JOLIET – The city of Joliet might have to try putting up some signs to get people’s attention.

So far, there has been little compliance with a city ordinance that puts limits on banners, feather signs and other types of temporary signs used to get consumers’ attention as they drive past, a Joliet official said Monday.

The city late last week put out a news release to draw attention to the fact that the temporary sign ordinance was put into effect in April.

Kendall Jackson, director of planning for Joliet, said enforcement could start in July. But city officials first would like to see if they can get compliance.

“That’s the goal is to get compliance before we start doing that,” Jackson said. “It’s not to get fines. We’re going to see if anything changes – probably over the next couple of weeks or so. Then, we’re going to start enforcement.”

Fines start at $50 a day. So, if temporary signs are cheap, the fines are not.

The city requires permits at a price of $50 per temporary sign. Businesses are allowed to have up to three signs for a 30-day period. They can get the permits twice a year.

No one has gotten a permit yet, Jackson said Monday morning.

The temporary sign ordinance was aimed at what some City Council members said was a "carnival atmosphere" being created in sections of the city where banners, feather signs, and dancing inflatables line the street.

Officials also noted that some signs can obstruct the view of motorists and become safety hazards.

“Signs temporarily placed by street corners and driveways at commercial business entrances create a traffic visibility hazard,” according to the city news release issued Friday. “The proliferation of temporary commercial signs also creates an unsightly appearance in the city.”

Jackson said some businesses that had been the focus of attention when the ordinance was developed took down temporary signs. But there has been little compliance otherwise.

The ordinance also received little attention when it was developed. Businesses did not come to City Council meetings to oppose it.

The new regulations are posted on the city website, www.cityofjoliet.info.