(a) An electric message center sign/electronic variable message center (EMC/EVM) sign is defined as any sign or portion of a sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.
(b) The following guidelines must be followed when an applicant is interested in erecting an electronic message center sign/electronic variable message center sign.
(1) An electronic message center/electronic variable message center sign is considered a conditional sign in the Commercial District (C-1) and Office and Institution District (OI). An EMC/EMV sign is not permitted in the Downtown Historic District for any use. A school or church is permitted to have such sign if located in a district other than C-1 or OI if approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(2) Any request for an electronic message center/electronic variable message center sign is considered a conditional use and must follow the process for a conditional use outlined in Chapter 1135 prior to approval.
(3) The overall dimension of the cabinet area of the sign shall measure no more than eight (8) feet wide by two (2) feet high. The display area of the sign shall measure no more than eight (8) feet wide by fifteen (15) inches high. Only one (1) sign is permitted per zone lot. A back to back EMC/EVM sign with a sign facing in either direction is considered one sign. If not back to back it is considered two (2) signs.
(4) An EMC/EVM sign shall not be lit/on between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. eastern standard time.
(5) A message shall be static and shall not flash, scroll, blink or fluctuate.
(6) Animation is not permitted.
(7) A message must remain consistent for fifteen (15) seconds.
(8) A message shall only change by utilizing dissolving or fading.
(9) From dawn to dusk the illumination can be no greater than 5,000 nits. At other times, illumination shall be no greater than 500 nits.
(10) There can be no more than two lines of text with letter height a maximum of six inches per line.
(11) The sign must be equipped with an automatic dimming device.
(12) All other sign guidelines outlined in the Code must be met.
(13) If there is a malfunction in the sign it must be set to either freeze or go blank. This is to prevent flashing or movement which could create a diversion to travelers.
(14) Lettering may only be amber in color and the background must always be black.
(c) A sign, if approved, shall not create a public nuisance. These guidelines are designed to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
(d) Relevant Definitions.
(1) Animation - Any movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene, including flashing and video.
(2) Blink - the rapid movement of a message on and off.
(3) Cabinet/Can Area - The structure that holds the sign which houses the display area.
(4) Display - Any combination of letters or numbers intended to inform, direct and transmit a message.
(5) Display/Copy Area - The area of the sign occupied by the actual text display or copy. It is computed by determining the square footage of the display area.
(6) Dissolve - A mode of message transition on an EMC/EVM sign accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate with the gradual appearance of the next message.
(7) Electronic Message Center/Electronic Variable Message Center Sign - Any sign or portion of a sign that uses changing lights to form a sign message or messages in text form wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.
(8) Fade - A mode of message transition in the display area that is accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity and the next message gradually increases intensity.
(9) Flash/Flashing - a means of attracting attention by using an intermittent display of light.
(10) Fluctuate - An irregular pattern for the display of a message.
(11) Nit - A unit of luminance equivalent to one candela per square meter 1 cd/m2)
(12) Scroll/Scrolling - A mode of changing a message on the display area where the message appears to move vertically on the display area.
(13) Static - A constant message that does not flash, blink or fluctuate.
(14) Travel/Travelling - A mode of changing a message on the display area where the message appears to move horizontally across the display area.
(Ord. 2010-30. Passed 11-1-10.)