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Planning board approves two electronic displays for American Theater, debates code precedent
Summary
The board approved use of two electronic message displays inset at the American Theater's facade as part of a site-plan-related approval and discussed whether the decision should be limited to the theater and whether to recommend that the City Council update the city's EMC rules.
The planning board voted to approve two electronic message center (EMC) displays for the American Theater’s façade, permitting static electronic poster-style displays inset into the historic masonry in place of former poster light boxes.
Natalie Seagriff, project manager for SOBBR (architect of record for the American Theater project), described the proposed displays as vertical, static images that would change infrequently rather than flashing or moving signage. She told the board the project had removed a proposed digital marquee from the scope and that the theater’s rehabilitation was proceeding under SHPO tax-credit conditions and other historic-preservation constraints.
Board members and staff flagged two issues: (1) the city code bars EMCs in the downtown mixed-use district but the zoning board of appeals had granted a variance for this property, and (2) approving EMCs for the theater could set a precedent for other downtown properties. Russ Brooks, a neighborhood resident who spoke at public comment, supported the theater use and urged an amendment to the city code to modernize EMC rules and brightness/refresh limits.
After discussion the board voted to approve the EMC use for the American Theater property only and carried a concurrent direction that staff and interested board members develop sample amendment language for Council consideration; the board did not adopt a citywide code change at the meeting.
The approval came with the reminder that planning-board approval is required by the city code section on electronic message centers before the director of code enforcement can issue a permit.
