Businesses have a week to clean up banner signs or else…

Businesses have one more week to remove banner signs that do not comply with the Saipan Zoning Law of 2008 or face fines of up to $1,000 per day starting Jan. 31.

Zoning administrator Steve Tilley, in a statement yesterday, said starting on Feb. 1, the Zoning Office will inspect for nonconforming banner signs and may issue fines to violators.

“We should see far fewer commercial banner signs and this will enhance the overall appearance of our retail and tourist areas,” said Tilley.

Banner signs that are prohibited include a retail sales event banner sign that advertises a brand name product, contains a brand name, symbol or logo, or contains a product price.

Also prohibited are retail sales banner signs that are not related to an event, and event signs with more than 40 percent of the area covered by advertising for a brand-name product, a brand name symbol or logo, or product price.

The Saipan Zoning Law of 2008 requires that all nonconforming banner signs be removed to improve the island’s visual environment.

The law set a deadline of Oct. 30, 2008, for the removal of nonconforming banner signs but the Zoning Office is giving businesses a grace period until Jan. 31, 2009.

Yesterday, the Zoning Office issued a memorandum to users and installers of commercial banner signs, reminding them of the deadline to comply.

Tilley said he was especially pleased at the cooperation of wholesalers in removing nonconforming banners.

“We’ve had several meetings with them over the past year and they’ve all agreed with this effort. Marpac has already started taking down their signs and notifying their retailers about the new law,” he said.

Banner signs may be used for a personal sign including a yard sale, moving sale or house rental, as well as for an event sign to advertise a parade, concert, or even a retail promotion, such as “Going Out of Business” or “June Bridal Sale.”

A banner sign may be used as a temporary window sign and may include product advertising but not more than 20 percent of a window may be covered with signs.

An event banner sign may be erected without a zoning permit if it has the installation date printed in letters at least 2 inches high, is displayed for less than 30 days, is removed within five days after the event, and has less than 40 percent of the sign area covered by brand advertising, symbols, logos, or prices.