A new set of guidelines spelling out where signs can go, their size, and how long they can be posted was introduced by Coquitlam council Monday night. The rules were drafted with sports associations in mind, and those groups helped draft the policy.

The six locations include: . North Road: east side, north of Cameron Street

. Lougheed Highway and Brunette Avenue: south side along the eastbound boulevard

. Mariner Way and Austin Avenue on the east side: south of the entrance to Riverview Forest Park.

. Lougheed Highway, Dewdney Trunk Road and the west side of Sharpe Street: southbound, on the grass space near the pedestrian overpass

. Johnson Street and Guildford Way: on the southwest corner

. Shaughnessy Street and David Avenue: on the northeast corner

Other stipulations include a limit on the size of signs (four feet by eight feet) and the timelines associated with how long they're up: signs can go up five weeks in advance of a registration date and must be taken down within a week after that date has passed.

The longest a sign can be posted for is six weeks, and must include contact information for the associated group.

"My issue has never been the proliferation of signs, it's the proliferation of different sized signs in different places," Mayor Richard Stewart said Monday.

"The challenge, I think, is trying to maintain a little bit of order if it's possible."

Coun. Craig Hodge, who chairs the city's sport council, said the group acknowledged the issue has been problematic.

"They recognize that there is an issue in the community and they wanted to be a part of the solution . I think it's a good compromise," he said Monday.

Groups that don't fall in line with the bylaw will be subject to fines if the signs aren't removed "within a reasonable amount of time," according to a staff report. A $25 impound fee could also be issued.

While the guidelines pertain to sports groups, church groups, music businesses and schools are encouraged to use the 10 poster board locations at city-owned facilities like libraries and rec centres.

jkurucz@thenownews.com