Both the Surprise and Peoria updated Sign Ordinances go into effect this month. A common provision is the requirement the responsible party be identified with contact information. The question asked by many agents is “who is the responsible party?”
WeMAR suggested the phrase “responsible party” instead of person placing the sign when we gave our input to both cities. The responsible party is the sign owner. If an agent is placing a sign the question is whose name and contact information should appear on the sign? The brokerage or the agent?
WeMAR suggests agents confer with their Brokers regarding brokerage Policy and Procedures. For purposes of the city ordinance, a sign with the brokerage name and/or logo with a phone number is sufficient. In the event the sign is taken by Code Enforcement, the City will call the number on the sign. Since brokers are responsible for the supervision of their agents and own all listings, the brokerage identification and number is sufficient.
Some Brokers and their agents may prefer the agent contact information be used for purposes of the sign ordinance, that is fine as well. Both Surprise and Peoria have told WeMAR the identification information will be used to call and educate the sign owner on the violation prior to a penalty being imposed.
In the case of a resident placing a temporary directional sign (Ex: garage sale), that resident’s name and contact information should be placed on the sign.
The identification requirement may be met in a multitude of ways including a sticker in the corner of the sign, using a brokerage sign, using a sign rider or another method of your choice.