To the editor:

I am a licensed child care provider in Lawrence for the last 29 years. I called the city development services department to inquire what the regulations are for putting a sign in my yard to advertise openings in my home day care. I received the following response: “You may place a two-by-two-foot sign attached to your house or a one-by-one-foot sign in your yard.” I then asked why real estate agents, roofers and painters are allowed to post large signs. The response was, “I don’t know. That’s just the city’s code.”

The way I see it is I am a small business owner in Lawrence and pay businesses taxes the same as everyone else who is allowed to advertise their business in Lawrence, but I was told if I don’t comply with the appropriate size sign, my sign will be removed. The city allows people to advertise garage sales with signs so people can make money and do not pay city taxes on that, but I, as a taxpayer, can’t advertise my business with a sign large enough for people to see. Does this sound fair to you?

Lorrie Wiseman,

Lawrence