The Hammond City Council approved an amendment to the Unified Development Code that effectively prohibits new billboards in city limits while imposing restrictions on existing signs, passing option 1 by a 3–2 vote on Dec. 9.

Planning and zoning staff presented two options: option 1 would bar any new billboards, grandfather existing signs, and forbid conversion of static billboards to digital; option 2 would regulate conversions and new installations but require operators adding new advertising space to remove a greater amount of existing space (a roughly 2:1 reduction ratio).

Representatives of multiple sign companies urged the council to adopt the regulated approach in option 2, arguing that option 1 would be “anti‑business and pro‑monopoly.” Scott Jones, representing a local small sign firm, said the conversion rule — which would require removing two structures to install one digital face — would disproportionately disadvantage small operators who lack inventory. Paxton Morrow and other operators raised technical concerns about spacing, interstate setbacks and grandfathering language.

Planning and zoning director Ron Matthews said the review identified several nonconforming units and a concentration of signs that affected the city’s image; he described the proposals as a first step in a broader revision of the sign ordinance. Administration officials suggested the council could adopt option 2 with an amendment to allow a new company to apply to planning and zoning for an exception, but several council members and planning staff expressed a desire to move toward a stronger prohibition.

Council voted to adopt option 1 (no new billboards). The roll call recorded Councilmen Leon, Andrews and Councilwoman Gonzales voting in favor; Councilmen Wells and Divitario opposed the measure. Supporters said banning new signs was the clearest way to reduce visual clutter and encourage removal of dilapidated or nonconforming structures; opponents warned of unintended anti‑competitive effects in a market dominated by a few large operators.

Next steps: The planning department will notify owners of nonconforming billboards about compliance requirements and will coordinate any enforcement steps provided for in the UDC changes. Councilmembers indicated the ordinance could be amended later if needed.