Modifies provisions relating to outdoor advertising
If enacted, SB 379 would alter the framework of advertising compliance for businesses and municipalities. It provides for a maximum area for outdoor signs, the height allowances, as well as stipulations regarding illumination and spacing from other signs. Notably, the bill permits the installation of signs in unzoned commercial or industrial areas and exempts certain tax-exempt organizations from permit fees, potentially encouraging more advertising in these regions. The changes could positively influence economic activity by ensuring that local businesses are visible to highway travelers.
Senate Bill 379 aims to modify existing regulations related to outdoor advertising in Missouri by repealing and replacing sections 226.540 and 226.550 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. The bill allows outdoor advertising signs to be erected within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of highways on interstate and federal-aid primary systems, under certain conditions pertaining to lighting, size, and spacing. Additionally, the bill establishes criteria under which signs can be legally displayed without any significant limitations imposed by local zoning regulations, promoting access for businesses seeking to advertise near major highways.
The sentiment surrounding SB 379 appears to align largely with pro-business interests, as it aims to modernize advertising regulations that advocates argue are cumbersome and outdated. Supporters believe that easing these restrictions will enhance advertising opportunities for local businesses, thus stimulating economic growth. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased visual clutter along highways and the impact on local communities, with some arguing this might undermine local zoning efforts designed to regulate aesthetics and safety.
Notable points of contention in discussions around SB 379 include the balance between state regulations and local zoning laws, especially regarding the control of outdoor advertising. Some legislators and community advocates fear that the bill could lead to a proliferation of signs that may detract from local landscapes and safety. In contrast, proponents argue that the bill will streamline the process for businesses, allowing them to compete effectively and gain visibility in an increasingly congested advertising market. This ongoing debate reflects broader tensions surrounding economic development versus community character preservation.