Billboards
Billboards
Scenic beauty is one of the most valuable assets of our region. Yet new billboards are being erected at an increasing rate on our county roads and highways, detracting from our region’s unique character and distracting drivers on windy roads. Counties in Texas currently don’t have the authority to regulate billboards, dark skies, energy transmission lines or cell towers — these issues are left to the Texas Legislature, which is only in session once every two years. During the 2009 session, several bills related to billboards near Hill Country roads were filed, but none successfully passed.
Chairman Coleman filed HB 1360 in the recent session of 2011 which would have given tools to manage billboards to counties. A strong showing of support turned out from several Hill Country counties however the bill was left pending in House County Affairs Committee after facing fierce opposition by the outdoor advertising industry.
This Space Available: a visual pollution documentary highlighting Scenic Texas Warriors
Recent Billboard News
Commentary: Texas will have taller billboards unless Legislature acts
The state of Texas has drawn a line in the sky that limits the height of billboards along our highways. Unfortunately, many billboard owners have ignored it. A significant number of the billboards across our state, which are regulated by the Texas Department of...
Dripping Springs City Council approves resolution to support Hill Country Scenic Highways Bill
One week after Hays County Commissions voted to support House Bill 1303, Dripping Springs City Council on Feb. 19 followed suit, passing a resolution of support of their own. House Bill 1303 would restrict the presence of billboards along certain roads in Hays County....
Bill would bar new billboards from some Hays County roads
Legislation filed in the Texas House would prohibit new billboards along segments of three Hays County highways. Local elected officials say billboards disrupt the scenic Hill Country views that attract tourists and homeowners alike in the fast-growing region. The...
Oct. 16 last day to comment to keep Texas billboards from doubling to 85 feet
Imagine driving across Texas and seeing billboards suddenly stretching twice as high, marring your view of the landscape. A scenic advocacy group fears this could be the result of proposed new rules from the Texas Department of Transportation. For decades, the maximum...