Planning commission continues sign‑code amendment to March 10 after detailed policy discussion

The Lake County Planning Commission voted Feb. 24 to continue consideration of a proposed sign‑code amendment to its March 10 meeting and spent substantial time discussing several policy choices staff has proposed.

Staff told commissioners the county moratorium on new sign permits expires March 19 and recommended continuing the amendment to March 10 so staff could present a near‑final draft. The commission approved the date‑certain continuance by voice vote.

During discussion staff outlined several substantive proposals in the draft code: allow electronic message boards as part of monument or pole signs but limit electronic area to 50 percent of the total sign face, require automatic dimming for nighttime operation and propose a maximum brightness of roughly 300 nits between dawn and dusk, and limit how quickly messages can change (staff used an eight‑second interval as a working example). Staff said the code will require manufacturers’ specifications so the county can verify compliance if complaints arise.

The commission also discussed rules for drive‑through signs and sandwich boards. Staff proposed limiting drive‑through directional signs to two signs per drive lane, with dimensional limits (examples discussed included an 8‑foot height cap and a 16‑square‑foot area cap in specific instances) and requiring architectural compatibility and screening so such signs are not visually disruptive.

Service‑station signage and canopies drew extended comment. Staff proposed permitting canopy signage but restricting internally lit faces and encouraging only downlighting below canopies to meet the county’s dark‑sky goals; staff said a separate pricing sign at stations should be small (staff used 8 square feet as an example) and monument or canopy signs should not exceed the canopy height. Commissioners and staff discussed allowing non‑lit branding bands on canopies while prohibiting illuminated canopy faces to reduce glare.

Commissioners raised questions about nonconforming (grandfathered) signs. Staff said existing legally installed signs would remain nonconforming and generally could be repaired or resurfaced without triggering new‑code requirements, but large changes, increased size or redevelopment of a site would bring new signs under current code. Commissioners considered whether to phase out certain high‑brightness electronic signs over time or require upgrades when ownership changes; staff said the idea merits legal review and possible incentive programs (fee waivers or grants) to help small businesses update signs.

The commission also discussed technical measurement standards (nits, lumens, candelas) and asked staff to include conversion guidance so enforcement staff can measure compliance. Staff indicated it would add clearer definitions, measurement protocols and examples to the March 10 draft.

The planning commission did not adopt new regulations on Feb. 24; it continued the item to March 10 so staff could return with a near‑final draft that incorporates the technical and policy clarifications discussed.