LED Signage Regulations
Submitted by: shelliej
9 March 2007 - 9:18am
I am looking for sign regulations regarding LED, or light emitting diode signage. This is becoming the rage and I am trying to put together a regulation that controls its use. I am also looking for a definition. Thanks.
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LED Signage Defined
MTP
The City of Clearwater, FL provides several definitions in Article 8 of the Community Development which can provide guidance for LED signs:
Sign, animated means any sign which includes action, motion, or color changes, or the optical illusion of action, motion, or color changes, including signs set in motion by movement of the atmosphere, or made up of a series of sections that turn.
Sign, changeable message means a sign or portion of a sign where the message copy is changed manually or automatically through the utilization of attachable, reflective or illuminated letters, numbers, symbols, images and other similar characteristics. Changeable message signs shall include electronic reader boards and changing copy on billboard signs.
Sign, time and temperature means any sign whose only function is the display of information about current time and/or temperature.
Clearwater has a somewhat restrictive sign Code.
Section 3-1803. Prohibited signs.
D. Except as provided in section 3-1806(B)(5), changeable message signs, except menu and time and temperature signs, on which the message changes more rapidly than once every six hours.
E. Menu signs on which the message changes more rapidly than once every three hours.
O. Signs that move, revolve, twirl, rotate, flash, including animated signs, multi-prism signs, floodlights and beacon lights except when required by the Federal Aviation Agency or other governmental agency.
V. Time and temperature signs in which the message changes more rapidly than once every 15 seconds.
LED signs are prohibited in the Downtown Redevelopment Area.
Prohibit except for specified uses
In my jurisdiction (Chico, CA), any sort of changeable or moveable copy sign, whether electronic or not, is prohibited outright, with just a few exceptions. Here's an edited excerpt:
19.74.070 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are, therefore, prohibited in all zoning districts:
C. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar signs, except time/temperature devices and barber poles;
F. Changeable copy signs, including reader boards, except as approved for a religious facility, movie theater, or gasoline pricing sign;
G. Electronic reader board signs, except time/temperature devices;
Make a case in the purpose statement why the regulations are required, and include any appropriate findings during adoption regarding the link between the regulations and issues of concern, e.g. preserving community aesthetics, preventing traffic hazards, etc.