Planning commission backs draft rules to consolidate off-premises signs, sets size and timing limits

The Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 20 forwarded proposed zoning-text changes that would allow consolidation and relocation of nonconforming off-premises signs (billboards) while setting numerical limits and enforcement steps.

Staff outlined draft code language that would let owners consolidate signs on the same or adjacent parcels and — under constrained circumstances — enlarge sign area to industry standards. The proposal sets a maximum single-faced panel area of 672 square feet (14 by 48 feet) and a 50-foot maximum height; a double-sided panel would be treated as two faces (1,344 square feet total). Electronic messaging would be permitted only in commercial or industrial zoning districts under the draft.

Why it matters: commission members said the change aims to reduce visual clutter by allowing fewer, standardized structures while still regulating size, placement, lighting and safety. Staff emphasized the rules are intended to convert many irregular, older signs to fewer, more maintainable structures.

What the draft requires: applicants seeking consolidation must submit a zoning application listing signs to be removed, their combined square footage, and the proposed consolidated sign's size and height. The draft requires county and state permits for any consolidated sign. Within 30 days of receiving a county use-and-occupancy permit for the new sign, an applicant must remove the identified former signs and certify their removal to the zoning administrator. The applicant's signed affidavit listing removed signs will be used to clarify which nonconforming rights are permanently relinquished.

Industry concerns and edits: Clear Channel Outdoor representatives explained why mandatory relocation into a commercial or industrial portion of a split-zoned property could be infeasible when Clear Channel does not own the underlying parcel or must negotiate a lease. Staff and industry pressed for flexible language; commissioners agreed to strike the mandatory relocation subsection and instead allow relocation in commercial/industrial districts where practicable.

Safety and timing: the draft adds a general rule (section 158.113) allowing the zoning administrator to order the relocation, modification or removal of signs that obstruct traffic visibility. The commission adopted a split compliance timeline after staff and permitting counsel flagged practical constraints: 30 days to remove an obstructing sign (or to begin removal), and 90 days to file an application to relocate or modify a sign and secure the necessary approvals.

Nonconforming-rights clarity: commissioners and industry representatives asked that the provision phrasing extinguishing nonconforming rights be tied explicitly to the affidavit identifying the signs removed. Staff agreed to replace the broader term "consolidation" in the extinguishment sentence with "affidavit required herein" so that it is clear which signs are affected.

Permitting and enforcement: the zoning administrator confirmed enforcement typically begins on complaint; building-permit inspections cover construction details such as footings. Staff said applicants attest by affidavit that submitted information is correct; physical inspections occur when complaints are received or during construction-permit inspections.

How the commission voted: after several text clarifications and suggested edits, the commission voted to approve the updates and forward the revised draft to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. Roll-call tallies on the discrete motions recorded unanimous support on the floor committee actions (recorded tallies 5'0yeas, 0 nays on the votes cited in this meeting record).

What comes next: staff will produce a clean, consolidated redline of the chapter reflecting the deletions and wording changes and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for formal consideration. If the commissioners take it up, the ordinance process and public hearing schedule will determine the final timeline.

Representative quotes from the meeting included Commissioner (speaker 4): "Fewer but bigger is what we're gonna get," reflecting the tradeoff the commission considered. Staff explained the square-foot and height caps as the practical limits guiding conversions.

The commission's recommendation means the Board of County Commissioners will next consider the proposed ordinance updates; the text as forwarded includes the agreed wording tying extinguishment to the affidavit, the struck mandatory-relocation subsection, and the 30/90-day compliance split for safety-related orders.