Two governing bodies in Humboldt County are weighing in on a state Assembly bill that would change the permitting process for billboards. They want to keep existing permitting rules in place in times where billboards need to be shored up.The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a letter in opposition to Assembly Bill 770 in a 4-1 vote last week. The Eureka City Council will consider a similar letter next week.If passed, the bill, sponsored by the California State Outdoor Advertising Association, would add a single sentence to the Business and Professions Code regarding billboard maintenance.” ‘Customary maintenance’ means an activity performed on a display for the purpose of maintaining the display in its existing physical configuration, including, but not limited to, replacing structural members, such as posts and internal bracing, and using stronger materials, without increasing the number of posts,” the bill’s text read. This addition would change the permitting process.According to an analysis from the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, existing regulations say customary maintenance is “action taken on a permitted display to actively preserve the display, in the display’s approved physical configuration and size, for the duration of the display’s normal life,” citing examples like changing the message, or adding a light box.The regulations, as they are, require owners to apply for a new permit in certain activities, like adding structural bracing. If passed, billboard owners can instead upgrade display structures without seeking the permit through Caltrans for the work.The Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Organization approved the bill with 20 voting in favor and 2 not voting last month. Some elected officials in Humboldt County, however, fear the bill will limit local control.Read More
