On April 27th, I found myself concerned about finding loving homes for a litter of puppies. To assist in the process, I decided to create a temporary sign to place in my yard. Aware of the City of Bedford’s limitations on signs, particularly in residential areas, I carefully reviewed the ordinance on Temporary Signs. This research provided me with valuable insight into what types of signs were permissible within the city.
Believing that a freestanding, 4ftx8ft plywood sign on stilts would suffice, I contacted the City of Bedford Building & Standards department for further guidance. The representative not only confirmed that my proposed sign was within regulations, but also offered advice on its placement for maximum visibility while respecting easements and access to the sidewalk and fire hydrant.
With the city’s approval, I purchased the materials for less than $70 and, with my wife’s assistance, painted a design onto the plywood. The sign was placed in our yard on April 28th. Coincidentally, I had recently been dealing with a poison ivy issue on my property, which had resulted in a notice of violation from City code enforcement. To remedy the situation, I rented goats that quickly consumed the invasive plant, allowing me to finish clearing the area with my lawn equipment.
On May 2nd, Code Enforcement Officer Steve M. visited my home to follow up on the initial notice of violation. While he commended the improvements to my yard, he unexpectedly informed me that my sign “had to go.” Despite my insistence that the sign complied with the city ordinance, Officer Steve issued a new notice of violation, giving me only three days to remove it. He suggested I speak with his manager at the Permits department for clarification, and I commend his professionalism in deferring to his superiors when faced with uncertainty.
At City Hall, I met with Jose Saenz, who also questioned the sign’s size. However, our conversation soon shifted to the sign’s categorization within the ordinance. Ultimately, we were unable to agree on the appropriate category for my sign, leading Mr. Saenz to conclude that the sign was illegal and the notice of violation would stand. I decided to exercise my right to appeal the notice, a process with which Mr. Saenz was unfamiliar. Despite this, I applaud his professionalism, humility, and willingness to learn.
In the absence of a proper form for filing an appeal, I emailed Mr. Saenz and all city council members, notifying them of my intention to appeal. Mayor Boyter and Councilmember Gagliardi quickly responded, involving City Manager Jimmy Stathatos to resolve the matter. While awaiting a response, I was surprised to find Bedford Animal Services on my property, investigating an anonymous complaint regarding unlicensed animals. After a professional exchange with Ms. Magee, the matter was resolved without incident.
In summary, while I am still navigating the process of appealing the notice of violation for my sign, I appreciate the professionalism and willingness to learn displayed by the city employees involved. Their growth mindset and commitment to addressing the concerns of the community have left a positive impression and reassured me that my situation will be handled fairly and patiently.
[To be continued]