The deadline in the law for removal of nonconforming banner signs was Oct. 30, 2008 but the Zoning Office is giving owners a grace period until Jan. 31, 2009.
Starting on Feb. 1, 2009, the Zoning Office will inspect for nonconforming banner signs and issue fines to violators. Fines may be up to $1,000 per day.
Here are some answers to common questions about banner signs. Contact the Zoning Office if you have further questions or visit the zoning Web site at www.zoning.gov.mp.
What is a banner sign?
A banner sign is “a sign with or without characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper, flexible plastic, or fabric of any kind with only such material for backing.” (SZL, Section 103)
What type of banner
sign is allowed?
A banner sign may be used for a personal sign or for an event. A personal sign might advertise a yard sale, moving sale, house rental, etc. An event sign might advertise a parade, concert, or even a retail promotion, such as “Going Out of Business” or “June Bridal Sale.” (SZL Section 1005[e])
A banner sign may be used as a temporary window sign and may include product advertising. (Section 100 [c] [3]) Not more than 20 percent of a window may be covered with signs. (SZL Section 1005[c] [4])
May an event sign contain product advertising?
Yes. A banner sign for an event may include a brand name, logo, or symbol on up to 40 percent of the total sign area. However, a banner sign for a retail sales event, except a window sign, may not include a brand name, logo or symbol. (SZL Section 1005(h)(2))
Does an event banner sign require a zoning permit?
An event banner sign may be erected without a zoning permit if it:
• Has the installation date printed in letters at least 2 inches high;
• Is displayed for less than 30 days;
• Is removed within 5 days after the event; and
• Has less than 40 percent of the sign area covered by brand advertising, symbols, logos, or prices. (SZL Section 1005[e] [1])
What type of banner
sign is prohibited?
Here are examples of banner signs that are prohibited (see SZL Section 1005[h]):
• A retail sales event banner sign that advertises a brand name product; contains a brand name, symbol or logo; or contains a product price.
• A retail sales banner sign that is not related to an event.
• An event sign with more than 40 percent of the area covered by advertising for a brand-name product; brand name symbol or logo; or product price.
