Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert (AZ), decided on June 18, 2015, now limits the ability of local municipalities to regulate signs based on content. While parts of the Columbus Graphics Code are presently structured in such a manner, many other sections still need to be changed to be in compliance with that broad and sweeping decision.
This ordinance modifies the Columbus Graphics Code, Article XV of the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, to remove content-based sign regulations. The portion of the Columbus Graphics Code most affected by these changes is the regulation of temporary signs. Prior code relied on the content of temporary signs to determine the purpose of the sign and thus assign a level of regulation. Accordingly, the proposed changes consolidate temporary signs into two categories based on material and construction type as opposed to content and perceived purpose.
The Columbus Development Commission voted to support this code change at its monthly public hearing on November 10, 2016. The Columbus Graphics Commission voted to recommend approval of this code change at its monthly public hearing on November 15, 2016.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend various sections in the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, in order to adopt code changes that are in compliance with recent court decisions that limit the ability to regulate signs and graphics based upon content.
Body
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of the United Stated, in the case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, decided on June 18, 2015, limited the ability of local municipalities to regulate signs based upon their content; and
WHEREAS, while parts of the Columbus Graphics Code were already structured in such a manner, many other code sections still require changes to be compliant with this broad and sweeping decision; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance alters the Columbus Graphics Code, Articl...
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