City to crack down on illegal signs

DOWNEY - Code enforcement officers will begin systematically moving throughout the city to push for compliance from Downey businesses that are illegally displaying temporary outdoor signs, according to a report filed by the City Council this week.During a recent survey of Paramount Boulevard, code enforcement officers found more than 500 temporary signs. Meanwhile, only 20 temporary sign permits had been issued citywide, Police Chief Roy Campos wrote in the report. Temporary signs and advertisements, including open house signs popularly used by real estate agents, are illegal when placed on sidewalks and public right-of-ways. Code enforcement officers will canvass the city and direct offending businesses to remove their signs. With only six code enforcement officers on staff, the task will be difficult, Campos said. "Assuming Paramount Boulevard is a representative sample of the temporary sign issue citywide, the magnitude of the challenge is significant," Campos wrote. A letter was recently sent to local business owners reminding them of permit requirements for temporary signs, Campos wrote.

********** Published: May 29, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 6