The Deerfield Beach City Commission unanimously adopted on second reading an ordinance intended to strengthen enforcement against temporary "snipe" signs placed in public rights‑of‑way or on city property.

City Attorney Siddhirini, presenting the ordinance at the Dec. 2 meeting, said the measure amends code enforcement procedures to add an enforcement mechanism and civil penalties for signs placed on public property. He described two edits made between the first and second readings: language allowing a code enforcement officer discretion to issue a warning without fines for first‑time offenders in mitigating circumstances, and a clarified process for contesting a citation by requesting a hearing within 15 days. "The changes are shaded in gray in the ordinance themselves... the ability of a code enforcement officer to issue a warning without fines to first time offenders if there are any mitigating circumstances," Siddhirini said.

Vice Mayor Ben Preston and other commissioners voiced support, saying the ordinance gives code officers needed tools to address an influx of signs — often from outside businesses — that clutter city rights‑of‑way and sometimes require staff to use bucket trucks to remove them. Commissioner Shanetzky asked whether houses of worship would be exempt; the city attorney and staff clarified that the ordinance targets signs on public property and does not change existing private‑property or event‑permit rules. Siddhirini cautioned that content‑based carve‑outs could raise constitutional concerns, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's Town of Gilbert decision.

Several community members and clergy asked for guidance on how churches and event organizers can continue to use permitted a‑frame signs and special‑event signage; staff advised that private‑property a‑frame signs that meet code remain allowed and that organizers may apply for special event permits and coordinate with staff to ensure compliance.

Commissioner Hudak moved to approve item 2 and Vice Mayor Preston seconded. The clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed on a 5‑0 vote. No ordinance number was provided in the record at second reading; the ordinance amends sections 2‑377 and 2‑378 of the city code related to enforcement procedures and the schedule of civil penalties for temporary signs.