Override of Rochester Mayor’s Billboard Veto Fails

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council failed to override a veto recently issued by Mayor Kim Norton. 

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Her veto came last month after council members approved a variance to allow Reagan Outdoor Advertising to place a new billboard about 165 feet from a church located along the East Frontage Road along Highway 52. The company needs the variance because Rochester's zoning ordinance restricts billboards from being less than 300 feet from a Place of Worship. 

Last month the council approved the variance on a 5-2 vote. The motion to override fell short of the five-vote threshold Monday night with two members voting to override, three voting to allow the veto to stand and one abstaining. 

City staff was opposed to the variance and the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals had previously voted unanimously to deny it. Mayor Norton accompanied her veto by saying  she fears that issuing the variance will put the city at risk legally, and set a disturbing precedent. 

Councilmember Shaun Palmer, who supported the variance, called the 300 foot billboard placement requirement regarding religious institutions “arbitrary” and also said the owner wants another use for their property.