Utah Looking At New Billboard Bill

Rep. Francis Gibson

The Utah House Transportation Committee reviewed a new billboard bill, HB361 last week in a hearing, where opposition from the Utah League of Cities and Towns became public. The House Majority Whip Francis Gibson, sponsor of the bill, says the measure seeks to better define a method of putting a value to signs that are essentially condemned by cities. Under current law, firms wishing to relocate signs may do so anywhere that is mutually agreeable with a city within space limits, or the city is considered to have condemned it and must pay for it.

The Salt Lake Tribune  reports the bill proposes to use eminent domain laws to guide the process of valuing condemned signs.  The Utah Supreme ruled last year in Outfront Media v. Salt Lake City that a separate law, the Billboard Compensation Statute, guides the process. The court said the only part of eminent domain laws that apply are how to value condemned signs.

Cities are concerned about the bill only allowing for a 90 day period to agree to a value or relocation of a condemned billboard.  The cities are concerned that ultimately the new bill would take control away from cities for the placement of signs.  The Majority Whip indicates that a 90 day period should be reasonable and that if a city is going to condemn a sign then a relocation or compensation for the sign should be a higher priority.

Despite concerns raised by cities, the committee endorsed the bill 8-0 and sent it to the full House. But members asked Gibson, the industry and the cities to try to resolve differences and bring an amended version to the House.

 

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