Jackson board holding hearing on proposed rules for billboards

When it comes to billboards, two of Jackson's most important government bodies don't see eye to eye.

At a recent study session, the Jackson Board of Aldermen came to a consensus that Jackson's billboard policy should not be changed as suggested by the Planning and Zoning Board.

Tonight, residents can weigh in on the billboard issue, as well as other proposed changes when the city holds a public hearing on a widespread makeover in its zoning and code policies.

The proposed billboard changes are in a 158-page zoning draft, which the council has been mulling over for months. The draft suggests that billboards would be allowed to be erected on more Jackson streets, but they would have to be 2,000 feet apart. Jackson's current code allows signs every 1,400 feet along Interstate 55.

That code, however, does not allow billboards to be placed on certain busy stretches of highway, like Jackson Boulevard, Route D or Route 25. The proposal would allow signs on High Street outside the central business district, on Jackson Boulevard and on Route D.

The billboards up on Jackson Boulevard now were put up before Jackson's restrictions were in place.

Jackson alderman David Reiminger said he hopes many come to tonight's hearing. He said the local billboard companies are pushing for the changes.

"So far, I think the only ones who want them up are the ones who want to put them up and the ones who want to advertise," Reiminger said. "I think the restrictions should remain intact to protect the integrity of the way the town looks. I personally think we have enough billboards."

There are many changes included in the zoning draft, including new cellular phone tower regulations.

The aldermen also had extensive discussion recently about banners and portable signs, the ones with the lit-up arrows pointing toward the businesses. Alderman Kerry Hoffman said the new regulations would address those type of signs.

"There have been some that haven't been kept up," Hoffman said. "We may propose a housekeeping item where people who are not using them need to get rid of them. I'd like to encourage business owners who use these to come up for the public hearing. I think what they say will impact if we get to keep that kind of stuff."

The public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. at city hall as part of the board of aldermen's regular meeting.

bmiller@semissourian.com

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