We are receiving a lot of questions regarding billboards on Lewisville-Clemmons Road and would like to provide the details.
In June 2019, a company called Visible Properties applied to the Village of Clemmons for a permit to set up a digital billboard, also known as an off premise sign. Clemmons denied the sign permit, and the request was then presented to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for approval. The Zoning Board denied the permit, Visible sued, and a trial judge upheld Clemmons’ decision in December 2020. Visible Properties appealed the decision and despite Clemmons’ rigorous argument against the digital billboard, the appellate judges ruled in favor of Visible Properties.
The two billboards on Lewisville-Clemmons Road were applied for and permitted due to the court order and renovation stipulations.
The Village fought against the installation of the digital billboards for over three years to protect the standards of the residents.
Following the court of appeals decision, the Village Council adopted a moratorium against off premise signs. This moratorium allowed the Village time to rewrite the entirety of the sign code. The newly adopted code was adopted by Village Council on May 8, 2023.
Among other things, the code defined various sign types and are expressly prohibited off premise signs in 3-2.1 (B) 1 (d):
(d) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited except where they are exempt from regulation in B.3.2.1(B)(1)(c) Exempt Signs:
(1) Off-premise signs. Off-premises signs, including but not limited to both digital and static billboards or other large outdoor advertising structures, are prohibited both on-premise and off-premise.
If you have questions about existing signs or any proposed signs, please contact the Planning Department at 336-766-7511.