PIGEON FORGE — Pigeon Forge’s planning commission agenda includes a request to review multiple site plans for billboards, even as the city has started a moratorium on signs while it considers its sign ordinances.
Follow Pigeon Forge News on Google News
The commission has received six requests to review billboard site plans, all from Land Surveyors Services Inc. in Sevier County.
David Taylor, director of community development for the city, said it’s not likely the planning commission will take action on those plans while the city’s in a moratorium on new sign permits.
“Obviously the moratorium is going to be a factor, whether they are delayed or tabled,” Taylor said. “I don’t think they’ll be able to move forward with them (Tuesday),”
The city commission approved a moratorium earlier this month that runs through May 7, after rulings in federal appellate courts and in Sevier County Chancery Court.
The appellate court rulings found that it was unconstitutional for governments to regulate signs based on content including whether a sign advertised on-premise or off-premise businesses.
Based in part on that ruling, Chancellor Telford Forgety struck down the city’s billboard ordinance, and the city is in the process of reviewing its sign ordinances during the moratorium.
City Commission already voted on first reading of proposed new regulations but is planning a workshop before final approval.
The planning commission meets at 3 p.m. in City Hall.
Other items on the agenda include site plans for three new ATV rental businesses, and for a new, 200-room hotel on Jake Thomas Road.