Connecticut House Bill HB05515

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 4/2/18
• Refer: 4/9/18
• Report Pass: 4/16/18
• Refer: 4/24/18
• Report Pass: 4/25/18
• Engrossed: 5/2/18
• Report Pass: 5/3/18
• Chaptered: 5/15/18
• Enrolled: 5/17/18
• Passed: 5/29/18

Caption

An Act Concerning The Authority Of A Zoning Commission To Regulate The Brightness And Illumination Of Advertising Signs And Billboards.

Impact

The bill is designed to enable municipalities to have greater control over external lighting and the impact of signage on community character. By allowing local governments to establish regulations regarding brightness and illumination, the bill is expected to facilitate improved urban aesthetics and reduce light pollution. This greater authority over signage helps address community-specific concerns and promotes a more harmonious integration of advertising within the surrounding environment.

Summary

House Bill 05515, titled 'An Act Concerning The Authority Of A Zoning Commission To Regulate The Brightness And Illumination Of Advertising Signs And Billboards,' aims to clarify the powers of local zoning commissions related to signage. The bill empowers zoning commissions in various municipalities to regulate the brightness and illumination of advertising signs and billboards, allowing for a more tailored approach to managing visual impacts within their localities. This legislative action is particularly relevant as communities strive to balance commercial interests with aesthetic and safety concerns in urban planning.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 05515 appears to be generally supportive, especially among local governments and urban planners who advocate for local control over zoning regulations. Advocacy for the bill emphasizes the need for municipalities to make decisions that reflect the interests and values of their communities. However, there remain some concerns, particularly among business owners who may worry that too restrictive regulations could hinder advertising opportunities and economic activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the potential for disparate regulation across municipalities, which could lead to a patchwork of rules affecting businesses operating in multiple towns. Critics argue that overly restrictive practices may be detrimental to advertising companies and could hinder their ability to compete. There is a careful balance here between protecting community interests and ensuring that local businesses can effectively market their services without excessive limitations.