This article, written by sign-code expert, John Gann, originally appeared in the November 2004 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. Easy-going, local sign regulations can certainly simplify life and stimulate business for sign companies and end users alike. Understandably, many in the sign industry favor them. But, permissive sign codes can eventually bite back. […]
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How Broadview Heights, Ohio Ignored Content Neutrality
In terms of ignoring “content neutrality,” call it “North Olmsted, Part II.” The following article, written by FASI Executive Director Wade Swormstedt, originally appeared in the April 2004 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. Broadview Heights, OH, is roughly 21 miles away from North Olmsted, OH. In terms of First Amendment ignorance (or perhaps […]
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Content Neutrality Violations Noted in Michigan
The landmark content-neutrality/prior-restraint ruling from North Olmsted is cited in Thomas Township. The message cannot determine the medium. With modest apologies to Marshall McLuhan, when the medium is signage, the courts have bestowed kid-glove treatment upon content neutrality, while wholeheartedly endorsing the tenets of North Olmsted (see ST, December 1999, page 52, and April 2000, […]
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Court Overturns Madison, WI Ban on Portable Signs
This article, written by sign-code expert, John Gann, originally appeared in the September 2002 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. Madison, WI, has been rated by Money magazine as the best medium-sized city in the United States. The city owes its amenities not only to nature and the generosity of taxpayers, but also […]
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How USSC and ISA Jointly Improved the Intl. Zoning Code
After two years of collaborative effort, the ICC, ISA and USSC release the Intl. Zoning Code’s new-and-improved sign chapter The following article originally appeared in the January 2000 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Jennifer Flinchpaugh “An estimated 80,000 communities could have adopted the ICC’s zoning code and, by default, the problematic sign […]
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North Olmsted’s Prior Restraint and Content-based Sign Code
The following article originally appeared in the December 1999 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By John Yarger, Esq., and Jennifer Flinchpaugh On Aug. 17, Federal Magistrate Judge Patricia Hemann of Ohio’s Northern District filed her “Report and Recommendations” regarding the North Olmsted Chamber of Commerce vs. City of North Olmsted lawsuit. In her […]
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How An Appraisal Could have Defeated Amortization in Mississippi
Mississippi circuit court upholds amortization of signage, but could this tragedy have been prevented? The following article originally appeared in the June 1999 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Dr. R. James Claus Thomas A. Claus contributed to this article. He is completing studies at Portland (OR) State University and will begin attending […]
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Sign-Valuation Arguments Thwart Amortization Against Michael’s
Richfield, MN, realized what it might have to pay in just compensation and let Michael’s keep its on-premise billboard The following article originally appeared in the December 1998 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By John Yarger, Esq. A Michaels crafts store in Richfield, MN, was recently the target of an amortization scheme. On […]
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Another Perspective on Blockbuster Video and the Lanham Act
Here’s a reminder that landlords are not subject to the Lanham Act The following article originally appeared in the November 1998 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Robert M. Aran, Esq. and Jeffrey L. Aran, Esq. For the landmark Blockbuster Videocase, Bob and Jeff Aran each submitted amici curiae (friend of the court) […]
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Penn State/USSC Legibility Study Helps Signshop Earn Variance
Practical application of USSC’s Penn State study helped Mercer Signs obtain variances The following article originally appeared in the July 1999 issue of Signs of the Times magazine. By Wade Swormstedt Nearly four years ago, the United States Sign Council (USSC) embarked on an ambitious study with the Penn State Transportation Institute. Signs of different […]
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