Commission approves moving forward with limited electronic message centers for public taxing entities, with strict lighting controls

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 2 reviewed a department information report proposing updates to the city’s sign regulations to permit limited electronic message centers (EMCs). The department presented a second information report defining EMCs, listing the zoning districts where they could be considered, and recommending that EMCs be permitted only by conditional use permit and, initially, only for public entities with taxing authority (for example, school districts, fire protection districts, community college, county, and the city).

Staff recommended one EMC per property, monument‑type only (no pylons or pole signs), a dark background with light lettering, no animations or flashing/icons, a display area limited to 60% of the sign face, no changing colors, and limited transition frequency. Department staff said transitions could be as infrequent as once per hour in their conservative proposal, but noted that timing was under discussion. Randy Burkett, a lighting consultant on the Zoom call, explained the department’s proposed two lighting zones for the city and the rationale for lower luminance in “Lighting Zone 1” (rural/darker areas) versus “Lighting Zone 2” (more suburban/town center areas): “Lighting Zone 1 is a darker environment than Lighting Zone 2,” Burkett said, and he described how signs should be dimmed to match ambient conditions so a sign in an LZ1 area is substantially less bright than the same sign in an LZ2 location.

Commissioners asked about enforcement and penalties. The city attorney and staff explained enforcement channels include certification at installation, field testing using light‑meter equipment, summonses for violations, and potential municipal court action; staff and the city attorney noted fines are capped by statute (the department stated the municipal maximum fine starts at $250 per offense with the potential to increase for continuing violations and that multiple daily summonses or injunctive relief are options in persistent cases). Commissioners noted the enforcement complexities given the plan to confine EMCs to taxing public entities (which may have sovereign or intergovernmental considerations).

After discussion, Council member Marshall moved, and Commissioner Clayton seconded, to proceed with the department’s recommendation as presented; the commission approved the motion by roll call. The department will finalize ordinance language and the letter of recommendation for the commission and council, refine the lighting zone definitions and transition timing with the consultant, and return the proposal for public hearings and formal action.