Tampa City Council tentatively approved a proposed ordinance that would allow digital billboards, the Tampa Tribune reported. Clear Channel Outdoors and CBS Outdoors sought council approval to begin installing digital billboards throughout the city.
Under the proposed rules, the number of electronic displays would be limited to 12 citywide, six for each company. Situated at least 2,500 ft. apart, they would be restricted to interstate highways and commercial areas. Ads could change every 10 second for placements along federal highways and 15 seconds for state and local roads.
A public hearing and initial vote on the ordinance is set for May 6.
In November, the city settled lawsuits with Clear Channel and CBS requiring them, among other provisions, to take down regular billboards in "scenic view" areas throughout the city.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies will be allowed to replace them with digital billboards in other locations.
Representatives from both companies say allowing digital billboards will mean a reduction from the 1,300 regular billboards throughout the city.