Volunteers pick up illegal signs along county roads
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Volunteer Robert Lee spends several hours each week removing illegal signs along Route 1 and Route 10.

Thirty-seven volunteers are now aiding the county's zoning department staff in picking up illegal signs in the public right-of-way. The county began two-hour sessions to train volunteers earlier this summer, and a third session is scheduled to begin next month.

"The volunteers have been told that they can be pretty sure that any sign within five feet of the pavement or curb is illegal according to state law," said Code Compliance Supervisor Ted Barclay. "Nothing within the public rightof way is legal without VDOT's [Virginia Department of Transportation] approval, which I doubt anyone can get."

"Those signs look junky and detract from the appearance of the county," explained Robert Lee, a retired Enon resident and volunteer. He estimates he devotes 3-4 hours per week picking up signs. "With the cost of gas it can become expensive, but I like giving back to the community."

During the training, volunteers learn the state code, personal safety and record keeping. The signs are taken to the transfer stations, and Barclay is arranging for the stations to keep the signs for a period of time so they can be reclaimed before trashing them.

Some apparently illegal signs are referred by the volunteers to county staff. That would include signs in front of businesses (to avoid possible confrontations), more permanent-looking signs and political advertising signs.

"We want to remain apolitical," said Barclay. Volunteers are urged to notify county staff, who will call the candidates to have them removed.

Volunteers will also notify staff of repeat offenders for possible legal action. Last year, the state authorized the county to assist in removing illegal signs including civil fines against violators. The maximum fine is $100 per sign.

"We'll be focusing the efforts by staff on recalcitrant offenders - usually businesses - and make it cost prohibitive for them," added Barclay. All money after county expenses goes to VDOT.

For sale and open house signs placed in the right-of-way by real estate agents are also illegal as are yard sale signs - that includes signs provided for yard sales as part of the advertising package offered by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Brandermill Community Association.

For more information on volunteering, call 748-1802.