Grafton officials review state sign rules and right-of-way responsibilities

Grafton officials discussed sign regulations and state law at the town’s March 23 special meeting, reviewing where signs may be placed and who enforces illegal roadside or right-of-way postings.

Bill Kearns, the town’s administrative officer, summarized the sign ordinance and relevant Vermont law and cautioned residents to place signs on their own property rather than in the right-of-way. "Put them on your property, not on your neighbor's property," he said, and he warned against nailing signs to telephone poles or trees because of safety risks.

The board discussed practical enforcement: highway crews typically remove signs in the right-of-way and minor violations are often not pursued by state police unless the sign is in the roadway or profane. A participant with measurement experience said the sheriff (rather than state police) usually handles enforcement and that many small violations are not enforced unless they present a clear safety hazard.

Statutory references came up during the exchange: board members mentioned state code sections in the 10 VSA range (cited in discussion) and described a common working rule of thumb — set sign placement back from the centerline by roughly 25 feet where the right-of-way applies — while acknowledging exact measurements vary by road type.

The board also discussed examples (a roadside hiring sign and lost-pet notices) and practical removal: residents were told to notify the highway department to remove signs in the right-of-way and that outreach to sign owners is a preferred first step. No new enforcement program was adopted; discussion focused on clarifying what existing law permits and on how staff and highway crews will respond to illegal postings.

The board closed the agenda item after citizen questions and moved on to other business.