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<br />Regulations for Dynamic Signs. Based on studies related to the use of dynamic sign displays and driver <br />distraction, the City finds that dynamic signs, as defined by the zoning ordinance, have a unique potential <br />to create driver distraction, a major cause of traffic crashes. As a result, the City has adopted special <br />regulations that relate to such signs. These regulations shall apply to all proposed dynamic signage in the <br />City, whether new or existing, conforming or non-conforming at the time of adoption of this ordinance. <br /> <br />a. No dynamic sign shall have lettering smaller than the Letter Height listed in Figure 903-4. <br /> <br />b. Dynamic signs shall have messages that change instantaneously, and do not fade, dissolve, blink, or <br />appear to simulate motion in any way. Such signs may change by turning off for a period of at least ten <br />(10) minutes between displays. <br /> <br />c. Dynamic signs shall not be permitted in any Residential zoning district. <br /> <br />d. No dynamic display shall change more often than the Duration of Display shown in Figure 903-4, except <br />time and temperature displays which may change once every three (3) seconds. <br /> <br />e. Figure 903-4 <br />Dynamic Sign Regulations <br /> <br /> I-694, I-35, TH 36 Other Roadways <br />Letter Height Ten (10) inches Six (6) inches <br />Duration of Display Ten (10) minutes Ten (10) seconds <br /> <br />f. Dynamic signs shall comply with the City’s Architectural Guidelines applying to the district in which they <br />are located, and shall be no brighter than other illuminated signs in the same district. <br /> <br />g. Dynamic displays shall be designed to freeze the display in the event of malfunction, and the owner <br />shall discontinue the display immediately upon malfunction, or upon notice from the City that the <br />display violates the City’s regulations. <br /> <br />h. Where access to the Minnesota Amber Alert technology is available, all applicants for freestanding sign <br />licenses employing electronic dynamic sign technology shall display such messages as they are made <br />available by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or other responsible agency. License <br />applicants shall be required to submit information from the State of Minnesota documenting the <br />availability, or non-availability, of such access as part of their license application. <br /> <br />i. Applicants for a dynamic display shall obtain a specific license for such display from the City of Little <br />Canada, and shall sign a form agreeing to operation of the sign in conformance with these regulations. <br />Violation of these regulations shall result in forfeiture of the license, and the City shall be authorized to <br />arrange disconnection of electrical service to the facility. <br /> <br />Recommendation <br />Planning staff is recommending approval of a variance to allow two freestanding signs based upon a <br />finding that the circumstances were not a result of actions of the applicant and the previous ordinance <br />language for the Public District did not regulate the number of signs allowed.