MOUNT VERNON – Residents and businesses can no longer put temporary signs in the city’s right-of-way, Mount Vernon announced on June 14, and beginning on July 15, any found will be removed.
Previously, the city had left the small yard signs alone, leading to several complaints from residents that the growing number of signs was unsightly, according to a city news release.
“In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert nullified many of the content restrictions in Mount Vernon’s sign ordinance (Chapter 1175),” the release said. “The court determined that to preserve citizens’ right to freedom of speech, municipalities cannot discriminate on signs based on their message.”
That means the city cannot create one set of rules for political signs and a different set for real estate or commercial/nonprofit advertising signs. The city’s sign ordinance is being rewritten in the zoning code, but enforcement of the temporary sign ordinance is now considered necessary.
Through collaboration by city staff, the decision was made to no longer allow any signs in its rights-of-way. The only exception will be signs placed by the City of Mount Vernon.
“This is being enforced to create a more welcoming atmosphere throughout the city and a cleaner-looking town,” Safety Service Director Rick Dzik said.
“This is a step in the right direction to improve the aesthetics of the city,” said Councilmember Mel Severns, who pushed for the change in enforcement. “Signage needs to be appropriately placed so that all residents in Mount Vernon and those visiting will realize the value we place on city appearance.”
Traditionally, rights-of-way are defined as the grass between the curb and sidewalk, or tree lawn, as well as the sidewalk itself. For areas of the city without sidewalks, the right-of-way is generally considered to be the first 10 feet extending from the street.
While signs will no longer be allowed in the city right-of-way, they are still permitted on private property with the owner’s permission. Therefore, political signs, advertising signs, real estate signs, etc., can be placed between the sidewalk and the house/business or 10 feet off the street, with the owner’s permission.
Beginning July 15, with support from the Mount Vernon Municipal Court Probation Department, the city will begin removing and disposing of all signs in the right-of-way. Residents and businesses are asked to relocate those signs before that date.
American Electric Power has permitted the city to remove signs from the poles it owns and operates in the city right-of-way.
Address any questions to the Property Maintenance Enforcement Office at 740-393-9577.
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