Board approves JTRT Advertising’s conditional-use permit and sign variance for 16x24 digital billboard on N. Main St.

The Mitchell Planning Board approved a conditional-use permit and an associated sign-ordinance variance for JTRT Advertising to install a double-sided digital billboard at 2101 North Main Street.

Staff explained the application seeks an off-premise sign larger than the permitted 300 square feet (the proposal ranges up to 600 sq ft under the conditional-use standard). The applicant provided a rendering for a 16-by-24-foot digital billboard (described in the record as approximately 388 square feet). Notices were mailed and posted and one written response opposed the proposal.

Board discussion focused on transportation and spacing rules. Staff and board members noted the state Department of Transportation requires a 500-foot separation between off-premise signs along certain rights-of-way and that the applicant will need a DOT permit. A board member expressed concern that allowing one large digital billboard could open the door to multiple similar signs along that corridor; another member observed existing digital signs in town are typically smaller (12-by-24 feet, ~288 sq ft) and that this proposal is roughly a third larger.

The board moved and seconded the conditional-use approval and carried the motion on a voice vote. The board then considered the companion variance under the sign ordinance, heard that notification procedures were followed and that the same one packet response opposed the variance, and voted to approve the variance as well.

Board members emphasized DOT jurisdiction for the 500-foot rule and that DOT approval is separate from the board’s land-use decision. The transcript does not record named vote tallies or the exact text of the two written opposing responses.

Next steps: the applicant must secure any required DOT permits and comply with conditions of City approval and applicable setback and sight-line requirements before sign installation.