Council initiates study and limited pilot for animated on‑site signs in downtown commercial corridors

The Glendale City Council on June 24 directed staff to prepare code amendments and environmental review to allow a limited pilot program for animated on‑site signs in downtown commercial corridors.

Community Development Director Bradley Calvert presented the proposal, which responds to prior council direction to consider allowing animated signs that convey messages about activities located on the property (for example a store sale or a church event). Calvert emphasized the scope is intentionally narrow: the proposed pilot would allow only on‑site messages (no off‑site advertising), would apply to ground or wall signs in specified corridors and would include operational limits and design controls.

Recommended pilot framework (staff direction) - Geographic limits: proposed corridors are Central Avenue (roughly the 134 to Los Feliz) and Brand Boulevard (Colorado to Los Feliz) to target high‑traffic commercial areas. - Allowed message and format: only on‑site informational messages about activities at the property; no off‑site advertising. Signs may use sequential static frames (8‑second minimum display per message) but no flashing graphics. The program would permit digital or color‑changing signs subject to controls. - Operational controls: dimmable/adjustable illumination with a maximum lumen level to be defined; orientation toward arterial streets and away from residential uses; hours of operation suggested (for example 7 a.m. to midnight); compliance with public‑works sight‑line and right‑of‑way rules. - Pilot duration and review: staff proposed a 10‑year pilot period to allow installations to be evaluated and to provide return on investment for property owners while staff conducts environmental review.

Public and council input Council members and callers discussed inclusions such as “open/closed” signs and whether small businesses currently operating digital signs should be brought into compliance. Council directed staff to include open/closed signs in the proposed amendments so currently used small‑business signs could be regularized. A caller suggested making signs more accessible to people with visual impairments and adding tactile considerations; another councilmember suggested exploring agreements that would allow the city to use sign inventory for public‑service announcements during emergencies or elections (staff said they would consult the city attorney on legal constraints).

Next steps Staff will draft code language, initiate the required CEQA/environmental review and return to Planning Commission and City Council with formal amendments and proposed operating standards. Calvert warned that state notice timelines have changed and will affect scheduling. Staff also said it could expand the environmental review area if council requests beyond the proposed corridors.

Ending Council voted to direct staff to prepare the code amendments and environmental review, add open/close sign considerations and explore public‑service use options, and to return with draft code language and timing recommendations.