Reno Council debates digital sign regulations for schools amid varying jurisdiction ordinances

The Reno City Council meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on the proposed regulations for digital signage at schools, sparking a robust discussion among council members regarding consistency across jurisdictions.

Councilman O'Dore expressed support for digital signs at schools, noting that Scenic Nevada, typically opposed to such signage, had shown a willingness to endorse them in this context. However, he raised concerns about the lack of uniformity in regulations among Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, particularly regarding sign height and brightness standards. He emphasized the need for collaboration among jurisdictions to create a cohesive set of guidelines that would simplify the permitting process for schools.

Senior Planner Lauren Knox provided details on the proposed regulations, which include a maximum sign size of 32 square feet, operational hours from 6 AM to 10 PM, and a brightness limit of 150 nits. The regulations also stipulate that the number of signs a school can have depends on its zoning district, with most residential areas allowing one sign per frontage.

Council members debated the potential impact of these signs on residential neighborhoods, particularly in areas where schools are surrounded by homes. One council member expressed concern that the proposed changes could lead to signs illuminating residential bedrooms late into the evening, ultimately deciding to vote against the proposal due to these concerns.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of balancing the needs of educational institutions with the interests of local residents, as well as the challenges of achieving regulatory consistency across different jurisdictions. The council's decision on the proposed digital signage regulations will have implications for how schools communicate with their communities while considering the potential effects on nearby residents.