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Supervisors discuss updates to Smithfield sign rules to curb snipe and abandoned signs
Summary
The Smithfield Township Board reviewed proposed updates to chapter 27 to tighten definitions for temporary and abandoned signs, adopt model‑ordinance language for legal defensibility, and create notice-and-removal procedures including a 90‑day compliance window for limited‑duration signs.
The Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors reviewed a proposed update to the township’s sign ordinance aimed at reducing nuisance signs and clarifying definitions and enforcement.
Supervisor Michael Alvare and conservation & recreation director Dr. Alex Jackson described the package as focused largely on temporary and off‑property nuisance signs (so‑called snipe signs), abandoned signs and clearer definitions for temporary, limited‑duration and permanent signs. Staff said the update adopts model‑ordinance language to align local rules with court guidance and to emphasize time, place and manner restrictions rather than content regulation.
Staff and counsel recommended revising the base definition of “sign” and importing model language to ensure the ordinance is defensible under recent U.S. Supreme Court precedents cited in the discussion. The draft would retain existing prohibitions (for example, signs that block egress or display pornography) and would add clearer procedures for notice, removal and administrative remedies. Ron (solicitor edits were cited in discussion) suggested using the model definition for legally robust language.
Board members emphasized that the proposal is intended to be more enforceable rather than more punitive: it would allow staff to send property‑owner notices and remove unlawful signs after a specified notice period, and it creates a 90‑day removal window for limited‑duration signs to allow compliance. Staff noted that many temporary signs are already unlawful under current code but not consistently enforced; the update aims to standardize enforcement and to provide better public outreach about compliance timelines.
During public comment a resident reported a colorful banner and multiple snipe signs at the intersection of State Route 447 and East Brown Street; staff said the rail guard at that corner is township property and would be investigated for removal. No formal board action was taken; staff will incorporate solicitor edits, prepare a legal‑form ordinance and set a public hearing date to solicit wider feedback.
The board did not adopt the ordinance at the work session and instead directed staff to incorporate attorney revisions and return with the final legal draft for formal review and public notice.
