Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />• <br />AGENDA ITEM 6 B <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Smyser <br />C. C. MEETING DATE: February 26, 2007 <br />TOPIC: Ordinance No. 01 -07 <br />Moratorium On Flashing, Changeable Signs <br />ACTION: 3/5 <br />BACKGROUND <br />Changeable electronic billboards are being installed in various areas of the country and <br />the Twin Cities. These billboards have a large digital electronic screens that are <br />programmed to change messages. They typically change ads frequently, such as every <br />eight seconds. There is a big push in the Twin Cities by advertising companies to install <br />more of the digital billboards (see attached press release). <br />Because these large, flashing, changing billboards are very effective at grabbing the <br />attention of passing motorists, they pose potential safety hazards. In addition, there are <br />aesthetic concerns with these billboards or any sign that flashes, has moving messages, <br />and is brightly lit. <br />The existing Lino Lakes sign ordinance specifically prohibits flashing signs. However, <br />because the advertising industry is pushing for these signs, we should re- examine our <br />sign ordinance. This will require studying the ordinance, the sign characteristics, and the <br />potential need to amend the ordinance to fully address the issue. <br />Many Twin City municipalities are adopting moratoriums on new digital signs to conduct <br />a study on them. Ordinance 01 -07 is based on an ordinance format used by several cities. <br />Our City Attorney has examined the moratorium ordinance and recommends approval. <br />There is some urgency here to get the ordinance in place before the issue arises with the <br />existing billboards in Lino Lakes. <br />OPTIONS <br />1. Approve Ordinance No. 01 -07 adopting a moratorium on digital, changing signs. <br />2. Do not approve the ordinance. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Option 1 <br />