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Planning Commission • 5/27/08 ITEM: City Moratorium and Study on Dynamic Signs SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Zoning and Planning Director REVIEWED BY: Justin Miller, City Administrator Roger Knutson, City Attorney EXPLANATION: Background: 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. New technology now allows for signs to use eye-catching techniques such as moving pictures and text, bright flashing lights, and the use of an array of colors. On March 12, 2008, Falcon Heights City Council adopted an interim ordinance prohibiting the issuance of permits for certain designated signs for a period of six months and referred the matter to the Planning Commission for their review and input. At the April 22 meeting of the Planning Commission, commissioners had an opportunity to ask questions of the city's attorney and to begin discussion of this issue. According to the timetable recommended by staff, the plan for this evening's meeting is to take comment from the public and to review staff research. The goal is to begin setting a direction for any changes that need to be made to the city code. At the request of the Commission, examples of city ordinances related to electronic and dynamic display signs have been assembled and are attached to this report. Staff found that cities which have directly addressed the issue of new dynamic sign technology have either prohibited these signs outright or imposed significant restrictions on them. Restrictions typically address location, district limitations, setback from residential zones, setback from similar signage, orientation, brightness, duration of message, mode of message change, and audio or other effects. Dynamic signs are usually already subject to existing size, location and setback restrictions in municipal sign codes. An essential element of the six months study period is input from the community. Informal public comment sessions have been scheduled for the May 27 and June 24 Planning Commission meetings. Residents were notified of the opportunity for public comment by city flyer, the city website and the email list. Letters were sent to Falcon Heights businesses and commercial property owners inviting them to this evening's meeting to share their thoughts with the Commission. • Staff Report: City Moratorium and Study on Dynamic Signs Page 1 of 3 Planning Commission, May 27, 2008 ~