AP real estate sign codes cause a flap

Remax Realty Plus realtor Denyelle Dibble was surprised to find that her commercial real estate sign did not meet Avon Park's code requirements of six square feet.

Under the city's sign regulation ordinance, real estate yard signs cannot exceed six square feet. That's the average size of a residential for sale sign, Dibble said.

Commercial real estate signs are 4 by 4 or 4 by 8 feet, she said.

"I've been a commercial real estate agent for 7 years ... and I was shocked."

When code enforcement alerted Dibble of the violation she immediately called C.B. Shirey, the city's zoning official. He approved her request for a temporary commercial sign for 30 days.

At a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Thursday, Dibble, Chip Boring and John Borgemeister asked the board members to change the ordinance.

"It was an oversight on our part in the ordinance," Shirey said.

Currently realtors who want to put up commercial real estate signs have to ask for the city's approval. If approved, the signs are allowed for 30 days.

Dibble requested the commission consider adding an ordinance for commercial and residential real estate signs, instead of having them included as special event signs.

"A garage sale or weekend car sales are special events, not real estate signs," Dibble said.

The realtors present at the meeting said most commercial properties are sold by the sign.

Dibble estimates that 70 percent of sales of commercial properties come from signs that buyers see as they're driving by.

Board member Jean Jordan recommended that the board table the discussion for a later time.

"I understand your dilemma. I remember there were times where people would put these signs that were blocking other peoples view and their signs. I think we should think a little bit heavy on that and table it," she said.

Shirey assured Dibble he would approve an extension until the board came to an agreement on the sign ordinance.

"Keep in mind that they are temporary and hopefully they can be sold quickly and be put back on the tax roll," Borgemeister said.