Placement Of Temporary Snipe/Portable Signs For Home Owner Associations (HOAs), Not-For-Profit Organizations and City-Sponsored Events

At the October 7, 2009 City Commission meeting, a resident had concerns that someone or the city were removing  Home Owner Associations (HOAs) signs. The Commision asked that we consider a solution from the city.

In making this request, the Commission considered that HOAs, Not-for-Profit Organizations and City-sponsored events  have a need for the placement of signage within the City to inform the residents of the dates, times and locations of their meetings and events. 

The City Code of Ordinances Section 24-144, prohibits in general the placement of portable or snipe signs on public and private property.  It allows for an exemption under Article XI, Section 24-146 of the City Code of Ordinances, "Public interest and exempt signs" (A) The following may be permitted on public or private land by resolution of City Commission irrespective of other provisions of this article:   
            (3) Signs announcing meeting places of various civic organizations
                  at strategic points along the highways.

To accommodate the Commission's request, we propose adopting a Resolution allowing Home Owner Associations, Not for Profit Organizations and City sponsored events to display signs. 

To avoid additional complications in the sign placement process we propose that to qualify:
Homeowners Association - the HOA register with the list of Home Owners Associations maintained by the city;
Not for Profit Organization - that the Not for Profit Organization be a valid 501(c)3, with current registration;
City Sponsored Event - that the event be sponsored by and held within the city. 

We further recommend the use of the following guidelines for the placement of the temporary signs:

• Signs shall not exceed a maximum of six (6) square feet in area in residential districts and twenty- four (24) square feet in area in non-residential districts.
• Signs shall not exceed maximum height above grade of  36 inches in a residential district and six (6) feet in a non-residential district.
• Signs shall not be placed on trees, utility  or traffic control
• structures/equipment.
• Signs shall not be placed in such a way as to obstruct motorists' vision or impede traffic in any way.
• Homeowners Association and Not-for-Profit signs may be placed a maximum of five (5) days before and shall be removed from public or private property within two (2) days after the date of meeting or event. 
• Signs for city sponsored events may be placed a maximum of 30 days before and shall be removed from public or private property within 2 days after the date of meeting or event. 

We have prepared a resolution for Commission's consideration, should this be the direction that is desired. 

There would not be any financial impact on this item. 

We recommend Commission direction on the Resolution, allowing for temporary display of signage for Homeowners Associations, Not-for-Profit Organizations and City-sponsored events.