WOODSTOCK – A slew of requests to build electronic billboards is prompting the McHenry County Board to consider a moratorium until its new development ordinance is in place.

After a number of complaints from municipal governments that have stricter billboard regulations, the board’s Planning and Development Committee will vote today on a recommendation to halt approvals of billboard requests. Although inspired by electronic billboards, a moratorium would temporarily stop all requests for off-premises commercial advertising, electronic or not.

If approved by the full County Board, the ban would last until April or until board members formally approve a new unified development ordinance, whichever comes first. The ban, like the county’s zoning jurisdiction, covers only unincorporated areas of the county and does not affect on-premises commercial or temporary signage.