06.03 - Ordinance Amendment - Digital Signs

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COMMUNITY C:ty Of GROG Pequot INSTITUTE LakeS� COUNCIL REPORT Application: Ordinance Amendment Regarding Digital Signs Applicant: City of Pequot Lakes Background Information: The current code does not allow digital signs (except for the display of gas prices). The applicants are requesting an ordinance amendment to allow digital/changing message signs also called "dynamic displays" in the commercial areas of Pequot Lakes. In many cities, the foremost concern with allowing dynamic signs is safety. Changing message signs can be a distraction to drivers as they turn to look at a changing message as they pass the sign. Many cities will regulate the duration of a message (e.g. each message must be displayed for at least i minute before it can change)in order to limit the distraction to drivers. Many dynamic display ordinances also prohibit flashing,scrolling, color changing, etc. to lessen the distinction to drivers. Although the safety of citizens is obviously a top priority of the City, the primary reason digital displays are not allowed in the City is to maintain the "north woods feel" the City has identified in the Comprehensive Plan. The "Community Character" section of the plan references creating/maintaining a "sense of place" and a "small town feel." The Planning Commission has had numerous discussions regarding whether or not digital signage would change the character of the City. It's been determined in that past that it would and digital signs have not been allowed. The proposed amendment would allow dynamic signage on properties in the in the Downtown Mixed Use Zone. This zoning district generally does not have fast moving traffic and is intended for pedestrian-orientated development as opposed to auto-oriented development. The proposed amendment includes the following: • Size- Maximum of 16 sq. ft. (this is counted towards the overall maximum signage on a property). • Location-Must be at least loo ft from any residential property. • Duration-Any message must remain static for at least 30 seconds. • Transition- When the message transitions, it may not do so by scrolling, twirling, changing color,etc. • Brightness- The brightness of the sign may not exceed 5,00o nits during daylight hours and 50o nits between dusk to dawn. • Dimmer control- Dynamic displays must have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change at different times of the day. • Fluctuating or flashing illumination-Not allowed. • Video display-Not allowed. Pequot Lakes Council Report Recommendation#1 July 1,2014