Internal and external sign illumination shall be permitted in the C-1, C-2, C-3, CBD, and M-1 districts, subject to the following:
(A) External sign illumination. External illumination of signs shall be permitted, provided that the light source(s) shall be nonglare, fully shielded, directed towards the sign face, and designed to concentrate all light on the sign copy area.
(B) Internal sign illumination. Signs may be internally illuminated, provided that the light display must be equipped with a photocell and dimming mechanism that automatically adjusts the brightness in response to ambient light conditions. These signs must also be equipped with a means to immediately turn off the display or lighting if it malfunctions. The following brightness standards must be met:
(1) No sign may be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate visibility;
(2) No sign shall be of such intensity or brilliance that is interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal, as determined by the Police Chief or his designee; and
(3) The maximum luminance level of an internally illuminated sign shall not exceed 5,000 nits, except that the luminance level shall not exceed 1,250 nits from 30 minutes before dusk until dawn, as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
(C) Awning illumination. Internal illumination of awnings shall be limited to one single-tube fixture (fluorescent, LED, or equivalent), provided that the fixture is recessed and the awning material is opaque except for any permitted sign copy area.
(D) Other limitations. Sign illumination shall be further limited as follows:
(1) Sign illumination shall be provided solely by electrical means or devices, and shall not be of a flashing, intermittent, moving or animated type; and
(2) Luminous tube lighting (neon, fluorescent or similar) shall not be directly visible from any road right-of-way or adjacent parcel. Such lighting may be used as an indirect light source, or if shielded by translucent panels or similar methods.
(E) Temporary signs. Illumination of temporary signs shall be prohibited.
(F) String lights, tube lights, and other similar lighting around windows and architectural building features. In addition to the regulations of this Subchapter, string lights, tube lights, and other similar lighting around windows and architectural building features are regulated in § 154.030.
(Ord. 17-001, passed 7-10-17; Am. Ord. 22-001, passed 1-24-22)