SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1414

A resolution requesting the Department of Codes Administration, the Department of Public Works, The Metro Beautification and Environment Commission, Nashville Electric Service, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation to enforce the Metropolitan Code provisions prohibiting the placement of signs within the public right-of way and to remove all illegally placed signs within the public right-of-way.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Code of Laws prohibits the placement of signs within the public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit from the Metropolitan Government, and further prohibits the erection of signs on public property or on private property (such as private utility poles) located on public property; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Zoning Administrator has the authority to enforce signage violations; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Department of Public Works has the authority to remove illegal signs located on public property; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Electric Service (NES) has the authority to remove illegal signs placed on utility poles maintained by NES; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation controls and maintains all state owned roads, highways, and accesses; and

WHEREAS, signs are often unlawfully placed in the public right-of-way, especially during political campaign seasons, which is aesthetically unpleasing and can pose a safety hazard to motorists within the area of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council seek to ensure enforcement of the Code provisions prohibiting the placement of signs within the public right-of-way and the removal of illegal signs to protect the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Department of Codes Administration, the Department of Public Works, the Metro Beautification and Environment Commission, Nashville Electric Service, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation to enforce the Metropolitan Code provisions prohibiting the placement of signs within the public right-of-way and to remove all signs that are illegally placed in the public right-of-way.

Section 2 The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Director of the Department of Codes Administration, the Zoning Administrator, the Director of the Department of Public Works, the Metro Beautification and Environment Commission, the president of Nashville Electric Service, and the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Section 3 This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Adam Dread