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Planning commission to study I‑90 plaza signage after business representatives raise concerns
Summary
Brandon Planning and Zoning commissioners heard business representatives ask for more permissive interstate signage, discussed variances, conditional uses and overlay districts as options, and tasked two commissioners and staff to draft recommendations ahead of a future meeting.
Business representatives and city planning staff discussed whether the city’s sign rules are preventing retailers near the I‑90 Plaza from putting up highway‑visible signage, and the Brandon Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to continue the issue at a future meeting and to pursue staff recommendations.
The discussion centered on whether the city should allow larger on‑premise signs or treat billboards differently along interstate exits. Business representatives said the current rules make it hard to attract customers from the highway and cited examples in surrounding towns. City staff described three pathways: variances under the existing zoning code, a conditional‑use process if the code is amended to allow it, or creation of an overlay district or new commercial highway zoning with its own sign standards.
The matter drew sustained debate about existing billboards, how Sioux Falls treats off‑premise signage, and the practical distinction between billboards and on‑premise pylon signs. Staff told the commission that variances are an immediate available route while code changes or an overlay would require the formal ordinance process. Commissioners emphasized balancing the goal of attracting sales tax revenue with the desire to limit new billboards.
Commissioners did not take a formal vote on any ordinance change. Instead, Rob and Mike volunteered to meet with planning staff Tammy and Patrick to develop options and a recommendation for the commission to consider at the next meeting. The commission also agreed to add the I‑90 plaza signage topic to the next meeting agenda for formal consideration.
City staff said the zoning code treats signs uniformly today and that applicants may apply for variances; staff also noted that industrial districts may allow greater sign area than commercial districts. During the discussion, participants referenced a 30‑foot height and a 200 square‑foot maximum cited in local comparisons and noted at least one example where a billboard measured 243 square feet on the city’s materials; those numerical figures were discussed in the meeting materials presented to the commission.
The commission directed Rob and Mike to coordinate with Tammy and Patrick and report back; no code changes were adopted at the meeting. Commissioners advised that a formal variance hearing remains an available option for applicants in the near term while staff prepares language and analysis for any ordinance or overlay approach.
Votes and formal motions at the meeting did not address this zoning change; the commission only directed staff follow‑up and scheduled further consideration on the agenda.
