§ 254-1. Legislative intent.

A. 

Recent court decisions have brought to the City Council's attention the fact that certain types of physical displays are deemed to be "symbolic speech" and, as such, are entitled to the same constitutional protections and safeguards and subject to the same types of regulation as verbal speech.

B. 

Physical displays have characteristics which obviously make them different in some respects from verbal speech. For example, they are generally more permanent than a person or group of people who speak and then move on. Their size can be almost limitless. If not constructed and erected properly, they can be dangerous. They can attract vandals and, particularly if placed in parks, children. One cannot tell who is responsible for their placement and removal without a mechanism for responsible persons to identify themselves.

C. 

Being aware that certain physical displays on public property are entitled to the same protections as verbal speech and also being aware that physical displays are different from verbal speech in some respects, the City Council believes that it is in the best interest of the City to have a stated set of rules regarding such displays which can be applied evenhandedly, which will encourage and provide for dissemination of ideas on public property in a manner consistent with the other uses made of the property and which will maximize the public health, safety and welfare.