(A) Purpose and intent. More businesses desire to utilize advancements in technology which permit signs to change copy electronically (e.g., utilizing an LED type of sign). These newer technologies pose additional risks of impacting adjacent areas and adversely dominating the environment in which they operate unless regulated in a reasonable fashion. The intent of this section is to establish operating standards and regulations for signs which utilize these newer technologies in order to minimize the secondary effects that often accompany the unregulated display of digital signs, preserve the character and repose of adjacent areas (with a principal focus on residential neighborhoods), protect property values, and reduce traffic hazards caused by undue distractions.
(B) Display.
(1) Electronic message boards shall be permitted provided they meet the requirements for illumination and message display as delineated in Chapter 155 of the City Ordinances.
(2) A digital sign may not allow the display or message to change more frequently than once every eight seconds, with a transition period of one second or less. Any electronic message boards that are placed adjacent to residential properties may only switch from one message to another by fading in and out.
(3) A digital sign must have installed an ambient light monitor, which shall continuously monitor and automatically adjust the brightness level of the display based on ambient light conditions consistent with the terms of this chapter.
(4) The maximum brightness levels for all digital signs shall not exceed 0.1 footcandles over ambient light levels measured within 150 feet of the source, consistent with terms of this section. Certification must be provided to the city demonstrating that the sign has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Re-inspection and recalibration may be periodically required by the city in its reasonable discretion, at the owner's expense, to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times.
(5) Brightness of digital signs shall be measured as follows:
(a) At least 30 minutes following sunset, a foot candle meter shall be used to obtain an ambient light reading for the location. This done while the sign is off or displaying black copy. The reading shall be made with the meter aimed directly at the sign area at the pre-set location.
(b) The sign shall then be turned on to full white copy to take another reading with the meter at the same location.
(c) If the difference between the readings is 0.1 foot candles or less, the brightness is properly adjusted.
(6) Other requirements.
(a) Any digital message board that will be located within 150 feet of a residential structure must be a freestanding, monument sign not exceeding eight feet in height.
(b) The use, size and location of digital signs must comply with all other relevant regulations and ordinances of the city.
(Ord. 617, passed 1-27-2014; Am. Ord. 675, passed 5-22-2023)