Laserfiche WebLink
Item 4 Case 1000OD-06 <br /> GENERAL INFORMATION <br /> Applicant: City of Bloomington <br /> Request: Amend City Code to Establish New Electronic Message Board,Vehicle Sign,Video <br /> Display Sign, and Time and Temperature Sign Standards <br /> PROPOSAL <br /> Based on Council member concerns the City's existing sign regulations do not adequately control the <br /> variety of commercially available electronic changeable message signs, particularly in light of the <br /> constantly evolving technology,the City Council directed that new standards be created to address <br /> changeable message and image signs. Based on input from the City Council and a Focus Group <br /> comprised sign industry professionals, staff has prepared a draft ordinance that would regulate the <br /> operational characteristics of electronic changing message and video display signs. The proposed <br /> ordinance is attached. <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> The City Council approved a three-month moratorium on June 19, 2006 on certain display signs <br /> including rapidly changing image and animation displays. The City Council will be considering <br /> extension of the moratorium at its September 11, 2006 meeting. The Council directed staff to create <br /> new standards related to these types of signs. Staff performed a nation-wide literature review of traffic <br /> studies,policy documents, and zoning ordinances relating to electronic message boards. On August <br /> 23, 2006 staff convened a Focus Group comprised of sign industry professionals to gather input on a <br /> draft version of the proposed ordinance. <br /> OBJECTIVES <br /> This ordinance aims to minimize and mitigate the level of distraction from electronic signs to both <br /> motorists and residential areas. Different types of electronic signs present varying levels of distraction <br /> to motorists and must be regulated accordingly. Care is also taken to minimize the visual impacts and <br /> commercial nature of electronic signs on residential and conservation areas. <br /> ANALYSIS <br /> Advanced electronic outdoor display signs have become more technologically advanced and less <br /> costly. The advanced technology,particularly with respect to the more practical and economical light <br /> emitting diode (LED)video display signs, has the ability to produce electronic displays that rival <br /> photographs and television programs in quality and clarity. <br /> Report to the Planning Commission September 14,2006 <br /> Planning and Economic Development Division <br />