From the Record:
Towns restrict ‘open house’ signs
“Open house” signs posted by real estate agents are coming under more scrutiny, with a few towns imposing tougher restrictions.
This week, officials in Wood-Ridge are scheduled to introduce an ordinance that would control the placement, dimensions and number of signs.
Officials said the measure is needed to keep the borough from becoming overrun with signs, creating a hazard to motorists by blocking their vision.
“We were getting some complaints that some signs were on private property,” said Christopher Eilert, the borough administrator. “People were complaining about their view [of the street] being obstructed while backing out of the driveway. … It’s a balancing act, because we want to respect our residents’ right to sell their home.”
The issue focuses on directional signs that are set up as landmarks to guide prospective buyers to homes for sale.
In Wood-Ridge, officials would limit the number of signs for each sale to three. They also would restrict the height of the signs.
Hasbrouck Heights, which adopted a similar ordinance in February, also limits signage to three – one on the property and two giving directions – and restricts signs to 3 feet in height and 24 inches across.
“In the height of the real estate season, they could be all over the place,” said Michael Kronyak, the Hasbrouck Heights borough administrator. “It’s also an issue of aesthetics.
“We want [real estate agents] to be able to conduct business in the community, but it’s also an issue about the public right of way,” he said.