Emoji House: First Amendment Right Or Eyesore? City Weighs In

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The City of Manhattan Beach has issued a statement regarding the "emoji house," a duplex in the El Porto neighborhood that was painted bright pink, adorned with two huge, goofy emojis with long eyelashes, after many neighbors expressed they thought it was an eyesore.

The City's current Municipal Code doesn't prohibit paintings, murals or graphic displays on residential homes. But in a pristine beach city laden with multi-million dollar homes, is the bright pink display a nuisance to neighbors or does it add a unique flair?

"In general, the United States Supreme Court has held that, subject to certain exceptions (such as obscenity), the First Amendment requires that regulations that may proscribe speech or expressive content must be content neutral or narrowly tailored to serve a compelling public interest," the City of Manhattan Beach said.

At a public hearing on July 10, the Planning Commission considered a proposal to tweak the City’s sign ordinance to address murals. During the hearing, several residents brought up their concern about the emoji house. The Planning Commission directed city staff to evaluate regulation options and provide more information about First Amendment rights in regard to paintings, murals and displays like the emoji house; the Commission will be revisiting the issue on August 28, the City said.

For now, the two new emoji neighbors are staying put.

Related: Pink Emoji House Upsets Neighbors In Manhattan Beach