Agenda - Council Work Session - 05/01/2007

Home

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Sign Ordinance -2 By: Breanne DaInes, Associate Planner Background: On November 1, 2006, Staff attended a legal seminar, sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, about recent lawsuits and legal interpretations regarding cities' sign ordinances. The primary discussion was the recent case law associated with content-based regulation, which is regulating any aspect of a sign (location, size, etc) based on what the sign reads. Also, there was discussion about the legality of regulating digital billboards. Sign ordinances in three Minnesota cities, and over 100 cities in the nation, have recently been the target oflawsuits. According to the loss prevention attorneys employed by the League of Minnesota Cities, the outcome of these cases sets new precedent regarding the legality of most sign ordinances in the Twin Cities. They say that, according to the case law now in place, cities cannot regulate the content OR regulate based on the content of the sign. A simple test is to ask, "Do I have to read the sign to determine the regulations for it?" Examples of signs that the City of Ramsey regulates differently, based on content, are: real estate signs, garage sale signs, grand opening signs, non- profit signs, construction signs, political signs, directional or instructional signs, and home occupation signs. Additionally, there are many types of signs our sign ordinance does not address that staff and the City Attorney feels should be incorporated into City Code. These include digital billboards, reader boards, LED signs, or any other type of electronic sign. Sta:ff s intention is to update the sign ordinance in accordance with the law and incorporate new technology into our regulations. Additionally, Staff proposes making changes to make the code clearer, easier to interpret, and easier to enforce. It is not our intention to significantly change any regulations in regard to the amount, location, or size of signage permitted, except where it is required to come into compliance with the law. The Planning Commission heard this report at the February meeting, and recommended that the City Council move forward with revisions to the sign ordinance to come into compliance with the law. Attachments: Detailed summary of proposed changes. Action Statement: Direct staff on the next steps in the sign ordinance revision process. Possibilities include bringing forward a revised sign ordinance for review, scheduling a sign task force, or requesting additional information regarding the specific changes proposed. ccws: 5.1.07 %,