§ 167-27.2.1. Electronic message center signs.

A. 

Purpose, intent and definitions.

(1) 

The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all electronic message center (EMC) signs and all commercial zoning districts.

(2) 

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

DISSOLVE

A mode of message transition on an electronic message display accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER

A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.

FADE

A mode of message transition on an electronic message display accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.

FRAME

A complete, static display screen on an electronic message display.

FRAME EFFECT

A visual effect on an electronic message display applied to a single frame to attract the attention of viewers.

SCROLL

A mode of message transition on an electronic message display where the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.

TRANSITION

A visual effect used on an electronic message display to change from one message to another.

TRAVEL

A mode of message transition on an electronic message display where the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.

B. 

General requirements.

(1) 

Prohibited locations. EMC signs are prohibited in all residential districts, LC Zones, and in the following downtown districts: RA-3, DP-2, RA-2, RD-2 and OS Zones.

(2) 

Prohibited sign types. EMC signs are not permitted as canopy or projecting signs. EMC signs are only permitted as wall signs when the development does not have a freestanding or monument EMC sign.

(3) 

Size. No more than 50% of the total square footage of any sign may be devoted to EMC signage.

(4) 

Quantity. One freestanding, monument or wall EMC is permitted per site or per road frontage if the site fronts more than one road, provided that distance between signs in Subsection B(5) below is maintained.

(5) 

Distance between signs. For freestanding and monument EMC signs, a minimum distance of 200 feet, at the shortest distance, shall be required between an EMC and another EMC, except in the downtown form-based code districts where the minimum distance shall be 50 feet.

(6) 

Message movement. EMC signage shall be limited to static displays, messages that appear or disappear from the display through dissolve, fade, travel or scroll modes. Once a message has transitioned, the text shall not have movement, or the appearance or illusion of movement, or the flashing, scintillating or varying of light intensity. Animated background images are allowed.

(7) 

Message duration. An EMC message shall be displayed for not less than eight seconds.

(8) 

Message changes. A minimum of 0.3 second of time with no message displayed shall be provided between each message displayed on the sign. Transitions shall be 0.5 second or less between messages.

(9) 

Background color. All text and symbols shall be of light color on a dark background. No white, yellow or pastel backgrounds are permitted.

(10) 

Brightness. EMC signs shall be equipped with a sensor or other automatic dimming technology, as certified by the manufacturer, to adjust the brightness of the sign relative to ambient light so that at no time shall a sign exceed a brightness level of 0.3 footcandle over ambient lighting conditions when measured at the recommended distance based on the EMC size. See Attachment 1, Guidance on Determining Sign Brightness.

Editor's Note: Said attachment is on file in the Town offices.

(11) 

Audio. No EMC sign shall include any audio message, music or sound.

(12) 

Malfunctions. All EMC signs shall contain a default mechanism that will cause the sign to revert immediately to black screen if the sign malfunctions.

(13) 

Weather and Amber Alerts. The owner of the EMC sign is encouraged to register with FEMA and the Amber Alert systems and to display all emergency messages when requested to do so.

(14) 

Nonconforming EMC signs. Nonconforming EMC signs shall conform to Subsections B(6) through (14) no later than six months from the date of adoption of this section.

Added 11-20-2017 by L.L. No. 11-2017