Saying it wishes to balance the First Amendment rights and commercial interests of private property owners with “the scenic beauty, natural resources, livability and economic potential” of the Interstate 575 corridor, Woodstock is moving to extend its moratorium on new billboard applications along the interstate for 90 days, until March 23.
The City Council recently adopted on first reading an emergency ordinance extending the moratorium, which was imposed in October and is due to expire Dec. 23. A second and final vote on the measure is expected Dec. 12.
The ordinance says “an emergency exists as to the lack of concise controls over the regulation of billboard signs,” and that while the moratorium is in effect, no billboard applications, plans, proposals, fee payments or attachments will be accepted for review, nor will any billboard permits be issued.
“City staff is hereby directed to review the city’s billboard signs standards and propose appropriate revisions thereto,” the ordinance says.
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