Pueblo ordinance limits number of political signs on property

When it comes to political signs, the city of Pueblo says there is such a thing as too many.

A city ordinance limits the number of signs on a property to 33 square feet.

Former state lawmaker Dorothy Butcher received a visit from a city code enforcement officer on Tuesday, letting her know that the signs on her front yard surpassed the city ordinance.

“What he said to me was I could only have 32 square feet which means either Victor [Head] has to go or my Democratic friends have to go,” she said.

Butcher is referring to the 4 by 8 sign of Victor Head, the Republican candidate for Pueblo County clerk, on her front lawn. Head’s sign alone is nearly the limit she’s permitted to have on her property. But she doesn’t plan on removing any of the signs on her yard, which show her support for Democrat and Republican candidates, alike.

“The case is I’m for the best man or the best woman. That’s who I’m for,” Butcher said.

Butcher believes the ordinance violates her First Amendment rights.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s my constitutional right to support whomever I want to and be able to put those signs up.”

City manager Sam Azad said someone complained that Butcher’s yard exceeded the city ordinance, prompting a code enforcement officer to stop by Butcher’s home. But Azad added that Butcher was not given a citation.

“If you want to make a graveyard of signs in your front lawn, I think you’re imposing on the neighborhood that you live on and your neighbors, Azad said.

Butcher said, “There are signs that are on fences and other properties that are 4 by 8s, multiple 4 by 8s, that no one has taken any action with. So I must have been the first one to be selected.”

Azad said it is not the city’s intent to infringe on anyone’s rights.