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not the sign uses LED technology, or whether the sign changes copy or images <br />(changes which are limited in scope and time). <br /> <br />When this ordinance was adopted, LED technology was still relatively new, and its use <br />was commonly applied to displays that appeared to imitate movement or video. <br />However, more recently, LED lighting technology has become the dominant method of <br />projecting most lighting, whether or not it is used in simulated video. <br /> <br />As such, staff would suggest that two changes are made to the Sign regulations that <br />would allow signage that is lit, but not simulating video movement, to incorporate LED <br />lighting, subject to the same illumination standards currently in the code. These <br />changes would include a modification to the definition of Dynamic Display, and a <br />separate reference to any LED lighting technology incorporating the illumination <br />standards. <br /> <br />Those changes would result in text that reads as follows: <br /> <br />155.03 Definitions: <br /> <br />DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGNS. A sign that appears to have movement or that appears to <br />change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or <br />its components. This includes any display that incorporates a method or technology that <br />allows the image on the sign face to change without physically or mechanically replacing <br />the sign face or its components. This also includes signs containing parts that rotate, <br />revolve, move, flash, blink, utilize Light Emitting Diodes (LED) or Liquid Crystal <br />Display (LCD) lights to simulate motion or video or which allow changeable copy at <br />regular or irregular intervals, digital ink, or any other technology that allows the sign to <br />display a series of images or displays. <br /> <br />155.21 General Standards <br /> <br />(G) Illumination. External illumination for signs shall be so constructed and maintained <br />that the source of light is not visible from the public right-of-way or residential property. <br />All external illumination for signs shall have a shielded light source. <br /> <br />Any sign illuminated and located within 200 feet of a lot line of a residence shall be <br />diffused or indirect so as not to reflect rays of light into adjacent residences or a street <br />and shall not be illuminated between 10:00pm and 6:00am; provided, however, such <br />signs may be illuminated at any time when the use identified by the sign is open for <br />business, unless otherwise determined by the City Council through the Conditional Use <br />Permit process. <br /> <br />Any sign or other illumination of the property incorporating LED technology shall adhere <br />to the limitations of Section 155.29 (O)(1), regulating Dynamic Display Sign Brightness. <br /> <br /> <br />There is one outstanding issue to discuss in this regard. Some commercial enterprises <br />have incorporated LED “banding” (similar to what we may remember as “neon” lighting) <br />as an architectural element or feature. One of the most common in the Twin Cities is