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House adopts compromise allowing minimal billboard relocations near power lines
Summary
Lawmakers approved a compromise bill negotiated among billboard firms, power companies and municipalities to allow billboard owners to relocate signs the minimal distance needed to remove a safety hazard where power lines sit within 10 feet of a structure; the bill passed 61‑7.
The Utah House on March 4 approved first substitute Senate Bill 145, a negotiated compromise that lets billboard owners relocate an outdoor advertising structure the minimal number of feet necessary when existing or newly placed power lines create a safety hazard by being within 10 feet of the sign.
Sponsor testimony emphasized that parties — billboard companies, power companies and the League of Cities and Towns — worked together to avoid liability gaps and to focus on a safe, economically efficient outcome. "It says the owner shall have the right to relocate the same or similar type structure to the minimal number of feet necessary," the sponsor said.
Representatives asked who would pay relocation costs and whether the measure overrode local zoning. The sponsor said the cost arrangements would likely be worked out between power companies and billboard owners and argued the bill reduces the need to reroute power lines at high expense for ratepayers. Other members warned the statute’s requirement that a county or municipality "shall" accommodate a special zoning exemption could set a precedent on local control; opponents said that forced accommodation raised concerns about municipal discretion.
After floor debate the House recorded passage at 61 yes and 7 no. The bill was read by title and signed by the Speaker for journal entry.
