Acting Zoning Administrator Therese Ogumoro said they recently conducted inspections in several villages and thoroughfares, including main tourist areas, to determine compliance with zoning law requirements on public nuisance and signs.
“It’s not just about following the law. it’s all about the businesses, communities, and neighbors working together to promote our island and people as clean, healthy, attractive, and safe,” she said.
She expressed appreciation for businesses and residents who have improved the island aesthetically by maintaining clean surroundings and attractive landscaping to screen storage or service areas from public view.
Ogumoro said zoning law violations carry criminal and civil penalties including fines up to $1,000 per day.
The Zoning Office said public nuisance includes vegetation obstructing the safe passage or sight of motorists or pedestrians at an intersection or any street or sidewalk; abandoned vehicles or appliances in public view; a building or structure in such dilapidated condition that it presents a fire hazard, or a menace to the health of the general public; laundry hung outside on a balcony, terrace, porch, deck or veranda within the view of the general public, particularly in the tourism district: Garapan and Beach Road.
“Building, ground and banner signs which are not permitted will also be the subject of violation notices,” Ogumoro said.
She added that most of the signs they’ve seen, especially banners, have been improperly placed or damaged and owners are responsible for removing them or bringing them into compliance with the law.
For more information, call 234-9661 or visit the website at www.zoning.gov.mp.
