LIHUE — There are lots of details when it comes to cleaning up after auntie’s birthday bash, but picking up the signs and banners shouldn’t slip through the cracks.
That’s a reminder from the County of Kauai, which has a sign ordinance that spells out exactly what types of signs are OK to post for certain time frames, which require permits, and what kinds of signs are banned.
“The benefits of having a sign ordinance reduces visual clutter on the island, allows fair advertising for everyone, and promotes safety,” said Lyle Tabata, acting county engineer.
Public Works met with members of the Kauai Outdoor Circle in February to discuss the abundance of unpermitted signs on the island, and how the nonprofit could help with enforcement, according to Tabata.
That kicked off the creation of an informational brochure to help educate the public on general guidelines of signs, and to assist inspectors. The hope is an increase in education will stop the use of unpermitted signs.
So far in 2017, 347 sign permits have been issued. In 2016, 425 permits were issued for signs.
Up to this point in the year, 15 citations are being reviewed by the building division. Follow-up on those citations is the responsibility of the building inspectors.
“The priority for building inspectors is to complete inspections for ongoing construction and respond to life safety issues that involve building, plumbing and electrical violations,” Tabata said. “Building inspectors respond to sign complaints as time permits.”
According to the ordinance, roof signs are banned, as well as portable signs unless a variance has been obtained. Special banners or pennants require a permit can’t be displayed for more than four days prior to or one day following an event.
Signs that need permits include directional signs, signs in business and industrial districts, banners and ground signs.
Rules also govern the shape, location, size and placement of signs.
Fines for signs not in compliance can be $50 per day of the ordinance violation.
Permit fees are based on estimated valuation of work, Tabata said.
For signs up to $500, the permit fee is $20. For signs worth $500.01 and more, the fee is $20 plus $3 per $100 or a fraction of the estimated value of work.
Applications for a sign permit are available at the Public Works Building Division on Rice Street, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, or at www.kauai.gov/PublicWorks/Building
