PL PACKET 09192006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case# 10000D-06 Page 4.2 Existing standards The current sign ordinance does not adequately address the advances made in the electronic and video display industries. Existing references to changeable message and image signs in the City Code are minimal, but include the following. The following provisions are located in Section 19.106 titled"Signs Prohibited in All Districts." • "No rotating beam,beacon or flashing illumination resembling any emergency light shall be used in connection with any sign display,unless the sign is a traffic control sign, a public utility sign, or a public notice." • "Flashing Signs Prohibited. Flashing signs shall be prohibited." • "Shimmering Signs Prohibited. Shimmering signs shall be prohibited." • "Signs Not Listed As Permitted Are Prohibited. Any sign not identified as a permitted sign in Section 19.105 of this Code and in Sections 19.110 through 19.127 of this Code is prohibited." The following definition of"flashing sign"is included in Section 19.104: • "Flashing sign—a directly or indirectly illuminated sign which exhibits changing light or color effects by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination which includes the illusion of intermittent flashing light by means of animation. Also any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling, or sparkling." The following provision in Section 19.85 applies to sexually oriented businesses: • "All signs shall be flat wall signs. No signs shall be freestanding, located on the roof, or contain any flashing lights, moving elements, or electronically or mechanically changing messages." Driver distraction While video display signs create mood, interest and energy in pedestrian oriented entertainment districts, serious highway safety questions have been raised concerning this visual medium by the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA),National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington and Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A complete listing of these and related reports is found in the bibliography section of this staff report. All of the studies conducted reveal that driver distraction continues to be a significant underlying cause of traffic accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 25% of police-reported crashes involve some form of driver inattention. Driver distraction is one form of inattention and is a factor in over half of these crashes. Because there are many different technologies that can be used to create the image that is seen on a large video display sign, it is not feasible to develop technology based sign regulations,rather the regulations must address operational characteristics, capabilities and functions. Report to the Planning Commission September 14,2006 Division of City Planning