Board approves two electronic billboard conversions along Highway 24 after public debate

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 11 approved two special-use requests from Lamar Advertising to convert existing off-premise billboards to electronic message displays (EMDs) on the Highway 24 corridor, voting 3-2 on each conversion after extended public comment and technical presentations.

The conversions, for properties at 8655 West Highway 24 (file AL25006) and 3627 West Colorado Avenue (file AL25002), would replace legally permitted static billboards with EMD faces that dim automatically and are programmed to hold each message at least eight seconds, the applicant said. Miranda Benson, associate planner for El Paso County Planning, told commissioners that conversion of any static billboard within a restricted corridor requires board approval and that staff had posted mailed notice to surrounding owners and displayed on-site posters.

Why it matters: The proposals prompted dozens of written comments and a public hearing with residents and nonprofit groups saying the signs would harm the corridor’s rural character and distract drivers. Lamar’s representatives argued the upgrades reduce physical clutter, support emergency messaging such as Amber Alerts, and comply with county and Colorado Department of Transportation lighting standards.

Justin Johnston, representing Lamar Advertising, said the company’s photometric study with Daktronics shows typical brightness at the property line would be well under county limits and that the sign includes automatic dimming and an automatic shutoff if it malfunctions. “We display Amber alerts, silver alerts…we can post evacuation notices. This is a resource. It’s always on. It’s always ready, and is working for the community,” Johnston said.

Opponents included Scenic Colorado, Manitou Springs officials and nearby residents. Larry Barrett of Scenic Colorado told the board the proposal would “compromise traffic safety and aesthetics” and argued EMDs are inconsistent with the corridor’s visual character. Julie Wolf, a Manitou Springs city councilor, said electronic displays “are a distraction to drivers and are dangerous,” and urged commissioners to vote no.

Engineering and planning staff said traffic and drainage impacts were negligible and that a traffic impact study was not required under the county’s exemption rules. Joe Sandstrom of the Department of Public Works said no public improvements were required and that the county’s road impact fee did not apply to these conversions.

Both items drew extended commissioner discussion about safety, scenic character and regulatory standards. Commissioners split along similar lines in both votes. The board also approved the remaining land use consent calendar item 6c earlier in the meeting by a 5-0 vote.

Votes at a glance - Special use (AL25006), 8655 West Highway 24, Lamar Advertising — approved 3-2. Roll call: Commissioner Wysong: no; Commissioner Nelson: aye; Commissioner Applegate: aye; Vice Chair Williams: no; Chair: aye. (Motion: approve application; mover/second not specified in transcript.) - Special use (AL25002), 3627 West Colorado Avenue, Lamar Advertising — approved 3-2. Roll call: Commissioner Wysong: no; Commissioner Nelson: aye; Commissioner Applegate: aye; Vice Chair Williams: no; Chair: aye. (Motion: approve application; mover/second not specified in transcript.) - Consent calendar item 6c — approved 5-0 earlier in the meeting (motion moved and seconded; roll call recorded as 5 ayes).

The board’s action allows Lamar to replace the two existing static faces with EMD technology subject to the county’s permitting and any standard conditions that will be applied during final permitting and installation. The applicants and staff said they will comply with the county’s 0.1 foot-candle limit at property lines and CDOT’s 0.3 foot-candle limit within CDOT right of way. Commissioners and speakers repeatedly urged vigilance on content controls, dimming, and rapid shutdown procedures in case of malfunction.