Harrisburg Planning Commission endorses digital billboard amid highway widening changes

The Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board convened on February 13, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal from Lamar Advertising regarding the installation of new digital signage along Interstate 83. This meeting was particularly important as it addressed the impact of a recent highway widening project that resulted in the loss of 18 billboard structures, which had previously provided 30 signage faces.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the applicant's request, contingent upon several conditions aimed at ensuring compliance with local regulations and safety standards. Notably, the proposal includes a limit on message transitions to six per minute, a standard established in a similar case approved in November 2023. Additionally, the applicant must ensure that the new billboard structure is located outside of the 100-year floodplain, a critical consideration given the area's hydrologic concerns.

The applicant, represented by the general manager of Lamar Advertising, emphasized the necessity of this project to maintain business viability in light of the significant reduction in billboard visibility due to the highway construction. The manager highlighted that the new signage would not only replace lost structures but also adapt to the evolving landscape of the area, which is characterized by industrial and auto-oriented development.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns about the exact location of the proposed sign in relation to the floodplain. The Planning Commission's recommendation included a suggestion for the applicant to negotiate a slight relocation of the sign to ensure it is definitively outside the floodplain boundaries.

In conclusion, the Zoning Hearing Board's decision to approve the proposal, along with the outlined conditions, reflects a broader commitment to balancing business interests with community safety and regulatory compliance. The board plans to issue a written decision in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendations, paving the way for the new digital signage to enhance visibility along a critical transportation corridor while adhering to local floodplain regulations.