City of Bainbridge Island workers removed 60 sandwich board signs from the public right-of-way May 12 under a new ordinance that aims to reduce sidewalk clutter while maintaining small businesses’ ability to advertise.

This is the first enforcement action the city has taken regarding the ordinance, which went into effect April 9. The law limits where A-frame and nylon signs can be displayed, for how long, and caps ownership at three A-frame boards per business — each of which requires an annual permit: $55 for one, $200 for a second and $500 for a third.

“These changes are designed to enhance the business environment, improve the appearance of the business district, and increase safety for pedestrians and motorists,” wrote city communications manager Shannon Hays in a press release.

So far, five small business owners have called the city to collect their sandwich boards, Hays added.

Haivan Tran, owner of Green Pot Deli in the mall on Madison Avenue, retrieved her business’s sandwich board May 13. She was confused and surprised when she noticed the sign was missing from the corner of Winslow Way and Madison, she said, because she knew she had paid the $55 permitting fee. Initially, she thought it was because of a mistake in her paperwork, but after calling the city, she learned that sandwich boards were no longer allowed in public places.

“It was confusing — the city is not allowing us to put boards on the street, but still charging us for it,” she said.

Green Pot Deli uses the sandwich board to draw in tourists who may not otherwise wander up Madison, Tran explained. Because of the private-property stipulation for sandwich board use, her options for advertising are now limited. Even though her commercial landlord granted permission to place Green Pot Deli’s board inside the building, it probably won’t be as effective as having the sign outside, she said.

Tran reached out to Winslow Green management about placing her sandwich board there, but has not yet heard back. Online, she saw a BI resident suggest adding a decorative signpost featuring the names of nearby businesses to the Winslow and Madison corner, which she liked.

“We don’t know what to do next. We haven’t heard anything about other advertising options,” Tran added. “We heard it was passing, we got some letters, but we never realized it would be only on private property.”

Chip McDermott of Bainbridge Mobile Auto Detail was very familiar with the ordinance when his sign was picked up May 12. But he wasn’t caught off guard — he sees this ordinance as a positive outcome for Bainbridge businesses.

“Once I read it closely, I agree with it. It gets everyone on a level playing field … It helps if you’re an island-based business with geographical restrictions. Now you have to pay to play,” McDermott said. “I don’t think the city is out to get us in any way, shape or form.”

As a 30-year island business owner, the sign restrictions don’t represent much of a hurdle, McDermott said. For one, many nylon stake signs are posted by off-island businesses, which detract from his own enterprise, he explained — limiting the range of these signs to two miles around a business will reduce that competition.

“My business is a community business. We call our customers by their first names, and I know a lot of people,” McDermott said. “It’s a bit ironic, but if we’d all be a little more community-minded, there’s plenty of opportunities to place your sign, if you’re creative.”

BI community members expressed concern to city council about the number of signs festooning the island’s commercial areas in the summer of 2024. Council discussed the issue for a few months, and landed on a law in Dec. 2024 that delineates the use of all temporary signs, including sandwich boards and flat nylon signs secured with stakes.

They determined that no signs whatsoever may be placed on public property, right-of-way, nor in places that block vehicle or pedestrian traffic, including bike lanes. Any signs that are posted must not block the “line of sight,” which city code determines to be 42 inches or below and 15 feet back from any intersection corner.

However, the two types of signs are subject to different rules.

Council decided that, unlike sandwich boards, which are typically used by brick-and-mortar businesses, nylon signs do not require a permit and are free to post. However, depending on what the nylon sign advertises, there are strict timeframes during which it may be displayed. Those for specific events must be removed within seven days after the event transpires, but commercial signs are allowed within two miles of the business for up to 36 days out of the year. Political signs may be in place up until the relevant election.

Ahead of enforcement, the city performed a multi-channel outreach campaign, Hays wrote, including direct letters to business owners, frequent reminders in city publications and communications through the BI Chamber of Commerce and BI Downtown Association. It also granted a monthlong grace period to give businesses time to comply with the new law.

“The city appreciates the community’s cooperation as we implement these updates to improve safety, accessibility, and the visual character of our public spaces,” Hays wrote.