To the editor:

Each day our senses are assaulted by a seemingly endless stream of advertising whether we are surfing the net, watching TV or, it seems, driving down the streets of our fair city. “ON BUS ROUTE, W/D hookups, WE LOVE PETS — you’ve seen them. Apartment complexes are some of the worst. “SALE TODAY, GRAND OPENING, FOR SALE BY OWNER, GARAGE SALE.”

Enough already. One thing all these temporary signs and banners have in common is that they are illegal and are subject to a fine of $50 per day per sign. Lawrence has adopted a very comprehensive sign ordinance, but the city staff appears unable or unwilling to enforce it. Signs, including political signs, are not allowed in a city right-of-way except when the city commission grants special permission for signs of public interest. There are also specific limits on all types of signage located on private property. If you are unsure about your signage, the full text of the sign ordinance is available online under Article 18 at: www.lawrenceks.org/assets/city-code/chapter05.pdf or simply call Development Services at 832-7700.

Most don’t realize they are violating the law because it is so seldom enforced. Instead, the city has chosen to wait for someone to complain. To help preserve the beauty of our city, take time to report some of these offending signs in your neighborhood. The city has an online, anonymous code violation form at: www.lawrenceks.org/pds/code_violation. I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear from you.