A. Maximum Height: Sixty feet (60') in height as measured from freeway grade. Lawful existing pole signs taller than sixty feet (60') may continue to exist as legal nonconforming signs. No pole sign may be raised. New signs within this overlay zone are limited to sixty feet (60') in height as measured from freeway grade.
1. Freeway grade shall be measured from the nearest travel lane as identified by a perpendicular line extending from the proposed freeway oriented sign across all lanes of freeway travel. Freeway off-ramps are not to be used to determine freeway grade.
B. Maximum Sign Area: Three hundred (300) square feet per side, six hundred (600) square feet maximum.
C. Location: Ground or pole sign may be located in any required yard but shall not extend over any lot line or within fifteen feet (15') of any point of vehicular access from a zoning lot to a public roadway.
D. Reader Boards: Reader boards, changeable copy areas, and electronic message centers shall not exceed thirty three percent (33%) of the total sign copy area on each side of the sign (maximum reader board, changeable copy area, and electronic message centers shall not exceed 100 square feet per side).
E. Flashing Signs: Signs shall not flash, and must have a dwell time of at least four (4) seconds.
F. Illumination:
1. Electronic message centers in all zones shall come equipped with an automatic dimming, photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient light conditions.
2. The brightness level in all zones shall not increase by more than 0.3 foot-candle (or 3.23 lumens per square meter or lux) (over ambient levels) as measured using a foot-candle meter at a preset distance.
3. Brightness measurement process for electronic message centers shall be as follows:
a. At least thirty (30) minutes past sunset, use a foot-candle meter to record the ambient light reading for the area. This is done while the electronic message center is off or displaying all black copy;
b. The reading should be taken with the meter aimed directly at the electronic message center at the appropriate preset distance. Measurement distance criteria for zero to one hundred (100) square foot signs to be measured one hundred feet (100') from source;
c. Turn on the electronic message center to full white copy and take another reading; and
d. If the difference between the readings is 0.3 foot-candle or less, the brightness is properly adjusted.
4. The owners of such signs shall include a signed letter accompanying their permit application, certifying that they will comply with the prescribed brightness limitations set by this chapter. (Ord. 2013-14, 12-10-2013; amd. Ord. 2019-21, 9-10-2019)