28-02-2025
You could face a $1,000 fine for illegal signs in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — A city wide clean up took place Thursday, but it wasn't for trash rather illegal signs.
Operation Illegal Sign Roundup is a quarterly campaign the city launched Thursday to clean up our community and improve the overall city appearance.
Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley says Columbus has been inundated with signs placed on city right of ways. He says it is currently the worst the city has ever seen.
'…We're sending a message to those who are placing these signs on the city right of ways that we're not going to tolerate it anymore,' Hugley explains.
Twelve groups mixed with city officials and community members took to the streets to remove illegal signage from the city's right of ways.
City officials say this campaign serves as a reminder to businesses and residents that they must follow city rules and regulations regarding signage.
Columbus City Council recently approved two additional people to monitor the city for signs placed on right aways. Hugley says these individuals will be working 24/7 to catch offenders of the law.
'We catch them, put one sign, placing one sign on the right of way. We want that to be a $1,000 fine. We are going to ask the judge for the maximum penalty, the maximum fine of $1,000,' Hulgey warns.
City officials say this operation will happen quarterly to ensure the cleanliness of the city.
Officials encourage residents and business owners to remove any signs that are placed illegally or without proper permits to avoid penalties.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
