Limiting signs

When the Cape Girardeau City Council was deliberating restrictive changes in the city's sign ordinance a few weeks ago, several concerns were expressed, mainly from real estate brokers and other business owners who rely on signs and banners to promote their businesses.

Since the ordinance went into effect, however, many city residents have learned how they are affected, directly and indirectly, by some of the provisions of the ordinance.

And they don't like it.

One group that has been particularly vocal about the new sign ordinance has been residents who have garage sales and those who enjoy going to garage sales every week. The ordinance restricts signs for these sales to the yards where the sales are being held.

What most individuals who oppose that limit would like is to be able to put up directional signs at intersections and other high-traffic areas.

It's too early to say for certain how the new ordinance will effect these sales. At first blush, the new provisions seem to be overly restrictive. Other cities with strict sign ordinances make special provisions for garage sales and the like, allowing the posting of such signs the day before and the day of the sale. Removal of the signs once the sale has ended tends to be strictly enforced.

But, like any change, the new ordinance may prove to be less onerous than many of those voicing complaints believe it is. Time will tell.

If, in six months or so, there is still a hue and cry over the sign ordinance's new restrictions, perhaps that would be the time for the city council to review the ordinance and invite public comment. It would be a good bet that those affected the most would make sure their concerns are heard the next time around.