1179.020 ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS.

   A.    For the purposes of this Section, "electronic message sign" means an electronically activated changeable sign, or portion of a sign, whose variable message capability can be electronically or mechanically programmed.

   B.    Except as set forth in Section 1179.020F., electronic message signs are not permitted in any R-1, R-2, R-3, or PUD district. An electronic message sign located in a district that abuts an R-1, R-2, R-3, or PUD district shall so place the sign such that the illuminated portion of the sign is located not less than five hundred (500) feet from the abutting R-1, R-2, R-2, or PUD district.

   C.    Electronic message signs are subject to the following limitations:

      1.    Shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Norwalk Zoning Ordinance, the Ohio Basic Building and Electrical Code, and any applicable regulations promulgated by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

      2.    Shall have a luminance of no more than 10,000 nits during daylight hours from sunrise to sunset, and no more than 500 nits during night-time hours between sunset and sunrise.

      3.    Shall, upon malfunction, cause the display to cease or go dark until repaired.

      4.    Shall be so programmed that each image, animation, or video must remain visible for at least eight (8) seconds. For the purposes of this section, transitioning from one message to another shall not constitute an image, animation, or video.

      5.    Shall be located such that the illumination or animation from the sign is not distracting to the motoring public or pedestrians in a manner that compromises or negatively impacts public safety.

      6.    Except for community service messaging, shall be used solely for on-premises advertising.

   D.    Electronic message signs that meet the foregoing limitations may be permitted by

the Code Enforcement Officer. A permit for an electronic message sign shall be limited to a period of eight (8) years. Upon re-inspection and determination that the electronic message sign

remains in compliance with this Section as it now exists or hereinafter amended, the Code Enforcement Officer shall renew the permit for an additional period of eight (8) years.

   E.    Any electronic message sign that, after issuance of the initial permit or any renewal thereof, becomes malfunctioning or in non-compliance with this Section shall be deactivated upon order of the Code Enforcement Officer.

   F.   Electronic signs that comply with the requirements and limitations of this Section are permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3 and PUD districts only on property utilized as a school or a church or place of religious worship.

(Ord. 2021-041. Passed 11-2-21.)