06.02 - Ordinance Ammend. Re Dynamic Display Signs

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CWHOW IT1111 Pequot INST17UTE Lies-=-: COUNCIL REPORT Application: Ordinance Amendment Regarding Digital Signs Applicant: Post#49 American Legion, Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce- Pequot Office&Pequot Lakes Public Schools 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 Downtown Mixed Use Zone. 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 1 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. With input from the applicants and Planning Commission, the proposed amendment has changed since it was last reviewed by the City Council. The Planning Commission was directed to devise an ordinance that is still in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed amendment is one of the strictest of its kind in relation to all the digital sign ordinances that have been reviewed. The proposed amendment"permits"dynamic displays in the Downtown Mixed Use Zone with the following regulations: • Size- Maximum of 32 sq. ft. (increased from 16 sq. ft. from the previous amendment because the size of lettering has increased to resemble marquee signs). • Location-Must be at least loo ft from any residential property. • Duration- Any message must remain static for at least two hours (increased from 30 seconds from the previous amendment). • Brightness- The brightness of the sign may not exceed 5,000 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. Pequot Lakes Council Report Recommendation#i September 2,2014