[04/02/02] One new sign law went into effect in Vicksburg Monday, and another is on the way.

The first bans many temporary signs and banners on public or private property.

The new one, to go into effect in 30 days, will do away with the 24-hour notice period before signs are removed from rights-of-way.

“We want to remove the time line when it’s a clear infringement of the public right-of-way so we can immediately pull the sign down,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens.

The modified sign ordinance was in the works for several months, attracting some opposition until some provisions were clarified.

It says temporary signs are allowed for special occasions under restricted conditions.

Some signs are made illegal under the ordinance including portable signs, signs placed on wooden stakes and banners not made of weatherproof material. Real estate signs and signs for construction sites or developments are still allowed.

Rules on signs used for garage sales or yard sales limit residents to one per property and require the sign to be removed the day after the sale. The signs are also limited to being put up no more than three days before the sale. It remains illegal to post signs of any type on utility poles.

The use of decorative pennants or balloons will not be affected by the amendment, provided the decorative item does not have a commercial message on it.

Inspectors are supposed to notify property owners of violations and provide copies of the law as needed.

Existing law, enacted by the past administration, says owners of signs placed on public property on roadsides or at intersections would be asked to remove the signs and have 24 hours to do so. Leyens said the notice provision isn’t needed.

“(People) are putting 50-cent signs all over town and for 24 hours they are getting the benefit of free advertising,” Leyens said.

The amendment, passed unanimously, will allow any city official, including police officers, to remove signs in the rights-of-way.

Under the city charter, new ordinances become law 30 days after being adopted unless a petition with the names of at least one-tenth of qualified voters in the city, about 1,760, is presented to the city. If a petition is presented, a special election is held.

In other matters the board:

Presented certificates of recognition to Marcia Weaver and Bea Moore in the planning department.

Set special assessments against five properties for demolition and site clearance.

Approved $7,500 to the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Approved $500 for Riverfest to come out of Main Street funds.

Approved a $100 advertisement in the April edition of Riverviews and News.

Authorized a rental agreement with Unitech Inc., for a copier to be used in the planning department.

Authorized the city clerk to advertise for bids for sidewalk repairs along Washington Street near Confederate Avenue.

The city board will meet again at 9 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall Annex.