The 411 on signs

It never hurts to have a refresher course on municipal ordinances that affect us on a regular basis. One such ordinance is our sign ordinance. It addresses objects we see everywhere, every day.

All exterior signs in the city of Coeur d'Alene require a sign permit, including signs on private property. The maximum size allowed is determined by your zoning and driving lanes. The maximum height for most signs is 30 feet. The permit remains in place unless the sign is altered or re-faced, the text is changed, etc. - at that point, a new permit is required.

All signs in the city must be either mounted to a building or placed in permanent concrete foundations. The sign footings must be inspected prior to the sign being installed. The price of the permit is based on the value of the sign plus installation. Once a permit is approved, a Mylar sticker is issued to affix to the sign.

A-Frame or "sandwich board" signs may be used for advertising, but the owner must obtain a permit. The small signs with wire footings that stick in the ground are not allowed, nor are the narrow, upright flags that stick in the ground. Banners mounted to light poles on private property are allowed with some restrictions. The A-Frame/sandwich board permits expire Aug. 31 annually. The maximum size in the downtown core is 24" wide x 48" high, otherwise the size restriction is 36" x 48". If placed on private property, the fee is $23.50. If placed on the sidewalk, the fee is $73.50 which includes the use of the sidewalk.

There are penalties for not obtaining a permit. If a sign is installed without a permit, there is a double fine. Depending on the circumstances, a business owner or sign company may be issued a citation or prosecuted as a misdemeanor with up to a $1,000 fine and/or jail service for failure to obtain permits.

If you have a sign that has not been permitted, please contact Kathy Lewis, deputy city clerk, to remedy the situation immediately. Her contact number is 769-2229.