Newton Ordinance Removes Time Restriction On Political Lawn Signs

NEWTON, MA — The Newton City Council has passed a new ordinance that governs when political lawn signs can be visible on properties in the city, according to City Councilor Tarik Lucas.

The ordinance, passed on June 21, removes the time restriction on political lawn signs. Before last month’s vote, political lawn signs could be installed no earlier than 45 days before and 7 days after the election.

However, Councilors decided to keep the existing limit on the size of political lawn signs, which may not exceed three feet by three feet in size.

Newton joins communities across the United States who are revising or eliminating political sign ordinances due to the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment free speech protections.

"Residents have a constitutional right to post signs on their own property expressing their political views,” an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney wrote in a letter to the Town of Plymouth last year. "Towns may not impose unreasonable restrictions on political speech, nor impose content-based restrictions on the display of signs unless such restrictions are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest.”

Earlier this year, a Newton couple was told by city officials to take down their political lawn signs or face up to a $300-per-day fine and a potential criminal court complaint, reported The Boston Globe. The order was later rescinded.