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Council approves first reading of ordinance tightening rules on nonconforming structures and billboards
Summary
On first reading, council amended Ordinance 25-26-LC to clarify nonconforming-sign rules by adding 'improved' to prohibit improvements, repairs or replacement of off-site billboards; first reading passed on a recorded voice vote (4–2).
The Destin City Council approved on first reading an update to the land-development code regulating nonconforming uses and signs, including a change to limit the repair, replacement or improvement of off-site billboards.
Staff presented Ordinance 25-26-LC — which deletes older sections and consolidates nonconformity rules into a new article — and noted the version before the council reflects edits the council directed at the prior meeting. During first reading, a council member moved to add the word 'improved' before 'repaired or replaced' in paragraph 3.06 to prevent owners from making enhancements such as added lighting or solar panels that would effectively modernize billboards. The city attorney read the revised sentence into the record.
Council members debated whether the ordinance preserves heritage structures in the South Harbor Mixed Use District and noted concerns about enforcement and structural safety of older billboards. Staff and the attorney said unsafe structures can be investigated by the building official on the basis of evidence or reports, but the city lacks an on-staff structural officer qualified to inspect billboards and would need to contract for structural assessments if widespread inspections were required.
The council adopted the amendment and passed the ordinance on first reading by voice vote (tally recorded in the meeting as 4–2). Staff said they will explore options for spot checks or contracted inspections when there is a report of structural deterioration.
