(a) Findings and purpose. Studies show a positive correlation between electronic signs that display changing messages or graphics and driver distraction. Distracted driving can result in increased traffic crashes or other hazardous events. The standards within this section are intended to minimize potential driver distraction, hazards to public safety, and related nuisance characteristics associated with electronic signs.
(b) Size. An electronic sign must not exceed 150 square feet in area, except for legally established nonconforming billboards otherwise in compliance with § 21.304.20.
(c) Setback from residential. The leading edge of an electronic sign must be located at least 100 feet from any parcel that is both residentially zoned and residentially used.
(d) Operational requirements. Electronic signs are subject to the following operational requirements:
(1) Dwell time.
(A) Electronic changeable copy signs with ten words or less must have a static display for a minimum of eight seconds.
(B) Electronic changeable copy signs with 11 words or more or electronic graphic display signs must have a static display for a minimum of 20 seconds.
(2) Transition. The change sequence of any electronic sign must be accomplished by means of instantaneous repixalization. Fading, dissolving, scrolling, traveling, or any transition that creates the illusion of movement is prohibited.
(3) Brightness. Electronic signs must not exceed maximum luminance specified in § 21.301.07 as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.
(4) Dimmer control. Electronic signs must have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct lumination change from a higher lumination level to a lower level for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise.
(5) Audio or pyrotechnics. Audio or any form of pyrotechnics are prohibited in association with an electronic sign.
(6) Nighttime use. When located within 150 feet of a site that is both residentially zoned and residentially used, an electronic sign must be static or turned off between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The following sign types are exempt from the nighttime use limitation:
(A) Price signs designed to change infrequently; and
(B) Electronic signs that are oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from a permitted principal structure on a site that is both residentially zoned and residentially used.
(Ord. 2024-4, passed 2-26-2024)