Call it “eye pollution.” Or a not-so-subtle reminder that civilization definitely took over this barrier island long before you arrived.
Before you can even see to the sea and sand in this resort, you must wade past an ocean of realty signs offering “for sale” or “for rent” the homes that cover much of this sought-after Jersey Shore resort.
The signs are everywhere. Staked on skinny front lawns. Stapled on buildings. Draped on railings like flags. Planted in flower boxes.
So officials and residents in Ocean City — where the more than 4,000 rental units provide the largest concentration on the coast and where dozens of Realtors compete for business — are calling for a cease-fire. Or at least a reprieve.
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After the City Council pushed for enforcement of rules that limit the size of signs and require real estate brokers to place them at least four feet from property lines, some property companies were cited and ordered to comply.
Councilman David Swift is even calling for a ban on the signs, saying they have ruined Ocean City’s aesthetic appeal. The council considered a ban this week, but there was not enough support.
Chip Collins, general manager of Berger Realty, Ocean City’s largest real estate brokerage, said that he opposed a ban but could understand the concern.
“The sign situation really has gotten way out of hand over the past 10 years or so because of the ever-increasing number of units for sale or rent in the city,” said Collins, whose firm had to move about 400 signs. “People need to be allowed to know what properties are available, but we also have to remain aware of the visual impact they have on the town.”
Collins and others believe the oversaturation of signs may be due to lax enforcement of ordinances and an increase in the number of properties built in the last three decades.