A recent U.S. appeals court decision ruled Camp Hill Borough’s limits on political lawn signs unconstitutional.
Political yard signs in Pennsylvania have and will continue to spark debate between neighbors and communities, as well as the right to free speech.
Under an ordinance issued by Camp Hill Borough in 2021, residents could not place more than two “personal expression” signs for more than 60 days before an event. Signs could not be lit up, taller than 6 feet, or remain for more than 30 days after the event.
In 2022, two residents and the Camp Hill Borough Republican Association sued in response.
One resident was told by the borough code enforcement officer that she had too many lawn signs in her yard. She had three signs, all for Republican candidates.
The other resident, who had two signs displayed for Republican candidates, was also told she could not have her signs up more than 60 days before the November general election.
Camp Hill Borough’s intent for issuing the ordinance was to promote traffic safety by minimizing distractions to drivers, like political yard signs. Borough aesthetics were also considered when the ordinance was created back in 2021.
Traffic safety and aesthetics were not enough to convince the U.S. appeals court judges to support the ordinance. In the court’s decision, Judge Stephanos Bibas acknowledged the legitimacy of the borough’s interests, but recognized they are not compelling enough to limit the free speech of its residents.
Camp Hill Borough issued a press release in response to the U.S. appeals court decision. The Borough indicated they are “disappointed with the Third Circuit’s decision and concerned with the potential sprawling impact it may have on the ability of the Borough and other municipalities to meaningfully regulate signs in pursuit of traffic safety and aesthetics.”
Should local municipalities be able to regulate lawn signs on residents’ property over traffic safety and aesthetics, or does the right to free speech render that regulation unconstitutional?
