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.Item 4 GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: * City of Bloomington Case 10000D-06 Request: Amend City Code to Establish New Electronic Message Board, Vehicle Sign, Video Display Sign, and Time and Temperature Sign Standards PROPOSAL Based on Council member concerns the City's existing sign regulations do not adequately control the variety of commercially available electronic changeable message signs, particularly in light of the constantly evolving technology, the City Council directed that new standards be created to address changeable message and image signs. Based on input from the City Council and a Focus Group comprised sign industry professionals, staff has prepared a draft ordinance that would regulate the operational characteristics of electronic changing message and video display signs. The proposed ordinance is attached. BACKGROUND The City Council approved a three-month moratorium on rune 19, 2006 on certain display signs including rapidly changing image and animation displays. The City Council will be considering extension of the moratorium at its September 11, 2006 meeting. The Council directed staff to create new standards related to these types of signs. Staff performed a nation-wide literature review of traffic studies, policy documents, and zoning ordinances relating to electronic message boards. On August 23, 2006 staff convened a Focus Group comprised of sign industry professionals to gather input on a draft version of the proposed ordinance. OBJECTIVES This ordinance aims to mi imizd and mitigate the level of distraction from: electronic signs to both motorists and residential areas. Different types of electronic signs present varying levels of distraction to motorists and must be regulated accoxdingly. Care is also taken to minimize the visual impacts and commercial nature of electronic signs on residential and conservation areas. -ANALYSIS Advanced electronic outdoor display signs have become more technologically advanced and less costly. The advanced technology, particularly with respect to the more practical and economical light emitting diode (LED) video display signs, has the ability to produce electronic displays that rival. photographs and television programs in quality and clarity. Report to the Planning Commission Planning and Economic Development Division 32 September 14, 2006