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Commission supports Civic Center digital signs and recommends variances for EMD level and size
Summary
The Downtown Design Commission approved the Civic Center Foundation’s request to replace existing pole signs in Bicentennial Park with larger electronic message displays, and recommended the Board of Adjustment grant multiple variances for sign type, size and EMD allocation.
The Downtown Design Commission on Jan. 16 approved plans to install electronic message displays (EMDs) on existing poles in Bicentennial Park adjacent to the Civic Center Music Hall and recommended that the Board of Adjustment grant several variances for EMD level, pole size and the proportion of sign area allowed to be electronic.
Planning staff reviewed a long history of pole signage at the Civic Center site, including earlier approvals and an administrative revision that changed prior displays’ operational level. Staff noted the new sign code contains separate tables for pole signs and EMD signs that are inconsistent with each other, producing ambiguity in how EMD level 3 and pole signs are regulated. The commission acknowledged that discrepancy and recommended a BOA review for variances to resolve it for this application.
Civic Center Foundation leaders said the existing pole structures have been in place for decades and vinyl banners were often lost to wind; foundation CEO Elizabeth Gray told commissioners that modern, changeable electronic signs are necessary to advertise resident performing‑arts programming, upcoming events and public-service announcements. Gray said the foundation intends to use the displays primarily to promote Civic Center events and resident arts groups rather than as general advertising.
The proposed cabinets are substantially larger than the sign-code base allowances for pole signs; staff calculated increases of approximately 274% in sign area and 255% in height per sign relative to the current standards for pole signs. The commission approved the design and moved to recommend the Board of Adjustment grant variances from: prohibition of EMD level 3 signs in certain tables, poll sign maximum size and height, and the 50% maximum of a sign that may be electronic. The commission also discussed illumination controls and noted existing city rules govern brightness and require dimming or turn-off hours.
Action: Commission approved the application and recommended BOA variances; the transcript records the motion passing and a second motion to recommend BOA approval passed as well.
