Town Meeting approved a comprehensive overhaul of Milton's sign bylaws under Article 42, aiming to simplify a process that officials described as outdated and confusing. The new bylaw updates definitions, standards for business and residential districts, and moves the appeals process from the Select Board to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Planning Director Elizabeth Manning explained that the update balances business needs with the town's aesthetic character. However, the proposal faced a challenge from Member Michael Chinman, who argued that the restrictions on non-commercial signs infringed on constitutional rights. I don't think the government has any right to tell you whether you can put a 'Make America Great Again' or 'Black Lives Matter' sign on your yard, Chinman said. He successfully introduced amendments to remove certain building code requirements for non-commercial signs and to increase the allowed size of historic markers from two square feet to ten.

Planning Board Chair Meredith Hall supported the final version, noting that the bylaw would provide much-needed clarity for local business owners. Other approved amendments included a requirement for the Planning Board to hold public meetings for future updates to the sign handbook. Despite the debate over free speech and the reduction of total allowed sign area from two square feet to one per linear foot of building frontage, the article passed with a strong two-thirds majority.

Motion: To approve the article as printed in the warrant, incorporating the friendly amendments from Member Lessing (Planning Board vote on handbook), Member Chinman (Free speech/historic markers), and Member Doyle (Government signs).

Vote: Passed 160-15-0