Utah legislators discuss billboard relocation bill amid public concerns

The Senate Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss a pivotal bill concerning the relocation of billboards along Utah's highways. The proposed legislation aims to extend the allowable distance for relocating billboards from a half mile to one mile from their original locations, providing billboard companies and municipalities with more flexibility during infrastructure projects.

The bill has garnered support from key stakeholders, including the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), both of which expressed neutrality towards the legislation. Proponents argue that the changes will facilitate smoother transitions for billboard placements during highway expansions, ultimately saving time and taxpayer money.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the implications of the bill. Senator Kwan inquired whether municipalities could independently negotiate billboard relocations without the new legislation. The response clarified that while municipalities and billboard companies can negotiate, the bill formalizes the process and expands the relocation radius.

Public testimony highlighted a mix of support and concern. Carson Eilert from the Utah League of Cities and Towns praised the collaborative effort behind the bill, emphasizing its balance between local planning and industry needs. Conversely, critics, including representatives from Scenic Utah, voiced apprehension about the potential for increased billboard proliferation, arguing that it could detract from the state's natural beauty and violate existing federal agreements regarding billboard placements near interchanges.

Gary Ureska, another public commenter, raised concerns about the bill's alignment with a 1968 agreement between Utah and the federal government, which restricts billboard placements near interstate off-ramps. He questioned whether the legislature was knowingly defying this agreement.

As discussions continue, the committee will weigh the benefits of increased flexibility for billboard companies against the potential impact on Utah's landscape and compliance with federal regulations. The outcome of this bill could significantly shape the future of outdoor advertising in the state, reflecting broader tensions between development and environmental preservation.