City revokes permit for electronic sign

By ERIN EDGEMON-March 27, 2007-3:41 PM

The city of Murfreesboro has revoked a sign permit issued to Lamar Advertising for a billboard sign off Old Fort Parkway for being in violation of city code.A letter notifying the advertising agency of the revocation was mailed out to Lamar and its legal representation March 27. Lamar Advertising installed the colorful electronic sign that changes images every few seconds sometime in the last two weeks. The city has permitted the company to reinstall a conventional billboard sign near the freestanding Starbucks. Chris Shofner, Murfreesboro public information officer, said Lamar has 10 days to bring the sign into compliance. He said it is "premature" to say whether a lawsuit would be filed if Lamar doesn't comply. Lamar was permitted to "demolish and reconstruct an indirectly illuminated billboard which contained no moving devices. The declared value was $24,000, stated the letter.The letter also stated that Lamar Advertising had requested a "renewal permit" and desired to reinstall a conventional billboard.The Murfreesboro Building and Codes staff have recommended prohibiting the use of electronic signs in the city. The issue has been discussed in several meetings before the Murfreesboro Planning Commission and City Council over the last several months.??City Council have yet to take a vote on the matter, but a moratorium on the approval of or installation of any such sign is in effect until April 27. Its unknown when the issue will be readdressed by the City Council.??The local sign industry have made it no secret that it opposes a proposed ban on all electronic signs. Representatives hope to meet with the city to come up with an alternative proposal. City staff said electronic signs are a distraction for motorists and are concerned about the number of electronic signs that could be installed in the city with their growing popularity in the industry.Mike Scott, of Signs by Scott, said electronic signs like the one installed by Lamar Advertising costs approximately $400,000.A message left for Lawrence Leibowitz, of Leibowitz and Cohen law firm, who is representing Lamar Advertising was not returned before deadline.Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.