Erin Beavers is Fairfield’s director of Community Development. He says politicians took sign postings to extremes leading up to this year’s primary.

“We had a number of complaints from residents (about) the visual blight of the number of signs. And we also had problems with sign posts actually being placed into landscape irrigation areas where we had broken pipes.”

That’s why city officials want to make it illegal to place signs on sidewalks or anywhere else considered the public right-of-way. And not just political signs either. Real estate agents who often use A-frame signs to advertise open houses will face restrictions. And local shops and restaurants will also have to comply…unless they get a permit first.    

“We do allow for A-frame signs for all local businesses in the community to promote the economic viability of those businesses where encroachment permits are issued.”

Fairfield’s Planning Commission will meet tonight to consider the new restrictions.