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Beautification committee votes to send political-sign ordinance change to planning board
Summary
After debate about consistency with nearby Naples and Collier County rules, the committee voted to forward a recommendation to the planning board to align Marco Island’s sign ordinance with Naples’ restrictions on signs in public rights-of-way; the measure passed with a 4–2 vote.
The Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee voted 4–2 to forward a recommendation to the planning board to change the city’s political-sign ordinance to match Naples’ prohibition on signs in public rights-of-way.
City Clerk Joan (speaker 3) presented a comparison chart of Marco Island’s ordinance and noted the supervisor of elections had favored changing the city’s rules to match Naples and Collier County. Joan said the supervisor’s email was included in the agenda packet and recommended a referral to the planning board.
Members debating the referral split on legal risk and free-speech concerns. Member (speaker 4) argued against changing the ordinance, citing First Amendment protections and the cost of defending a challenge in court — “just because Naples hasn't had trouble yet doesn't mean they won't,” the member said — and stated they would not support the change. Supporters framed the referral as a beautification and operational alignment step that would let the planning board and council consider size and location limitations.
City Clerk Joan moved to forward the recommendation to the planning board to match Naples; the motion was seconded and approved by the committee in a recorded voice/roll-call process, with the meeting record reflecting one opposition and a final tally reported as 4–2 in favor.
Chair Needles said staff would work with the planning board and offered to speak at the planning-board hearing when the item appears on that agenda.
