Commission approves conditional use permit for Falls Valley Elementary electronic message sign

The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 5 voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing an electronic message center (EMC) sign on the north end of Falls Valley Elementary School.

The approved sign is designed to be a wall‑mounted LED display. Applicant Bailey Whitehead described the sign as an LED display 36 inches by 72 inches, with an additional static top portion 18 inches tall by 72 inches wide. Whitehead told the commission the sign would be used to communicate to parents during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up.

Staff review and conditions City staff (Chrisette) told the commission the application was reviewed under the city sign code (section 7-43-k) and that EMCs for schools can be allowed by conditional use permit when the commission determines the sign will not negatively affect the surrounding residential area. Staff reported the closest property is roughly 490 feet from the proposed sign location and said the applicant’s proposed sign met the code’s setback and size limitations. Staff recommended approval of the CUP without additional conditions, noting the sign would meet the sign ordinance’s minimum standards.

Brightness and technical details Commissioners asked about sign brightness (nits) and automatic dimming. Staff noted the sign vendor’s product includes a self‑adjusting photocell so the display dims at night and brightens during daytime; staff said the product would operate within the city’s sign code. One commissioner checked the staff report and noted the maximum specified brightness in that report of about 8,000 nits and said the proposed sign runs around 6,000 nits during the day—within the regulation cited in the staff report.

Public hearing and motions No members of the public offered comments. Commissioner Rehan moved to approve the conditional use permit for the electronic message center sign at Falls Valley Elementary; the commission voted unanimously in favor. The commission also approved a required statement of relevant criteria and standards consistent with the staff report and corrected a signature line prior to finalizing the reason statement.

Clarifying details - Sign dimensions: LED portion 36" x 72"; additional static top portion 18" x 72" (applicant Bailey Whitehead). - Nearest property distance: ~490 feet (applicant/staff statement). - Brightness: staff report referenced a maximum of ~8,000 nits; staff indicated the proposed sign operates around ~6,000 nits during daytime and includes an automatic dimmer.

Ending: The commission’s approval is a conditional use permit; the applicant must meet any required permit conditions and install the sign consistent with the city sign code and the reason statement that commission approved.