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County approves code change to allow billboards in I‑2 zone and permits a 60‑foot sign near I‑80
Summary
Storey County approved a code amendment to let billboards in I‑2 heavy industrial zones with a special‑use permit and separately approved Special‑Use Permit 2025‑058 for a proposed ~60‑foot double‑sided billboard adjacent to I‑80; staff said the structure will use printed vinyl and solar power for lighting.
Storey County commissioners gave final approval Dec. 2 to a code amendment allowing billboards in the I‑2 heavy industrial zone by special‑use permit and approved a specific permit for a 60‑foot billboard adjacent to Interstate 80 and USA Parkway.
At the meeting the board conducted the second reading of bill 145 (Ordinance 25‑333), which amends Title 17 of the Story County Code to allow billboards in I‑2 zones when approved through a special‑use permit and to clarify standards in chapter 17.84 for signs and billboards. Planning staff told the board there were no substantive changes since the Nov. 16 hearing and no additional public comment. In accordance with staff recommendations and findings of fact read into the record, Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the second reading and the motion passed by voice vote with the board saying "aye."
Later in the agenda, Planning presented Special‑Use Permit 2025‑058, an application to construct a two‑sided billboard approximately 60 feet tall on a parcel zoned I‑2 and adjacent to I‑80 (Assessor parcel 004‑101‑02). Planner Jessica Prager said each face will be about 1,200 square feet, the billboard will be printed vinyl (not electronic), and lighting will be powered via solar panels. Staff noted the parcel had become landlocked when USA Parkway was built and the applicant negotiated access with Union Pacific Railroad; staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval.
Prager read findings of fact into the record, including that the proposed use complies with the county master plan, will not cause substantial negative impacts on adjacent properties, and will not impose undue burdens on public facilities. Commissioner Mitchell moved to approve the special‑use permit; the motion passed unanimously.
What was approved and what remains: The county code now allows billboards in the I‑2 zone subject to special‑use permit requirements. The approved SUP authorizes the specific 60‑foot billboard as described in the permit conditions; it specifies printed vinyl faces (≈1,200 sq ft each) and solar‑powered lighting. Any future change (for example to make the sign electronic) would require separate review and permitting.
