Number
091319
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DAVIS
Title
An ordinance relating to regulations for on-premise automatic changeable message signs.
Sections
295-407-4-c
Analysis
This ordinance changes the maximum frequency for changing the display area of an on-premise automatic changeable message sign from once every 60 seconds to once every 30 seconds.
Within 4 ½ years of the effective date of this ordinance, the commissioner of public works shall evaluate the traffic-safety impacts of this ordinance's increase in the maximum allowable frequency of message changes on an on-premise automatic changeable message sign and report the findings of this evaluation to the common council. The ordinance shall be null and void 5 years after its effective date unless reauthorized by the common council.
Body
Whereas, The Common Council finds that an increase in the maximum frequency for changing the message on an on-premise automatic changeable message sign from once every 60 seconds to once every 30 seconds is a reasonable regulatory change in that a 30-second frequency is more consistent with the maximum allowable frequency for changing the message on an off-premise automatic changeable message sign (8 seconds) and that a change to a 30-second frequency is likely to facilitate commerce and public-service messages without substantially harming the public health, safety and welfare; and
Whereas, To the extent that passing motorists view the messages displayed on on-premise automatic changeable message signs, the frequency at which the messages on these signs change may have an impact on traffic safety; and
Whereas, The Common Council finds that the traffic-safety impacts of any increase in the maximum allowable frequency of message changes on an on-premise automatic changeable message sign should be carefully monitored and analyzed; and
Whereas, The Common Council finds that a period of 4 ½ years is of sufficient duration to permit City staff to conduct a meaningful analysis of the traffic-safety impacts of an increase in the maximum allowable frequency of message changes on an on-premise automatic changeable message sign; now, therefore
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 295-407-4-c of the code is amended to read:
295-407. Signs.
4. AUTOMATIC CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS.
c. The display area, other than time and temperature displays, and each portion thereof may be changed not more frequently than once every [[60]] >>30<< seconds.
Part 2. Within 4 ½ years of the effective date of this ordinance [city clerk to insert date], the commissioner of public works shall evaluate the traffic-safety impacts of this ordinance's increase in the maximum allowable frequency of message changes on an on-premise automatic changeable message sign and report the findings of this evaluation to the common council. This ordinance shall be null and void 5 years after its effective date [city clerk to insert date] unless reauthorized by the common council.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
__________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date:______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
__________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date:______________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB10021-1
JDO
01/20/2010