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Council debates limits on political signs; legal and enforcement questions dominate
Summary
Council members discussed whether to adopt a resolution or ordinance to limit how long political signs may be displayed and who enforces violations; many members cautioned about First Amendment challenges and enforcement costs, while the mayor pro tem proposed qualifying-day start and a post-election cleanup window.
The City of New Iberia City Council held an extended discussion on political signage in the city's public rights-of-way and private property, weighing potential limits against First Amendment and enforcement concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Gonsalves introduced the topic, saying constituents had complained about the volume and duration of campaign signs and proposing a time-limited rule that would let candidates place signs beginning on qualifying day and require removal 14 days after the election. He framed the idea as a modest housekeeping measure to help the city's appearance.
Several council members and participants raised legal and practical objections. One council member recalled a similar proposal in 2016 that was dropped after court concerns; another cautioned that regulating political signs but not other types of signs (contractor, commercial) could create constitutional problems. Council members repeatedly highlighted enforcement costs and manpower limitations and noted that signs on private property with owner permission presented different legal issues than signs in the public right of way.
Key points from debate: A number of council members said the most enforceable and commonly addressed problems are (1) signs placed in public rights-of-way or sight triangles that create safety or maintenance problems and (2) signs left up long after an election, which can become litter or enter drainage. Several council members urged prioritizing broader cleanup and blight enforcement over a new signage ordinance. Others suggested the council could adopt a narrow, time-limited cleanup rule similar to policies in neighboring communities that require removal after a set number of days post-election.
No ordinance or resolution was introduced during the meeting. Council members agreed to continue discussion and to consider legal counsel's guidance on constitutionality and drafting an enforceable, content-neutral rule focused on location and duration rather than message.
