Committee clears code change to allow off‑premise messaging at large convention facilities

The recommending committee on May 19, 2025, approved a text amendment to municipal code that would change standards for on‑premise signs with off‑premise messaging at convention facilities.

The committee considered bill number 2025‑10, sponsored by Mayor Shelley Berkeley, which staff described as adjusting LVMC 19.12.120. Staff said the amendment would set a minimum convention‑facility floor area of 250,000 square feet for eligibility to display off‑premise messaging and would remove the existing upper‑limit language; the amendment also removes the provision that prohibited such signs from facing or being visible from freeway or expressway travel lanes.

John Veil, speaking on behalf of World Market Center, said the change is intended to allow convention centers of a certain size to display off‑premise content consistent with federal, state and local law and consistent with practices used by competitors in the county. Jennifer Lasovich of Lamar Advertising sought confirmation that any off‑premise messaging facing a freeway would have to comply with state and federal requirements and provide the Nevada Department of Transportation sign permit as part of the city application. Staff confirmed that the state sign permit from the Nevada Department of Transportation must be submitted with the master sign plan application when off‑premise messaging faces a freeway.

There were no other public comments on the item. The committee chair called for a vote; the committee approved the bill and members announced it will be eligible for adoption at the city council meeting on June 4, 2025.

If adopted by the council, the change would allow larger convention facilities that meet the revised floor‑area threshold to seek authorization to display off‑premise messaging, subject to applicable state and federal sign regulations and the city's master sign plan process.