It sounds like the Federal Way City Council has done it to us regarding permissive sign placements for the benefit of realtors.

Are the planting strips and medians to be blanked out by sandwich boards? Then save money by deleting landscaping. Does this change in the code prohibit staked signs (think Wynstone) all over the city? Is each home in a subdivision allowed signs in addition to the subdivision? How many signs, spread how far? Are the condos and apartments (residential neighborhoods) bordering South 320th Street get to clutter the planter strips?

With Google Maps available to everyone, there’s no need for further direction to a property.  Perhaps the city doesn’t need prospective buyers who can’t figure out where a property is. The city loses nothing with the current sign laws. Property taxes continue, and taxes on closing and related costs occur when a sale is completed. It appears that a sweetheart deal was made, especially for a two-and-a-half-year “trial period.” How about six months instead? Existing residents need a $500 fine on signs left out after dark to pay for the overtime of enforcement officers. It will be a full-time position.

Terry Slaton, Federal Way