City trying to send message on signs
Public right of way is not proper place, officials say
WADSWORTH – The city is trying to get the message out loud and clear that temporary signs are not allowed in the city right of way and officials feel they are making some headway with educating the public.
“We have been trying to get out there and educate folks on the fact that at the end of the day, there are codes prohibiting those signs,” Service Director Robert Patrick said. “I’m referring to temporary signs placed in the right of way.”
Patrick said it is no problem for property owners to have the signs on their own private property but added that realtor signs, campaign signs or jobs and business signs do not belong in the right of way.
Patrick explained that on improved streets with sidewalks the right of way is considered any area from the street to the sidewalk. Private property actually starts on the far side of the sidewalk.
“The signs just detract from the aesthetics of the community and could detract from the values,” Patrick said.
“Next year, it will be crucial to get the message out with all of the elections,” Councilor Patricia Haskins said.
Councilor David Williams asked if the city was going to do a utility bill insert about the issue.
Patrick said the city was looking into a December insert.
“It might be good to get something in before yard sale season,” Williams said. “They are attaching them to poles.”
Currently city employees go out on a weekly basis to look for signs in the right of way. If they do find signs in the right of way they remove them and then contact the individual or organization placing the signs to let them know they were placed improperly. They are also told they can pick up their signs from the city if they want them back.
“We have been trying to get out there and educate folks on the fact that at the end of the day, there are codes prohibiting those signs,” Service Director Robert Patrick said. “I’m referring to temporary signs placed in the right of way.”
Patrick said it is no problem for property owners to have the signs on their own private property but added that realtor signs, campaign signs or jobs and business signs do not belong in the right of way.
Patrick explained that on improved streets with sidewalks the right of way is considered any area from the street to the sidewalk. Private property actually starts on the far side of the sidewalk.
“The signs just detract from the aesthetics of the community and could detract from the values,” Patrick said.
“Next year, it will be crucial to get the message out with all of the elections,” Councilor Patricia Haskins said.
Councilor David Williams asked if the city was going to do a utility bill insert about the issue.
Patrick said the city was looking into a December insert.
“It might be good to get something in before yard sale season,” Williams said. “They are attaching them to poles.”
Currently city employees go out on a weekly basis to look for signs in the right of way. If they do find signs in the right of way they remove them and then contact the individual or organization placing the signs to let them know they were placed improperly. They are also told they can pick up their signs from the city if they want them back.
