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Commission discusses draft approach to electronic message boards; asks staff for ordinance language and parcel impact analysis
Summary
Planning commissioners discussed proposed amendments to the city sign code to address electronic message boards (EMBs). Staff outlined sample regulations from neighboring jurisdictions and commissioners requested a draft ordinance and a parcel-level impact analysis before further action.
Commissioners discussed possible amendments to the city’s sign code to regulate electronic message boards (EMBs). Staff presented comparative language from nearby jurisdictions (including Pittsfield Township and Ann Arbor) and suggested model provisions: limiting EMB area to a percentage of the zoning-district maximum sign area, setting strict light-limits measured in foot-candles at residential lot lines, adding non‑glare requirements, and allowing government emergency messages to be posted on EMBs.
Commissioners raised several concerns: consistency across zoning districts (one commissioner noted R-1 was currently an outlier that allowed fewer sign area in some cases), potential visual/aesthetic impacts in core neighborhoods, and fairness where some institutional uses already have EMBs by right. Commissioners requested staff draft concrete ordinance text and produce an analysis showing how many parcels and which zones would be affected by a change. Staff said they would prepare a draft amendment, mapped parcel impact data and bring the item back for formal review and a public hearing as needed.
No ordinance change was approved at the meeting; the discussion concluded with the commission’s direction to staff to return with draft language and parcel-level analysis for further consideration.
