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Council extends billboard moratorium to allow focused code rewrite; sets Sept. 21 target for billboard rules
Summary
Council extended a temporary moratorium on new off‑premise sign permits and amended the extension to set a Sept. 21, 2026 target to advance a focused billboard text amendment and outreach to the sign industry and public; motion carried unanimously.
Dubuque City Council voted on June 15 to extend the temporary moratorium on new off‑premise sign permits while staff prepares a broader rewrite of the unified development code (UDC).
Planning Services Director Wally Woramont told council the current sign code requires billboard separations of 500 feet on non‑primary highways and 750 feet on primary highways, and that feedback collected during review suggested adding separation from parks, schools, and cemeteries. Council discussed whether to advance only the billboard section more quickly rather than waiting for the full UDC rewrite.
Members asked for an accelerated timetable for the billboard portion of the code; staff said a targeted text amendment with outreach to sign contractors and billboard companies, a zoning advisory commission public hearing, and subsequent council consideration was achievable in about two months, but practical scheduling pushed the earliest realistic council action to August. Council amended the moratorium extension date to September 21, 2026 to allow sufficient time for targeted outreach, advisory commission review, and two council readings if needed. The ordinance suspension and moratorium extension were adopted unanimously with council instruction to return with draft billboard text amendments and public engagement plans.
