Mejias and Denenberg Propose Law Requiring All Sign Hangers to be Licensed Within Nassau County

Nassau County Legislators Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) and Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) proposed a law today that will require all sign-hangers to be licensed by the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs in an effort to increase public safety and lower the possibility of personal injury or property damage.

“By requiring sign hangers to be licensed, we lower the risks of what can often be a dangerous job for both pedestrians and the sign hangers themselves,” Mejias said. “Obtaining a license means that a sign hanger has demonstrated the ability to safely and securely hang a sign, and qualified workers make responsible workers.”

The law would require anyone hanging display signs with an area in excess of 75 square feet or a weight of more than 25 pounds intended for advertising, announcements or directions, to be licensed. Doing so will guarantee that the licensee possesses both the physical and mental abilities necessary for the safe hanging of signs, including the ability to read plans and a knowledge of tools, risks and safety precautions.

“Signs of this size require that somebody who is qualified and knows what they are doing install them,” Denenberg said. “When dealing with a potentially dangerous profession such as this, it is imperative that every worker understand their position and the immediate danger it can be to those nearby. This is an important piece of legislation that can save lives.”

If the proposed law passes through committee, it is expected to go through a public hearing at the May 21 legislative session.