(a) Definitions.
(1) "Electronic Message Center" ("EMC") means a computerized programmable electronic visual communication device capable of automatic storage and display of multiple sequential images or text. For the purposes of this Chapter, the EMC portion of any sign shall be deemed "changeable copy."
(2) "Changeable copy" means text that changes either automatically or manually.
(3) "Daytime" means sunrise to sunset.
(4) "Nighttime" means sunset to 12:00 a.m.
(5) "Electronic Graphic Display" means the display of static electronic images, including static graphics or pictures, using electronic display technology.
(6) "Video Display" means a message characterized by motion, movement or pictorial imagery, including moving objects, moving patterns, bands of light or expanding or contracting shapes.
(7) "Animation" means changeable copy that appears to move toward or away from the viewer, expands or contracts, bounces, rotates, spins, twists or otherwise portrays movement or animation, including streaming, scrolling, flashing, fading, and blinking.
(b) Authorization. On any individual lot:
(1) That is not a fallow lot, and
(2) Where the principal use is not residential, agricultural, or an outdoor recreation facility with open space as described in Section 1153.14, and
(3) Where a planter/monument sign is permitted by right under this Chapter, up to fifty percent (50%) of the total permitted area of each planter/monument sign face may be devoted to changeable copy, provided that the individual lot involved has at least 1,300 linear feet of frontage along the street or public right-of-way to which the sign will be oriented. Changeable copy shall be limited to planter/monument signs and shall not be permitted on multi-tenant signs. Where permitted to any individual lot, only one sign with changeable copy shall be permitted, and no sign with changeable copy shall be permitted within 200 feet of a residential dwelling unit. All other design, location, construction and use standards that apply to planter/monument signs as contained in this Chapter shall apply to signs with changeable copy.
(c) Limitations on Changeable Copy Signs.
(1) Area. The changeable copy portion of any sign face (as defined in Section 1159.07) shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the permitted sign area.
(2) Display Types. Changeable copy is limited to alphanumeric text only. Electronic graphic displays, video displays and animation are prohibited.
(3) Text Features. Alphanumeric text shall not flash, pulsate, move, bounce, rotate, scroll, fade-in or fade-out. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
(4) Frequency. Changeable copy shall not change more frequently than once every six (6) seconds. The transition between messages, if any, shall be a dark screen.
(5) Luminance and luminance controls. Luminance of the EMC portion of any sign shall not exceed 5,000 cd/m2 during daytime operation and 250 cd/m2 during nighttime operation. Luminance of EMC signs and other automatic changeable copy signs that emit light and function in both daytime and nighttime operation shall automatically adjust to natural ambient light conditions.
(6) Hours of Operation. EMCs shall operate only during daytime and nighttime as defined herein.
(7) Colors. The EMC portion of any sign shall use only one color at a time and only on a black background.
(d) Operation. Every application to construct, alter, replace or move a sign that includes EMC or changeable copy capabilities shall be accompanied by a plan of operation for the sign that includes a certification of the applicant that the sign is capable of conforming to the requirements of this section and will be operated in conformance with this section. The plan of operation shall include the identity and contact information for a responsible person who has the authority and ability to immediately correct any operational deficiencies and/or terminate operation of the sign. Upon authorization of the sign permit, the plan of operation shall be included in the Zoning File for said sign and shall be updated as necessary to maintain current contact information for the responsible person.
(e) Any EMC or changeable copy sign that persistently operates in violation of subsection (c) hereof or in violation of the Plan of Operation applicable to the sign is hereby declared a public nuisance subject to the remedies set forth in Sections 1159.23 and 1159.24. (Ord. 2023-33. Passed 2-13-23.)