Cedar City Council approves billboard variances along Nichols Canyon Road

The Cedar City Board of Adjustments meeting on April 7, 2025, focused on several key variance requests, including billboard placements and residential setbacks. The discussions highlighted the complexities of local zoning laws and the interplay with state regulations.

One significant topic was a request from Yesco, a billboard company, to relocate two billboards within 1,000 feet of existing ones. The city’s ordinance requires billboards to be at least 1,000 feet apart, while state law allows for a minimum distance of 500 feet. City officials expressed concerns that contesting the state law could lead to costly legal battles and potentially undermine local zoning authority. Ultimately, the board voted to approve the variance, allowing the billboards to be relocated to two agreed-upon sites, which city officials deemed preferable to placing them on Main Street.

Another notable request came from a resident seeking a variance for rear setbacks on a residential lot. The applicant argued that the unique topography of the lot, which slopes steeply, created an unreasonable hardship. The board discussed the implications of treating the lot as a corner lot, which would allow for reduced setbacks. After deliberation, the board approved the variance, recognizing the challenges posed by the lot's shape and slope.

A third request involved a homeowner seeking to pull the footprint of their house closer to the street to accommodate a steep driveway. The board expressed concerns about whether the hardship was self-imposed due to the size of the proposed house. Ultimately, the board decided to deny this request, emphasizing the need for compliance with existing zoning ordinances.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting a productive session that addressed important local zoning issues while balancing the interests of residents and businesses in Cedar City.