The Harahan City Council voted 5-0 May 15 to encourage a citywide survey of noncompliant signs and to promote enforcement of Chapter 74 of the Harahan Code of Ordinances.

Councilman Jason Asbille sponsored the resolution, saying signs ‘‘look a little trashy’’ in places and that code enforcement and the administration should give business owners an opportunity to bring signs into compliance before seizing or citing them. “When they see your business, knock on the door and say, ‘so your sign is on the public right of way — could you please move it?’” Asbille said.

Council members discussed the distinction between temporary campaign signs, permitted commercial signs, and unpermitted signs in the public right-of-way. Several members said maintenance staff should remove signs on public property after the administration attempts to get compliance, but they emphasized an initial outreach-first approach. Councilman Buddy said the city needs to “straighten it up” and suggested code enforcement start by contacting owners to move signage behind property lines or behind fences where required.

Action: The council approved the resolution encouraging the administration to survey and promote compliance, 5-0. Council members said the administration will handle implementation and that planning and code enforcement will be the operational leads.

Ending: Council members said they may follow the resolution with ordinance changes or additional enforcement language later, and asked staff to prioritize outreach and education to businesses during initial enforcement.