(a) Electronic Changeable Copy Sign. Electronic changeable copy signs, when permitted on a lot, shall meet the following standards.
(1) Permitted locations and duration. Electronic changeable copy signs shall only be permitted in nonresidential districts.
A. All portions of the message shall have a minimum duration of eight seconds and must be a static display.
B. The maximum duration of the transition of the electronic image or message change shall be no more than three seconds.
C. The electronic display background color tones, lettering, logos, pictures, illustrations, and symbols shall not blink, flash, rotate, scroll, change in illumination intensity, or otherwise change in outward appearance, except when the electronic message or display is changed to another message or display.
(2) Setback from residential districts. The leading edge of the sign shall be a minimum distance of 100 feet from an abutting residential district boundary or residential use in a residential district;
(3) Setback from other electronic changeable copy signs. Electronic changeable copy signs shall be separated from other electronic changeable copy signs by at least 35 feet;
(4) Orientation. When located within 150 feet of a residentially-used lot in a residential district, all parts of the electronic changeable copy sign shall be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on such residential lot;
(5) Electronic changeable copy signs shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 5000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness.
(6) Electronic changeable copy signs shall have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change from a higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period between one half-hour before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise.
(b) Illumination. Illumination of signs shall be subject to the following regulations:
(1) Controls. Sign illumination shall be designed and placed so as not to cause glare which may result in traffic hazards or which may interfere with the customary use of nearby residences.
(2) Prohibitions. Flashing or intermittent illumination shall not be permitted except as may be permitted in Section 1390.09(a).
(3) Districts. In Residential Districts, only nameplates and signs with changeable copy may be illuminated. All signs in nonresidential districts may be illuminated.
(4) Color of light. White and amber are the only color of light permitted to illuminate signs in Residential Districts and signs in Nonresidential Districts that are located within 200 feet of a Residential District.
(5) Types of illumination permitted.
A. Internal illumination, i.e. a light source concealed or contained within the sign, which becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface shall be permitted.
B. Indirect illumination, i.e. a light source not seen directly, shall be permitted.
C. Floodlight illumination, provided that the floodlight or spotlight is positioned so that none of the light shines onto an adjoining property, or in the eyes of motorists or pedestrians, shall be permitted.
D. Neon tube illumination, i.e. a light source supplied by a neon tube which is bent to form letter, symbols or other shapes, shall be permitted.
E. No temporary sign shall be illuminated or have the potential to be illuminated.
(Ord. 87-2009. Passed 4-20-09. Effective 5-20-09; Ord. 143-2016. Passed 12-19-16.)