Old, worn-out signs litter the streets of Haifa

(haipo) Businesses close, property owners change, but the signs remain in place for years. Throughout Haifa, you can find dozens of old, faded, and sometimes even crumbling signs from businesses that no longer exist. Beyond damaging the visibility of public space, it is also a question of responsibility and enforcement. Who is supposed to remove the abandoned signs, what does the law state, and why do they continue to grace the city streets long after the business has closed?

Commercial signs are designed to attract customers and identify active businesses, but when the business closes and the sign remains in place, it becomes an aesthetic and sometimes even safety hazard. On many streets in Haifa, you can see old, worn-out signs from stores, restaurants, and businesses that ceased operations months or even years ago, continuing to hang above the facades of buildings.

The phenomenon raises questions regarding the responsibility for removing the signs and enforcing the law. According to the Haifa By-Law (Signs), 5756-1995, the responsibility for removing a sign from a closed business does not lie solely with the municipality. The law states that the owner of the signage license and those responsible for the business or property are obligated to remove the sign within 30 days of the business closing or upon expiration of the signage license. The responsibility also applies to the person whose name appears on the sign, as well as to the owner or occupier of the property.

In addition to the question of visibility, there is also the issue of payment. As long as the sign is placed legally and is under a valid signage license, it is usually subject to a signage fee. However, when the business closes and the license expires, the sign is supposed to be removed in accordance with the provisions of the law, and there is no justification for leaving it in place for years.

Michael Itzkowitz, A Haifa resident who knows the city's streets well said in a conversation with Haifa: "You can see dozens of signs for businesses that no longer exist throughout the city. The old, worn-out signs harm the city's appearance and create a sense of neglect. If we want to improve Haifa's visibility, we must address the phenomenon and remove the signs that remain after businesses close."

The Haifa Municipality informed Haifa: "In accordance with the Haifa By-Law (Signage), 5756-1995, the responsibility for removing a sign from a business that has ceased operations lies with the owner of the signage license and the parties responsible for the business or property. The law requires the sign to be removed within 30 days of the date the business closes or upon expiration of the signage license. The responsibility also applies to the person whose name appears on the sign and to the owner or holder of the property.

In any case where the municipality is brought to the attention of a sign from a business that has ceased operations and remains in place, the matter is examined, demands are sent to remove the sign, and enforcement procedures are taken in accordance with the municipality's powers and the provisions of the bylaw. At the same time, the municipality is preparing to conduct a comprehensive signage survey throughout the city, in which abandoned, worn, or damaged signs will also be located. In accordance with the findings of the survey, the municipality will act to remove hazards and enforce the provisions of the law."