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Westminster adopts electronic billboard ordinance after close 3-2 vote
Summary
The City Council approved a zoning text amendment regulating electronic freeway billboards, drawing split votes and public concern over lighting, height and proximity to residences. The measure passed on second reading after council revisions to clarify separation and height requirements.
The Westminster City Council narrowly adopted an ordinance that changes local rules for electronic freeway billboards, approving a zoning text amendment on second reading by a 3-2 vote.
Lede: The council on Wednesday approved Ordinance No. 26-18, a zoning text amendment (Case No. 2024-0188) to title 17 of the Westminster Municipal Code that updates standards for electronic billboard signs near freeways.
Nut graf: The ordinance drew sharp public comment and divided the council over whether the new text provides sufficient protections for nearby homes. Supporters said it sets clearer technical standards; critics said it still allows too much discretion that could result in bright, large billboards close to residences.
Key points - The ordinance incorporates the state-mandated separation standard for billboard spacing and adds more objective requirements for maximum billboard height and materials documentation to justify height exceptions, per staff and planning recommendations. - Contract principal planner Stephanie Tomaino told the council the changes were made after the public hearing and that both the separation standard and the objective height-submission requirements were incorporated into the final text.
Public concerns - Councilwoman Amy Fan West and multiple residents urged objective, non-discretionary limits so exceptions cannot be used to place large, bright billboards near homes. "It should be because you did the study required for the state of California...that does not mean because you did the study of the light...we make an exception to make it bigger for you or closer to homes," Fan West said during deliberations.
Vote and outcome - The ordinance passed on second reading (Ordinance No. 26-18; Case No. 2024-0188) by a 3-2 vote. Councilmembers voting yes were Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo and Councilmembers Mark Nguyen and Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen; Councilwoman Amy Fan West and Councilmember Nam Kwan Nguyen voted no.
Next steps - The council adopted the ordinance by title only and waived further reading. Planning staff will apply the updated standards to future billboard permit applications, which remain discretionary when applications seek exceptions and will continue to be reviewed by planning commission and city staff.
