Legal

LA Releases Staff Report Proposing 86 New Digital Billboards

Los Angeles has issued a Department of City Planning Staff Recommendation report which contains a proposed digital sign ordinance which will be considered by the City Planning Commission on September 14, 2023.  Some of the key items. The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (“Metro”) is proposing to put up 86 […]

Rothfelder on Ruling that HB 2127 is Unconstitutional

I’ve written previously on the new controversial Texas law, HB 2127, dubbed the “Texas Regulatory Consistency Act” by its supporters and the “Texas Death Star Bill” by its detractors. In general, the bill broadly preempts and invalidates local ordinances that are “inconsistent” with State law, including arguably municipal sign codes. […]

Marnie Christine Cody Ware on Easements

California billboard attorney Marnie Christine Cody Ware, an attorney at Hamlin|Cody sent Billboard Insider these comments on Paul Wright’s August 23, 2023 easement article. I especially liked Paul’s piece on easements…The article was particularly timely for me as just yesterday our office newsletter was circulated including a brief article that […]

Rothfelder On Standing in Billboard Variance Cases

On August 15, 2023, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued an important decision on standing in billboard variance cases. In the case, Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood Association, et al vs Clear Channel Outdoor, Clear Channel was granted by the Phoenix Board of Adjustment five use permits and variances to relocate and convert […]

One Last Reader Question on Easements

We had a reader who passed along to Billboard Insider the following question. “If you purchase a perpetual easement for the use of a billboard on the property, can the expense be set up on a depreciation / amortization schedule, say 15 years? Is it a factor if the permitted […]

Take a billboard down when your lease expires or else it’s not yours.

Take a billboard down when a lease expires or else the structure may be the landlord’s.  That’s the lesson of Denny Weikhorst Equipment vs Tri State Outdoor.  Here are the facts. In July 1985 Western Outdoor Advertising signed a lease agreement with Roy Smith to erect a 14 by 48 […]

Rothfelder On Houston’s Lawsuit Over HB 2127

I’ve written a couple times recently in Billboard Insider on the new controversial Texas law, HB 2127, which has been called by its supporters the “Texas Regulatory Consistency Act” and its detractors the “Texas Death Star Bill.” In general, the bill, which becomes effective on September 1, 2023, broadly preempts […]

Goodman on Billboard Height and Leasing Trends

Today out of home leasing and development expert Andy Goodman talks about billboard height and lease trends. Billboard Height Cities will allow you to build the billboard either from the grade of the billboard location or from the grade of the freeway whichever is greater.  You could have a billboard that’s […]

Andy Goodman on what makes a great billboard site.

Today out of home leasing and development expert Andy Goodman talks about what makes a great billboard location. Here are some keys to a great billboard site.  An unobstructed view to the freeway The outside of a curve. A long approach A great right hand read that you know shows […]

Rothfelder On Texas Legislation Affecting Billboards

The regular session of the Texas Legislature, which meets for five months every two years, finally concluded at the end of May. However, several important measures, like property tax cuts, were not completed by the Legislature, so the Governor has called the law makers back for a special session. And, […]