(a) Electronic message display signs shall be limited to ground signs only and shall be permitted subject to the Administrative Provisions of Section 1179.11 and the provisions of this section:
(1) Electronic message display signs shall be permitted in all nonresidential districts and in residential districts on parcels which are used for institutional or other nonresidential uses.
(2) Only one electronic message display sign shall be permitted on each parcel and shall be considered as the primary ground sign for that parcel. Additional non-electronic ground signs may be added if permitted by this chapter.
(3) The electronic message display area of each sign shall be fully framed and shall be subject to the size limitations of Table 1179.05(d). The sign base shall not be included in the maximum permitted sign area, nor shall a non-electronic header over the top of the electronic reader board that is used to identify the owner or the address of the parcel. However, the entire sign assembly, including the base, electronic message board and header, are subject in total to the maximum height in Table 1179.05(d).
(4) Electronic message display signs shall be located a minimum of 200 feet from any residentially-zoned district or 200 feet from any lot line separating a residentially and nonresidentially used parcel in a residentially-zoned district. Notwithstanding the forgoing setback requirement, electronic message display signs may be located from 100 feet to 200 feet from a residential district or a residentially-used parcel provided that the sign is illuminated no longer than 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. any day of the week.
(5) Electronic message display signs shall not advertise establishments, products, services or events not actually located on or associated with the specific property upon which the sign is located or its occupant.
(6) Each message shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds, and individual messages shall be separated by a three (3) second pause, during which pause a still image or blank screen shall be shown. The entire message shall change at once. Messages shall not flash, blink, scroll, rotate or include movable or animated text or images.
(7) The electronic message display sign may be capable of producing a full color spectrum for pedestrian and traffic viewing; However, no sign shall emulate a traffic control device, nor shall displays use the colors of green, yellow or red in such a way, in the discretion of the Building Commissioner, as to confuse passing motorists.
(8) The changeable copy portion of the sign shall not exceed the sizes found in Table 1179(a) for the permitted area of ground signs. Sign bases and headings shall not be included in the maximum allowable area of the sign.
(b) Illumination and luminance.
(1) Each owner must be capable of dimming, both manually and by photo cell or other automatic means, the digital display intensity of the sign.
The light intensity level of the display must automatically adjust to natural ambient light conditions.
(2) No electronic message display sign may be illuminated to a degree of brightness that is greater, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner, than necessary for adequate visibility, nor shall the sign exceed the maximum luminance level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light levels for the location and time of day when measured at the distances recommended by the International Sign Association (ISA) and based on the digital display size.
(3) The owner shall provide from the manufacturer of each electronic message display sign, prior to the issuance of a permit, a certification that the values permitted herein will not be exceeded.
(4) Electronic message display signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 1179.08(a)(5). (Ord. 23-2014. Passed 5-13-14.)