Bill would allow closer highway billboards while protecting neighboring owners

Property owners would be allowed to put up a billboard within 1,400 feet of an existing sign on the same side of the highway. The exception covers eligible commercial or industrial areas within 660 feet of the highway right-of-way, meaning land reserved for covered interstate and other federally designated highways. The property must have at least 500 continuous feet along the highway. The sign must meet federal law, local zoning rules, safety rules, lighting standards, and permit requirements. In zoned commercial or industrial areas, qualifying state or local sign rules would replace this section's rules while they remain in effect.

Sign owners would have to place covered signs so they do not prevent eligible neighboring owners from putting up an allowed sign. The restriction covers signs in eligible commercial or industrial areas within 660 feet of land reserved for covered highways. The neighboring property must have at least 500 feet along the highway, and its sign must meet this section's requirements. In zoned commercial or industrial areas, qualifying state or local sign rules would replace this section's rules while they remain in effect. The proposed restriction would apply to sign structures erected after August 28, 2026.