As city officials from Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead consider inhibiting the use of mobile signs, those who rent them say they have evidence such changes would do more harm than good.
"Why would they want to change sign regulations now, especially with the economy so bad?" asked Chris Bolton who, with his wife, Sarah, co-own Bolton's Mobile Advertising of rural Horace, N.D.
The Boltons, along with two other area leading mobile sign businesses, said Tuesday they have collected dozens of letters from area clients who say mobile signs keep them in business.
"The city gets three phone calls complaining about our signs. Wait until we come forward with a thousand satisfied businesses," Chris Bolton said.
Three complaints or 3,000, the black and neon signs have drawn the attention of planning and zoning officials in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead.
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"Community beautification is a big concern, and these issues don't stop at municipal boundaries," said Jeff Schaumann, Moorhead planning and zoning administrator.
West Fargo, which has the least stringent mobile sign regulations and does not require permits, considered several restrictions in June, but backed off in hopes of forming a uniform set of guidelines with Fargo and Moorhead.
Fargo and Moorhead have similar mobile sign regulations. In both cities, businesses can display mobile signs for 30 consecutive days up to four times a year. A minimum 60 days must expire between displays.
Fargo, which has been the most aggressive in curbing mobile signs, is considering several regulations that would substantially limit their use.
A special sign committee made recommendations to Fargo's Planning Department in June that, among other restrictions, would cut in half the number of days a business can display portable signs.
"I'd be done," said Stan Knecht, owner of High Impact Sign of Sabin, Minn. "Half my business would be down the drain."
All three cities have expressed interest to join forces on the mobile sign issue. Moorhead and West Fargo officials both said the meeting is still in its planning stages, but Jim Gilmour, Fargo city planning director, said a meeting could be scheduled for late next week.
Knecht said if the cities make moves to crack down too hard on mobile signs, he and others will consider legal action.
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"I don't have any other job," Knecht said. "This is how I make my living."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Nick Kotzea at (701) 235-7311
