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Commissioners narrow rules for signs, approve billboard spacing and a new fee after Planning Board review
Summary
Randolph County adopted amendments to its unified development ordinance covering sign rules: temporary sign removal extended to 30 days after sale, off‑premise advertising set at one sign per 1,000 feet, billboard spacing reduced to 1,000 feet, and a $250 specific sign request fee added; motion passed 3–2.
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 to amend the county’s unified development ordinance with multiple changes to the sign regulations and to add a $250 specific sign request fee to the planning and zoning fee schedule.
Planner Kim Heinzer described key revisions that reflect prior board direction and Planning Board input: the removal window for temporary real estate and construction signs was changed from seven days to 30 days after sale completion; outdoor off‑premise advertising was restated to allow one sign per 1,000 feet (instead of one per lot frontage); the spacing requirement for billboards was reduced from 2,500 feet to 1,000 feet; and adjustments to setbacks for residential properties were discussed.
Commissioners questioned whether the changes would lead to proliferation of billboards. Staff and the chair said that only about 0.3% (3/10 of 1%) of county land is currently zoned in categories that allow billboards and that any additional signs on other parcels would require rezoning and Planning Board approval.
A motion to adopt the ordinance amendment and associated findings (reasonableness and public interest) and to add the $250 sign request fee was seconded and carried by a 3–2 vote.
Supporters argued the revisions clarify standards and reflect prior direction from the Planning Board; opponents said the changes were unnecessary and risked increasing signage and government regulation.
The new ordinance language and fee take effect as adopted; property owners and businesses seeking off‑premise signage still must follow zoning and rezoning procedures where applicable.
