Safety a Concern with Illegally Posted Signs

Safety a Concern with Illegally Posted Signs

With spring cleaning underway and numerous garage sales, there is typically an increase in the number of illegally posted signs within the City that can cause safety concerns by obstructing the vision of motorists or obscuring official traffic control devices or other official warning signs.  

The City of Cedar Rapids would like to remind citizens that signs are not allowed to be placed in the public right-of-way, which is generally defined as the area between the street curb and the sidewalk.  If a sidewalk is not present, the right-of-way typically extends 10 feet back from the street curb.  Signs shall not be placed at an intersection to avoid obstructing the vision of motorists. 

Besides garage sale signs, examples of illegally posted signs in the public right-of-way include signs announcing homes for sale, painting or repair services. 

Avoid posting signs in locations that are not on a resident’s private property.  For example, signs cannot be posted on utility poles, street signs, or bridges. 

No more than two garage sale or yard sale signs may be placed on any one property.  If a sign is posted on someone else’s property, the owner must have given permission to post the sign. 

The City will continue to remove illegally posted signs throughout the year.  This past weekend, the Police Department picked up 167 illegally posted signs. 

For questions about sign permitting and required setbacks, please contact Development Services Zoning Officers at (319) 286-5836 or E-mail zoning@cedar-rapids.org.