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Commission recommends disapproval of Sylvania Township request for electronic billboard; applicant represented by Lamar Advertising
Summary
The Lucas County Planning Commission recommended disapproval May 28 of a Sylvania Township amendment that would allow off‑premise electronic message center (EMC) billboard signs in part of the township overlay.
The Lucas County Planning Commission on May 28 recommended disapproval of a Sylvania Township amendment that would permit off‑premise electronic message center (EMC) billboard signs in a township overlay (case Z20C1079). The staff recommendation was to disapprove and the planning commission directed that recommendation to the township zoning commission.
Greg Chirella, representing Lamar Advertising, told the commission the company sought to place an electronic sign on a Central Avenue property and that Lamar would donate a portion of advertising space to the township for resident communications. “All our electronic signs are set up for those types of warnings and alerts,” he said, noting Lamar’s ability to display amber alerts and weather warnings.
Planning staff opposed the amendment, saying the township has removed billboards and pole signs over the past 25 years and reintroducing them would conflict with local precedent. Molly (planning staff) explained: “Based on the case history within Sylvania Township going back to 02/2002, billboards and poll signs have been removed over the past 25 years. Reintroducing [them] into the township…we are against this request.”
Commission discussion touched on applicant benefits and prior experience. One commissioner disclosed a past affiliation with a billboard company sold to Lamar two decades earlier and then participated in the hearing.
Action and outcome: A motion to approve the application was made and seconded, but commissioners asked for a roll call after an initial voice tally. Commissioners then recorded their positions and the commission determined the staff recommendation of disapproval would be forwarded to Sylvania Township’s zoning commission. During the roll call, Commissioner Jack Jolley was recorded as “disapprove.” The planning commission’s staff recommendation of disapproval will be transmitted to the township for further review by the township zoning commission and trustees.
Next steps: The Sylvania Township zoning commission will review the county planning commission's recommendation and the township trustees will make the final decision under the township’s local process.
