Posting Signs Around the City

You've seen them around town, and maybe you've made them: Signs that say, "G-Sale. FRI. Only," complete with a hand-drawn arrow in marker directing bargain hunters up the street.

The signs are fine if they're on your own lawn. 

But if you put them up elsewhere in Gig Harbor, you're breaking the law.

The 's COPS volunteers recently hunted down signs that were posted illegally within city limits.

Police Chief Mike Davis said they removed more than 100 fliers and signs for yard sales and business notices.

The problem seems to be in its peak during the summer when residents and business owners are flocking to telephone poles, trees and traffic signs to post announcements.

According to city code, off-premises signs for commercial and non-commercial activities are prohibited. In other words, if you're hosting a garage sale within the city limits, the only sign you can post is on your own property.

City officials said they have the right to remove any signs posted on city property and contact residents for signs posted illegally on private property.

On the other hand, business owners are allowed to post an event sign for grand opening, sale or promotions for 60 calendar days. They must first obtain a permit, and the signs must be smaller than 20 square feet.

With the appropriate dimensions, businesses can also put up portable signs like sandwich boards on their property.

In addition, campaign/political signs are allowed on public and private property as long as they don't get in the way of pedestrians and car traffic. The signs must be removed seven days after the event or election.

The people standing on street corners with signs are also exempt from the rules.

To learn more about the rules on what's allowed, click here. 

Editor's note: Did you know you could post announcements on Patch for free?