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Planning commission approves two illuminated billboards on McMurray Boulevard
Summary
The Hartsville, Triestale County Planning Commission approved a site plan for two static, LED‑lit billboards on McMurray Boulevard West after staff review identified compliance with local sign rules and FEMA flood maps. One commissioner voted no.
The Hartsville, Triestale County Planning Commission on its October meeting approved a site plan to install two billboards on McMurray Boulevard West, finding the proposed structures comply with local sign rules and flood‑plain requirements.
Commission members approved the applicant’s request after a staff presentation and applicant remarks. “My name is Michael Sutherland. We're just looking to install 2 billboards on that parcel 500 feet apart, and, we feel we meet all the regulations to do so,” applicant Michael Sutherland said at the podium.
Planning staff reviewed the application and supporting documents, including a site survey and the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Staff noted one of the proposed sign locations was adjusted to remove it from the floodway shown on the FIRM, and that the structures follow the structural standards in the 2018 International Building Code referenced in the engineer’s drawings.
Rosalie, a planning staff member, emphasized the package included a plat and survey that showed the floodway and the relocated sign: “He has done a lot of due diligence with this,” she told commissioners, and pointed members to the staff report that evaluates the proposal against the local sign ordinance.
Commissioners asked about illumination and power. Sutherland said the faces are static vinyl and will be lit from LED fixtures at the base that shine upward onto the sign face; the applicant said he had not yet arranged electric‑service location with Tri County Electric and would defer final wiring plans to the electrician who pulls permits.
Commission discussion also clarified how the local 500‑foot spacing rule applies. Rosalie said the 500‑foot spacing requirement applies to multiple billboards located on the same parcel; it does not extend to billboards on different parcels or existing adjacent sites.
A motion to approve the site plan was made and seconded; the motion passed with one recorded opposing vote by Commissioner Amanda Carmel and the remainder in favor.
The commission’s approval requires the applicant to obtain building and electrical permits and to submit any additional lighting plans requested at permitting to ensure illumination is directed at the sign face and not into the roadway.
Staff records and the applicant’s survey remain part of the permit file for follow‑up during construction.
