Claremore Daily Progress

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May 10, 2008

City ordinance targets roadside signs

By TOM FINK



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.

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