WESTMINSTER : Council May Regulate Temporary Signs, Political Posters

Large political posters and other temporary signs, which one official called a worse scourge on the city than graffiti, could be on the way out.

The City Council is expected to vote tonight on a proposal to regulate the signs.

“What we do with political signs is abusive to this community,” Councilwoman Charmayne S. Bohman said. “In the last election it was carried to the extreme. It trashes the city to have all these signs stuck around. They are more offensive than graffiti.”

But the plan faces opposition from at least one council member who says it is undemocratic.

Political posters are “the expression of freedom,” Councilman Tony Lam said. “To me, it’s a healthy thing to see the exhibition of the democratic process. The size should not be limited.”

Supporters of the measure had wanted to limit the size of political signs to 15 square feet, saying that the city becomes cluttered during election campaigns with posters that are not only unsightly but, in some cases, dangerous. City officials say that large, poorly erected wooden signs are potential risks during high winds or storms.

City attorneys said that any restrictions solely on candidates’ signs, however, could be considered a limitation on political free speech and could invite legal challenges.

Therefore, the attorneys and the city’s planning staff are recommending that the council adopt uniform rules for all temporary signs: a maximum of 40 square feet for banner-type signs and nine square feet for free-standing signs with a solid backing, unless specially approved by city inspectors.