Board grants sign exception for New Bethany Church despite staff safety concerns

Planning staff presented EXC 26.3, a request from New Bethany Church to install a 38.42 sq ft monument sign with a 60% electronic message face located 0.5 ft behind the edge of right‑of‑way. Staff noted the district’s setback requirement (35 ft from the edge of right‑of‑way) and cautioned the proposed location could pose a future safety issue if the road widens and that a large electronic display could distract drivers. Staff recommended denial, while the Planning Commission recommended approval by a 7–0 vote.

After discussion the board approved the exception as submitted and declined to adopt staff’s recommended extra five‑foot setback. Staff told the board it would still require a building permit before construction; the board recorded affirmative votes from supervisors present.