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Council adopts revised content-neutral sign ordinance over enforcement concerns, 4-3
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing and debate over enforceability and temporary signs, council passed a content-neutral sign ordinance that consolidates yard sale, political and event signs into a single temporary-sign category; critics warned enforcement will be difficult and may affect free-speech displays.
The Portsmouth Town Council voted 4-3 to adopt a substantially revised sign ordinance that streamlines sign categories into a content-neutral structure and removes discrete labels such as "yard sale" or "political" signs.
Town Planner Leah Hitchin said the revisions were intended to make the ordinance content neutral by consolidating previously enumerated sign types into a temporary sign category and updating definitions; she told the council that temporary yard signs will continue to be allowed on private property without a permit. "Any type temporary yard sign will continue to be allowed without a permit on your own property," she said.
Opponents and some councilors warned the changes will be hard to enforce and could produce unintended consequences, such as long-term temporary signs. Property owner Mike DiPiola confronted the council during public comment, criticizing enforcement actions and saying, "You cannot petition away the First Amendment," which led the chair to limit remarks that strayed from the ordinance's text.
Councilors who voted against the ordinance (Ms. Patton, Mr. Reese and Mr. Gleason) cited concerns about clarity, homeowner impact and enforcement resources. Supporters argued the revisions modernize the code and remove content-based distinctions that could raise constitutional concerns.
The ordinance passed 4-3; the planning staff said they will provide additional public education about the new rules and enforcement priorities.
