Legal Corner: What are the restrictions for political sign placement in Lake Charles?

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions.

QUESTION: Are there restrictions or limitations regarding the placement of political or election signs in the city of Lake Charles?

ANSWER: Yes, there are restrictions or limitations regarding the placement of political or election signs in the city of Lake Charles. Municipal and state laws dictate where candidates can and cannot display political signs.

The City of Lake Charles’ Code of Ordinances prohibits individuals or businesses from putting up signs along public streets in a way that creates a hazard for drivers or pedestrians by obstructing their view. This includes the prohibition of placing signs on utility poles, in medians and/or public rights-of-way.

If a sign is placed in a manner that obstructs the vision of motorists or pedestrians, the City of Lake Charles will remove the sign. Regarding political campaign signs, city personnel make every effort to contact the candidate or her representative so the sign can be returned to the campaign.

People placing campaign signs should seek the property owner’s permission before placing signs on private property. Louisiana state law (La.R.S. 18:1470) prohibits political signs from being erected, posted or displayed on publicly-owned property. Signs cannot appear in a publicly-owned right of way, utility poles or property. The law specifically states:

1470. Political advertising; prohibition

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, political campaign signs shall not be erected, displayed, or posted on any publicly owned property or right of way, or to or on any public utility pole or stanchion.

To report illegally placed signs in Lake Charles, call the Public Works Helpline desk (337-491-1220) or the Mayor’s Action Line (337-491-1346).

QUESTION: My father is deceased and I have been living in the family home since his death. My four brothers and sisters want nothing to do with the home. They do not communicate with me.

How can I go about getting the property in my name without having to do a succession?

ANSWER: A succession cannot be avoided if the viewer desires to acquire ownership of her deceased father’s property. A succession is the legal process of transferring ownership from the decedent (father) to his heirs (viewer and her siblings).

If your father had created and funded a trust and placed the property in the trust, then the succession requirement would have been eliminated.