April 13, 2018 – The warmer weather brings an increase in yard signs advertising rummage sales, homes for sale, and open houses. Before posting any signage, citizens should note the City of Midland’s sign usage rules.
Rummage/Yard Sale Signage: Section 8 of the Zoning Ordinance prohibits off-premise advertising signs. In addition, Section 22-2(a) of the City’s Code of Ordinances prohibits the placement of signs that advertise such things as open houses, business or contractor services, and rummage sales in the public right-of-way (generally defined as the area between the sidewalk and the curb, or – if there is no sidewalk – about 15 feet or more from the curb line to a home).
In response to Midland citizens' input on the issue, City Council adopted a resolution in October 2006 that allows for the placement of rummage/yard sale signs as long as certain requirements are met:
• The maximum size allowed for signs is six (6) square feet.
• A sign can be no taller than 30 inches from the crown of the roadway.
• Each sign must list the owner’s name and address.
• Before placing any signs on the outlawn in front of any property other than your own, you must obtain permission from the property owner.
• Signs placed in the right-of-way must not obstruct or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
• Signs must be free of any extraneous items, such as balloons or flags.
• Rummage sale signs are allowed from Thursday at 8 a.m. to Monday at 8 a.m. during the week of the sale. By Monday at 8 a.m., signs must be removed.
Rummage/yard sale sign regulation violations may result in a warning or a civil infraction violation citation.
Signage on Vehicles in the Roadway: The Uniform Traffic Code prohibits the parking of vehicles on any roadway for the sole purpose of displaying advertising. Warnings or citations may be issued to the owners of vehicles bearing signs such as for rummage sales.
Signs placed in restricted areas may be removed and disposed of by City personnel.
Regulations regarding sign placement have been necessary for a couple of reasons: one is aesthetics; the other is safety. Signs can be attractive and helpful in advertising a business, sale, or event; however, if used improperly, they can be distracting to motorists and a potential danger to the public as well as an eyesore in our community.
For more information, contact the City Building Department at 989-837-3383.