SIGNS TIMES


THE OF  Continued From Page 23


territory of harassment, libel or slander, hate speech, or other prohibited categories.


However, regardless of whether it is required, given the current political and social climate in which we are living, associations should consider providing leeway regarding regulations that permit homeowners to display political  


What If Issues With Signage Arise


  that is designed to comply with statutory requirements and—though not necessarily required—First Amendment protections, at least with respect to display on individual  adjusted by the board depending on what is happening in the larger political and social landscape.


Recall that the applicable statutes do not prohibit associations from banning any signage in the general common areas—i.e., the parts of the community outside individual lots or assigned “limited common elements.” However, boards may have an interest in regulating the  that towers above all the homes would likely be something worth regulating, as would a sign that blocks line of sight for turns on a road. As noted previously, associations may


24 Community Associations Journal | September 2020


also regulate the “manner” of display—which is typically interpreted to relate to the size and dimensions of the sign.  


If a sign is in violation of a legally acceptable regulation, the default option is to issue a warning, require removal,    remedy a governing document violation. Consider refraining from entering a yard without a court order, however, particularly if the person displaying the sign is aggressive about his desire to display the sign.


Court of Public Opinion


 with signage of an arguably political nature in communities.   


  curtailed by the necessity of social distance, consider erring on the side of allowing signage that is not blatantly offensive  required, the court of public opinion may disagree with the conclusions of a court of law.


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