Number
091238
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
070548
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
An ordinance extending the expiration date of zoning code regulations relating to off-premise automatic changeable message signs.
Sections
295-407-4-d am
Analysis
On March 18, 2008, the Common Council passed Common Council File 070548, thereby revising that portion of the zoning code pertaining to automatic changeable message signs. Included in these revisions were conforming conditions for the operation of off-premise electronic and tri-vision automatic changeable message signs, specifically:
1. The signs may change as frequently as once every 8 seconds.
2. No sign shall be located within 400 feet of any residential district from which the sign is visible.
3. A minimum distance of 1,000 feet is required between any 2 signs which are visible to drivers facing the same direction.
4. Audio speakers and all forms of pyrotechnics are prohibited.
5. Nuisance light, and by definition certain levels of spill light, is prohibited.
6. A light standard of 5,000 NITs (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and 500 NITs (candelas per square meter) from dusk to dawn shall be enforced.
7. A sign determined to cause interference with traffic signals or controls, create a confusing or dominating background which might reduce the clarity or effectiveness of a traffic control device, or otherwise obstructs a motorist’s line of sight with traffic signals or controls, shall be turned off.
8. A malfunctioning sign that causes a glare shall be considered an acute traffic hazard and shall be turned off.
A sunset clause was included whereby these zoning code provisions pertaining to off-premise electronic and tri-vision automatic changeable message signs shall become null and void on and after March 31, 2010. This date coincided with the expected completion of a federal highway administration study on the effect of commercial electronic variable message signs on driver behavior ...
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