This letter is not a rebuttal to the letter from Iva Hawthorne in which she comments on enforcement of the Edmonds Community Development Code, ECDC, as it applies to signage, (Aug. 2 “Why are some treated differently?”) but rather, inspired by it.
I had the good fortune to visit Sanabel Island, Fla., a few years back and can attest to pleasing visual landscape in that lovely spot that has a stringent (and enforced) sign ordinance. Their code restricts the use of garish signs, and specific to this letter, restricts use of portable (read A-board, or sandwich-board) signs significantly.
This restriction does not impinge on free enterprise, it merely evens the playing field. For example, does a sandwich board sign advertising a beauty salon on Edmonds Way draw in someone who is on their way to the ferry? I think not. On the other hand, the client base of this establishment is likely to be drawn from individuals who frequent the neighborhood and don’t need, and don’t want, that obnoxious curbside reminder.
I am concerned about the proliferation of signage in our community. I call it “visual pollution.” If our community is to maintain an atmosphere of a tranquil small community, which we seek, we must shun the frantic visual sales pitches such as assail us in our less caring neighboring communities. The A-board, or sandwich-board signs that litter the walkways in Edmonds are a prime, but not exclusive, example of this visual pollution. The ECDC does not permit them, but I am told that our officials are too busy to enforce the code.
I support our local businesses and encourage all to do likewise. Perhaps if we show our support of these businesses, they will not feel that they must stoop to the point of using unsightly signage in an attempt to attract us to their businesses.
Edmonds
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