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Only one candidate submits zoning sign permit application
With less than a week from the deadline for political candidates to obtain zoning sign permits, only one has so far submitted an application to the CNMI Zoning Office.
Zoning administrator Therese T. Ogumoro disclosed yesterday that they are giving candidates until Wednesday, Aug. 10, 4:30pm to submit their applications for temporary zoning permit.
Ogumoro said only one candidate so far submitted an application, while several others already picked up applications but have yet to turn them in.
“We’re encouraging them to bring it in before the deadline to avoid facing penalty of $250 per day,” she pointed out.
Ogumoro said all they need is the filled-up application with attached listing of the locations where candidates are going to install their campaign signs.
The temporary zoning permit costs $40. Zoning has started issuing such permit in 2008.
“I see it reasonable to charge $40,” the administrator said.
Ogumoro said once they issued the temporary zoning permit, the candidates have to comply with some conditions in it.
She cited some conditions include that signs should not be interrupting or obstructing view and should be of limited height.
Ogumoro noted that only this year that they kind of look at things coming in slow and that she has a feeling that many candidates are confused.
“Most of them are gearing toward putting up signboards on private properties,” she said.
Ogumoro, however, pointed out that Zoning has jurisdictions at both private and public places.
“It’s up to them to visit also Department of Public Lands if they are going to put on at public lands, but for Zoning it’s anywhere—public and private,” she said.
Ogumoro said some candidates may think because their signs will be on private property they don’t need to get zoning permit.
She said under the law, Zoning has jurisdiction of both private and public properties.
“We encourage them to come in so they can go through the permitting process and they can know the requirements before installing their signs,” she added.
