Commissioners in Scott Township are considering creating an ordinance governing the posting of political signs.

“We’ve had a lot of political signs from the spring municipal election that have kind of been lingering and not cleaned up,” said commission vice president Nick Seibel at a meeting Tuesday.

Mr. Siebel said he researched surrounding communities like Dormont, Mt. Lebanon and even as far out as Wilkins Township and he said those communities have ordinances regulating political signs “in terms of how long — the duration they can be posted.”

“Some are more restrictive than others,” Mr. Seibel said. He added in some areas, permits are required to be obtained to post political signs.

Mr. Seibel said he raised the matter to see if the board had any interest in doing research and putting an ordinance together for the township.

Solicitor John Vogel said his office has had discussions with Scott’s administration on the matter.

“Courts really look very carefully at an ordinance regulating political conduct,” Mr. Vogel said.

However, he noted the past election has been kind of a “wild card” in terms of people wanting to keep signs up longer in support of candidates after the election.

Mr. Vogel said his office can put together a draft ordinance to let the board know what is permissible as far as regulating political signs goes.

Commissioner Bill Wells then asked if there is any way to stop signs that may include profane language.

Mr. Vogel said that is difficult.

“Courts say even if you put something profane on there (a sign), even where kids might see it, that’s permissible,” Mr. Vogel said. “You can’t put anything that would incite a riot or something like that, but for someone who would just say, to put it politely, ‘to hell with candidate X,’ you can’t really do anything about that,” he added.

“I think there’s a big difference between a political sign and a nasty statement — a profane statement out there,” Mr. Wells said.

Commissioner Tom Castello added, “The courts have said you can say some pretty foul things and it’s protected speech.”

Mr. Seibel said he wanted to address signs not being picked up after the election.

He said in a recent race for judge, candidates had committees place signs, but never came back to remove them.

Deana Carpenter, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.

First Published: October 14, 2021, 6:43 p.m.