Whitpain Township Passes Billboard Ordinance

In joining with other municipalities across the state of Pennsylvania, the has unanimously approved a zoning ordinance which will allow billboards along certain areas of the turnpike.

Though the Off Premises Outdoor Advertising Zoning Overlay District will accommodate billboard companies, the township has , such as restricting the times when illuminated billboards may be used and limiting the square-footage of the advertisments.

"Our goal as supervisors is to make sure that this ordinance is sustainable and it protects the interests of people of our township," said Joseph Palmer, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "This is a revision to that ordinance which makes the requirements better defined, more sustainable, and it really protects us in a more clear cut fashion."

Palmer added that -- while companies have yet to approach the township for billboard permits -- it's a good idea to , restrictions and allowable locations.

"This gives us the upper hand in saying if they have to do this, this is the way we expect you to do it," said Palmer. "It needs to be done in a high-quality fashion, and in these particular areas which would have the least impact on residential neighborhoods."

Vice Chairman Fred Connor praised township residents for expressing their views during a two-hour meeting in March, and he also commended Solicitor James Garrity for his efforts in creating a comprehensive revision to the township's previously-standing zoning ordinance.

While the township has been fortunate in avoiding challenges to their previous zoning ordinance, they believe the new revision will hold up against any challenge in the future.