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Planning commission leans to ban political signs on county property
Summary
After hearing registrar data and public comment, commissioners signaled in a straw poll that they favor recommending a prohibition on political/temporary signs on county‑owned property, and asked staff to forward proposed language and advertise the item for the Board joint meeting in September.
The Madison County Planning Commission signaled strong support in a straw poll on July 22 for recommending that the Board of Supervisors prohibit political and other temporary signs on county‑owned property.
Chair (speaking for the commission) summarized options and counsel's framing before the poll: "Nothing on county property unless permitted," a 36‑hour polling‑place exception around elections, or a limited free‑speech zone. Several commissioners said they preferred a simple prohibition on county property. One commissioner argued, "I don't think that it's appropriate to have political signs, and certainly any other signs unless they are county approved signs" (Committee member). Staff said the recommended short‑term fix would be to adopt the no‑temporary‑sign language (12‑6‑16) now and pursue a full rewrite of Article 12 later.
The registrar's testimony and public comments influenced the panel's decision. Lauren Eanes, Madison County registrar, told commissioners that early voting turnout at the office has "ranged from 40 to 50%" in recent elections and that her office does not enforce sign regulations but refers issues to the State Board of Elections. After discussion and a public comment period, the commission asked staff to prepare the no‑signs language for submission to the Board at the September joint meeting and to retain the option to complete a comprehensive rewrite of the sign ordinance after the election season.
The straw poll was not a formal legislative vote; commissioners instructed staff to advertise the recommended language for the joint meeting and to return with any requested edits.
