LansingCurrent.com / Commissioners ban digital billboards until policy can be made

Archive for Thursday, May 8, 2008

Permitting for digital billboards similar to this display outside Community National Bank in Tonganoxie will be prohibited in rural areas of Leavenworth County for six months until county staff is able to include provisions for electronic advertisements in its planning and zoning regulations. County commissioners voted, 3-0, Thursday to issue the moratorium on digital billboards.

By Joel Walsh

May 8, 2008

Leavenworth County commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a six-month moratorium or cessation on permitting for any new digital billboards in unincorporated areas of the county.

Planning and zoning director Chris Dunn said the county's current regulations do not make any mention of digital billboards, and the moratorium would give his staff adequate time to prepare a recommendation for the board for further policy decisions.

He added that certain electronic advertisements because of their brightness or animated displays can distract drivers and pose a safety hazard for those traversing the streets in the area.

In other business Thursday, the commission approved letting bids for recording equipment for the District Court and printers for the County Treasurer's Office, approved a one-year contract with Joe Roth, a part-time agent with the appraiser's office and met in three separate executive sessions totaling one hour and five minutes to discuss personnel.

For more on Thursday's commission meeting, pick up a copy of next week's Tonganoxie Mirror or Basehor Sentinel or check back on this Web site.