01-14-10 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 14, 2010 DYNAMIC Duray noted the discussion at the Council level relative to dynamic and SIGN electronic sign regulations and the need for revisions. Duray pointed out REGULATIONS that when the regulations were first enacted, this was a fairly new area of signage regulations. Since that time dynamic signs have become more popular with Duray noting this signage at CVS Pharmaoy and Culver's. Given the way these two new developments utilize their dynamic signs, it is the Council's feeling that adjustment are needed relative to the regulation of letter size and timing. The City Planner agreed that when the City adopted its dynamic and electronic sign regulations, this was a new area of regulation. After a great deal of discussion, the Council adopted regulations of a middle range to what other cities had adopted. Letter size was regulated at no smaller than 10 inches in heights and sign messages could change no quicker than every 10 minutes. The expectation was that these regulations would avoid public safety concerns related to the distraction that these signs may cause. The Planner indicated that there are two categories of dynamic signs, the commercial signage similar to what Culvers and C,VS and the large digital billboard displays. At the time the City's ordinance was adopted, the regulations applied to both types of dynamic signs. It is the Council's feeling at this time, that the regulations should vary between these two categories of sign. "therefore, the proposal is to allow letter height of no smaller than 6 inches and sign message changes no more frequently then every 10 seconds for dynamic signs along standard roadways. The large digital billboard displays along freeways would still be subject to the minimum letter size of 10 inches and message changes no more frequently than every ] 0 minutes. Everson asked if any of the existing businesses would not be able to meet these new standards. The City Planner indicated that there should be no trouble in meeting them. Duray read an email from Chair Dan Knudsen indicating his support for the proposed changes. Duray also indicated that he, too, supports the changes proposed. I3e feh these new regulations allowed businesses to better compete in the market place. Ile also noted that there has been no evidence that the dynamic signs, regulated as proposed, would create a traffic safety hazard. Pechmaxm stated that he supports the proposed changes. He suggested a message change quicker than every 10 minutes for billboards would not be a problem. The City Planner noted that there are three existing billboards in Little Canada. These are non-conforming uses under the City's Code as billboards are no longer allowed. The Planner indicated that, as a result, there would be a reluctance to be too expansive with the regulations of -9-