Lakewood Cracking Down on Excess Feather Banners

City leaders want to make it clear: Lakewood sidewalks will no longer look like feather dusters.

After receiving numerous complaints on the extensive use of so-called "feather banners" in Lakewood, city officials agree something most be done.

"It's gotten too yucky and I think it's time to crack down," said Lakewood Councilmember Walter Neary in a public meeting last month. 

But council members concede, some of the blame for the spread of bobbing, 10-foot tall sidewalk banners, rests with the council itself. 

In June of 2011, the Lakewood City Council adopted an ordinance revising the city’s sign regulations, but they did not mention the long, ruffling temporary signs that dot front lawns of small and large businesses. 

Soon after, unregulated feather banners sprouted all over town. Councilmember Jason Whalen joked that it appears some business owners think, "One is good. Ten are better." 

Changes to the sign code were intended to allow business to continuously display one portable sign without a permit, as long as the sign is an A-frame, T-frame, or banner attached flat against the wall of the business. But certain businesses like AAA Buffet have 10 of the banners posted near a Highway 512 intersection.

The former law required a permit for that sort of a display. The council plans to vote on the revised sign code ordinance. In the meantime, where complaints have been filed regarding illegal temporary signs, Lakewood Code Enforcement Officers will initiate enforcement efforts.

Beginning in January 2012, the city will initiate proactive enforcement for those businesses that have installed illegal signs.

Dave Bugher, Lakewood Assistant City Manager said, feather banners have had the unintended consequence of creating a blight along the cities streets. Bugher noted that over time, the feather banners have an increased potential to become torn, frayed and faded.

Linda Smith, president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, said there wasn't a huge proliferation until a year ago. But the inexpensive banners have an ability to draw people's attention, she added.

"I think we would like to see a reduction in the number of (feather) banners businesses can utilize, not ban them completely," Smith said. 

For more information regarding sign regulations, and the specific conditions for the portable signs, residents and business owner may contact the City at 253-512-2261.  The regulations can be found in Chapter 18A of the Lakewood Municipal Code or by clicking here.