Campaign sign rules vary by locale

casey@theheraldnewspapers.com

Election candidates for those campaigning in Sevier candidate face a variety of regulations regarding where campaign signs can be posted and how long they can be there.
While the rules change from city to city, no signs are allowed within 100 feet of any of the polling places, including the courthouse, on the day of elections. This rule also extends to any other campaign materials like tee-shirts, hats and buttons. Area utility poles are owned by Sevier County Electric System, and are also off-limits for campaign signs and any other signs, as well.
In both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, zoning ordinances dictate that campaign signs are restricted to private property and are not allowed in the right-of-ways along public streets and highway medians.
Pigeon Forge has the most stringent rules in the bunch saying that signs can only be put up 30 days before the election and should be taken down within five days following the election.
Sevierville similarly stipulates that signs must be taken down by five days after the election. However, according the city public information officer, Bob Stahlke, the city normally gives lee-way on this rule and gives 10 to 12 days before the rule is actually enforced.
Pigeon Forge zoning ordinance also dictates that only one sign, per candidate are allowed per premises. It also limits the size of the signs at 12 square-feet.
Gatlinburg City Planner David Ball said that the city does not monitor election signs and does not have regulations against placing signs within the public right-of-way.