The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce wants to remind businesses that there is a city ordinance regarding the use of sandwich boards or temporary signs placed on city sidewalks that advertise for businesses.

The rules include the following:

• Your sign must be located approximately 100 feet from your business — not across the street or two blocks away.

• Your sign must be professionally produced and well maintained.

• Your sign cannot block sidewalks, bike trails or driveways.

• Your sign must be taken in when your business is closed. Signs cannot be left out at night.

At this time of year there is a proliferation of signs: political, school and community information signs, and, of course, the inimitable garage sale signs.  Citizens look at this collection of signs as visual blight and reach out to City Council members to “do something about it.”   Businesses need to be sensitive to the opinions of community.

There are towns in the area that do not allow either banners or A-Boards. The Mercer Island ordinance is a result of a cooperative effort between the business community, city staff and Council members. It has been in place for over 20 years. In these fragile economic times, it is important to do as much as possible to promote local businesses, so if businesses want to continue to use signs, they must follow the rules.

If you have any questions, stop by the Chamber office for a brochure on the use of temporary signs.