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CASE <br /> <br />REVIEW SIGN ORDINANCE AND ITS ENFORCEMENT <br /> By: David R. Hartley, City Administrator <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Enclosed is a copy of the City of Ramsey Sign Ordinance 170.05. This ordinance in it's <br />entirety is fairly comprehensive and can be an effective ordinance regulating signs in the <br />City of Ramsey. Only minor modifications are suggested at this time. However, the City <br />Council is being asked to evaluate this ordinance and determine if, in fact, it is consistent <br />with its policy for regulating signs in the City of Ramsey. <br /> <br />At the same time that we review the sign ordinance, we should review an enforcement plan. <br />For some time now, this ordinance has not been enforced with any vigor or consistency to <br />speak of (I cannot remember a time when it has ever been enforced throughout the City). <br />Therefore, several hundreds of signs exist in the City of Ramsey, many of which are in <br />flagrant violation of these regulations. This presents a particular problem. Selective <br />enforcement of our laws often results in ineffective enforcement and a City-wide crack <br />down will likely result in a great deal of anger and criticism. The suggested approach is as <br />follows: <br /> <br />The City Council identify areas where enforcement will begin and list those areas in <br />a sequence for enforcement priority. <br /> <br />2. The City Staff will inventory all signs within each district and identify violations. <br /> <br />The City Council will review a report of such violations and authorize City Staff to <br />notify property owners of such violations and specify an acceptable period of time <br />for compliance. <br /> <br />If violations continue, City Council will be notified and asked to determine any <br />further action. <br /> <br />This procedure deviates from the procedures spelled out in the City ordinance and places <br />the City Council in the direct role of enforcing the sign ordinance. This may not be an <br />acceptable approach to the City Council, therefore I encourage discussion. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Discussion. and review .... <br /> <br />Review Checklist: <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />City Attorney <br />City Engineer <br />Community Development Director <br />Public Works Supervisor <br /> <br />X <br /> <br />X <br /> <br />Chief of Police <br />Finance Officer <br />Planning & Zoning Commission <br />Park & Recreation Commission <br /> <br /> <br />