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Commission approves relocation and LED conversion for billboard at North 6th Street amid cross‑jurisdiction note
Summary
The Planning Commission approved variances for a single‑sided LED billboard at 3737–3745 North 6th Street, with staff noting one required variance pertains to proximity to residential lot lines in Susquehanna Township and with conditions including PennDOT approval and a six‑transitions‑per‑minute limit.
The Harrisburg Planning Commission on Nov. 6 approved variances and a special exception allowing Lamar Advertising to relocate a static, two‑faced billboard to 3737–3745 North 6th Street and convert it to a single‑sided internally illuminated LED face, subject to conditions.
Planning staff said the proposal required three variances: off‑premise signage taller than permitted by right (Section 7‑325.14A5), an electronic changeable message board (Section 7‑325.14A6), and locating an off‑premise sign within 200 feet of a residential lot line. Staff clarified that the residential lot lines referenced are in Susquehanna Township, which could raise interjurisdictional notice considerations for the Zoning Hearing Board.
Jeff (planning bureau staff) described the site as two parcels totaling 0.43 acres with a 3,979‑square‑foot building constructed in 1957 adjacent to Norfolk Southern tracks and Interstate 81. Staff recommended approval with conditions: PennDOT approvals as applicable, limiting electronic transitions to six per minute consistent with prior approvals, and noting that the relocation consolidates static faces and does not introduce a new off‑premise sign.
Michael Adams, real estate manager for Lamar Harrisburg, and Andy Reebok of Lamar said they accepted the conditions and explained they have worked with the property owner, whose parking lot will host the new pole. Commissioners asked only clarifying questions about ownership and easements and the unusual parcel configuration near Susquehanna Township; Commissioner O'Toole explained the irregular jurisdictional strip near the railroad tracks.
With a motion and second, the commission approved the request with the staff conditions and the motion carried.
