Lamar Advertising has been sent back to "Go" in the city permitting process for a lighted digital billboard it wants to install on the new bus station at the end of Grant Street, Downtown.

Lamar got approval for its 60-by-20-foot sign from city zoning staff, on the advice of Urban Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Pat Ford, in a deal in which the company agreed to take down six old vinyl signs. Much of the construction has been completed on the new board, with Lamar saying it already has spent $2 million.

That's unfortunate, but there is no getting around the fact that city officials didn't follow proper procedures when they gave consent for the sign.

So last week Lamar agreed to file for a new permit, knowing it must go publicly before the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the city planning commission for review.

There are lots of potential impediments in the city zoning code that might stand in its way, depending on which rules apply to the site and how they are interpreted. The section of the code that applies says electronic sign messages in the Golden Triangle can't extend more than 30 feet above grade level or exceed 500 square feet. That would seem to rule out Lamar's sign, which is 1,200 square feet and starts at 32 feet above ground.

It's still not clear whether the Lamar sign will end up being subject to a vote by City Council or whether the last word will come from the planning commission.

The important thing is that the zoning code, through a public process, will govern this development. The code is intended to make sure one property owner doesn't step on a neighbor's rights when new structures are planned or existing ones significantly altered. It is not supposed to be arbitrary -- or subject to private side deals -- and the best interest of the city as a whole is the goal.

That's why a whole new game plan was needed for Lamar, one that is not expected to play out quickly or without controversial calls. In the end, though, the public should have confidence that everybody played by the rules.