Judge rules against Fargo in sign dispute

FARGO (AP) — A judge has ruled in favor of a Fargo businessman in a dispute over signs.

Judge Douglas Herman said the city must issue Steve Stremick the sign permit he has been denied for months. The city can appeal.

Stremick wants to put up a large four-sided LED sign at his financial firm. The city held off on granting the permit while it studied regulations for electronic messaging centers.

LED stands for light-emitting diode.

Opponents of the signs worry about light pollution and an increased risk of distracted motorists. The city imposed a three-month moratorium on LED signs at businesses unless they are at least 150 away from residential property.

Herman said he has “great concern” with the way the city acted in the case.

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