PARIS — The Planning Board on Tuesday approved signs for three companies, two weeks after the town levied a fine to the owner for erecting signs without approval.
Board members unanimously approved the sign applications for Josh Tice’s Perfect Touch, L/A Luxury Limousine and Harris Brothers Rubbish Removal.
On Aug. 25, selectmen fined Tice $75 for placing the signs prematurely. The action was a move to begin cracking down on businesses that violate the Sign Ordinance.
It prompted Tice to cry foul that the decision turned him into a scapegoat, given that numerous businesses were in violation of the law and had not been penalized.
The Planning Board has jurisdiction over applications, but defer authority to issue fines to selectmen.
Businesses are able to recoup fines after the Planning Board approves their application.
Planning Board member Mike Risica said the board needs to be more proactive in identifying which businesses may be in violation.
Code Enforcement Officer Fred Collins urged the board to better define which signs fall under the ordinance’s scope.
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