Jefferson County enacts one‑year moratorium on new billboards while sign code is rewritten

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted May 28 to impose a temporary moratorium on new billboards and off‑premise outdoor advertising in unincorporated areas while the county updates its zoning code.

Planning staff urged the pause after an application for seven new billboards highlighted how current rules allow dense placement along major corridors. "About 10 months ago, we got an application for 7 new billboards in the county," Milton, planning staff, said, noting that the existing ordinance could allow a sign every 1,000 feet along corridors such as Highway 20. Commissioners said that unchecked permitting now could undercut future code revisions.

The ordinance, read into the record by Roger, states the moratorium is adopted under Idaho Code authority and "shall take effect upon passage and publication of the full text or summary in the Jefferson Star newspaper" and "shall remain in effect for up to 1 calendar year or until the county zoning code revisions regarding billboards and off‑premise outdoor advertising signs are adopted, whichever is sooner." The ordinance also cites Idaho Code provisions governing interim moratoria and provides that permits issued during the moratorium would be null and void.

Commissioners framed the move as a way to protect county corridors and local business visibility. "We need to keep Jefferson County beautiful," one commissioner said during deliberations, urging that future signage favor local retailers rather than large, out‑of‑area commercial advertising. Another commissioner urged planning and zoning to work with Milton to draft revisions that balance existing signs with future development.

The board moved, seconded and approved Ordinance 2024‑09 after deliberation. The moratorium directs county staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission to draft updated sign‑code language and return proposed ordinance changes prior to the moratorium’s expiration.

Next steps: planning staff will work with the Planning & Zoning Commission to develop code language addressing billboard spacing, digital‑sign standards and allowances for on‑building signage; the moratorium remains in effect until code adoption or for up to one year from passage. The county will publish the ordinance text or summary in the Jefferson Star as required by the ordinance.