Builders fined for violating South Fayette sign ordinance
Five home builders working on housing developments in South Fayette Township have gotten slapped with $1,000 fines for violating a township ordinance governing the placement of real estate advertising signs.
The home builders cited April 22 by the township include Heartland Homes, based in Reston, Va., for its Berkley Ridge development; Dan Ryan Builders of Frederick, Md., for its Fieldcrest development; Paragon Homes of McKees Rocks for Fieldcrest; Newbury Villages Partners, part of Heartland Homes, for Newbury, and NVR Inc., the parent of Ryan Homes, based in Reston, for Walnut Ridge and Berkshire.
Paragon Homes officials declined comment on its citation. Officials from, Heartland, Dan Ryan, Newbury Villages and NVR did not return telephone calls seeking comment. Each $1,000 fine carries $84.50 in costs.
South Fayette’s zoning ordinance said development signs should not exceed 32 square feet in surface area or eight feet in height. The sign should also be removed within 30 days of the sale or rental of the last lot or completion of the proposed construction in the development.
It has a similar ordinance for construction signs and allows for “one non-illuminated temporary construction sign announcing the names of the contractors, mechanics, or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises” provided the sign does not exceed 12 square feet in area and is removed within 30 days of the completion of the work.
More than 100 new homes are constructed each year in South Fayette, said Andrea Iglar, the township’s community development director.
“These actions are part of our ongoing effort to remind developers to please follow our sign regulations,” Iglar said. “In the past, we sent out a ton of reminder letters. We welcome builders to call if they have any questions.”