NEW RULE — A possible adjustment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance is being considered as a result of a desired change to this billboard located along Cove Road. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — A planned extension of the Panhandle Trail into the city has led to discussions about a possible amendment to Weirton’s Unified Development Ordinance.

The Weirton Planning Commission Wednesday agreed to recommend a text amendment to Article 12.13 of the UDO, dealing with sign regulations, by adding the ability to place billboards in mixed use zoned areas and removing the prohibition of variances for such signs.

Weirton Planning and Development Director Mark Miller explained the issue arose as part of discussions for a possible expansion of the Panhandle Trail, which would include the construction of a bridge across Harmon Creek, connecting the trail to Cove Road at the intersection of Overbrook Drive.

A billboard, owned by Lamar, is located near the point of the planned crossing, and Miller said when the city reached out to the advertising firm, the company offered to assist with the project while also bringing up plans to possibly update the billboard to a digital sign.

Miller explained Wednesday such a change isn’t possible under current zoning regulations, though, as the current version of the UDO, enacted in 2024, allows billboards on in C-2 regional commercial and M-2 heavy industrial areas.

“It’s mixed use there,” Miller noted. “If they tear it down, they can’t put it back.”

In addition, Miller said through a consultation with the West Virginia Legal Review, he learned a clause prohibiting the issuance of variances for such billboards is against the law, and must be removed from the UDO.

All billboards will still have to go before the Weirton Zoning Board of Appeals for a conditional use permit, he said.

Some concerns were expressed about how bright such a digital billboard would be, with Commissioner Enzo Fracasso noting there are regulations against excessive light.

“You can’t shine on other people’s property,” Fracasso said.

However, it was explained those regulations concern spotlights and other such directed lights, and, considering the height of the sign and the existing distance between it and neighboring houses, officials don’t feel it will be an issue.

Commission Chair John Porco also said he doesn’t think it will affect motorists driving on Cove Road.

“With the height, it’s not going to affect the line of sight for traffic,” Porco said.

Miller explained the recommendation is only the first step in making the proposed adjustment to the UDO, which also must go before Weirton Council and pass two readings.