Opinion ID: 196860
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Remedial Option

Text: 28 We recognize that our conclusion puts Cambridge in a peculiar position because the content-based grandfathering derives from state law. Relief from this disability condition is beyond the scope of this court's power in this case. Any change in state law probably must be left to the workings of the political process. As we noted in Somerville, it is possible to construct a justifiable, content-neutral grandfather provision that will advance the city's dual objectives of eliminating most billboards while giving substantial protection to onsite signs, 878 F.2d at 522. A grandfather provision could, for example, exclude from grandfathering all signs over a certain square footage on the ground that the larger the sign, the greater the aesthetic harm. 16 Indeed, Cambridge's own ordinance includes such a provision.