TOWNSHIP MOVES TO EASE REAL ESTATE SIGN RESTRICTIONS, MAYOR SAYS MORE COULD COME

As the Township Committee on Tuesday gave initial approval to revised regulations for real estate signs that eased one restriction, Mayor Vic Deluca said the township might be open to further changes if realtors can present a compelling case.

At issue are two current limits in the Township signage ordinance that regulate the traditional 'For Sale' signs placed in front of marketed homes.

The first limit only allows such properties to be promoted as "For Sale," "For Rent," and "Under Contract." These are usually placed in what are known as "riders," the small, additional part of the sign either placed on the top or hanging at the bottom of the main sign.

They also allow "Open House" riders, but only during the time of the open house.

In recent years, however, realtors have added riders that promote the property as "Coming Soon," and even "Coming Soonish." These are placed before the property is formally for sale and as a way to garner attention sooner. But they are in violation of the current ordinance.

The second restriction allows only one such rider to be added to a sign, a limit that is violated often in Maplewood.

The ordinance introduced Tuesday expands the rider limit from one to two per sign. It received approval on first reading in a 5-0 vote, with a second vote and public hearing set for April 18.

But it does nothing to change the limits on the wording used to promote the property to add "Coming Soon" or other options.

At Tuesday's meeting, however, Deluca said if realtors could propose a change with some parameters it might be considered. He made the comments during public comment when realtor Mark Slade raised objections to the limits.

See that exchange below: