TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

County Should Protect Sign Ordinance

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

More than 20 years ago, Hillsborough County commissioners responded to public concern by enacting a sign ordinance meant to control visual pollution along county roads.

A couple of years ago, they came back and made it even stronger. But today, they will consider a proposal to gut sign limits everywhere except in residential areas.

If passed, the revision would increase - from 30 feet to 60 feet - the allowable height of billboard signs along highways.

It would allow any type of moving, flashing sign - 'as long as it is engineered.'

And it would increase the maximum size for a ground-level sign, such as those in front of buildings, from 300 square feet to 1,000 feet. In industrial areas, such signs could grow to 2,000 square feet.

The county staff concludes that the proposal would undercut the intent of the sign ordinance, which is to lessen 'hazards to pedestrians and vehicular traffic,' 'prevent unsightly and detrimental signs' and 'prevent signs from reaching such excessive size or numbers.'

In effect, the proposed scheme would transform Hillsborough streets into a carousel of clutter.

Hillsborough created sign regulations to make roads safer, more efficient and attractive - everywhere, not just in residential areas.

Commissioners should stick with existing rules.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT