Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/05/2008

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(Richfield, Cottage Grove, and Maple Grove). It defines a "dynamic sign" as " any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement of change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method of technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays." All electronic signs are included in this definition. · Some cities do not allow electronic signs, dynamic display signs, or flashing signs (Arden Hills, Cottage Grove). Brightness.: · Minnetonka uses the following language in their ordinance: "no sign may be brighter than is necessary for clear and adequate visibility. No sign may be of such intensity or brilliance as to' impair the vision of a motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or to otherwise interfere with the driver's operation of a motor vehicle. No sign may be of such intensity of brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device or signal." (Allows for appeal from these standards) · Some ordinances regulate maximum light intensity of each bulb (33 watts in Hudson). · Some ordinances require the sign to be equipped with photosensitive equipment which automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the sign in direct relation to the ambient outdoor illumination (Menasha, WI Sign Ordinance). Size: · Generally, the few cities that specifically address size of electronic signs limit the amount by a percentage of total ground signage allowed. 30 to 35 percent is a standard amount. · In RicMeld and Minnetonka, the size of lettering is determined by the speed limit of the adjacent road. The minimum letter sizes increase with an increase in speed limit, and there is no maximum size of lettering. Speed a/Change in Message: · This varies greatly from 2 to 3 seconds in most Wisconsin ordinances to 20 minutes in the Minnetonka ordinance. Richfield limits changes to once every 5 minutes. . All ordinances prohibit flashing or scrolling messages or graphics. Other Standards: · Some ordinances limit the distance each electronic sign can be from another electronic SIgn. · One ordinance (Menasha, WI) prohibits the use of temporary signs on any property that has an electronic sign. · Electronic signs are permitted by conditional use permit in one ordinance. 46