Compromise law on billboards approved

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, June 8, 2000 | 12:01 p.m.

North Las Vegas in 10 years will look very different from the city that now has 67 billboards along various streets and highways.

The City Council on Wednesday approved a controversial billboard ordinance that had been delayed for more than nine months as it underwent numerous revisions.

The council approved an ordinance seen as a compromise. It will allow the signs only within 300 feet of Interstate 15 or within 50 feet of Rancho Drive.

The ordinance will also give special consideration to those billboards affected by a clause requiring their removal, allowing them to relocate at 500 feet from an existing sign along I-15.

But it still states that after 10 years all nonconforming signs would have to be taken down at the owner's expense.

Tom Bell, director of development services, said about 43 billboards will have to be removed from their current locations in 10 years. Their owners would then apply for relocation.

"Removal of these billboards within the major corridors will enhance the aesthetic character of the community," he said.

Attorney Mark Fiorentino, who represents the Nevada Outdoor Media Association, said the ordinance is superior to the original document, which would have allowed billboards only along I-15.

The council also approved spending $100,000 toward the cost of sod in order to make the James K. Seastrand Park ready for a July opening. Council member John Rhodes cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he would rather delay the opening than spend money on a project that is directed by Pardee Construction Co.

The council also approved two petitions requesting annexation of two parcels of land. The council then introduced two ordinances to annex 203 acres just east of Lamb Boulevard and north of I-15 and a 20-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Bruce Street and Washburn Road.

Final action on the two ordinances will be taken July 21.