My two cents on the new Visalia sign ordinance.

Real Estate Signs

Do they Direct and Assist

Or Do They Clutter and Irritate ?

Our town, Visalia, CA. located in the produce rich San Joaquin Valley, has been having an ongoing debate about Real Estate Signs.

 There was a sign ordinance that was pretty restrictive for Realtors and Home Builders.  It made it difficult to advertise new homes and to direct potential buyers to subdivisions and open houses.

 Our City Council just approved a new sign ordinance that seems even more restrictive.  You can see the article courtesy of the Visalia Times Delta here:

http://visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20110209/NEWS01/102090317/builderssquelchedbyvisaliasignslaw

I agree that signs should be managed well.  They should not cause traffic hazards or impede vision of drivers and need to be picked up after events.  I also think signs that are posted at homes for sale need to be in good shape, readable and removed according to the rules of the local Board of Realtors.

My concern ? Marketing homes in this market is difficult enough, why handicap the folks who are working tirelessly to do it.