Lamar Advertising discusses billboard relocation with local DOT amidst city regulations

In the heart of Conway, South Carolina, a recent meeting of the City of Conway Board of Zoning Appeals brought to light the ongoing tension between city regulations and the presence of billboards. As the sun streamed through the windows of city hall, the discussion centered around a specific billboard owned by Lamar Advertising, which has been a fixture in the community for years.

Ty Singleton, the sales manager for Lamar Advertising, addressed the board, explaining the complexities surrounding the billboard's future. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) had granted a permit for the billboard to be reinstalled after road widening, but with a caveat: the sign must be moved slightly, approximately three to five feet, onto adjacent property owned by Mr. Bellamy. Singleton emphasized that this adjustment would not alter the sign's size or orientation, merely its position.

However, the board members raised critical questions about the implications of this move. One member inquired whether the request to relocate the sign constituted a new submission under city guidelines, which could complicate the approval process. Singleton clarified that while the sign would be repositioned, it would remain within the same parcel and not increase its nonconformity, a key point in navigating the city's strict billboard regulations.

The conversation took a broader turn as board members discussed the city’s long-term goal of reducing the number of billboards within its limits. Singleton confirmed that the city council had indeed passed measures aimed at phasing out billboards, which has left many in the advertising industry concerned about the future of their structures. With approximately 35 billboards documented within city limits, the board's stance on new submissions could significantly impact local businesses.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the fate of the billboard was not just about one sign but reflected a larger debate over urban aesthetics, community standards, and the balance between commercial interests and city planning. The board's decision on this matter could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, leaving residents and business owners alike watching closely as Conway navigates its evolving landscape.