Harrison County board grants 7-foot billboard variance after applicant cites obstruction by Dollar General sign

Dylan Calip, representing Summit Locations LLC, appealed a Harrison County Planning Commission denial and asked the Board of Supervisors to allow a 7-foot increase in height for an existing freestanding billboard — from 30 feet to 37 feet — arguing that a Dollar General sign and new plantings obstructed the sign face.

Calip said the change would not alter the existing board footprint and presented photographs and community-support letters. He told the board he had letters from nearby property owners and one supporter who had attended the planning commission meeting. Calip noted that a recent, much larger variance (for a Buc-ee’s sign) had been granted in the county and argued that a 7-foot increase was minimal by comparison.

No one in the room registered opposition to the appeal during the hearing. A motion was made and seconded to grant the requested variance, and the board voted in favor.

The board’s action overturns the planning commission denial and permits the billboard to be raised to 37 feet at the described site; any permit issuance and final compliance will proceed under county permitting requirements.