CCP 03-25-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Approved Public Hearing: ZA2007-003 Zoning Code Amendment Impacting Chapter 9 Regarding Dynamic Signs Gundlach reported that staff is requesting consideration of changes to Chapter 9 of the Zoning Code concerning electronic, changeable copy signs. The amendment would allow electronic signs, now being termed "dynamic" signs, subject to several conditions. The amendment also includes minor revisions with regard to nonconforming signs in order to comply with State law. On March 27, 2007 the City Council adopted a moratorium impacting the "erection, relocation, repair, or modification of static or changing electronic, digital video, display signs, billboards or freeway signs and flashing, motion, animated, changeable copy and illuminated signs." The moratorium was a direct response to the billboard industry's recent implementation of new LED billboards, which have video capabilities. At that time the League of Minnesota Cities recommended adoption of a moratorium so that traffic safety impacts could be studied. Since that time, the lawsuit between the City of Minnetonka and Clear Channel was settled and SRF completed a study on the issue. The outcome of these two events aided staff is preparing an appropriate amendment. Howard asked why we did not separate out the two types of dynamic signs and just address the billboards, which seem to be the issue. Gundlach replied that she met with the City Attorney and the Community Development Director who decided that the proposal is not overly restrictive and there was some value to apply the same standards to both types of signs. She added that there is some concern that on -premise signs could take advantage of the technology and believes that this proposal would also address those signs. Howard asked if the current reader boards in the City would be impacted by this ordinance and would not be allowed to function as they currently are. Gundlach replied that there are two reader boards that flash and scroll in the City that are out of compliance with the current regulations. Under the new regulations the image and word would have to stay the on the screen for one full minute before it could change. However, time, temp, and gasoline price signs would not fall under this ordinance. O'Brien and O'Keefe commended Gundlach for the amount of research and education she has done on this topic. Schiferl questioned if certain colors would be more garish than others and how that would be regulated. Gundlach replied that the nit level would be certified by the sign manufacturer and that any color would not exceed the levels noted in the ordinance. Motion by O'Brien, second by Mann to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. 7 ayes, 0 nays. MOTION APPROVED. Zisla stated the Arden Hills billboard can be seen from his house in the evening and is surprised that it meets the 500 nit's night requirement and added the once per minute is a compromise that should be workable. O'Keefe asked if there are any reader boards currently in the City that flash for the entire message to be read. Gundlach replied that there are a couple of boards that scroll, which is in violation of the current ordinance and would continue to be a violation under the revised regulations. O'Keefe asked if the candlepower would also be used with the nits to control the light illumination. Gundlach replied that Chapter 11 of the Zoning Code does establish foot-