Clarkston City Council approved second reading of the new Code of Ordinance, regulating land usage, minus rules regulating political and other temporary signs.
“The Supreme Court said if you classify signs based on content, that’s in violation of the United States Constitution,” said Tom Ryan, city attorney, at the Jan. 11 meeting.
According to the court’s ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona, municipalities can only regulate signs based on location, size, aesthetics, and public safety ? nothing about content, Ryan said.
The city Planning Commission will work with Ryan and planning consultant Dick Carlisle to draft a new sign ordinance, said City Council member Mike Sabol, who also serves on the commission.
“We certainly want something before November ? this will be a big election,” Sabol said. “If we don’t have it under control, this town will look like a sign mess.”
The council voted 7-0 to approve second reading.
? Phil Custodio