Panel approves amendment to allow billboards on military‑compatible commercial parcels

The House transportation committee moved SB1232 forward after adopting an amendment that clarifies where off‑highway signs and billboards may be lawfully located near military airport and facility districts. Committee staff said the amendment (dated 03/17/2026) replaces a 1,000‑foot residential‑setback standard with a requirement that the property be lawfully zoned and have been approved through a local public hearing. Proponents, including Tony Bradley for Becker Boards and Cole Libera of Rose Law Group for Marbella Communities, described the change as a narrow technical fix to resolve Federal Highway Administration zoning concerns raised during prior permitting for areas around Luke Air Force Base and certain freeway corridors.

Bradley told the committee the adjustment allows ADOT to grant a permit in an industrial/commercial overlay district without inadvertently conflicting with federal billboard controls. Libera said the bill addresses a minor zoning mismatch that had prevented a property owner from obtaining a lawful ADOT permit even though no residences existed near the site. The committee adopted the amendment and returned SB1232 with a due‑pass recommendation (vote reported 6–0).

Committee members asked about FHWA spacing rules and vendor contracts; proponents said federal spacing standards apply and ADOT had negotiated the amendment language. SB1232 now moves to the House floor for further consideration.