Judge rules against flashing billboard in Arden Hills

The flashing electronic billboard in Arden Hills stays off.

That was Ramsey County District Judge J. Thomas Mott's message to Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. in a ruling this week that also reprimanded the company for flouting the city's laws.

The company had appealed Mott's Aug. 1 order to remove the billboard at the I-694 and I-35W interchange, pending an appeal of the case it lost to the city of Arden Hills. The company sued when the city ordered that the billboard be removed.

In his ruling, Mott upended Clear Channel's claim of damages, asserting that the ongoing violation damages the city. "Allowing such a continuance is to essentially deny the city's authority to govern," he said.

John Baker, the city's attorney, agreed: "There's an inherent value in having the city's laws followed," he said, "and so it was important from our point of view to see the judge draw those conclusions."

Nearly two years ago, Clear Channel installed the rapid-switch digital LED billboard. The company secured an electrical permit, but did not seek needed permission to change the size and scope of the billboard. Almost a year later, Clear Channel sought the permit, which was denied, and the city set a deadline for the company to restore the sign to the standard size and format. Clear Channel filed suit, arguing that it needed the sign to remain competitive in the industry.

James Lehnhoff, the city's community development director, said the city applauded the ruling.

Clear Channel's attorney did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.

The billboard was one of several Clear Channel installed in the metro area. Other cities also objected to the signs; Minnetonka struck a deal to allow eight two-sided billboards, in exchange for tearing down 15 traditional signs in the city.

Baker said overturning the injunction would have switched the sign back on for up to a year-and-a-half, until the appeal process is concluded.