Business Sign Law Enforcement Studied

The City Council is considering hiring an additional code enforcement officer, contracting with a private firm or authorizing extra hours for city staff in order to crack down on businesses that abuse a recently passed sign ordinance.

Council members last week looked at the merits of adding a city employee who would conduct year-round inspections.

Most violations come from merchants who hang temporary sale banners for several months at a time, or plaster signs over most of their store windows. Both actions violate the city sign ordinance, which was passed earlier this year.

No action was taken, but the 90-minute discussion provided information to city staff, which is preparing a report for council members. The council will take action at a future meeting.