The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert significantly impacted local governments’ approach to sign regulation. The case’s application of the content neutrality doctrine rendered most of the local sign regulations in Michigan unconstitutional. Recent Sixth Circuit court decisions challenge local governments’ ability to continue with longstanding modes of sign regulation, such as utilizing on-premises and off-premises designations. In addition to legal developments, the continued advancements in digital sign technology present new challenges. The updated Michigan Sign Guidebook illustrates how to utilize content-neutral sign regulations to protect freedom of speech, reduce legal risk, and enhance the scenic quality of communities.
Registration for this program includes a digital copy of Scenic Michigan’s updated Michigan Sign Guidebook and companion webinar. The webinar and discussion refer to the Guidebook and are focused on practical and legal considerations for the content-neutral regulation of exterior signs.
The program is intended for local government – elected officials, planning commissioners, building officials, zoning administrators, and professional planners; municipal attorneys; and stakeholder groups looking to better understand the reasoning behind local sign regulations. 2 MCP or 1.5 AICP Law CM credits.
Instructors: Gerald Fisher, Municipal and Land Use Law Consultant and Mediator, Emeritus Professor WMU Cooley Law, Author, Scenic Michigan Board Member; Wayne R. Beyea, J.D., AICP, Senior Specialist – Urban and Regional Planning, MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction; and MSU Extension Educators
Cost: $85 for individual registration
$55 per person for groups of 2 or more
Individuals that have already purchased the book, contact Kara Kelly,
[email protected], prior to registering for webinar-only pricing.
Registrants will receive a digital copy of the New Sign Regulation Guidebook one week before the program and after payment is received. After the book is sent, a $50 cancellation fee applies. A reminder e-mail with the webinar link will be sent prior to the program. Webinars will be recorded and sent to registrants.