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Lake County commissioners direct attorney to draft courthouse signage policy, debate temporary sign ban
Summary
At a June 9 work session, Lake County commissioners told County Attorney Matt Hobs to draft a courthouse signage policy that would allow the county discretion over permanent monuments while tightening rules for temporary signs; one commissioner proposed banning temporary signs by outside groups and permitting only county-sponsored displays.
County Attorney Matt Hobs told the Lake County Board of County Commissioners on June 9 that permanent monuments and temporary signs are treated differently under the First Amendment, and he received direction to draft a formal courthouse signage policy.
"The temporary signage is a little trickier," said County Attorney Matt Hobs, explaining that allowing some temporary speakers but not others risks First Amendment challenges and that permanent monuments are legally easier because they are the government's speech. Hobs cited local examples and court orders, saying some counties and courts have broadly restricted or banned signs on government grounds.
The board discussed two tracks: handle donated or permanent monuments case-by-case with clear, neutral criteria and allow the county broad discretion; and either restrict or tightly regulate temporary signage by outside groups. Commissioners flagged maintenance, visual impact, event conflicts and staff workload as key practical concerns for permanent pieces.
One commissioner proposed a strict approach to temporary displays: "Well, I'm going to propose then that we do the no temporary signs. No temporary signs by outside groups — just the county government enact their own," arguing that county-sponsored proclamations (for example, a government-backed display for Domestic Violence Awareness Month) are legally cleaner. County Attorney Hobs agreed that government-originated messages are easier to defend and noted time-place-and-manner restrictions could be used to manage use of the lawn while remaining content-neutral.
Other commissioners advocated for an administrative permitting system and clear time limits for temporary signage, including cleanup requirements and an appeal path from administrative decisions to the board. Suggestions included designating a specific area on the lawn and booking it by month or limiting signage to months that do not interfere with public gatherings and events such as Boom Days.
On the burrow monument already constructed for the lawn, commissioners asked staff to supply current photos and the monument's details for packet review and to place the item on a regular meeting agenda for formal consideration of location and content. Board members emphasized that if a monument falls into disrepair it risks removal by a future board, so conditions for maintenance or stewardship should be included in any acceptance.
Action and next steps: commissioners instructed County Attorney Matt Hobs to draft a courthouse signage policy addressing permanent monuments, temporary signage restrictions, permitting and appeals; Hobs said he has enough direction to prepare a draft for the board to review. The burrow monument and its plaque will be returned for packet review and formal placement and content decisions at a future regular meeting.
The work session concluded at 12:45 p.m.
