In Noe, my neighborhood, we are plagued — PLAGUED I SAY! by armies of workers hanging take out menus and other sundry advertisements on anything remotely resembling a doorknob. Many end up on the sidewalks or in the gutter. Isn’t this akin to littering? Why is it not illegal? Is it?
These types of advertisements, which our city refers to as “handbills”, are illegal if they are unwanted. So, if you’re happy knowing about all of the pizza delivery and yoga class options around your area, everything’s cool. But if all those handbills cluttering your doorstop are pissing you off, you can get rid of them with some arts and crafts: “To stop delivery of unwanted handbills, you must post a sign that reads: ‘No Handbills’. The notice must be at least eight square inches and be posted in a conspicuous area. If a signis posted, it is illegal to distribute handbills anywhere on your property, includingyour porch, yard, steps, hallway, or mailbox.”
If you make an appropriate sign and are still beleaguered by pesky advertisements, the violators will be fined (up to $250, which isn’t much, but may cut into their handbill printing funds).
Wow, SF is kind of like the Wild Wild West when it comes to illegal handbills! Go forth and take control of your Noe Valley estate, dear reader. For more on unwanted handbill and newspaper delivery, click here.
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