signs Safely - Saguenay Bylaws
Saguenay, Quebec candidates and volunteers must follow municipal rules when placing and removing campaign signs. This guide explains practical safety steps, typical municipal rules, how enforcement works, and what to do after election day to avoid complaints or penalties in Saguenay.
Penalties & Enforcement
Municipal regulation of campaign signage in Saguenay is administered by the city's by-law enforcement office. Specific monetary fines and fixed penalty amounts for improper placement or failure to remove campaign signs are not specified on the cited page; see the enforcement contact for details and complaints.[1]
- Enforcer: By-law Enforcement (city department responsible for municipal bylaws and public-domain use).
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary orders: removal orders, seizure of signs, and court referrals may be used where permitted by bylaw.
- How to report: file a complaint with By-law Enforcement using the city's official contact/complaint page.[1]
Applications & Forms
The city does not publish a specific candidate sign removal form on the cited enforcement page; if a permit or prior notice is required in special locations, that information should appear on the city’s permits or urban planning pages (not specified on the cited page).
What to Do Before and After Election Day
Plan removal timing, check municipal and provincial rules for signs on public property and rights-of-way, and use safe equipment and respecte private property rights. If you place signs on private property, obtain written permission from the owner and record the date and contact information.
- Document owner permission in writing and keep photos of sign locations.
- Use gloves and secure ladders when installing or removing signs; avoid traffic hazards.
- Remove temporary signs promptly after the election or at the deadline stated by any applicable bylaw.
Common Violations
- Signs left on public property or in the boulevard after required removal time.
- Signs creating traffic sightline or pedestrian hazards.
- Placement without required permissions on private or protected heritage properties.
FAQ
- When must campaign signs be removed in Saguenay?
- The city’s enforcement page does not specify a fixed removal deadline; candidates should remove signs promptly after election day and follow any deadlines listed in local bylaws or notices.[1]
- Who enforces sign rules and how do I report a problem?
- By-law Enforcement enforces municipal sign regulations; complaints should be filed through the city’s official by-law enforcement/complaint contact page.[1]
- Are permits required to place campaign signs on public property?
- Permits for placing signs on public property are situational; no specific candidate sign permit form is published on the cited enforcement page (see city planning or permits pages for details).
How-To
- Inventory all campaign signs and record their exact locations and property permissions.
- Plan a removal schedule the day after the election and assign teams with clear zones.
- Use appropriate tools and safety gear; avoid working at unsafe heights or near live traffic.
- If a sign is on public property and you are unsure, contact By-law Enforcement before removing to confirm whether a removal order applies.[1]
- Store removed signs in a secure location until you can return them to the campaign or dispose of them responsibly.
- If you receive a notice or ticket, follow the appeal instructions on the notice and contact the enforcement office promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Remove signs promptly after the election and keep written property permissions.
- Contact By-law Enforcement before removing signs on public property if unsure.[1]
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Saguenay - Municipal bylaws and regulations
- City of Saguenay - By-law Enforcement / Complaints
- Élections Québec - Rules on electoral advertising