Temporary Relief on Signage Fees

Businesses affected by the financial impact of Hurricane Melissa will have an opportunity to clear long-outstanding signage fees at reduced rates, under a temporary concession programme running from January to March 2026.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, announced the initiative during the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Council meeting at 24 Church Street in downtown Kingston, on Tuesday (December 9).

The measure is designed to support operators who have faced unexpected expenses, operational disruptions, and increased community obligations, following the hurricane, which have affected their ability to meet regulatory requirements, including signage fees.

“The recent passage of Hurricane Melissa has had a significant impact on many businesses across the Municipality. Operators have faced interruptions, unexpected repairs, and unplanned expenses, including assisting those affected by the hurricane. This has affected their ability to meet certain regulatory obligations, including payment of fees for signage and other requirements,” the Mayor noted.

He explained that the concession is aimed at helping business operators stabilise their operations and meet regulatory obligations in the aftermath of the hurricane.

“In response to these challenges, and to give businesses a fair opportunity to regularise, the KSAMC will be offering a one-time, time-limited discount on unregularised and long-outstanding signage fees. This initiative provides a practical reset, allowing businesses to clear arrears at reduced rates and bring their signs into compliance, provided they meet the conditions of approval,” Councillor Swaby said.

The Mayor noted that many businesses have displayed signs for years without paying the required fees, which are mandated under the Advertisements Regulation Act and the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulation, 1978.

He reminded councillors that, as the local planning authority, the Municipality is responsible for administering and collecting these fees and may grant concessions where appropriate.

The temporary discount will follow a consistent tiered structure. “This discount programme will… run from January to March 2026. After March 31, all accounts will revert to full payment, and enforcement activities will proceed in accordance with applicable laws. This temporary concession provides a clear pathway to compliance while helping to ensure proper management of signage across the Municipality,” Councillor Swaby said.

He further noted that the administration has engaged external advertising companies with long-outstanding balances.

“Our commitment to improving KSAMC revenue streams continues unabated. We have met with outside advertising companies that have been indebted to the Corporation for up to seven years and reached specific arrangements whereby if they settled their arrears by November 30, 2025, they would benefit from a 20 per cent discount,” the Mayor said.

Additionally, Councillor Swaby emphasised that the measures reflect the Municipality’s efforts to maintain order and enhance service delivery.

“These measures reflect our relentless efforts to maintain an orderly, safe, and visually balanced city, while ensuring the KSAMC has the resources it needs to serve the residents of Kingston and St. Andrew effectively. We encourage all operators to take advantage of the temporary signage concession and continue to work with us to support compliance, revenue growth, and the overall well-being of our Municipality,” he added.