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Middleburg leaders seek tougher enforcement of sandwich-board signs after accessibility, safety complaints
Summary
Council directed staff to draft revised enforcement language and consider higher fines and permit suspensions after repeated improper placement of sidewalk signs raised safety and liability concerns.
Councilors and staff discussed stepped-up enforcement of private sandwich-board signs and other encroachments in the town right of way, citing safety, accessibility and cumulative clutter downtown.
"So currently, the town has placed out four signs, town provided. They're being removed each evening and placed back each morning...our enforcement options regarding signs or other encroachments in the right of way are maybe a little bit outdated or perhaps not as robust as they could be," said Danny Davis, town manager, who led the discussion.
Staff told council the town code already allows permit revocation and sign confiscation for repeat violations and that the existing fine level is $25. "The question is whether the town council should consider increasing those fines, which would be a stronger incentive for the businesses to follow the requirements of our town code," Davis said.
Council members described instances in which improperly placed signs had impeded sidewalk ramps and created tripping hazards. Staff said the code currently states "the town will store removed signs for a reasonable period of time before disposing of them," and that the usual practice has been to notify owners and hold removed signage for a period before disposal.
Discussion touched on enforcement approaches: stepped outreach and warnings, a possible short grace period before new fines go into effect, a tiered fine structure, revocation of the ability to place a sign as a stronger economic deterrent, and consistent townwide application of rules rather than focusing only downtown. Council asked staff to work with the town attorney to draft revised code language and a pilot program for council review at the next meeting.
Council did not take formal action but directed staff to return with proposed ordinance language, enforcement procedures and options for public notice and a warning period.
