Architect Stephen Falk opposes billboard signs in Lubbock during public hearing

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on June 5, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas, featured significant discussions regarding signage regulations and their implications for local development.

During the meeting, architect Stephen Falk raised concerns about proposed signage for a specific building, arguing that the signs in question do not comply with existing regulations. Falk emphasized that the signs should be classified as wall signs, which are subject to strict limitations outlined in the city’s zoning code. He pointed out that the regulations specify that wall signs can only cover 20% of a building's facade and 10% per tenant. Falk noted that the current proposal does not adhere to these guidelines, as the signs are intended for a single owner rather than multiple tenants.

Falk expressed his apprehension that approving the signage would set a precedent for similar cases in the future, potentially leading to an increase in billboard-like structures in Lubbock. He urged the commission to reject the proposal, highlighting the community's efforts to maintain the city's aesthetic and prevent the proliferation of billboards, which he believes would detract from Lubbock's character.

The meeting also included other speakers, such as Patrick Liddle, who expressed his views on the matter, although specific details of his comments were not provided in the transcript.

The discussions from this meeting underscore ongoing debates about urban development and signage regulations in Lubbock, reflecting broader concerns about maintaining the city's visual integrity and adhering to established zoning laws. The commission's decision on the proposed signage will be pivotal in shaping future development standards in the area.