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Oakland Park amends Clear Channel billboard permit to align fees with other holders
Summary
The commission approved a First Amendment to Clear Channel Outdoor LLC's special-exception permit to reduce the annual permit fee (from about $19,000 to roughly $6,750) and align it with other billboard permits; commissioners discussed revenue trade-offs and the absence of an escalator clause.
The City Commission on Jan. 14 approved a First Amendment to the special-exception permit for a static billboard (Clear Channel Outdoor LLC) at about 1650 West Oakland Park Boulevard, adjusting the annual permit fee to roughly $6,750 to match current city practice for similar permits.
Assistant City Manager Andrew Thompson explained the existing long-term permit had a 5% annual escalator and had grown to more than $19,000 per year. Because city code and permitting practices changed over time, other billboard permit holders now pay about $5,500 annually without escalators; Clear Channel requested parity. Under the amendment under consideration, the annual fee would be set near $6,750 and would be subject to future review as part of the city's budget process.
Commissioners pressed staff on fairness and revenue impacts. "What you're looking at here is a scenario that is considerably disconnected," the city manager said, noting the change reflects consistency with updated ordinances. One commissioner expressed disappointment the amended fee lacked a year-over-year escalator and asked whether the item could be tabled to pursue different terms; staff and the city attorney said tabling or further negotiation was an option but that the item was brought for consistency with the existing code. The commission adopted the amendment by roll-call vote.
