April 2001
LAND O'LAKES -NEWS & VIEWS HomeCentral Frontenac Council Approves Road Sign Policy
By David Brison
A policy for road signs was approved by council, and rates were set for yearly permits. The cost for an advertising sign (a sign that is basically not on the location that is being advertised) is $150 per year on Roads # 38 and 509, and $75 per year on other municipal roads. This cost is for a sign that is 4 ft. by 8ft. (32 sq. ft.). A sign larger than 32 square foot would be charged a prorated amount for each additional square foot. However, a smaller sign will not cost less.
Advertising signs have to be permanently affixed to their own stands, and be located 10 feet back from the road property line.
A sign which advertises a business which is located within 250 feet from the business, known as a location sign, does not have to be permanently affixed to its own stand, but can mounted on a tree, utility pole, or building. There would be no yearly fee for this type of sign.
The policy allows for another type of sign, called a temporary sign, which, with permission of the Superintendent of Public Works, can be attached to trees and utility poles and can be closer to the road than 10 feet beyond the road property line. There would be a monthly fee for this type of sign, but that fee was not set by Council. This type of temporary sign would appear to cover the signs used by contractors, well drillers, and other specialized services.
There are signs that are exempt form this policy such as advertising for agricultural fairs and one-time studio tours.
The policy is very comprehensive, and very difficult to understand. Copies can be obtained at the Municipal office.
The policy also has a clause which gives Council the right to determine what constitutes good taste. In this regard, our area is fortunate to have Roger MacMunn, a Mountain Grove based sign painter, who designs signs in good taste, and produces signs that are nice to look at. Roger is, in this reporters opinion, a roadside artist who is making a substantial contribution to the beauty of our roads and buildings through his signs.
