Sign Enforcement
Why Sign Enforcement?
Sign enforcement is designed to better the appearance of signs located throughout the entire City, as well as, make sure signs are placed in a manner consistent with the safety of the citizens of Fresno.
Who can I call if I have questions, or if some of my signs have been removed?Staff is available in both Code Enforcement and the Development Department to answer your questions.
- Planning and Development Department - 621-8277
- Code Enforcement Division - 621-8400
If you have a sign that has been removed;
first, contact
Code Enforcement at 621-8400 to determine if the City has removed your sign. If your sign was removed by Code Enforcement, staff can assist you in determining where to go to pick up any signs in storage and what, if any, fees have been assessed.
Political Signs Information In an effort to be responsive to the citizens and to our responsibility under law, the City enforces campaign sign regulations during election season and on a continuing basis throughout the year.
Posting of Signs on Private Lots Vacant lots are, unfortunately, places where people will illegally dump garbage, carpets, tires and other debris. The property owner is responsible for keeping their lot clean. However, there are things you can do to help prevent dumping from occurring in the first place. You can post signs that warn against illegal dumping. Another option is to fence the property. While fencing an entire property may not be practical, especially for lots that are several acres or more, a strategically placed fence or barrier on an obvious access path will deter illegal dumpers. Once dumping has begun on a property, others will see that it is a place where they can leave their garbage. Therefore, keeping the lot clean and immediately picking up dumped piles will usually prevent additional dumping.
People often see vacant lots as car lots - places to park the cars that they’re trying to sell. Posting a "No Parking" sign is surprisingly effective. A lot, which may have had as many as fifteen cars on a given weekend, will have none after the signs have been posted.
This information is provided to you to assist in the posting of your property to permit enforcement of various laws and ordinances which relate to you situation. These rules must be followed explicitly or enforcement may not be possible.
The Following Procedures are made available to assist you if you wish to post your lot.This information is provided to you to assist in the posting of your property to permit enforcement of various laws and ordinances which relate to your situation. These rules must be followed explicitly or enforcement may not be possible.
General Rules
- Signs are not provided by the Police Department or Code Enforcement, so you must have your sign made by the method of your choosing.
- Signs must be a minimum of 17x22 inches with letters no smaller than one inch. Multiple notices may be placed on the same sign.
- Signs must be posted at all entrances to the affected property. If this is not done, enforcement is not possible. When there has been a failure to post signs as required by VC 22658, the party ordering removal is liable for two times the amount charged for towing and storage.
- It is recommended that you cover your signs with plastic sheeting to protect against vandalism. It is cheaper to replace the cover than the sign.
- A single sign may contain as many prohibitions as you want so long as the minimum dimension is complied with.
Compliance vs. Enforcement
Once you have complied with the requirements regarding the posting of your sign, you or police officers may be able to take the specified enforcement actions. This does not mean that officers will automatically apprehend the drinkers, loiterers, or gamblers on your property. The officer will be able to check out problems on your premises and take appropriate action as his/her time allows. Should you identify a specific problem at a given time and date, you are encouraged to call the police and report the violation(s) so that an officer may be dispatched to investigate. It is critically important that you recognize these “guidelines” as just that. Where references have been made to legal requirements, it is your responsibility to review and follow the law. Keep in mind that the law changes and it is incumbent upon you to keep abreast of changes which may occur or you could be held financially responsible.