Franklin County updates sign rules to align with state law; commissioners approve changes
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Summary
The county amended sign regulations to reduce setbacks, change height measurement to roadway grade, increase maximum sign face size, and reduce minimum spacing between signs; planning staff said the changes reflect state statutes and will require building permits rather than special use permits.
Franklin County commissioners on Nov. 5 approved amendments to the county’s sign regulations to better align local rules with recently adopted state statutes.
Staff explained the main changes: move the setback from a state or county right‑of‑way from 50 feet to 15 feet; measure sign height from the grade of the road with a maximum height of 50 feet; increase the maximum area of an individual sign face from 1,200 square feet to 1,512 square feet and permit double‑faced signs; and reduce the required separation between signs from 1,000 feet to 500 feet. Staff said the changes are intended to reduce conflicts between state law and county regulations and to make permitting easier for property owners.
The planning report noted the federal Highway Beautification Act and discussed how grandfathered signs and state statutes affect local regulation. Commissioners expressed aesthetic concerns about highway corridors but also said the county should not deny permits that the state allows; staff said building permits will still be required and that rezoning or other processes will limit creating spot commercial parcels on agricultural land solely for signs.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the changes and the board voted to approve them.
The amendment does not automatically authorize any specific new sign; proposed signs still require applicable building permits and must meet the amended standards.