Volunteers Help Code Enforcement Officers Remove Illegal Yard Signs Throughout Tulsa

Tulsa code enforcement officers and volunteers remove hundreds of illegal yard signs throughout the city, especially during campaign season, as they work to reduce safety risks and litter.

About 75 volunteers help code enforcement remove approximately 1,000 signs each month, with increased activity around election time.

John Bell, who has volunteered for five years, picks up dozens of signs daily, including campaign signs and others posted illegally on public property.

“It’s a little bit dangerous because you’ve got to always watch traffic,” Bell said, after removing eight signs at the intersection of 21st Street and Cincinnati Avenue. “These are all on the right of way. They shouldn’t be here. They can block traffic. They’re just a safety hazard.”

The city’s ordinance, strengthened in 2016, prohibits signs on public property, including schools, parks, libraries, and retention ponds, as well as center medians, intersections, and the right-of-way along streets. Campaign signs must be removed within seven days of an election.

Violators receive a letter and phone call before being issued a ticket if necessary, according to Mike Rider with the City of Tulsa.

“We would say to them it’s a waste of their time and their money because about as quick as you can get the signup, we’re going to have a volunteer or a code enforcement officer that can come by and take it down,” Rider said. “If we catch someone posting signs on utility poles and things like that, we will take action.”

Bell, along with other volunteers, plans to continue helping the city keep curbs and public spaces clear.

“It’s the thing to do. It helps our city look better, and I don’t like people trashing our city,” Bell said.

Anyone can report illegal signs by calling 311 or visiting the 311 website. The city disposes of the signs immediately, recycling any metal parts.