NHMA’s 85th Annual Conference and Exhibition

Join Plan NH at NHMA's Annual Conference: Plan NH will be participating in the following session: Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM Regulating Expression: Murals, Signs, and Constitutional Limits Session Description: Signage and mural regulations sit at a complex intersection of land use authority, free speech, and community identity. This session explores how evolving First Amendment law is reshaping local sign ordinances, with a focus on a recent case in Conway. There, a mural created by local high school students depicting items sold by a bakery raised a central question: when does a mural become a commercial sign? Around the same time, the town also evaluated scenic White Mountain murals at a retail plaza and reached a similar conclusion. Through this case study and other recent legal developments, a licensed attorney will unpack how courts are analyzing signage regulations and what it means for municipalities. Panelists—including attorneys, planners, and industry professionals—will discuss the practical challenges communities face in drafting and enforcing sign ordinances that promote aesthetics and safety while respecting constitutional protections. Presented by: Tiffany Tononi McNamara, Executive Director, Plan NH Derek Lick, Attorney, Orr & Reno