Largo Outdoor Sign Ordinance Pending Survey of Pinellas CitiesBy Bill LopezLargo — A contract with outdoor sign companies is up for renewal in Largo and the City Commission there wants to know how other cities in Pinellas County regulate signage. The city’s planning staff completed a survey of outdoor advertising sign regulations within the nine of the most populated communities in Pinellas County including Pinellas County’s regulations for the unincorporated areas. The purpose of this survey is to determine whether outdoor advertising signs are permitted within their jurisdictions and whether they use an amortization schedule to remove outdoor advertising signs. The survey findings indicate that some cities allow for outdoor advertising signs as a permitted use, but only within the industrial or highway commercial zones. None of the communities surveyed utilize amortization to remove illegal or nonconforming signs, but Pinellas County does utilize an amortization schedule. The study suggests the reason for not using amortization for the removal of outdoor advertising signs is based on the impact of F.S., Section 70.20 (which became effective in July 2002) that requires communities to pay just compensation for all outdoor advertising signs that are required to be removed. However, this does not preclude the City of Largo from renegotiating a development agreement with the outdoor advertising companies that may establish terms and obligations for the removal of outdoor advertising signs that are mutually agreeable to the city and outdoor sign operators. The Largo City Commission will review the survey information and the contract with the operators at future commission meeting.
Largo’s Clock Tower Plaza slated for updateLargo — The Largo City Commission asked the city staff to revise designs for updating the Clock Tower that is located at Largo Central Park. The designs will refine work that was present to the commission in September and will be presented at a future commission meeting. Largo Central Park has been a city treasure for years consisting of 70 beautiful acres located in the heart of the city. Its rolling grounds, fountains and landmark clock tower have set it apart as one of the finest parks in the county. Contact Bill Lopez at blopezmmm@aol.com.
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