02-26-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The most notable proposed change is that electronic or dynamic signs will be allowed to operate under four conditions. These conditions include the frequency of which a sign can change messages, a separation standard, and brightness limitation and certification. In determining what kinds of standards were appropriate, staff relied mainly on existing studies that discuss these signs and their impact on traffic safety. Staff found that there is no conclusive link between dynamic signs and traffic hazards. However, all of the studies clearly indicate that signs play just as important a role in traffic safety as does talking on a cell phone, changing the radio station, weather conditions, etc. Further, these studies suggest that the most important factors with dynamic signs and their impact on traffic safety is how bright the messages are, how often they flash, and the proximity of similar signs are. As such, the following standards have been implemented, which apply to all signs (not just billboards): • Message changes may not occur any more frequent than once per minute. 35 feet of separation from another sign considered dynamic. • Luminance levels must comply with the following: 5,000 nits — 7,000 nits in the daytime hours and not more than 500 nits in the nighttime hours. • Certification from the sign manufacturer or operator that the sign's brightness levels will not exceed the luminance levels noted above. The Planning Commission considered this amendment on November 20, 2007 and February 19, 2008. The Commission expressed interest in how these regulations impact both billboards and regular on -premise signs, what the brightness standard looked like in the field, and what standards other cities were using for flashing and brightness. Ultimately, the Commission voted to approve the proposed amendment with a minor amendment that excludes time/temperature/gas price signs from the flashing standard. This change has been incorporated into the proposed ordinance, attached for discussion. The written planning reports from both meetings are also attached for reference. City staff is looking for feedback on the proposed amendment. Staff is also prepared to discuss the details of the proposed changes and why these standards are important. Depending on the feedback received, staff would recommend placing the proposed code amendment on the Council's regular agenda of March 11th for adoption. This provides ample time to ensure the proposed change is published in the local newspaper prior to the moratorium's expiration on March 27th. The following items are attached for reference: A) Proposed Amendment, B) Planning Report dated 2/12/2008, C) Planning Report dated 11/14/2007, D) Ordinance No. 745 regarding the adopted moratorium, and E) Map of existing billboards. I TOC\CILWPORTS WR<omm nity Development@-2620081Wotkufaion DiswW. an Sips Wr.1.ium. M MOA.