Illuminated signs shall not have light sources of excessive brightness which might be hazardous to pedestrians or motorists and shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent residential districts and streets. Illuminated signs shall substantially conform to the surrounding area and shall maintain the existing characteristics of the City. Illumination is permitted only on ground (monument) signs as specified in Section 1191.02(a)(1) and in accordance with the following regulations and other applicable regulations of this chapter.
(a) Illuminated signs shall comply with the following:
(1) Subject matter. The sign can only advertise establishments or events actually located upon the specific property.
(2) Hours. The illuminated sign may only operate during the actual hours of business for the establishments located on the specific property.
(3) Frequency. Copy change shall not be more frequent than once per 15 seconds. There shall be a three second "pause" in which a still image or blank screen is shown following every message.
(4) Prohibited signs.
A. Flashing signs - a directly or indirectly illuminated sign, or portion thereof, that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or sparkling. The only exception is a monument sign which provides time and temperature, provided that the interval between the change is a minimum of ten seconds. Flashing or changing of illuminated time and temperature designations shall be restricted to numerals and letters only. The sign shall not move or revolve;
B. Spinning signs;
C. Rotating signs;
D. Electronic moving message/digital display signs; and
E. Video signs - imagery produced by signs that have the capability of processing up to 30 frames per second.
(5) Color and clarity. Content shall be capable of producing a full color spectrum, and a dot/pixel pitch not greater than 20 millimeters for traffic and pedestrian viewing.
(6) Brightness.
A. All digital displays shall be illuminated at a level no greater than 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light levels for location and time when measured at the recommended distance based on the digital display size, and shall employ light cut-off devices, such as but not limited to louvers, in order to minimize light escaping above a horizontal plane.
B. All digital displays must be equipped with both a dimmer control and photo sensor, which will automatically adjust the display intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.
C. Digital displays may not display light of an intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair vision of the operator of a motor vehicle.
(7) Number of signs. One illuminated sign shall be permitted per property.
(8) Illumination. At no time shall the total face illumination area fall below 98%.
(9) Images. There shall be not more than three separate images on one sign at one time.
(10) Maintenance. A default mechanism must be provided to turn the sign off in case of malfunction.
(b) All illuminated signs and parts thereof shall be securely constructed in conformance with applicable City building, fire and electrical codes, and with the applicable standards of this chapter. All illuminated signs shall have a surface of facing materials which are durable for the intended life of the sign. All illuminated signs shall be attached in compliance with applicable local and state codes. The electrical connections shall be concealed, and the electrical conduits shall be installed below grade, where not in conflict with the most recently adopted edition of the national electrical code.
(c) All illuminated signs shall be approved by both the Architectural Board of Review and Planning Commission prior to the building permit being issued. The applicant shall provide to the Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission a photometric plan outlining the proposed illumination levels (in foot-candles).
(Ord. 1985-29. Passed 10-14-85; Ord. 2004-29. Passed 11-8-04; Ord. 2013-17. Passed 11-25-13.)