Recommendation 20241209-004: Billboard Relocation Prohibition — original pdf

Recommendation

DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241209-004 December 9, 2024 Commissioner Wittstruck Seconded By: Chair Salinas Billboard Relocation Prohibition Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Design Commission recommends to City Council that the City remove the right to replace a billboard sign once it is removed Rationale: City of Austin code § 25-10-152(B)(5) allows for an owner of an off-premise sign to relocate the sign to another tract under certain provisions. Most Texas cities do not provide an allowance for a billboard to be relocated to another site. This code provision allows for the continued presence of billboards within City limits. The Design Commission, in an April 7, 2008 letter to then- Mayor Will Wynn and Members of Council opposed the concept of relocation and the 2004 Council decision allowing it, further recommended that relocation be eliminated entirely. The impending expansion of I-35 makes it likely that owners of existing billboards on properties acquired by the Texas Department of Transportation along the I-35 corridor will seek to relocate billboards on new properties fronting the expanded I-35. Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wittstruck 6-0-1 Against: Abstain: Commissioner Wallace Absent: Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Ladner Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas AIA Design Commission, Chair 1 of 1