New Braunfels puts hold on billboards

NEW BRAUNFELS — The City Council here unanimously imposed a 180-day moratorium on digital billboards in the city.

Council members said they want an ordinance to regulate them before the city is hit with a wave of permit applications.
State officials are considering allowing the new, light-up billboards, which can flash a new message every few seconds, along highways. New Braunfels already has one application for such a billboard, which will be considered by the city because it came before the moratorium.
The council decided late Monday to reconvene a committee that disbanded this year after making recommendations for a sign ordinance. The panel will consider whether the city should allow digital billboards and, if so, how bright they can be, the number of messages they can display and how quickly the messages can change.
Opponents of the billboards complain that they cause light pollution and distract drivers. Industry representatives say their studies show no increase in accidents.

Source: Express-News