Commission asks staff for more analysis before relaxing billboard distance rules

Planning staff presented a proposed text amendment to Shelbyville’s sign code (Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 4-14-06) to align local billboard distance regulations with state (TDOT) standards following a BZA review that identified multiple potentially noncompliant signs. Staff said adopting the state spacing would regularize applications and close a procedural loop where applicants apply to the state first.

Several commissioners resisted an immediate alignment to the state minimum, arguing it would lower the city’s standards and increase sign pollution and driver distraction. Commissioners asked staff to compile comparisons with municipalities such as Franklin and Nolensville and suggested a workshop to consider higher distance standards rather than an immediate change to the code. After debate, commissioners approved a motion requesting additional staff analysis and returning the item for further review; the motion carried on a voice/roll-call vote.

Commissioners emphasized that any final decision should weigh legal exposure, the existing nonconformities, and public-safety considerations (distraction while driving), and suggested staff provide a set of options with comparative distances and enforcement implications.