Recently, in Reed v. Gilbert, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a sign ordinance under the First Amendment in a case that may have broad implications for local sign regulations. Although the case arose in the context of temporary sign regulations, the case may affect any local sign ordinance that distinguishes between signs based on the content of signs. In light of Reed v. Gilbert, it is important for municipalities to review their sign ordinances to determine if the regulations differentiate between signs based upon the message conveyed by signs. If so, those ordinance provisions should be reviewed for possible amendment to minimize the risk of legal challenges under the First Amendment. Please let us know if we can assist you.
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