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Commission approves amended letter to state on billboard permits for site on Highway 191
Summary
After testimony from the billboard owner and legal review that indicated a lapse in state permitting, the county amended its draft letter and approved sending it to the state regarding billboards at 1863 N. Highway 191; the commission debated whether a permit lapse created noncompliance or grandfathering rights.
The Grand County Commission voted to approve an amended letter to the State of Utah relating to billboards located at 1863 North Highway 191, after hearing from the property owner and county counsel about a potential lapse in state permits.
Jaywick Evans, who said he owns the billboards, told commissioners that the issue originated with the state and a prior owner; he argued Grand County should not be compelled to take responsibility and asked the commission to remove a sentence in the draft letter stating the county believed permits were maintained. County counsel explained the state’s position that a permit was closed or terminated in June 2017 and that renewal fees had not been paid, which could mean the sign was out of compliance under county code if it was not in continuous operation.
Commissioners considered whether a lapse in continuous operation would negate grandfathering rights and whether the county’s letter should acknowledge uncertainty or take a compliance position. The administration offered to revise the letter, removing the clause that presumed continuous permitting, and the commission approved the amended letter. The motion passed with six votes in favor; one commissioner (Mary McGahn) was absent.
Next steps: administration will send the amended letter to the state and continue coordination with the state transportation and permitting authorities as needed.
