HF3320

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to protect Minnesota's natural beauty, which is a significant attraction for tourists and beneficial to the state's economy. The bill aims to enhance the scenic quality of the environment by preventing the proliferation of billboards.

Main Provisions

• Statewide Moratorium on New Billboards: The bill proposes a ban on issuing permits for new billboards throughout Minnesota. This ban applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions.

• Definition of Billboard: A billboard is defined as any advertising device visible to people inside or outside of motor vehicles.

• Conflict with Existing Ordinances: Any existing ordinances, charters, or policies that allow new billboards will be overridden by this bill, making them void and unenforceable.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Existing Billboards Recognized as Nonconforming Use: Current billboards are to be treated as nonconforming uses. They will be subject to existing regulations regarding nonconforming structures under Minnesota Statutes sections 394.36 and 462.357 subdivision 1e, which generally govern land use and zoning laws.

Relevant Terms

• Billboards
• Advertising devices
• Moratorium
• Nonconforming use
• Tourism
• Natural beauty
• State agencies
• Political subdivision