For sale signs on home properties don't break Bend sign code, but ones off-premise do

Pricey $613 ticket awaits illegal sign installers

From KTVZ.COM news sources

The Bend Community Development Department is reminding the public that unauthorized signs are prohibited within public street rights of way. And in a week, "strict enforcement" of the rules means those who don't heed the reminder could face a hefty ticket.

"Violations of the code may lead to a costly citation," the city warned in a news release issued Wednesday.

The sign code will be strictly enforced beginning August 1st and citations will be issued for signs, including real estate signs, that are illegally placed in the public right of ways. The city will remove the signs and issue a citation to the responsible individual, officials said.

In accordance with the City of Bend Sign Code Ordinance (Chapter 9-17.4-7), signs should comply with the standards of the Bend Sign Code which "prohibits unauthorized signs placed in the public right of way."

Installation of illegal signs is a Class A Infraction enforced through the City of Bend Municipal Court. The cost of the citation is $500 with an additional $113 court fee.

The city will hold a public meeting regarding the enforcement of real estate signs in the public right of way on Tuesday, July 31st, from 9 to 11 A.M. in the City Council Chambers, located at 710 NW Wall Street.

The "right of way" is the public area located between the property lines on each side of a street or an alley. Improvements typically located within a right of way include the street, curb, gutter, sidewalk, mailboxes, utility poles, fire hydrants, power boxes, and, a landscape area usually situated between the curb and sidewalk.

The Bend Code identifies which signs are allowed and those that are prohibited within the public right of way. Signs that are intended to protect or inform the general public using the streets or sidewalks such as warning signs, school zone signs, parking signs, and traffic control signs are the only signs allowed in the public right of way.

All other signs, including real estate signs, are required to be placed on private property. Signs on private property advertising businesses are allowed with permits. Some signs are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a permit, such as real estate and construction signs. These signs are exempt provided the regulations are followed in regards to size, placement and duration.

The Sign Code allows on-premise Real Estate signs as follows:
One sign per tax lot.
The sign shall only be located on the tax lot offered for rent, sale or lease. Off-premise directional signs including "open house" type signs are not permitted.
In Residential Zones the sign shall not exceed 4 square feet in area and on posts no more than 4 feet in height.
In Non Residential Zones the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and on posts no more than 8 feet in height.
Signs shall be removed within 7 days after sale, rent or lease.

A complete copy of the City of Bend Sign Code regulation is available on the City web site at http://www.ci.bend.or.us/ or can be purchased at City Hall. The public may contact the Community Development Department, Building Division at (541) 388-5528 for more information.

Bend Sign Code: http://www.ci.bend.or.us/docs/Chapter_09_17_Sign_Code.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)