The HBA of Raleigh-Wake County has been working with the Town of Wake Forest while they update their sign ordinance.  We offered many comments and suggestions to try and make it easier for our members to market their neighborhoods and provide way-finding signs while still staying out of the public right of way, as desired by the Town.  This item was heard recently at the Town's joint public hearing and is now coming before the Commission at their Tuesday, August 20th meeting which starts at 7:00 p.m. at 301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest.  Please click here for digital access to the agenda.  It is Item 7.G.

Just before the holidays, Wake Forest began sending out letters of violation to those with signs located in the right of way (ROW). We were able to get them to temporarily delay enforcement of their fines through the holidays to give us an opportunity to talk with them about our concerns.

We have met multiple times with Wake Forest staff and had conversations with the Mayor and Commissioners since that time. However, the Town is still adamant about enforcing the ordinance they already have on the books, which disallows signs in the ROW. Previously, they had not been enforcing the ordinance on the books.

The "grace period" they provided has ended and they are once again sending out letters of violation to any owners of signs in the ROW. Please remove identified signs or anticipate the application of a fine.

Please know that we continue to work with staff and the elected officials to find alternative ways to allow the necessary signs our members need to provide advertising and way finding. More than likely, these will come in the form of permitted signs on the backside of the sidewalk, just out of the ROW or through other means such as pole banners or flags.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact me so that we can discuss your ideas further. Thank you.

Please be aware that the Town is now strictly enforcing their sign ordinance which can be found here. ​