Commission asks staff to coordinate with city, tables proposal on electronic off-site billboards

Saline County planning staff told the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 24 that county sign regulations do not presently address electronic off-site billboards along the South 9th Street corridor adjacent to I-135 and recommended maintaining current enforcement against electronic off-site advertising.

“Electronic message centers are allowed in the city but are restricted to certain commercial areas and even then only for on-site advertising,” the staff member said, and added that county rules currently limit off-site billboards to 30 feet in height and require them to be at least 100 feet from the I-135 right-of-way. Staff recommended option two: make no change to county sign regulations at this time, unless the business community or city interest suggests a coordinated policy shift.

Commissioners raised practical concerns about coordination with the city because the corridor is jointly managed in places and the city has an existing electronic sign near I-35 that appears to have been installed about six or seven years ago. “We probably ought to address it because it's just a sign of the times,” one commissioner said, urging staff to learn how the city justified that installation and whether county rules should be adjusted.

After discussion, commissioners moved to table TXT 26-02 and asked staff to consult with Salina city staff and return with information and a recommendation. The motion to table carried on voice vote.

Key regulatory points discussed: county limit of 30 feet for signs, a 100-foot setback from I-135, a county prohibition on flashing or blinking electronic displays, and the distinction between on-site and off-site electronic message centers under city rules.

Next steps: Staff will contact city planning staff to clarify the city's rules and reasoning for the existing electronic sign and will return the item to the commission with recommended options.