There\u2019s more fine-tuning to be done before Brampton brings in new rules to crack down on unsafe and discarded open house signs \u2013 rules that were requested by real estate agents and aren\u2019t an attack, city councillors say.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not attacking or \u2018on\u2019 anybody, we all want to get this right and do what\u2019s right,\u201d Brampton Wards 2 and 6 Coun. Michael Palleschi said during a city council meeting on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
City staff have been working on a proposed stand-alone Open House Sign By-Law, and comes more than six months after Brampton City Council discussed possible fine increases for derelict real estate signs left across the city.<\/p>\n
The proposed bylaw would introduce fines of $250 for displaying an open house sign outside the permitted time, $300 for placing signs on a centre median, and $350 for displaying more than two signs at the same intersection.<\/p>\n
Fines would reach up to $500 for displaying more than six signs for a single property, and for failing to comply with an order.<\/p>\n
And while Palleschi and Wards 9 and 10 Coun. Harkirat Singh say real estate agents were among those who first requested stand-alone open house sign rules, some have seen the move to regulate problem signs as an attack.<\/p>\n
Palleschi says the proposed rules are designed to make an \u201ceven playing field\u201d for realtors across Brampton,\u201dand, most importantly, de-clutter some of the intersections that are inundated with open house signs or any kind of signs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of good real estate agents in Brampton that educate new homeowners about what they need to look out for and what they need to make sure that they have when purchasing the house\u2026I want real estate agents to ensure that, when they\u2019re selling a home in Brampton, they\u2019re educating their clients on what the roles and rules and responsibilities are of home ownership in the City of Brampton.\u201d<\/p>\n
In terms of timeline, no firm dates have been set for when the bylaw could be put in place, but city staff have been instructed to consult with real estate agents and come back to council with an updated report.<\/p>\n