It’s sign-off time for hundreds of illegal billboards.
In a record settlement, the nation’s largest billboard company has agreed to pay the city a $3 million fine to clear up hundreds of summonses accumulated over the past decade, The Post has learned.
Just as important from the city’s point of view, Lamar Advertising also committed to removing 1,500 of its illegal signs from all five boroughs by March 31, 2012.
Any sign not gone by the deadline will incur a $20,000-a-month penalty.
Hal Kilshaw, a spokesman for the Baton Rouge, La.-based company, said it has already yanked 1,100 of the signs. Most are on buildings and not in compliance with zoning regulations.
“We thought it best to put this behind us,” he said.
Billboards generally aren’t allowed within 200 feet of a park or arterial highway, such as the FDR Drive.
Commercial signs also are usually banned on buildings unless they advertise the businesses located inside.