'Pushback' On Proposed Burr Ridge Sign Rules?

Burr Ridge IL

02 June, 2022

8:52 AM

Description

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge is considering stricter rules for temporary signs in the village's rights-of-way. But some expressed concerns with the proposed regulations. Now, the village allows signs to be placed in rights-of-way from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. That is contingent on getting the written permission of adjoining homeowners. Last month, the village's Plan Commission looked at a proposal requiring all signs to be 20 feet away from the road pavement or curb. It also called for doing away with the weekend exception. During public comments, Drew Avenue resident Alice Krampits opposed going back 20 feet. "That seems like no one would see it," she said. "It's too far from the road in some cases." Plan Commission member Jim Broline also had reservations. "You're going to get a lot of pushback from real estate agencies," he said. "I would take a hard look at what other villages in the area are doing." Member Deanna McCollian said the proposed changes were a good idea. "I would like to see some accountability on people who put up signs and never come back to take them down," she said. The village administration also recommended barring signs with identical messages on the same property. However, some Plan Commission members thought such a rule may conflict with the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from regulating messages. The village regularly removes signs from its rights-of-way. Its ordinance allows it to fine owners of signs – for instance, political candidates – $50 for every violation. In reality, the village removes the signs and keeps them in its public works garage, trying to inform the owners. No fines are levied. The village has said it is impractical to fine sign owners because they are not necessarily the ones placing the signs. At last month's meeting, Janine Farrell, the village's community development director, said she was hearing that most commission members wanted to allow signs closer than 20 feet. She said she could prepare a new proposal for the Plan Commission's June 20 meeting.