Resident raises First Amendment concerns over proposed limits on residential yard signs
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Summary
A Bellaire resident told council she opposes proposed zoning or sign‑rule changes that would limit residential yard signs to two and restrict political signs to 90 days before an election and removal 10 days after, calling it an infringement on free speech and likening the rules to an HOA.
Bellaire — Resident Lauren Zito addressed the City Council on Jan. 6 during public comment to oppose proposed regulations limiting residential yard signs, saying the rules would infringe on residents’ First Amendment rights and create inequities for families with multiple children or multiple causes to support.
Zito said she supports restrictions on commercial signage but objected to a proposed rule that would limit residential yards to two signs. “I have three kids in Bellaire Little League… The proposed regulation is to limit it to two signs so if you have three boys in Little League… you have to pick your favorite kids,” she said. Zito also described rules discussed for political signs that would allow signs only 90 days before an election and require removal 10 days after, and warned that the change would be enforced in ways similar to some homeowners’ associations.
Zito said she had not yet researched case law or city attorney guidance and encouraged council members to do so before adopting regulations affecting political or expressive signage. She noted upcoming council elections next year and framed the issue as a civic rights concern for Bellaire residents.
Council did not take action on the matter during the Jan. 6 meeting and no formal ordinance or amendment text was introduced on the record at that time.