HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Ordinance 1553 (LED Signs)
DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 1553
BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1490, CITY CODE OF
2005 RELATING TO LED, DYNAMIC, AND OTHER SIGNAGE WITHIN THE CITY
OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The City of Columbia Heights does ordain:
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.103 of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to
include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.103 DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context
clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SIGN, DYNAMIC LED. Any characteristics of a sign that appear to have
movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically
removing and replacing the sign or its components. This includes a display that
incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image
without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its
components. This also includes any moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display
and any display that incorporates LED lights manipulated through digital input,
“digital ink” or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present
a series of images or displays.
SIGN, ELECTRIC. A sign that uses electrical wiring on, in or near such sign to
effect movement and/or illumination, inclusive of illuminated signs.
SIGN, VARIABLE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE. A dynamic LED sign that
changes its message more frequently than once every ten (10) minutes for
commercial and industrial properties located in the LB, GB, CBD, I-1 and I-2
zoning districts and a dynamic LED sign that changes its message more frequently
than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institutions
located in the R-1, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-4 and LB zoning districts.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(6) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed
to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(6) Prohibited Signs. Signs that are not specifically permitted in this division
are hereby prohibited in all districts unless criteria is presented to allow the Planning
Commission to deem that the sign, design preserves and maintains the community’s
unique historical and cultural elements. Without restricting or limiting the generality of
the provisions of the foregoing, the following signs are specifically prohibited:
(a-p) [SECTIONS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(q)Variable electronic message signs.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed to
include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(8) Dynamic LED signage.
(a) Regulations. Dynamic LED signage is allowed as a conditional use
in those zoning districts specified in this code. All dynamic LED signage is subject
to the following conditions:
1. Dynamic LED signs are allowed only on monument signs for
conditionally permitted uses in all zoning districts, with the exception of motor fuel
stations, which may display dynamic LED signs as a part of the pylon sign.
Dynamic LED signs may occupy no more than fifty percent (50%) of the actual copy
and graphic area. The remainder of the sign must not have the capability to have
dynamic LED signs, even if not used. Only one, contiguous dynamic display area is
allowed on a sign face.
2. A dynamic LED sign may not change or move more often
than once every ten (10) minutes for commercial or industrial uses, and no more
than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institution uses,
except one for which changes are necessary to correct hour-and-minute, date, or
temperature information.
3. A display of time, date or temperature information may
change as frequently as once every ten (10) seconds, however information displayed
not relating to the date, time or temperature must not change or move more often
than once every ten (10) minutes for commercial or industrial uses, and no more
than once every thirty (30) minutes for religious and/or educational institution uses.
4.The images and messages displayed must be static, and the
transition from one state display to another must be instantaneous without any
special effects. Motion, animation and video images are prohibited on dynamic
LED sign displays.
5. The images and messages displayed must be complete in
themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any
other sign.
6. Dynamic LED signs must be designed and equipped to freeze
the device in one position if a malfunction shall occur. The displays must also be
equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions,
and the sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic display when notified by the
city that it is not complying with the standards of this ordinance.
7. Dynamic LED signs may not exceed a maximum illumination
of 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum
illumination of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as
measured from the sign’s face at maximum brightness. Dynamic LED signs must
have an automatic dimmer control to produce a distinct illumination change from a
higher illumination level to a lower level for the time period between one-half hour
before sunset and one half-hour after sunrise.
8. Dynamic LED signs existing on the effective date of this
ordinance must comply with the operational standards listed above. An existing
dynamic LED sign that does not meet the structural requirements may continue as a
non-conforming sign subject to section 9.105 (E).
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(8) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed
to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(9) , A, and R-2B.
(8)Signs in Residential Districts R-1and R-2
(a)[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
on permitted signs
(b) Restrictions . Permitted signs in the R-1, Single-
Family Residential, and R-2A and R-2B, Two-Family Residential Districts are subject to
the following restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
4.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the R-1, R-2A and R-2B Districts, the
followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit:
1.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious
institution.
2.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational
institution.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the R-1, Single-Family Residential, and R-2A and R-2B,
Two-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(9) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is proposed
to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(10)
(9)Signs in Residential Districts R-3 and R-4.
(a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
on permitted signs
(b)Restrictions . Permitted signs in the R-3, Limited
Multiple Family Residential, and R-4, Multiple-Family Residential Districts are subject
to the following restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
4.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the R-3 and R-4 Districts, the followings
signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit:
1.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious
institution.
2.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational
institution.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the R-3, Limited Multiple-Family Residential, and R-4,
Multiple-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(10) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(11)
(10)Signs in LB, Limited Business District.
(a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
on permitted signs.
(b) Restrictions Permitted signs in the LB, Limited
Business District, are subject to the following restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the LB District, the followings signs shall
require a Conditional Use Permit:
1.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a commercial
business.
2.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with a religious
institution.
3.A Dynamic LED Sign used in conjunction with an educational
institution.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the LB, Limited Business District, are subject to the
following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time for
commercial businesses.
4.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time for religious
or educational institutions.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(11) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(12)
(11)Signs in CBD, Central Business District.
(a)Permitted signs. In the CBD, Central Business District, the following
signs shall be permitted:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2. One freestanding pylon sign only if the building or structure is
located adjacent to a state trunk highway and located 20 feet or more from the front lot
line, not to exceed 75 square feet per structure, and limited to two surfaces. Provided,
however, that (a) if the building contains more than 80,000 square feet of gross floor area
or the site on which the building is located contains more than 90,000 square feet of
surface area, (b) if the street frontage of the site on which the building or structure is
located exceeds 150 feet in length, and (c) if the building is located 20 feet or more from
the front lot line and is located adjacent to a state trunk highway, a second freestanding
signs not to exceed 75 square feet and limited to two surfaces shall be permitted at a
location at least 50 feet distant from any other freestanding sign and at least 25 feet
distant from the lot line of any adjoining parcel of land other than a street or alley.
2.
3. If not located adjacent to a state or trunk highway and/or where the
One
20-foot setback cannot be met, one monument sign not to exceed 40 square feet in
size, limited to two sides, not to exceed 8 feet in height, and set a minimum of 5 feet from
any property line.
3.
4.Any pylon or monument sign must be a minimum of five feet from
any building or structure on the same lot.
4.
5.One wall sign on each side of the building that faces a public alley,
not to exceed four square feet per surface and limited to one surface per sign.
5.
6.One area identification sign for each shopping center not to exceed
100 square feet per surface, and limited to four surfaces; one wall sign for each primary
use business, not to exceed 100 square feet per surface and limited to one surface.
6.
7. One identification sign for each user other than the primary use,
not to exceed two square feet per surface, and limited to one surface.
9.
8.One wall sign per building with an are of the lesser of 20 square
feet or ½ square foot for each front foot of a building or structure provided that the said
sign is located on the same side of the building as an entrance approved by the City
Building Official as a public entrance and provided that the said public entrance and sign
faces a parking facility designated by the city as approved public parking.
on permitted signs.
(b) Restrictions Permitted signs in the CBD, Central
Business District are subject to the following restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.The maximum height of a pylon sign, including its structures, shall
not exceed 20 feet above the grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is
greater. The maximum height of a monument sign, including its structures, shall not
exceed 8 feet above grade at street level or at the base of the sign, whichever is greater.
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the CBD District, the followings signs
shall require a Conditional Use Permit:
1.Dynamic LED signage.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the CBD, Central Business District, are subject to the
following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(12) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(13)
(12)Signs in GB, General Business District.
(a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
on permitted signs.
(b) Restrictions Permitted signs in the GB, General
Business District are subject to the following restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
4.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the GB District, the followings signs shall
require a Conditional Use Permit:
1.Dynamic LED signage.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the GB, General Business District, are subject to the
following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(13) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(14)
(13)Signs in I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts..
(a) [SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
on permitted signs.
(b) Restrictions Permitted signs in the I-1, Light
Industrial District, and the I-2, General Industrial District, are subject to the following
restrictions:
1.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
2.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
3.[SECTION TO REMAIN UNCHANGED]
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the I-1 and I-2 Industrial Districts, the
followings signs shall require a Conditional Use Permit:
1. Dynamic LED signage.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in the I-1, Light Industrial District, and the I-2, General
Industrial District, are subject to the following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED signs,
as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency of
no less than one (1) message for each ten (10) minutes of display time.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(14) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(16)
(14)Signs for nonconforming residential uses. Sign number and area for
residential uses in commercial, business or industrial zones are limited to the maximum
number and area for the actual use of the subject property.
Chapter 9, Article I, Section 9.106 (P)(15) of the Columbia Heights City Code, is
proposed to include the following additions and deletions:
§ 9.106 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(P)Sign regulations.
(15) Signs in the PO, Public and Open Space District.
(a) Permitted Signs. In the PO, Public and Open Space District, the
following signs shall be permitted:
1. Any number of wall signs on any side of a building not to exceed
200 square feet of total surface area for all wall sign surfaces and limited to one
surface per sign. Provided, however, that if a parcel of land on which a building is
located directly abuts a residentially zoned land, no wall sign may be located on the
side of the building that faces the abutting residential parcel.
2. One monument sign per street frontage for those pubic facility
parcels that include governmental offices. Such signs shall not exceed forty (40)
square feet in area, and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any
property line.
3. Any number of freestanding identification signage used to
promote the name of a public city, regional or state park. Such signs shall be no
greater than forty (40) square feet in area, shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height,
and shall be located no closer than five (5) feet from any property line.
(b) Restrictions on permitted signs. Permitted signs in the PO, Public
and Open Space District are subject to the following restrictions:
1.Total signage shall not exceed two square feet for each front foot
of building or structure.
2.The maximum height of a monument sign shall not exceed eight
(8) feet in height.
3.The sign number and area permitted by this section are
considered maximum. These maximums, or any portion thereof, which are not
utilized by the owner or user of the property are non-transferable to any other
property owned, occupied or used by such persons or to any other owner or user of
property located in the same or other districts.
(c) Conditional Use signs. In the PO District, the followings signs shall
require a Conditional Use Permit:
1. A Dynamic LED sign used in conjunction with a governmental
facility.
(d) Restrictions on Conditional Use Signs. Signs requiring a
Conditional Use Permit in PO, Public and Open Space District are subject to the
following restrictions:
1.All signage must be approved through the Conditional Use
Permit process as outlined in § 9.104 (H) of the zoning code.
2.All signage must meet the requirements for Dynamic LED
signs, as outlined in section 9.106 (P)(8) of this ordinance.
3.Dynamic LED Signs may change its message with a frequency
of no less than one (1) message for each thirty (30) minutes of display time.
(17)
(15)Minimum yard requirements-freestanding signs. The minimum front,
side and rear yard requirements for freestanding signs shall be ten feet from any property
line or as otherwise stated in this article. When the bottom edge of the freestanding pylon
sign is eight feet or more above grade, the leading edge of the sign may extend within one
foot of the property line. Provided, however, no freestanding sign shall invade the area
required for traffic visibility by this division.
Section 2:
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its
passage.
First Reading: __________, 2008
Second Reading: __________, 2008
Date of Passage:
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll Call:
_______
Mayor Gary L. Peterson
Attest:
_______
Patricia Muscovitz, CMC
City Clerk/Council Secretary to the