NEWS: City Demands Removal of Protest Yard Signs
“STOP” signs prompt City code enforcement after complaint
A complaint about a protest yard sign prompted the City of Williamsburg to send a letter to residents last week demanding that the signs be removed from their yard. A code violation letter, dated March 19, was sent to Ruth Kaiser, the organizer of the STOP petition, about signs in her yard. It is unknown how many other residents also received the letters. In the correspondence to Kaiser, the City’s Zoning Administrator, Heather Markle, notes that the enforcement is in response to “a complaint about illegal signs on Richmond Road.” Markle warns that the signs must be removed within 7 days of receipt of the letter, or the homeowner faces “legal action by the City.” The communication also states that the homeowner would need to pay $300 to file an appeal. The letter does not identify the source or nature of the complaint.
The yellow signs are the size of other typical political yard signs and read “STOP” which stands for “Small Town Over Profit.” The signs were created and posted in response to the City’s proposal to rezone multiple blocks downtown, which a report by James Robinson in the Daily Press notes could pave the way for new high-density, mixed-use development, including land where the City-owned Triangle and Blayton buildings currently sit. The Blayton Building has been housing for the City’s elderly since 1981 according to the City.
Markle’s letter also states that “my inspection revealed multiple portable free-standing signs located on the property,” and includes photographs of the signs that allegedly violate City code. At least one of these pictures shows the signs are located in the front yard of a house on Richmond Rd.
The City’s justification cites several codes related to allowable signs. These include Section 21-749(a)(8) which outlines “signs prohibited in all sign districts.” The code specifically restricts “Portable freestanding signs, except for sidewalk signs permitted by subsection 21-745(3) and menu boards permitted by subsections 21-745(4), 21-746(4) and 21-747(5).” While these codes address both commercial and non-commercial signs in the City, residents involved in the STOP campaign claim that the codes cited by the City are superseded by laws protecting their free speech.
One Williamsburg resident shared an email that was also sent to the City Council in response to the letters. “This is in the face of a petition which has been signed by 500 individuals protesting this plan,” Dr. Robert Wilson, wrote in response to the City’s discussions about downtown rezoning. “Further, there recently has been a street demonstration protesting the proposed Peacock Hill Splash Park. Instead of trying to address the issue, the City has decided to escalate the protest … and will only serve to inflame resident’s objections to the direction of the City.” (Editor’s Note: Dr. Wilson is a frequent contributor to the Williamsburg Independent).
Several years ago, similar development protest signs appeared around the city in regards to the proposed redevelopment of Spotswood golf course by Colonial Williamsburg. It’s unclear if the City pursued similar code enforcement regarding protest signs at that time.
George Arbogust is Founder and Editor of the Williamsburg Independent. He wakes up too early, so please consider buying him a cup of coffee.