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• Planning Commission Item 2 x/22,/08 ITEM: City Moratorium on Dynamic Signs SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Zoning and Planning Director REVIEWED BY: Justin Miller, City Administrator Roger Knutson, City Attorney EXPLANATION: Background: On March 12, 2008, Falcon Heights City Council adopted an interim ordinance temporarily prohibiting the issuance of permits for designated signs as outlined in the attachments, and referred the matter to the Planning Commission for their review and input. From the City Administrator's staff report to the Council, March 12: • "The city's current sign code, while slightly adjusted during the recodification process a few years ago, has remained mostly unchanged over the past several years. During this time, technology has changed to make certain sections of our code somewhat outdated. New technology now allows for smaller signs to use eye-catching techniques such as moving pictures and text, bright flashing lights, and the use of an array of colors. While we have not faced a proliferation of changeable electronic signs in our city, other cities have experienced challenges in making these signs fit their respective community standards. Since we have two major thoroughfares that run through our city, it is highly likely that we will be approached in the future for some version of these signs. "Staff believes that our sign code, as it relates to electronic (or sometimes called dynamic) signs, needs extensive review by the public, planning commission, and the city council. In order to do this in a manner which is fair to all parties concerned, staff is recommending that asix-month moratorium on these signs be enacted. This six-month period will allow staff and the planning commission adequate time to study alternatives and bring a recommendation back to the city council for your approval." The temporary prohibition expires September 10. In order to meet this timetable, staff recommends that the Planning Commission make a recommendation by July 22, if possible, and proposes the following schedule: • Apri122: Introduction to the topic Preliminary discussion in workshop Staff Report: City Council Moratorium on Designated Signs Page 1 of 2 Planning Commission, Apri122, 2008