In response to concerns raised by the New York Civil Liberties Union, the City of Rye has agreed to suspend a provision in local zoning regulations that bans the posting of political signs on residential property.

In an October 10 letter to Corporation Counsel Kevin Plunkett, the NYCLU asked the City to immediately stop enforcing the provision and change the law to reflect constitutional standards.

“A political yard sign is a classic example of the core political speech that is at the heart of the First Amendment’s guarantee of the right to free expression,” said Linda Berns, director of the NYCLU’s Lower Hudson Valley Chapter. “The City of Rye’s blanket prohibition of political signs on private property is unconstitutional and must be changed to respect the free speech rights of residents.”

While the City has not yet responded in writing, Berns said Plunkett has given verbal assurance that the regulation’s provision with regard to political yard signs will be suspended until after the election at which time the City Council will review it. He also said a memo has been sent to the Rye Police Department informing them that the sign ban has been suspended for political signs.

The NYCLU learned of the prohibition last week from a Rye resident who was told by police to remove an Obama campaign sign from her front yard. The NYCLU’s letter cites several U.S. Supreme Court decisions supporting the right to post political signs on private property.

“The courts have been clear: Political yard signs are an important, distinct and inexpensive means for people to participate in the public dialogue and engage their neighbors with a political message,” Berns said. “City officials cannot suppress that public discourse because some consider yard signs an eyesore.”