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DeKalb planning commission backs text change to allow limited digital wall and projecting signs in parts of downtown
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Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended that City Council approve text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow electronic changeable-copy wall and projecting signs in parts of the Central Business District and to correct multifamily nonresidential sign standards; the recommendation passed unanimously.
The DeKalb City Planning & Zoning Commission voted Jan. 29 to recommend City Council approve a city-initiated amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that would allow limited electronic changeable-copy wall and projecting signs in portions of the Central Business District.
Dan Mack, planning director, told the commission the proposal has two parts: a cleanup to ensure nonresidential uses in multifamily zoning have consistent sign standards, and a targeted allowance for electronic displays on wall and projecting signs in parts of the CBD. Mack said the theater group Stagecoach Players requested the change; board members Susan Johnson and Bill O'Hagan attended the hearing to answer questions.
Under the draft language presented to the commission, an electronic changeable-copy wall or projecting sign may not exceed 30 square feet; a building may have both types if the total area on different faces does not exceed 60 square feet. Mack described the theater's proposal as a projecting marquee of about 40 square feet on the side facing South 5th Street and a 6-by-2-foot (12-square-foot) digital display over the entry, for a combined 52 square feet—within the 60-square-foot cap.
Mack noted existing UDO controls would continue to apply: flashing LED signs remain prohibited and any digital display must show each message for at least five seconds, a measure intended to prevent rapid flashing or animation. He said the amendment corrects an omission in prior sign-code work, aligns with the comprehensive plan, and poses no apparent nonconformity to nearby zoning.
Commissioners asked whether the allowance would apply across downtown; Mack clarified that East Lincoln Highway is excluded from the new allowance and that projecting signs on that corridor would remain non-digital and limited in size. Commissioners and a nearby property owner said their questions were answered and expressed support.
Commissioner Wright moved the commission find the required facts and recommend approval to City Council; Fellabaum seconded. On a roll call vote Fellabaum, O'Flaherty, Sisler, Wright and Chair Maxwell voted yes and the motion passed.
The commission's recommendation now goes to City Council for final action. If council approves the amendment as drafted, buildings within the specified CBD area off Lincoln Highway would be eligible for the limited digital wall and projecting signs subject to the size and message-duration limits in the ordinance.
