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Council schedules public hearing on ordinance to restrict commercial posting of handbills
Summary
The West Haven legislative committee advanced a proposed amendment on June 9 to restrict posting of commercial and noncommercial handbills on public property, create narrow exemptions and set fines; a public hearing is scheduled for June 23.
The West Haven legislative committee on June 9 advanced an amended ordinance that would tighten rules on posting bills and handbills on utility poles and other public property, and set a public hearing for June 23.
Attorney Terry Dorsey, representing the city, summarized the proposed amendment to chapter 178 of the city code: the rewrite defines "commercial" versus "noncommercial" bills, prohibits posting on utility poles and public property, and lists specific exemptions. Dorsey said the ordinance aims to reduce commercial advertising ("I buy your house for cash" flyers) and curb blight while allowing limited, regulated notices such as lost-person/pet posters and freestanding notices for tag sales or school events with permission.
Under the draft, noncommercial violations would carry a $50 fine per offense and commercial violations a $200 fine per offense; the police department would have enforcement authority. Several council members asked how the city would educate permitted groups (schools, nonprofits, places of worship) about the new rules and the enforcement process; Dorsey suggested online notices, newspaper articles and coordination with the police department for procedures.
The committee asked the clerk to set the ordinance for public hearing on June 23 at 6:55 p.m.
