Commissioners in Somerset County, PA, recently approved new regulations on billboards aimed at mitigating dangers associated with distracted driving as well as structural failure. Until now, billboard regulations in Somerset County only existed along two busy corridors, U.S. Route 219 and state Route 31. Businesses were able to install signage just about anywhere unless communities created a specific ordinance outlawing outdoor advertising.

The new regulations introduce setbacks and size restrictions in relation to the speed limit of the road on which they are located. Too often we see news stories of billboards falling, damaging property and even creating hazards on busy roadways. Somerset County President Commissioner, Brian Fochtman, recognizes that billboard regulation is common sense in regard to protecting the scenic aspects and safety of his community. “We just don’t want the county to be overrun by signage,” said Fochtman in a recent interview.

Under the new regulations, billboards or any sign over 10’ tall in Somerset County must receive a professional engineering stamp that ensures the sign, and its footer were built using Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code standards. Additionally, billboards must be placed at least the length of their own height plus an additional 5’ away from the nearest property or boundary line.  Commissioners have stated the setback is necessary to minimize damage or injury from falling billboards. Fochtman mentioned that in the past, he has seen billboards built right up next to property lines, putting landowners at risk.

The county is also enforcing signage regulations that are dictated by speed limits. For example, roads with a speed limit of 35 mph will no longer be able to host billboards or signs of more than 64 square feet regardless of lot size. Regulations tied to speed limits protect residential areas from billboard blight and the effects of outdoor advertising.

Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes even hinted at the possibility of expanding billboard regulations in Somerset County. Many billboards in the area have remained standing despite the product or business which they advertise ceasing to exist. Until now, there has been no framework for removing such structures. “It’s all about protecting the viewshed […] and trying to enforce these regulations equally countywide,” Tokar-Ickes said.

Scenic America strongly advocates for regulations like those taken in Somerset County that prioritize safety and scenery over advertising and billboards. We commend Somerset County for taking these steps and hope more communities across the state and country will see the positive impacts that these commonsense billboard regulations can have.