Within all zoning districts except where prohibited by this subchapter, changeable electronic copy signs shall be permitted based on the following regulations:
(A) Changeable electronic copy signs are allowed only on a freestanding sign. Changeable electronic copy signs may occupy no more than the percentage allowed as determined in the appropriate zoning district for which the sign is located. Time, date, or temperature information shall be counted towards the total area of the changeable electronic copy area permitted. Price information for motor fuel stations shall not be counted towards the total area of the changeable electronic copy area permitted. The remainder of the sign must not have the capability to have changeable electronic copy even if not used. Only 1 contiguous changeable electronic copy area is allowed on a sign face;
(B) A changeable electronic copy sign may not change or move more often than once every 15 seconds.
(C) The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects;
(D) The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign;
(E) Changeable electronic copy signs must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in 1 position if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions. The sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic displays when notified by the city that it is not complying with the standards of this chapter;
(F) Changeable electronic copy signs shall be restricted in their illumination and brightness. All signs with electronic copy must be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign's brightness to assure at any time the sign's intensity does not exceed the lighting standards contained in § 153.185. If there is a violation of the brightness standards, the adjustment must be made within one 1 business day upon written and or verbal notification from the city.
(G) Operation of any changeable electronic copy sign not in compliance with § 153.206 in its entirety will require the changeable electronic sign owner or operator to turn off the display, within 1 hour of written and or verbal notification from the city, and make adjustments to meet all requirements of § 153.206. The sign may not be turned back on until all operating adjustments have approval by the city.
(Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 616, passed 7-9-2012)