22.50.120 Digital content and video display signs.
Changeable copy by electronic or video means may be utilized on any permitted freestanding sign; provided, that the sign is at least thirty-five feet in any direction from any other sign that uses electronic display and is ninety degrees perpendicular to the flow of traffic, and is not located within the historic main neighborhood in the downtown commercial zone.
A. Only one EMC, EMD, or video sign is permitted per site for each street frontage on which the development fronts and the sign is visible from the public ROW.
B. Electronic message centers and displays (EMC and EMDs) are subject to the following restrictions:
1. The copy cannot change more than once every four seconds.
2. The interval between successive displays is zero such that an approaching driver cannot perceive any flashing of the display screen.
3. No special visual effects of any kind such as moving toward or away from the viewer, expanding or contracting, bouncing, rotating, spinning, twisting, or otherwise portraying movement or animation as the message is displayed on the screen or to accompany the transition between any successive messages.
4. Message sequencing is prohibited.
C. Video display signs are subject to the following restrictions:
1. Any portion of the message that uses a video display method shall have a minimum duration of two seconds. Calculation of the duration shall not include the number of frames per second used in a video display method.
2. There shall be zero seconds of still image or blank screen following every message using a video display method so that an approaching driver cannot perceive any flashing of the display screen.
3. Audio speakers shall be prohibited in association with a sign using a video method of display.
D. Digital content signs, including message centers and displays, videos, etc., must have automatic dimming capability that adjusts the brightness to the ambient light at all times of the day and night such that changeable message signs cannot exceed the following foot candles (fc) by zone:
|
Zoning District |
Foot Candles |
|---|---|
|
Transportation (TR), Institutional (IN), Limited Open Space (LS) |
0.3 |
|
Downtown Commercial (DC), Mixed Use – Neighborhood (MN), Mixed Use – General (MG), Light Industrial (LI), General Industrial (GI), Shoreline Industrial (SI) |
0.5 |
|
General Commercial (GC), Tourist Commercial (TC) |
0.8 |
Source: Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
E. Permit applications for electronic message centers and displays (EMCs and EMDs) and video display sign permits must include a copy of the manufacturer’s operating manual which includes the manufacturer’s recommended standards for light levels, scrolling or traveling speed and other display operations. EMCs and EMDs are subject to periodic assessment of the sign’s performance and impact on traffic safety, driver and pedestrian distractions, and the other criteria of this code. (Ord. 005/2019 § 10 (Exh. B))