A Winnebago County Circuit Court judge struck down five provisions in the city of Neenah’s sign code.
The WMC Litigation Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of Gail Minks, Margaret Minks, Gary Novak and Kim Novak, asserting that the city’s sign ordinance violated the First Amendment right to free speech in several ways.
“Neenah’s unnecessary and confusing sign code unlawfully restricted the right to free speech, which includes commercial speech,” said Scott Rosenow, executive director of the WMC Litigation Center.
The circuit court challenge came after a federal lawsuit was filed when the city tried to enforce removal of signs opposed to the sale of the former Shattuck Middle School, claiming they violated city ordinances.
The Winnebago County Circuit Court struck down a ban on “advertising vehicles,” a ban on “off-premises signs,” a one-sign limit for lawn signs, a 30-day limit for lawn signs, and a permit requirement for certain signs.
“In order for businesses and free enterprise to thrive, businesses need to be able to advertise and exercise their right to free speech” said Rosenow.
