Southern Pines planning staff revises sign code to emphasize content neutrality; public hearing continued

Planning Director BJ Grieve told the Southern Pines Town Council on Aug. 12 that a package of text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance’s sign rules is intended primarily to make the town’s regulations content neutral and compliant with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Grieve said that the changes translate use-based carve-outs into zoning-district rules and that staff consulted legal reviewers before drafting the language.

Grieve summarized key points: replacing use-based exemptions with district-based rules, narrowing special exemptions such as for church bulletin boards, defining “non-commercial” signage, and clarifying rules for political signs. Under the draft, unlimited political signs would be allowed on private property beginning 30 days before the start of early voting or general elections but must be no closer than 10 feet from the edge of the roadway to protect vision triangles. "Now you can have this. We don't care what it says, but you can have this," Grieve said, describing the shift toward regulating time, manner and place rather than content.

Council members asked for clarifications on the timing and removal window for campaign signs when a primary and general election occur close together, and on how the town will enforce rights-of-way distinctions where state and town roads abut. Grieve and other staff said enforcement would remain complaint-led and that staff will work with council on any timing changes. The hearing was not closed; after public questions and limited discussion, the council voted to continue the hearing to the next session so staff can incorporate edits and provide amended language for review.

Next steps: staff will prepare revised text and an annotated explanation for council review before the continued hearing.