By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer
Goodrich — Local business owners who violate sign ordinances may be looking at a $500 fine.
Sign violations, which have rendered Goodrich Code Enforcement Officer Bill Conley less than welcome in some businesses, may soon be ticketed.
The ordinance was written in the late 1990s, said village administrator Jakki Sidge, after local officials met with business owners over Goodrich sign issues. Although regulations vary according to the business location, the focus is on safety and aesthetic factors. Flashing signs on wheels are illegal in all instances, said Sidge, while sandwich-board type signs may be periodically placed to advertise special events.
Sidge stresses village officials want local businesses to thrive.
“We’d rather not have to issue a ticket,” she said.
Conley recently sought a directive from the village council after repeatedly facing non-compliant business owners.
“I’m kind of getting weary of this,” he said. “They say they’re going to get rid of (a sign). Well, three weeks later, three months later it’s not gone.”
“A lot of these violations aren’t going to go away by themselves, some have been in violation for years,”said Goodrich Village President Keith Walworth, who made the motion to allow citations. “My recommendation is to let him issue tickets.”
Council member Jayme Simmonds supported the motion, which met with all ayes.