Agenda - Council - 11/13/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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specifications. For example, the City could consider interchangable letter signs differently than vinyl affixed lettering or banners. Real Estate Signs The second most frequent request for information Staff receives is in regard to real estate signs. With the 2008 sign code update, Staff was working off recommendations that real estate signs should not be treated any differently than temporary signs. Staff suggests considering these closer to non-commercial speech signs. These signs are not advertising for a product or service itself occuring on the site, rather indicating that the space itself is available. Staff believes there is a greater public benefit in providing exemptions to real estate signs in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare associated with vacant areas. The current draft does not specify a limit on the size. The Planning Commission could consider a size limitation. Construction Signs City Code does currently have provisions that actually require certain construction related signs. However, the Sign Code is silent on Construction Signs. The attached draft provides an exemption to the temporary sign regulations for these required types of signage. The current draft does not specify a size limit. The Planning Commission could consider a size limitation. If that is the case, Staff would recommend either 32 or 64 square feet per face, based on the standard size of a sheet of plywood typically used for these types of signs. Alternatively, these signs could be limited to the size allowed for permanent signs in the underlying zoning district. Dynamic Display Signs Over the past several years, technology related to dynamic display continues to evolve and improve. The City's current standards aim to reduce driver distraction by addressing length of display, animation, brightness, and size/percentage of overall sign. Currently, dynamic display is limited to 35% of the total sign face. As Staff has reviewed multiple requests for dynamic display, it has become evident that the percentage limitation has become somewhat of a barrier, especially on higher speed roads where a larger display may actually be more beneficial by making the sign more readable. Staff suggests considering removing the percentage limitation and focus on an overall size limitation. By focusing on limiting the size, brightness, and other distracting factors, a percentage of the overall sign face may not be necessary. There are a few examples in the near vicinity of larger dynamic displays to consider. Also, the City has received a request for the use of dynamic display for a portable, temporary sign. The entire sign face would be dynamic. Sizes for temporary, portable dymaic displays could be limited to traditional temporary sign limitations of 32 square feet or 50 square feet. Off -Premise Signs Currently, all off -premise signs are considered billboards, which are currently prohibited. Staff suggests a more flexible definition of off -premise, perhaps focusing on proximity rather than limiting to just the parcel on which the activity is occuring. The attached draft creates allowances for shared signage at shared access and shared signage for unified developments. Funding Source: Preparation of the ordinance is being handled as part of regular Staff duties. Staff Recommendation: The Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 4th, 2012 and recommended approval of the ordinance amending City Code Chapter 117, Article II, Division 8 (Signs), with an amendment to the draft to include a maximum size for Real Estate Signs (included in current draft).