§ 31.5-165. Changeable copy signs.

(a)

An electronic message center (EMC) shall be permitted only as a ground sign or pole sign, subject to complying with subsections (a)(1), (2) and (3) below, and sections 31.5-166 and 31.5-167.

(1)

When permitted within one hundred (100) feet of a residential district, such a sign shall display static images only. Each image that is displayed shall remain static for not less than eight (8) seconds. Transitions from a static image to the next static image shall appear instantaneously, without intervening flashing, animation, or movement of any kind.

(2)

All EMCs shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the sign's brightness in direct correlation with ambient light conditions. No EMC shall exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle meter at a preset distance, depending on the size of the sign. Such distance shall be measured using the following formula: the square root of the product of the copy area and one hundred (100):

√(copy area × 100).

(3)

The following operating modes shall be prohibited:

a.

Flash;

b.

Zoom;

c.

Twinkle/sparkle;

d.

Any illumination resembling traffic signals or implying that motorists need to stop or slow down;

e.

Moving, blinking, scrolling or chasing graphics or characters; or

f.

Any mode that resembles flashing, zooming, twinkling, or sparkling.

(b)

It is the intent of this chapter that the lawful use of any sign structure existing on August 4, 2015, may be continued despite the fact that such structure does not conform with the provisions of this chapter, provided, however, that the brightness level requirements stated in this section shall be satisfied on all such nonconforming sign structures on or before September 30, 2015.

(Ord. No. 94-14, § 24, 7-26-94; Ord. No. 2015-17 , § 21, 9-22-15)