Planning commission postpones decision on Albany County Courthouse electronic sign after safety, precedent and sizing concerns

The Laramie Planning Commission postponed action on a variance request for an electronic messaging center (EMC) at the Albany County Courthouse after commissioners raised concerns about driver distraction, historic-character compatibility and the potential precedent a large EMC might create in the downtown commercial (DC) zoning district.

Jake, a planning staff member presenting the item, told commissioners the variance had been approved previously but its building permit was not pulled within the six-month window required by city code, so the request was before the commission again. He also said the proposed sign design differs from the earlier submittal and that the illuminated display area on the plans is about 70.08 square feet while the overall framed sign is larger.

Why it matters: The proposed EMC would be on a state highway approach and visible to motorists entering downtown. Commissioners debated whether the sign’s size, location and dynamic content could distract drivers and whether approving the sign on a courthouse parcel in the DC zoning district — adjacent to B2 zoning where EMCs…