Billboard Control Under the Highway Beautification Act—A Failure of Land Use Controls

Abstract

Abstract Billboard control and removal under the Highway Beautification Act has largely been a failure, achieving little toward the accomplishment of stated Congressional goals. Crippling amendments, “loopholes” in the designation of commercial and industrial zones, the exemption of on-premise signs, a lack of national standards, reliance upon the use of eminent domain rather than the police power to remove noncomforming signs, inadequate appropriations for the program, and general indifference among former supporters have been the main causes of the Act's ineffectiveness. Extensive amendment and vigorous administration are essential if the Act is ever to be effective.