Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday gave initial approval to an ordinance repealing restrictions on political signs.

The city’s sign code currently allows political signs no sooner than six weeks before an election; they must be removed by two weeks after an election.

Assistant City Manager Dave Corliss told commissioners Tuesday that recent state and federal court rulings have struck down rules elsewhere that placed restrictions on the duration allowed for political signs.

“I’m concerned about the potential for liability out there,” he told the commission.

Former Mayor Marci Francisco told commissioners the sign code has served the city well. She suggested keeping the restriction but making it apply to all “temporary” signs to eliminate concerns that the rule applies only to political expression.

“That would make it possible for there to be some time when you can look across the street and not see your neighbor’s yard full of signs,” Francisco said.

Commissioner Mike Rundle agreed.

“It seems if you took this away completely, you could have temporary signs up all year round,” Rundle said.

Corliss said those concerns could be addressed during a comprehensive sign code review slated to begin next week. But he asked commissioners to pass the repeal now to protect the city from a legal challenge.

Commissioners did so, approving the ordinance 4-0. Commissioner Marty Kennedy was absent.

Corliss earlier told the Journal-World he doubts the new rule will lead to year-round signs.

“Most people don’t like them in their yards anyway, after a certain amount of time,” he said.