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Board denies second Robinson Outdoor request for digital billboard at 2400 East Market Street
Summary
A second use-variance petition from Robinson Outdoor to erect a 288-square-foot LED billboard at 2400 East Market Street was denied after staff outlined zoning prohibitions, separation-distance conflicts and public testimony citing traffic and historic-district concerns.
The Logansport Board of Zoning Appeals denied a second Robinson Outdoor LLC petition (BZA case 26-07) seeking a use variance to install a 12-by-24-foot digital billboard at 2400 East Market Street.
Planning staff read the petition and again noted the property’s NB (neighborhood business) zoning, the town’s sign-area and separation standards, and the requirement that off-premise signs follow the state outdoor advertising manual when located along US 24. Staff highlighted that the proposed digital face (288 square feet) far exceeds the allowed area for the parcel (staff calculated an allowable area measured in single digits for the 0.17-acre property) and that nearby legally erected freestanding signs were much closer than the 2,000-foot separation standard in city code.
Residents and local business owners repeated traffic-safety, neighborhood-character and legal objections. Paul Wilhelm and others cited proximity to the National Riverside Historic District and argued excavation for sign foundations could trigger brownfield/EPA remediation requirements for a former gas-station parcel. Opponents also renewed concerns about setting a precedent that would invite more out-of-area billboard companies into Logansport.
Robinson Outdoor said it did not intend to tear down buildings on the site and emphasized promised community benefits, weather-alert functionality and a willingness to work with staff on landscaping and siting. The petitioner agreed on the record to staff conditions (obtain permits, meet ordinance standards, commit to static displays and 8-second rotations and to work with staff if lighting issues arise).
The board took a roll-call vote that produced a majority against the variances (recorded: Tom Hall: Yes; Mimi Renwanz: No; Tom Nelson: No; Judy Burkhardt: No) and the secretary announced case 26-07 was denied. The zoning administrator will send the formal decision and information about the 30-day appeal period.
The denials maintain the city’s practice of limiting off-premise billboards to districts already designated for them and preserve current separation and lighting controls for electronic displays.
