Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign

Posted by – Dale Mathes, Code Enforcement Officer

The Five Man Electrical Band had a 1971 hit with the song “Signs” which decried the proliferation of signs like … Keep Off The Grass … No Parking … (or my personal favorite) Long Haired Freaky People Need Not Apply.

As a Code Enforcement Officer, I have been accused of having something against signs because of my habit of removing some of them from the side of the road.  Well, folks may not know that the City of Auburn Hills has pretty strict laws governing signs and it’s my job to enforce it.  The reasoning is that the community’s appearance and property values can be reduced by the proliferation of signs.  In addition, these “illegal” signs along our roadways can be distracting to motorists.

The signs that my partner, Darren Darge, and I yank are the kind that you’ve seen everywhere.  You know … Queen Mattress Set – Still in Plastic … Cash for Homes … Ugly Roof Stain Removal … or the always provocative College Hunks Hauling Junk.  I guess you can say that we’ve seen a lot of interesting ones over the years.

These signs are usually found at street intersections – poked into the ground by their metal frames or nailed to telephone poles.  They are prohibited by City Ordinance as temporary signs.  They are also outlawed because they are usually placed within the City’s right-of-way and the law states that such signs can “be removed by appropriate City personnel”  (That’s us …).

The Zoning Ordinance prohibits other types of signs as well.  You don’t see these signs in Auburn Hills:  flashing, rotating, or animated signs … signs that simulate any kind of traffic sign …. signs on trailers … and signs painted directly on the walls of buildings.

It is noted that some signs normally prohibited can be used to advertise a Grand Opening (for a month) or an Annual Sale (for two weeks).

These signs include portable signs, balloons, temporary signs, banners, and searchlights – which is probably why you don’t see the Bat Signal searchlight appearing often in our town.

My partner and I also understand that at times regular citizens may want to use a temporary sign to announce a garage sale, direct folks to a party, or advertise a preference for a political candidate.  We use discretion and common sense in dealing with these types of signs, but appreciate citizens’ cooperation.

If announcing a garage sale, a sign on your street corner and in front of your house would be acceptable for the length of the sale (which, according to another ordinance, is no more than four days.)  However, some folks go overboard and set out signs all over the place.  These run the risk of being removed by Code Enforcement Officers.

Again, a sign directing folks to a party or reunion that is removed after the function would be okay.  Lastly, political signs are looked at as a freedom of speech issue and are certainly allowed on private property (as long as they are not on the City’s right-of-way) and can remain until after the relevant election.

Signs are obviously useful but, like anything else, can become a nuisance when overdone.  The Auburn Hills City Council has recognized this and therefore regulates signage for the good of the community.  I guess you could say “it’s just a sign of the times.”