Headlines
City ordinance targets roadside signs
Efforts to rid Claremore of what some city officials believe are unsightly signs along public right-of-ways, code enforcement officers have been picking up and tearing down everything from garage sale notices to real estate signs.
The beautification effort has not been without some criticism, particularly from the real estate community. Sign placement directing customers to properties is a common practice and necessary for business, according to some.
The specifics of the ordinance, the enforcement of which began May 1, make it unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect or display any advertising sign on a public utility easement, street, alley, sidewalk or public right-of-way.
Further, off-premise signs or business signs that direct attention to a business or activity at a location not on the same premises where the sign is located are prohibited.
Among those affected by the ordinance enforcement are real estate brokers and agents, whose sign placement promoting business or directing potential buyers to home locations are not uncommon.
“We understand that this is something the City is doing towards beautifying Claremore, but it takes away one of the elements of how we do what we do,”
said Matt Ferrel, Claremore Realtor/Rogers County Real Estate Association member.
“The ordinance itself has been in place for five years, it just hasn’t been enforced until now,” said Matt Mueller, assistant City manager. “We understand the real estate community’s concerns with regards to off-premise signs. They feel it’s very important for there to be signs out to direct people to the homes being sold or bought, and I understand their point.
“However, I would comment that the ordinance is very similar to what exists in other communities. This is not something that’s unique to Claremore,” he said. “But we do want to be business-friendly as we can, so based on some of the suggestions we’ve received from the real estate community, we’re looking at possibly putting some provisions into the sign ordinance to take to the City Council to allow for the placement of directional signs — not in public right of way, but on private property — for Realtors to have onsite for a 24-hour period.”
Questions about the regulations, or information about sign placement, can be directed to City of Claremore Code Enforcement Office at 341-8842.
- Headlines
-
-
NEW DORMS: RSU going more traditional
In just a year, Rogers State University will double the number of students sleeping, eating and studying on its campus. That’s twice the students walking to class in the morning. Twice the students calling RSU home.
-
DEQ: Public drinking water in Oologah is safe
Public drinking water in the Oologah area is not contaminated by heavy metals from the local Public Service Company of Oklahoma power plant according to officials at PSO and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
-
County will not use carryover for new hires
Rogers County Commissioners oppose spending money carried over from last year’s budget — in spite of county officers who say they need money now.
-
Rogers County men arrested on burglary charges
Sheriff’s officers are hoping the recent arrest of two Rogers County men will halt a recent bout of burglaries.
-
Crews zero in on courthouse design, cost
Rogers County’s new courthouse has been nudged over and stretched to take advantage of the closing of Missouri Street, according to schematics unveiled Monday.
-
Sheriff: ‘Extraordinary’ need for new deputies
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office may lose the ability to provide even basic services if it can’t hire more deputies this year, Sheriff Scott Walton told commissioners Monday.
-
Symphony League hosts membership drive
The Claremore Symphony League will host a wine and cheese reception to launch the membership drive for 2010 - 2011. The reception, to be held at the Will Rogers Memorial on September the 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30, will feature wine tasting and the presentation of the Honorary Chairman of this season’s Symphony League Ball.
-
Felony charges filed against former Chelsea chief of police
Formal charges were filed Thursday in Rogers County against a former Chelsea police chief.
-
Report hits Oologah power plant for river pollution
Waste improperly handled by the AEP/PSO power plant in Oologah may be contaminating the Verdigris River, according to a report released this week.
-
Groups support bicycle safety overhauls
Bicycling groups across the state said they support a new legislative package designed to protect riders and motorists. However, many cyclists are calling for the state to do more to educate residents and enforce existing laws and practices.
- More Headlines Headlines
-
