Outdoor advertisement signs; revise height requirement.
By amending the height restrictions, HB786 aims to create a more organized visual landscape along Mississippi's highways and roads. The proposed height limit for signs built before July 1, 2003 is set to a maximum of 1,200 square feet, while newer signs would be limited to 672 square feet with a height cap of 40 feet. Such changes may lead to increased aesthetic value in regions with heavy traffic, while also creating potential economic benefits as businesses could enhance their visibility through compliant advertising.
House Bill 786 is a proposed amendment to Section 49-23-9 of the Mississippi Code, focusing on the regulations regarding outdoor advertising signs. The amendment seeks to revise the height requirements allowable for such signs, establishing specific criteria for their maximum allowable height and size. This bill outlines notable standards that outdoor signs should comply with, including adherence to national guidelines and restrictions based on the date of sign structure installation. The intent is to provide a clearer understanding and enforce uniform standards across the state.
While the bill provides a standardized approach to outdoor advertising, it may face opposition from local business owners, as they might argue that reduced height and size limits could inhibit their ability to adequately promote their products and services. Critics of the bill may also express concerns regarding the state's overarching control over advertising aesthetics, potentially at the expense of local businesses that require more distinctive and larger displays to attract customers. The balance between state regulation and local economic needs will likely remain a key discussion point surrounding this legislation.