by Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
You want to put up your directional signs so potential customers will come see your open house. But, do you know where and how you can put those signs?
Some Northeast Florida Association of Realtors members don't, and they have run afoul of local laws.
"Sign ordinances vary among municipalities, but one commonality is that failure to comply with them may result in you receiving a citation," said Melanie Green, NEFAR's communications director.
According to Green, NEFAR has received a number of calls recently from members who have been fined $55 in Duval County. The problem: signs were placed within the for violating the 10 foot right of way. There's a setback requirement
"Just like speeding while driving even when enforcement is inconsistent, you run the risk of receiving a citation every time you do not heed the regulations," said Green.
According to Nancy Garcia, NEFAR's government affairs director, if you place unpermitted open house/directional signs on private property or public right of ways in certain municipalities you could be cited for violating the sign law and be fined for each illegal sign.
"The fines may also escalate in accordance with the number of your previous violations and additional civil penalties may be imposed," said Garcia. "Most municipalities in our region do not allow offsite signs. It is in your best interest to follow the law to avoid costly fines."
She knows what happens if you get caught: first offense, $50 per sign, second offense, $75 per sign, third offense, $125 per sign, fourth offense, $250 per sign, fifth offense and thereafter, $350 per sign."
There is good news on open house/directional signs if you have a listing at the Beaches.
"All three beach municipalities allow limited onsite use of open house/ directional signs in their respective laws (onsite only, agent present, immediate removal) and currently do not require a fee or permitting process," said Garcia. "Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach are separate municipalities and their current sign laws will govern the use of signs in their respective municipalities.
If a property is in a community, gated or otherwise, that is controlled by a homeowner's association, the homeowner's association may have its own regulations that will govern sign use within that community."
The last change to the Jacksonville sign ordinance was passed in 2010 when its City Council passed a bill that makes several modifications to the previous sign regulations.
According to Green, NEFAR was able to gain much needed changes to the provisions for temporary directional real estate signs.
Here's today's situation:
• Annual permit fee for temporary directional signs is $35. Each permit shall be for one sign, for a period of one year or until this ordinance sunsets, whichever period is shorter. A temporary directional real estate sign that is permitted must include the permit number and the date the permit was issued.
• The time to display the permitted signs is from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
• The permitted temporary directional signs are allowed in the historic districts from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday with a limit of three signs per open house.
According to the law, a "temporary directional" sign is "a temporary non-illuminated sign that functions to provide directions to residential real estate that is for sale, rent, or lease and that meets the durational limitation, location, spacing, proximity, size, height, setback, proximity and permitting criteria set forth in the law."
A permit is required to place temporary directional real estate signs on the non-paved portion of the public right of way of any Jacksonville roadway that is situated outside of any sidewalk, ditch or drain way and private property with the permission or consent of property owner or lawful occupant of the property.
Here are some places where a sign can't go:
• The right-of-way of any portion of the state's highway system or in violation of any state statute including but not limited to Chapter 479, Florida Statutes. The state does not allow any signage in their rights of way and this will be enforced.
• Within 10 feet of a driveway intersection, or within 25 feet of a roadway intersection.
• A public right-of-way that adjoins residential real estate without the permission of its owner or lawful occupant.
• Within a sign overlay zone, or designated scenic corridor.
• A location that obstructs a public sidewalk.
Temporary directional real estate signs shall be spaced at least 100 feet from any other temporary directional real estate sign on the same side of the road and can't be any further than one mile from the residential real estate that is for sale, rent or lease and for which the aforesaid sign serves to provide directional information.
Size is important. A temporary directional real estate sign can't exceed 4 square feet in size per side and 3 feet in height above the ground level.
Make sure to look up setback rules as they change in every municipality
On a final note, though, you may want to call attention to your Jacksonville sign, but don't attach balloons.
"Balloons are not allowed to be attached to signs under the City of Jacksonville regulations," said Garcia.
Visit NEFAR.com for more information on understanding your local sign ordinances as they relate to the promotion and sale of Realtor listings.
Sign regulation summaries are posted under the Government Affairs tab in the members-only area.