City Urges Compliance With Space/Sign Rules

The City of Hamilton  reminds all businesses and individuals to “adhere to established acts and ordinances concerning public spaces, signage, and temporary structures.”

A spokesperson said, “Recent observations indicate a rise in unauthorized installations, such as flag signs, sandwich boards, and pop-up tents, which contravene local regulations and disrupt the orderly environment of our capital.

“The Advertisements Regulation Act 1911 outlines clear standards and restrictions for public advertising in Bermuda. Under this Act, “Advertisement” includes any sign, billboard, poster, or notice used for advertising purposes and “Land” includes buildings, poles, walls, trees, and other structures.

“Contraventions to the Act may result in fines which include $720 for an initial offence and $144 per day for continuing offences. Magistrates may order the removal of unlawful advertisements and non-compliance can result in fines or police-enforced removal at the expense of the violator.

“Advertisements are prohibited under this Act unless they fall into specific categories, such as:

• Advertisements relating solely to events, sales, or property on the land where they are displayed.
• Official notices or proclamations authorized by the Governor, courts, or government entities.
• Business advertisements inside display windows or premises.
• Advertisements must not exceed 12 inches in height in most cases.

“Businesses and individuals are required to comply with the following provisions from this Act to maintain the safety, order, and aesthetic of public spaces:

“Illuminated and Visible Signs [Section 3] prohibits:

• Signs attached to posts or poles visible against the sky.
• Flashing or illuminated signs visible from public streets.
• Kites, balloons, or similar devices used for advertising.

“Signs below the roofline of a building are permissible, provided they comply with all other provisions. Signs that are flashing, overly bright, or otherwise disruptive to public streets and spaces remain prohibited, regardless of their placement.

“Advertising on Vehicles and by Individuals [Section 4] prohibits:

• Sandwich boards carried by individuals in public streets.
• Vehicles used solely for advertising purposes.

“National Flag and Royal Portraits [Section 5] prohibits the use of the National Flag or portraits of the Royal Family in advertisements.

“Licensing by Municipal Corporations [Sections 6 and 7]:

“The Corporations of Hamilton and St. George’s may grant licenses for advertisements on land within their jurisdictions with the following conditions:

• Permission from the landowner or occupier is required.
• Space for advertising structures must not exceed six feet in height.
• Licenses may be revoked as deemed necessary.

“The Building Act 1988 and the Hamilton Traffic and Sidewalk Ordinance 1988 also regulate the erection of temporary structures and the use of public spaces, ensuring sidewalks and plazas remain accessible and free of unauthorized obstructions [i.e. sandwich boards, pop-up tents, street vending without a permit]. Specifically, under the Hamilton Traffic and Sidewalk Ordinance 1988, individuals must not “post or attach any bill, sign or poster to, or on, any Corporation property.” Any encroachment on Corporation property is prohibited and may result in penalties or removal of the encroaching items.

“To maintain the integrity and accessibility of public spaces, the City urges everyone to respect these regulations and refrain from unauthorized use of Corporation property.

“The Corporation of Hamilton provides specific guidelines and permits related to the use of public spaces, which can be found on our Permits page.

“As the holiday season approaches, the Bermuda Police Service will intensify efforts to ensure compliance with these regulations. Unauthorized signage and structures will be subject to removal, and violators may face fines or other legal consequences.”

“The City of Hamilton is dedicated to preserving a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment for all,” said City CEO Dwayne Caines. “We urge everyone to operate responsibly, respecting city guidelines to maintain the city’s charm and functionality.”

The spokesperson said, “For more information, please visit www.cityofhamilton.bm.”

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