When permitted, illuminated signs or lighting devices shall employ only a light of constant intensity, and no sign shall be illuminated by or contain flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights or outline lighting. This restriction shall not apply to electronic message board signs in compliance with Section 1160.08(b).
(a) Light sources to illuminate signs may be a direct or indirect lighting fixture that is steady and stationary. The intensity of sign lighting must not exceed that necessary to illuminate and make a sign legible.
(1) Externally lit signs may only be illuminated with "white" spectrum light concealed by a hood or any other method of indirect lighting approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals The Zoning Inspector may make an exception for stylized decorative fixtures that constitute part of a design treatment if the safety and aesthetic purposes of this Chapter are satisfied.
(2) All external lighting for the illumination of signs shall be shielded and directed downward, aimed no higher than forty-five (45) degrees above straight down (half-way between straight down and straight to the side).
(3) External light sources must be directed so that the light shines only on the sign such that illumination beyond the sign face is minimized. Light sources must be directed away from adjacent residential uses and directed away from the view of persons viewing the sign. In no event shall an illuminated sign or lighting device be placed, directed or beamed upon a public thoroughfare, highway, sidewalk or adjacent premises so as to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
(Ord. 09-20. Passed 6-22-09.)
(b) Electronic Message Board Signs. A sign with a fixed or changing display or message composed of a series of incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs, a flipper matrix, or similar electronic symbols wherein the sequence of message and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes shall require conditional use review in order to address safety, aesthetic, and potential nuisance issues. The rate of change of the sign message shall not be more frequent than one (1) display or light intensity change per one (1) second period. Electronic Message Board Signs shall not be permitted in any residential area or in business districts where zero front yard setbacks are employed.
The intensity of lights used in the electronic message board shall not constitute a visual hazard for vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The sign shall be equipped with and shall use photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination. The Planning Official shall use reasonable judgment in determining whether the sign constitutes a visual hazard.
District | F-P | A-1 | R-1 | R-2 | R-3 | P-CD | B-1 | B-2 | B-3 | B-4 | B-5 | I-1 | I-2 | PGMI |
Electronic Message Boards | C | C | C* | C | C | C |
*Where buildings are constructed at the front property line (zero setback), electronic message boards shall not be permitted.
(Ord. 11-54. Passed 12-19-11.)
(c) Strings of lights shall not be used for the purpose of advertising or attracting attention when not part of a sign.
(Ord. 17-03. Passed 1-23-17.)