Overview
Content-Neutral Sign Codes after Reed and Austin
Two recent U.S. Supreme Court cases, Reed v. Town of Gilbert and City of Austin vs. Reagan National Advertising, have clarified what constitutes a content-neutral sign code, including how to regulate on-premise versus off-premise (billboards) signs. This article summarizes the state of the law, sorts through the practical issues in complying with content-neutrality, and offers pointers for local governments considering a sign code update.
Price: $40
($30 for members of the International Sign Association)
Overview
The State of Sign Codes after Reed vs. Town of Gilbert
The Sign Research Foundation’s 2016 analysis examines the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert on sign regulations. The ruling declared content-based regulation of signs unconstitutional, subjecting them to strict scrutiny. This affects nearly all sign codes, particularly those with content-based exemptions. The report discusses the implications for temporary and permanent signs, the distinction between commercial and non-commercial speech, and on-site vs. off-site signs. It offers guidance for cities on how to revise sign codes to comply with Reed, emphasizing content-neutral regulations and providing tips for drafting fair and effective sign codes.
Price: $20
($15 for ISA members)
Overview
Content-Neutral Sign Codes After Reed & Austin
In this on-demand webinar, we explore whether your community’s sign ordinance is content-neutral enough to withstand federal court scrutiny. Despite the landmark Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) U.S. Supreme Court decision, many local jurisdictions in the United States remain non-compliant and vulnerable to legal challenges and financial penalties. The webinar covers recent federal court interpretations of Reed, including the Austin v. Reagan decision involving billboards and digital signs, and its implications for your community’s sign code. Additionally, it addresses approaches to regulating murals, political signs, and other challenges in achieving content-neutral sign codes. Registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the Sign Research Foundation’s publication “Content-Neutral Sign Codes After Reed and Austin”
