DeKalb County to Devote Services to Removing Illegal Signs

DeKalb plans to crack down on illegal signs around the county with a newly amended ordinance.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted earlier this week to authorize all drivers of assigned county vehicles to remove illegal signage from rights-of-way, utility poles and traffic signs.  The county does not expect this effort to cost extra since it will be handled by employees who are already out in the field doing their respective jobs.

The resolution, which takes affect in September, was introduced by Commissioner Larry Johnson of District 3, who is presiding officer of the Board of Commissioners. 

“DeKalb is getting inundated with illegally placed signs and code compliance does not have the manpower to fully address the issue," said Johnson in a release. "I think that with the added help of other county employees who drive a county vehicle we will see a significant reduction in the number of signs and a reduction in the visual pollution we see along our roadways.:

Area real estate agents expressed concern that their signs would be negatively impacted, according to the county. But signs that are legally situated outside of the right-of-way and not posted on utility poles or traffic signs will be the only signs impacted. 

Around the local Patch area, several signs hanging on telephone and utility poles were found that will be considered illegal under the newly amended ordinance when it take affect this fall. Those signs were for people who lost or were selling dogs, selling plumbing services and homes. One was at a gas station, where the owner was promoting Coca-Cola products.

"It's the 'I can fix your credit,' and title pawn businesses that are the worst offenders," said DeKalb County spokewoman Margaret Britton. "Those are the kinds of venders who will go out without any regard to what is legal and what is not legal and place their signs."

The amendment to the ordinance addresses signs that are illegally placed in rights-of-way of any public road as well.

“This is another tool we have in the toolbox of getting a handle on illegally placed signs.  I think this is a win-win situation for business owners and the community,” Johnson said.