[Chat] Illegal Signs

[Linda Forlifer]

You can make a 311 complaint for "illegal sign removal"--about illegal
signs installed on the Public right-of-way. The City will dispatch a
crew to remove the signs. The City cannot remove signs from Private
property.

I have done this for a business sign that was chained to a lightpole on
the sidewalk outside the business it was advertising.  The business
owner was cited and then removed the sign. 

Linda

>>> PaulineCVCBD at aol.com 11/18/2004 2:11:04 PM >>>
Hello all,

       The sign "buzz" has been brought to my attention by a community

member. Apparently it has taken on a life of it's own. A few comments
and 
suggestions:

       These signs are illegal (free standing, sandwich, Lotto , etc.)
This 
is an issue that was raised and put to bed in 2002 by the CVCBD,
Community 
Associations and the City. The City admits they are illegal, however
claims not to 
have the manpower to enforce. There is also a fine line between signs
for 
local community sports, pot luck dinners and other activities versus a
commercial 
sign.

        If community members feel they need enforcement, perhaps a
formal, 
written complaint to the appropriate local body will give some teeth to
city 
enforcement. The P.U.D. (Planned Unit Development Committee) of the
Charles 
Village Civic Association, to the attention of Sandy Sparks or Beth
Bullamore. The  
Charles/25th URO Committee (south of 27th. Street). The Chair of this 
committee is Andrea Van Arsdale. 
       Those outside these areas can address the complaint to your
respective 
Associations or the CVCBD. Friendly reminders to sign owners have been

ignored, and the city discourages others from enforcement, for obvious
reasons.

       Apparently Brad is confused, there is no sandwich sign in front
of the 
CVCBD, other than the hanging sign, for which the CVCBD pays a Minor 
Priveledge tax.

       Hopefully, this info. will be clear up some of the confusion.

Regards, 

Pauline Davis
Economic Development & Housing Director
Charles Village Community Benefits District
2301 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md. 21218
410-235-4411 ext. 13
www.charlesvillage.org