Illegally-placed signs draw City attention

A City ordinance that bans signs in rights of way and on other City properties has resulted in the collection and disposal of thousands of illegally placed signs.  The location of City rights of way varies depending on the width of the street.  Along highly traveled arterial roadways where most of the signs can be found, the right of way can be as much as 26 feet from the curb.  On most residential streets, the right of way is generally 12 feet from the curb.  Signs are also illegal when placed in medians, parks, on utility poles, hydrants or street signs.  In almost all cases temporary signs are illegal, regardless of whether they are placed in the median or not.

In 2006, the City Council strengthened the Municipal Code on sign violations in several ways, including allowing employees, rather than just police officers and code enforcement officers, to remove illegally placed signs.  They also amended Oklahoma Municipal Code Ordinance No. 23413 to require City crews to throw away signs once they are picked up.  The City previously allowed owners to buy back their signs for 25 cents per sign.  Council also voted to increase the fine for offenders from $200 to $500, and also gave the Mayor and City Council the authority to pick up illegally placed signs.

If you have illegal signs to report, please call the Action Center at 297-2535 and give a detailed description of the location of the sign, as well as the type of sign and what it says.  Signs placed illegally in the City right of way could include plastic placards, real estate signs, political signs and handmade garage sale signs.