Editorial: BZA misses a sign of the times

Dothan’s Board of Zoning Adjustment took the path of least resistance last week by issuing a variance for a sign that doesn’t comply with the city’s code.

What’s fair is fair, and the BZA acted equitably in allowing Hugh Wheelless to continue to operate his digital sign at the intersection of West Main Street, Westgate Parkway and Honeysuckle Road. Board members should also have used the case as a springboard for discussion of emerging technology and how city ordinances must address those changes.

The conflict is complicated by the nature of the signs in question. Wheelless’s sign is located in front of a real estate office, and is relatively small compared to a billboard-sized digital sign adjacent to the intersection.

Wheelless argued that the application for his sign did not specify whether the sign was digital and made no reference to its brightness or the duration of time between messages, which are the points city officials say violate the law.

Billboards, electronic or otherwise, have a different set of regulations.

The BZA has dealt with one sign, but it’s not the last time it will face this issue. Digital signs are scarce in our area, but that won’t be the case for long. It’s only a matter of time before they’re springing up all over town in significant concentration.

Before that happens, the BZA should give thorough consideration to the sort of regulation that will encourage free enterprise while maintaining the integrity of our landscape and the safety of our roadways.