Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/05/2008

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./' ~'"'\ Case # -...) Discussion Item ADDRESSING ELECTRONIC SIGNS WITH THE SIGN ORDINANCE: CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By: Breanne DaInes, Associate Planner Background: As part of the series of changes to be made to bring the City's sign ordinance up to date, staff has . been conducting research with regard to the regulation of electronic signs. These signs have many different names, but generally refer to signs with electronic or dynamic messages that automatically change. Oftentimes these signs utilize LED light technology. The popularity of these signs stems from the ability to easily show many advertisements within a short time period. Also, these advertisements can be catered to. time-of-day (ie. showing breakfast and coffee . advertisements in the morning). The impetus for. the regulation of these signs is that there is a potential for these signs to be distracting to drivers and can compromise the aesthetics of the surrounding environment. While staff recognizes the importance of emerging technologies in the ability to adequately advertise both on-premise and off-premise businesses, it is also important to consider the negative effects of these signs, and provide regulations to mitigate these factors. The following items are included in your packet, for your information: 1) City of Minnetonka Sign Ordinance 2) Research on brightness standards and. driver distraction, SRF Consulting, 6.7.07 Observations: In conducting a literature review of a variety of Minnesota and Wisconsin sign ordinances, staff has prepared a list of possible standards to apply to electronic signs within the City. Each option is listed least restrictive to most restrictive. Definition of Electronic Sign: . Many cities do not differentiate between electronic signs and other types of static signs. . Sollie cities use the definition of "changeable copy signs" to include static and electronic signs. The regulations for all changeable copy signs are the same. An example definition would be "a sign such as a manual, electronic, or electric controlled time and temperature signs, message center, or readerboard, whether electronic, electric or manual, where copy changes. Any sign may be, or include as part of it, a changeable message sign." (Middleton Sign Ordinance) . Many cities in Wisconsin use the definition of "Electronic Message Center" to address electronic signs. An example definition is "A permanent sign whose informational content can be Changed or altered by electronic means." . Minnetonka was recently in a lawsuit with billboard O\Vl1ers. The city's attorneys wrote an ordinance that defmes all electronic signs as "dynamic display." The few cities that have updated their sign ordinances in Minnesota recently have used this definition 45