During the recent Ordinance Review Ad Hoc Committee meeting held on October 17, 2024, the Charlestown Town Council addressed significant updates to the town's sign regulations, particularly focusing on yard sale signs and broader implications of recent legal rulings.

The committee discussed whether yard sale signs should be included as an exception in the town's sign regulations. It was determined that these signs are already permitted under existing rules, which require their removal after the sale. As a result, the committee agreed not to revise the regulations further regarding yard sale signs.

A more pressing issue emerged concerning the overall sign ordinance, which has been deemed outdated and potentially unconstitutional due to recent Supreme Court rulings. The committee noted that any regulations perceived as content-based could face legal challenges. This includes regulations on political signs, which have been contentious in past elections. The committee acknowledged that the current sign ordinance has not been enforced effectively due to these legal conflicts, particularly regarding franchise and trademark signage.

In light of these challenges, the committee proposed deferring any decisions on the sign ordinance until after a comprehensive review and publication of the updated code. This approach aims to ensure that all aspects of the ordinance align with federal law and address free speech concerns. The committee members expressed consensus on the need for a thorough revamp of the sign regulations to avoid future enforcement issues.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on revising the entire sign ordinance to ensure compliance with legal standards and community needs, with a notation to revisit the matter after the code publication. This proactive step reflects the council's commitment to maintaining a regulatory framework that respects both community expression and legal requirements.