Hammond City Council considers six-month billboard permit moratorium for density review

During the recent City Council meeting in Hammond, LA, a significant discussion emerged regarding the increasing number of billboards in the city. Council members expressed concerns over the density of these billboards, prompting a call for a temporary halt on new permits.

One council member highlighted complaints from residents about the growing number of billboards, which led to inquiries about the current permitting process and the city's Unified Development Code (UDC). The council member noted that the UDC lacks adequate measures to control billboard density and oversight. To address these concerns, they proposed a six-month moratorium on new billboard permits. This pause would allow the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the UDC and suggest necessary changes.

Another council member contributed to the discussion, emphasizing that while they support efforts to improve the city's appearance, they had not received complaints about billboards from their constituents. Instead, they noted ongoing concerns about the aesthetics of certain buildings in their district, suggesting that the city might benefit from establishing an architectural committee to address broader visual issues.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to balancing development with community aesthetics. As the city moves forward, the proposed moratorium and potential formation of an architectural committee could lead to a more cohesive urban landscape in Hammond, addressing both billboard density and overall city appearance.