Lamar Advertising seeks approval for static billboard on Clemson Road amid zoning concerns

The Planning Commission of Columbia City convened on August 14, 2025, to discuss a proposal for an outdoor advertising billboard sign. The meeting focused on the application submitted by Lamar Advertising, which seeks to establish a new billboard on a 4,000 square foot parcel located on Clemson Road.

The discussion began with a presentation from city staff outlining the context of the proposal. The existing zoning regulations, established in 2000, classify billboards as nonconforming structures. However, the current application is part of a program that allows for new billboards to be erected if existing ones are removed in other locations. The staff emphasized that the proposed billboard must adhere to specific spacing requirements, including a minimum distance of 300 feet from any residential zoning district.

Mason Sullivan, representing Lamar Advertising, provided further details about the billboard design, which will feature a static display on both sides. He noted that the company has already removed two nonconforming billboard structures to comply with city regulations. Sullivan highlighted the demand for visibility from local businesses in the area, indicating that the billboard would not only replace removed structures but also serve the growing commercial corridor along Clemson Road.

Commission members raised concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed billboard to residential areas, particularly those located just outside the city limits. Questions were posed about the potential for the billboard to be converted to a digital display in the future. Staff clarified that while the current proposal is for a static display, any future conversion would be subject to zoning regulations and the distance requirements from residential zones.

The commission discussed the implications of approving the billboard, particularly if the adjacent residential area were to be annexed into the city in the future. Staff confirmed that the billboard would be allowed to remain as a grandfathered nonconforming structure if it was established before any changes to zoning occurred.

The meeting concluded with no immediate decisions made, but the commission acknowledged the need for careful consideration of the proposal's impact on surrounding residential neighborhoods. Further discussions and evaluations will be necessary as the commission continues to assess the application and its implications for the community.