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Board approves conversion of Pine Lake Avenue billboard to digital display
Summary
The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals approved a petition from Lamar Advertising to convert an existing static billboard at Pine Lake Avenue to a digital message center with a 10‑second dwell time, after staff recommended approval and no members of the public objected.
The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 9 voted to allow an existing static billboard at 1213 Pine Lake Avenue to be converted to a digital electronic message center and to permit a 10‑second message dwell time.
Staff presented the request as Variance of Development Standards petition 25‑516 and recommended approval, noting the sign faces primarily commercial property and state highways rather than residences. Robert Miller, who identified himself at the hearing, told the board the petitioner agrees with staff’s findings and seeks to upgrade an existing static billboard to new technology. “We agree with staff on the approval,” Miller said, summarizing the petitioner’s position.
Board members asked whether other nearby digital signs operate at similar dwell times; a speaker representing INDOT (as recorded in the hearing) said INDOT allows an 8‑second dwell and that many communities use that standard. The board discussed the local context and concluded the conversion would not injure public health, safety or welfare.
There was no public opposition during the comment period. A motion to approve the petition was moved and seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote.
The approval authorizes the conversion as requested by the petitioner and allows the 10‑second dwell time between message changes. The board did not attach additional conditions beyond the variance approval. The petitioner and staff may proceed with permit steps required by the city.
