Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves measure allowing electronic billboards with local controls
Summary
The House passed second substitute House Bill 87, authorizing billboard owners to convert to electronic displays under national standards while preserving local authority to set curfews and manage residential impacts; an amendment removed language about commencing eminent‑domain proceedings.
The Utah House on Feb. 28 approved a substitute bill that would let billboard owners convert signs to electronic displays under national standards while preserving local control over operations near residences.
Representative Mel Brown, sponsor of the bill, said the measure "allows the billboard owners to convert their billboards to electronic means based on national standards" while giving cities and counties authority to set curfew hours and placement, especially adjacent to residential areas. He said the bill also establishes an arbitration process for compensation when local zoning requires removal.
Representative Anderson successfully moved to strike language that would have used the word "commence" in the context of eminent domain proceedings; the sponsor treated the change as friendly and the House adopted the amendment.
Representative Handy asked whether any freestanding billboard could be replaced by an electronic unit; the sponsor said market feasibility would limit conversions and local governments retain power to regulate hours and use.
The House adopted the second substitute on a recorded vote of 55 yes and 16 no; the bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Next steps: The bill will be transmitted to the Senate.
