Graphics commission backs code allowing six large building-mounted digital signs near downtown

The Graphics Commission voted to recommend a proposed zoning-code change that would allow up to six “gateway digital graphics” — large, building-mounted digital displays — within one mile of the downtown district.

The change would add a new section to the graphics code creating a special-permit process for up to six gateway digital graphics. Planning staff said each graphic must be affixed to a building, have a minimum size of about 1,000 square feet and a maximum of about 1,200 square feet, be principally oriented toward the interstate or freeway and meet spacing and orientation requirements. Speaker Shannon Pine said, “Gateway digital graphics will be limited to 6 locations and they must be affixed to a building.”

Why it matters: The measure is part of a broader Title 34 zoning modernization effort that city council is reviewing. Supporters said the limited number of signs is intended to modernize downtown appearance without overwhelming neighborhoods; opponents and reviewers raised questions about location selection, spacing and state highway regulations.

Details of the proposal

- Coverage area and eligibility: The gateway area is defined as the downtown district and any location within one mile of any exterior point of the downtown district. The graphics must be in zoning districts that permit industrial, commercial or mixed uses and may be in the new Title 34 mixed-use districts.

- Size and mounting: The proposed text sets a minimum of roughly 1,000 square feet and a maximum of roughly 1,200 square feet. Graphics must be fixed to a building (they are not intended to be freestanding billboards) and may have two faces.

- Spacing and orientation: Graphics must be at least 1,200 feet apart in general; if two graphics face the same direction and are on the same side of the roadway the required separation is at least one mile. If a graphic would be within 660 feet of a freeway, state highway rules apply and may limit size or placement.

- Content and legal limits: Staff noted that content regulation is limited by court precedent; planning staff said that while a city may not broadly regulate content, narrow restrictions (for safety or other lawful time/place/manner reasons) remain possible.

- Permit process and controls: Applicants would file an application and apply for a special permit from the Graphics Commission. The code is written as first-come, first-served until six permits are issued. The commission would have authority to impose conditions on a special permit and to review and revoke a permit if problems arise. Pine told the commission that applicants must meet technical permitting requirements and supply owner identification and an affidavit of permission; she said the permit would expire one year after issuance if the sign is not installed.

What commissioners asked and staff responses

Commissioners asked how locations would be chosen and whether the 1-mile radius is a circle or measured from district edges; staff said the area is measured one mile from any exterior point of the downtown district. Commissioners asked about federal/state highway rules; staff said ODOT and Ohio administrative code provisions limit signs within 660 feet of a freeway and that applicants may need to work with those agencies.

Vote and next steps

The commission made a recommendation in favor of the proposed text as presented. The motion to support the revised graphics code was moved and approved by the commission. The recommendation will be forwarded to city council as part of ongoing Title 34 zoning changes.

Ending

If approved by city council as part of the Title 34 revisions, the new section would establish the special‑permit framework and technical requirements staff reviewed with the commission; applicants would need to file a special‑permit application with the Graphics Commission and meet any applicable state and local permitting rules.