City of Dover's summer sign clean-up begins this week

posted on 6/16/2025

The City of Dover’s Department of Planning and Community Development will conduct a clean-up of off-premise signs the week of June 16, 2025. The effort will target signs placed without permission, including those affixed to trees, utility poles, or within the public right-of-way.

In Dover, temporary signs are allowed only in certain commercial zoning districts and must meet specific size and liability requirements. With limited exceptions, temporary signs not located on the property of the owner—also known as off-premise signs—are prohibited throughout the city.

Sign clean-ups are conducted to remove unauthorized signs, such as those often found along roadways or attached to poles and trees. These signs can create safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians and contribute to visual clutter that detracts from the city’s appearance.

Donna Benton, director of Planning and Community Development, said the clean-up also supports organizations that comply with city rules.

“Dover’s sign regulations were created to balance the need for identification, advertising and communication with the need to protect public safety and maintain the city’s visual appeal,” Benton said. “Removing illegal signs helps ensure that those who follow the rules and obtain permits know their efforts are respected.”

Property owners are advised to remove any unpermitted signs before the clean-up begins. Confiscated signs will be held at City Hall for 30 days before being recycled or discarded, unless claimed by the owner. Repeat violations may result in prosecution and fines.

The city’s focused enforcement of the off-premise sign ban began in 2010. For more information about sign regulations and to access permit applications, visit the Planning and Community Development page at www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 170, Section 170-50, outlines the city's sign rules. Information on political sign placement is governed by state law, RSA 664:17, “Placement and Removal of Political Advertising.”

For questions, contact Paul R. Crouser at 603-516-6008 or p.crouser@dover.nh.gov.