A special thanks to the Montgomery County Council whose proposed sign ban will undoubtedly help local real estate agents. Last week’s testimony about a zoning text amendment relating to signs and their location illuminated their place in the community as well as reminded us they are a form of free speech.
Of course the unintended consequences of a blanket sign ban in the right of way is yet to be determined. However, it would certainly make it more difficult for county residents to sell their home by owner (without an agent), as well as home buyers wanting to go it alone without an agent. The resulting lack of information that is currently provided by these signs would certainly compel consumers to hire a local Realtor®. Thank you.
Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors® (GCAAR) president Peg Mancuso testified: “From a real estate perspective, signs are an inevitable means of communicating with Montgomery County residents both new and existing. The proposed sign ban would be a tremendous inconvenience to community members who are in need of information for short term related events, such as open houses.” She mentioned a Realtor® best practice (which most agents adhere to) of placement of open house signs just prior to and removal immediately after the event. She also pointed out that many home owners are unaware how their properties relate to the right of way, as well as being uneducated about the permitting process of signs. These logistical and educational issues would make such a sign ban difficult for home owners to advertise their homes.
GCAAR vice president and COO Bill Highsmith, Jr reminded those at the hearing that GCAAR not only represents local real estate professionals, but is also a voice for home owners on property rights issues. He asserted that signs in the right of way have historically been a means of business advertisement, expression, and community engagement. He stated that “…publically visible signs are an important method of communication for county residents, Realtors® and the broader real estate market.”
Mr. Highsmith stated, “For Realtors® and the clients they serve, these signs are a particularly important way to communicate information about open houses and homes that are for sale. While you may believe the internet is the primary way folks learn about opportunities to purchase a home, real estate signs are vital to let the broader public know about the real estate market in surrounding neighborhoods.” He cited anecdotal evidence that many home buyers have bought the home they initially spotted from a sign. He asserted that many consumers begin the home buying process by visiting open houses (especially first time home buyers). And additionally suggested that these signs allow more county residents to become home buyers.
Allen Myers of the Maplewood Citizen Association (MCA) stated that these signs are useful to inform their residents of association meetings. Collection of permitting fees for temporary signs would be cost prohibitive, possibly adding additional financial burden to the members of the association. He asserted that the MCA believes that the signs are Constitutionally protected form of free speech.
It is reasonable to believe that many people agree seeing “shoe repair” signs are annoying. And it is also reasonable to surmise that improperly planted signs can become a hazard. Nonetheless, the takeaway for anyone attending last week’s hearing should be that these signs are beneficial to the community.
Copyright © Dan Krell
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Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.
