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Commission OKs UDO amendment clarifying billboard setback measurements; vote 6-1
Summary
The Planning Commission approved UDO Amendment No. 73, clarifying how off-premise advertising and billboard setbacks are measured — in a straight line from nearest property line to nearest property line — and updating language to include "religious assembly" and parks/trails; the motion passed 6-1.
The Independence Planning Commission on June 10 approved UDO Amendment No. 73, clarifying how the city measures distances for off-premise advertising and billboards and updating terminology. The amendment passed 6-1.
Rick Aurora, planning staff, told commissioners the amendment adds explicit language that distances for off-premise advertising will be measured in a straight line from the closest property line to the closest property line "without regard to intervening structures or properties." The amendment replaces the term "churches" with the broader term "religious assembly" and clarifies that parks and recreation include open space and trails.
Why it matters: The clarification standardizes measurement practices for billboard setbacks, reducing ambiguity about whether measurements should follow property lines or curve around intervening structures. Staff said the change is intended to make application and enforcement of off-premise sign rules consistent across the code.
Commission discussion covered scope and definitions. Commissioner Ashbaugh asked whether the change applies to signs attached to buildings or only freestanding billboards; staff said the language targets freestanding off-premise billboards. Commissioners also queried the definition of "off-premise," which staff described as signs advertising not located on the advertised property.
Action: The commission voted 6-1 to adopt UDO Amendment No. 73 (case 2517502). Commissioner Ashwell cast the lone no vote.
Clarifying details: staff emphasized the amendment is clarifying language rather than a substantive change to the separation requirements; it standardizes the measurement method and corrects terminology within section 14-4-0-6-03-C of the UDO.
