Town Meeting approved a comprehensive update to Milton’s sign bylaws under Article 42, following a lengthy discussion regarding the balance between town aesthetics and constitutional free speech protections. Planning Board Chair Meredith Hall and Planning Director Elizabeth Manning presented the update, which aims to clarify the application process and move definitions to a centralized section of the town code.

Member Michael Chinman raised sharp objections to several provisions, arguing that certain restrictions on non-commercial yard signs were unconstitutional. I don't think any government... has any right to tell you whether you can put a 'Make America Great Again' sign on your yard or a 'Black Lives Matter' sign. This is an infringement of free speech, Chinman said. He successfully proposed amendments to strike building code requirements for small yard signs and to expand the allowable size for historic markers.

The Planning Board and Warrant Committee accepted Chinman’s changes as friendly amendments, alongside an amendment from Member Andres Lessing requiring a formal Planning Board vote for any future updates to the town's sign handbook. The final amended bylaw passed with a strong majority, satisfying the two-thirds requirement for zoning changes.

Motion: Recommended that the town vote to approve Article 42 as amended.

Vote: Passed 160-15-0