Sponsor recalls billboard bill in Philadelphia City Council

A bill overhauling billboard regulations — three years in the making — has been pulled back in Philadelphia City Council. 

Councilman Bobby Henon says he recalled his billboard legislation because the state decided that it is re-imposing its authority to regulate billboards that can be seen from major roads and highways.

“We just do not know what kind of impact it’s going to have, and I want to make sure from a legislative perspective we have an ample amount of time if there needs to be any kind of adjustments,” he said.

Henon says the state now has the power over the majority of billboards in Philly.

“Nintety percent of our outdoor advertising are along our state highways or emergency routes through the city of Philadelphia, such as Market Street, Broad Street,” he said.

The councilman says changes to the bill can be made at any time and re-approved if compromise can be worked out with the state.