Placement of Wood Posts

Participants of the Neighborhood Watch program have requested advice as to where signs should be placed in their neighborhood, and in particular, where they may be placed on the property of another willing resident or participant. The following information is offered as a guideline to the placement of Neighborhood Watch signs on wood posts.

A survey conducted by the Sheriff's Department indicated that program participants feel the signs are more effective when placed on the front lawn of a willing program participant. Signs placed in this manner do not appear to be part of the county-maintained traffic sign inventory (normally found erected in the right-of-way area) and, for this reason, appear to be more effective.

Signs should be posted adjacent to the sidewalk, but several feet behind the back edge of the sidewalk so as not to conflict with pedestrians or bicycles. One Neighborhood Watch sign may typically be used at the entrance to cul-de-sacs, two signs at opposite ends of through streets, and additional signs where multiple access/entrances exist to other developments or complexes. The placement of any sign on any county owned bridge, fence, traffic sign, building, tree, or public utility pole within the right-of-way any public highway is illegal and a violation of Section 18.03.010 of the County Code. Neighborhood Watch signs illegally installed on wood posts with existing traffic signs or street names signs will be subject to removal by County forces. The only exception is Neighborhood Watch signs installed by County forces on County owned street light poles (see request form for installation on street light poles).

When installing a Neighborhood Watch Sign on a wood post, follow the steps below:

  1. When installing signs on wood posts near the roadway, locate the sign so that a car driver's view of traffic signs or other traffic control devices is not obscured by your Neighborhood Watch sign.
  2. A driver's attention to nearby traffic control devices should not be distracted by the placement of your Neighborhood Watch sign.
  3. Neighborhood watch signs near sidewalks, bike lanes, and ditches must be located with horizontal and vertical clearances so that the sign does not become a hazard to pedestrians and bicyclists.
  4. Neighborhood Watch Signs may be placed at each end of a street, entrance to a cul-de-sac, etc. to provide high visibility of your sign. Care should be given in the placement of your sign so as to not obstruct the view of existing traffic signs that typically exist near intersections. The bottom of the sign should be placed at a minimum height of seven feet to the bottom edge of the sign to avoid the hazard of head injuries to pedestrians or bicyclists.
  5. Do not install Neighborhood Watch signs on wood posts with existing traffic signs or street name signs. Doing so is illegal and a violation of Section 18.03.010 of the County Code. Neighborhood Watch signs installed in this manner will be subject to removal by County forces. 
  6. If you wish to have your Neighborhood Watch sign(s) installed by County forces on a County owned street light pole, please see the “Placement On Light Standards” form available from your Sheriff’s Department Community Services Officer.