Commission backs zoning text amendments to allow limited electronic billboards, ease food‑truck rules and permit small covered patios

The City of Lamar Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption of zoning text amendment 2025-01, which would: authorize a limited number of electronic billboards in specific zones with spacing and design standards; reduce the separation distance for mobile food vendors from 1,000 feet to 500 feet; and allow attached covered patios to encroach up to 5 feet into rear-yard setbacks provided they are not enclosed.

City planner Steve Brandt described the package as three related but distinct changes. On billboards, Brandt said the city currently prohibits new billboards but is proposing an electronic‑only allowance in limited zones with conditions. "Only the electronic billboards be allowed," Brandt said, outlining proposed standards including a maximum of four digital billboards, a minimum 1,000-foot separation between billboards, a 300-foot buffer from highway-oriented signs and a requirement that displays not change more often than once every six seconds. He said Caltrans approval would also be required for signs along state highways.

Why it matters: The ordinance creates a regulated process for potential electronic signage along state highways and other specified districts while attempting to limit proliferation. Commissioners raised concerns about vacant parcels being leased for signage and whether a billboard could impede future property development; Brandt said a complete application must include site authorization from the property owner and the city could evaluate proposed sign locations as part of the conditional-use process.

Mobile food vendors: The proposal would reduce the required separation from existing brick-and-mortar restaurants from 1,000 to 500 feet, expand opportunities for vendors to operate on private property with owner permission, and allow multiple vendors on a site subject to conditional-use approval. Brandt said other restrictions would remain, including county health permits, commissary agreements and parking/traffic review.

Covered patios: The amendment would let attached covered patios encroach up to 5 feet into rear setbacks if they remain open on at least three sides; detached covered structures would also be permitted to 5 feet from the rear property line but could not be enclosed.

Votes and outcome: The commission voted to recommend the amendment package (motion by Commissioner Echagon; second by Commissioner Brewer). Roll call votes were recorded as all ayes and the resolution passed.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to consider application requirements for billboard proposals on vacant parcels and suggested including conceptual site plans with applications; staff indicated they could add such requirements when processing conditional-use permit applications.