Public testimony splits as San Antonio staff seek two‑year pilot to allow digital signage; final council vote not recorded in transcript

City staff presented a proposal on June 12 to create a two‑year pilot program permitting digital display signs (advertising and curated art) in specific areas of San Antonio. The Development Services presentation outlined size and location limits, community protections and a revenue model; numerous members of the public offered testimony both for and against the pilot. The transcript for this meeting does not record a final council vote on the measure.

Why it matters: the proposal would change sign regulations (City Code, Chapter 28) to allow screens in limited locations, including parts of the urban core and several designated districts, and could affect the historic character of downtown tourism areas while generating new city revenue and a funding stream for public art.

Staff presentation and proposal details Amin Tomás of the Department of Development summarized the staff recommendation: a two‑year pilot with a maximum of 10 digital signs citywide, up to three signs per designated area, and a size limit tied to building façades (the presentation referenced up to “25 percent of a building façade” as a maximum). Staff proposed an initial revenue‑share model that would give the city a minimum 10 percent of gross revenue from the program (the presentation cited examples from other cities and local variations) and noted that, under certain conditions, that share could increase (the presentation referenced a 15 percent possibility if the pilot were extended). The proposal also described a one‑time permit payment by the private company (presented as $100,000 per permit) intended to fund initial artist valuation, installation and maintenance; staff said the company would also provide $5,000 per minute for certain municipal messaging use. Staff recommended OHP (Office of Historic Preservation) and HDRC review for signs near historic resources and proposed exclusions for the River Walk and designated historic structures.

Public testimony: preservation concerns and artistic arguments Public commenters were sharply divided. Several speakers who identified themselves as long‑time San Antonio residents, tour guides and preservation advocates urged the council to reject the pilot, saying digital billboards would damage the historic character that draws tourists. One opponent, who identified himself as the president of a local association, told the council, “I ask that you vote no,” and argued the program would invite large commercial displays that would change visitors’ impressions of the city.

Other speakers supported the pilot as a way to create new opportunities and funding for local artists. One proponent, who described experience working with arts programs in other cities, said such programs can “support artists and public art” and create opportunities for media artists to present work on a larger platform. Speakers raising concerns asked about maintenance obligations and whether the pilot included adequate community review; several asked how the city would enforce brightness and safety standards and what protection would be provided for historic districts.

Staff said the proposal had undergone outreach (a stakeholder process in 2024, earlier code‑review work in 2023 and coordination with TxDOT where appropriate) and that the pilot would include size, location and content restrictions: neutral colors, brightness limits, a cap on the number of signs in each area, and restrictions excluding the River Walk and historic‑designated structures. The presentation listed potential locations across the city, including Brooks, Port San Antonio and up to three areas in the central business district, and noted that the initial program design capped the citywide total at 10 signs.

Action on the docket and next steps A motion to approve the item was made and seconded during the meeting, but the transcript excerpts provided do not record a final roll‑call or voice vote on the ordinance amendment; the outcome is not recorded in the transcript. Staff said the pilot would return to council for review after two years for evaluation and possible extension.

Authorities cited: staff said the item would require amendments to City Code Chapter 28 (sign code) to allow off‑premises digital displays under the pilot and noted that the Office of Historic Preservation and HDRC would review proposals affecting historic resources.

What to watch: if the council ultimately approves the pilot, expect a subsequent permitting process, OHP/HDRC reviews for applications affecting historic areas, and a future council report at the two‑year mark evaluating community impacts, revenue and artist usage.