Electronic Message Centers shall include the following types of electronic signs:
(a) Changeable Copy Signs are defined as a sign that displays electronic, non-pictorial text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED's) fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area.
(b) Video Display Signs are defined as a sign that changes its message or background in a manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including but not limited to the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, as expanding or contracting shapes.
(a) Signs in the CB, GB, HS, I-1 and I-2 zoning districts may include Electronic Message Centers subject to the following standards:
(1) The Electronic Message Centers in these districts may include Changeable Copy Signs and Video Display Signs.
(2) The Electronic Message Center component of a sign shall comprise no more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the sign's total allowed sign face area.
(3) A sign containing an Electronic Message Center must be located on the property where the use identified or advertised by the sign is located.
(4) The Electronic Message Center shall be a portion of a freestanding, permanent, ground mounted sign.
(5) The brightness of Electronic Message Centers shall be limited to the following intensity levels: Day 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 5000 nits; Night 6:00 pm to 8:00 a.m.; 1000 nits. To ensure compliance with this provision, the sign must have an automatic phased proportional dimmer, which must be used to reduce nighttime brightness levels. Further, prior to issuance of a permit for an Electronic Message Center, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity level has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified above, and the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password protected software or other method as deemed appropriate by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(6) Any individual text message or graphic image on an Electronic Message Center shall remain illuminated, visible and static for a period of at least ten (10) seconds. An animated video display shall not exceed a period of ten (10) seconds, and shall be followed by a text message or graphic image of at least ten (10) seconds.
(7) Signs containing an Electronic Message Center shall not be located within one hundred (100) feet of any residential structure.
(8) A sign containing an Electronic Message Center shall comply with all other applicable requirements of Chapter 1161 of the Code of Ordinances.
(b) Signs in the C, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-3, OR, and OS may include Electronic Message Centers subject to the following standards:
(1) The sign containing an Electronic Message Center shall be a sign for civic or business permitted or special uses authorized in the zoning district.
(2) The sign containing an Electronic Message Center shall be a Changeable Copy Sign with text messages only. Video Display Signs shall not be permitted in these districts.
(3) Signs containing an Electronic Message Center shall not be located within one hundred (100) feet of any residential structure.
(4) The Electronic Message Center component of a sign shall comprise no more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the sign's total allowed sign face area.
(5) The Electronic Message Center shall be a portion of a freestanding, permanent, ground mounted sign.
(6) The brightness of the Electronic Message Center shall be limited to following intensity levels. Day: 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 5000 nits; Night: 6 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.: 1000 nits. To ensure compliance with this provision, the sign must have an automated phased proportional dimmer, which must be used to reduce nighttime brightness levels. Further, prior to issuance of a permit for an Electronic Message Center sign, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity level has been factory preset not to exceed the levels specified above, and the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password protected software or other method as deemed appropriate by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(7) Any individual test message on an Electronic Message Center in these residential districts shall remain illuminated, visible and static for a period of at least ten (10) seconds.
(8) The Electronic Message Center in these residential zoning districts shall be turned off from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The remainder of the sign may remain illuminated during these hours.
(9) A sign containing an Electronic Message Center shall comply with all applicable requirements of Chapter 1161 of the Code of Ordinances.
(Ord. 2016-15. Passed 5-16-17.)