As most of you know, A-Frame signs are not allowed in Surprise. Not at any time, at any place or for any reason.
Most businesses and REALTORS® have been surprised by the Notice of Violation they receive when a City Code Enforcement Officer notices them. So, what happened to make A-Frame signs a problem?
Back in February (2017), the @AZSurprise City Council voted not to extend the temporary sign ordinance allowing A-Frame signage as well as other types of temporary and directional signage. This temporary sign policy had been in effect since 2009.
Under the current sign ordinance, A-Frames are not allowed. Banners, Grand Opening signage and other types of temporary signs are affected. The City put together a flyer outlining some of the changes, effective as of April 23, 2017.
Since April, numerous small businesses have been negatively impacted. Some to the point of going out of business, others are hanging on by a thread. REALTORS® are finding it difficult to hold open houses for their sellers. After all, if people cannot find the house, they won’t see the house and if they don’t see the house, they won’t buy the house.
At the August 3rd Planning and Zoning Commission meeting we heard from small business and REALTORS®. It was a very consistent message: A-Frame directional signs account for between 40% and 80% of their business.
So, what is WeMAR doing about this? And how can you engage and participate to influence and impact the future viability of business and personal property rights in Surprise?
Read the Letter WeMAR sent to the Mayor and City Council, then attend the August 15th City Council meeting at 6pm. If you choose to speak, please be respectful and to the point. Exactly how has the A-Frame sign change affected you and your clients? If you choose not to speak, show your support by clapping for speakers whom you agree with.