Hillsborough County to Business: Remove Your Banner or Pay Up

Code enforcement is in full effect at West Park Village and Westchase Town Center.

On Aug. 3, several local businesses were issued violation code warnings for hanging banners on their store fronts, doors or windows.

Complaints were made to Hillsborough County Code Enforcement after a citizen spotted the banners. Store owners were asked to take the banners down.

Joose Hadley, who owns , says the rule may hurt her business.

 “With economic times being as tough as they are now for merchants, I would think that the county would allow one banner per store,” Hadley said.  “It is not helping merchants if this code is hindering their businesses.”

Hadley's business specializes in custom-made art and frames, conducts art classes, and promotes the works of local artists (www.greatartandframe.com).

About two weeks ago, the “Summer Art Classes: Enroll Now” banner hanging from the business’s awning could be seen clearly from Linebaugh Avenue. It had been up since May.

“The request to remove the banner is reflective of the Westchase area ordinances, not that of West Park Village Apartments,” said Shakira Webb, assistant property manager for West Park Village.

Other local businesses in violation of this code were and , Hadley said.

To hang a banner, a owner must first get a permit from Hillsborough County Code Enforcement. The permit costs about $46, and can be hung for 90 days.

Other county code enforcement banner permit rules and regulations include:

• Size: Banner dimensions must not exceed 2.5 x 8 feet

• Display: On the store or on 4x4 in front of the store, and must remain on business’s property.

• Time Span: May be hung for up to 90 days.

• Quantity: One banner per business. 

• One type of promotional prop that is prohibited for local business use is snipe signs. These are often spotted at busy intersections promoting local dating websites or property for sale. “Snipe signs, which are cardboard signs with metal posts wedged into the ground, are illegal in Hillsborough County.

• Since banners are used primarily for promotional purposes, business owners likely see it as crucial to the success of their business. Banner Permits may be purchased via Hillsborough County (www.hillsboroughcounty.org).

• Per Hillsborough County, banners must be compliant to the size, placement and permitting requirements as described in the Land Development Code. The Code Enforcement Officers may remove signs that are not compliant.