Litchfield City Council Meeting | February 19, 2026

Article Summary: To align city code with First Amendment protections, the Litchfield City Council voted to overhaul its regulations on temporary signs. The Council amended the proposed ordinance during the meeting to cap the size of temporary signs at four square feet, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission.

Sign Ordinance Key Points:

• Legal Necessity: The update was required because regulating signs based on content (e.g., political vs. real estate) is unconstitutional.

• New Rule: All temporary signs are now treated equally regardless of message.

• Size Limit: The Council amended the draft ordinance to limit temporary signs to a maximum of 4 square feet.

• Quantity: Residents are limited to four temporary signs per lot.

The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, February 19, 2026, repealed and replaced Chapter 153 of the city code, establishing new content-neutral regulations for temporary signs.

City Attorney Michael McGinley explained that during the last election cycle, it was noted that the city treated political signs differently than other temporary signs. “Under the First Amendment, that’s constitutionally unallowed because of the freedom of speech provision,” McGinley said.

The new ordinance treats all temporary signs—whether for a political candidate, a garage sale, or a contractor—under the same set of rules.

While the original draft in the agenda packet suggested a size limit of 4 feet by 3 feet, the Planning Commission recommended a stricter limit of 4 square feet total (effectively a standard 2×2 foot real estate sign).

“If this council would like to adhere to what the planning commission has recommended, there would need to be a motion to amend the ordinance,” McGinley advised.

Alderperson Sara Zumwalt made the motion to amend the ordinance to reflect the 4-square-foot maximum. The amendment also includes a cap of four temporary signs per lot.

Alderperson Bob Garcia asked about enforcement and fines. City Administrator Breann Vazquez noted that while the state allows fines up to $750 per day, the city typically begins with a warning letter.

The Council voted unanimously to approve the amendment and then the amended ordinance.