Culver City Suspends Sign Law

Culver City has agreed to hold off enforcing a sign ordinance that a judge had deemed unconstitutional and vague, thus settling a lawsuit by a woman who had posted signs around the city encouraging residents to vote.

Lynne Davidson, 49, said she believes the settlement is “the perfect solution” to upholding freedom of expression.

Davidson said all she wanted to do was encourage people to vote in the April 2002 election by posting “Vote for a Change” signs throughout the city.

The signs did not advocate a political party, cause or candidate. The city saw the signs as a violation of its ordinance regarding signs in the public right of way.

Under the terms of the settlement, reached May 19, the city must pay Davidson $300,000 for attorney’s fees and will stop enforcing the current sign ordinance.

An advisory committee must be set up to study aspects of posting signs in the city.

Before the election, U.S. District Judge Gary A. Feess issued a temporary restraining order, stating that Culver City unconstitutionally enforced its ordinance banning signs in the public right of way. Last month the judge ruled that the ordinance was vague and restricted speech, and therefore could not be enforced.

City Atty. Carol Schwab said she agreed that the ordinance was vague and said the city is taking steps to correct it.

The city will review all aspects of sign ordinances, including the process for permitting banners in the public right of way for national, state and community events, Schwab said.