Boardman taking note of sign violations

BOARDMAN

With summer around the corner, the onset of temporary signs appearing in the township is another problem the zoning department handles.

Signs for businesses, garage sales, etc., pop up on street corners, along the roadways and on utility poles ­— all of which are not allowed in the township.

“You are only supposed to put the sign on your own property, not on utility poles or [street] corners, because that is government property,” said Sarah Gartland, township zoning inspector.

Gartland’s office has a list of rules for signs, which she says needs to be updated to regulate digital signs. What needs to be addressed is how often the signs change and how bright they are because they could be distracting to drivers.

Basic paper signs also can be distracting to drivers, she added.

“They become litter and a distraction,” Gartland said.

The zoning department collects signs, and those who put them up may come get them from the office, but oftentimes they end up thrown away.

For garage sales or yard sales, residents are allowed to have a sign up on their property for three days after the sale is over. Read more about the township regulations in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.