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Council advances new sign code with narrow digital-sign limits after public pushback
Summary
After hours of public comment and debate, the Lumis Town Council introduced amended sign-code language that allows limited programmable displays on select town-owned properties, sets minimum image display times (10s for monuments, 15s for A-frames), requires cordless power sources, and restricts illuminated hours to 9 p.m.'6 a.m.
The Lumis Town Council voted May 12 to introduce an amended sign ordinance that permits programmable digital displays only in narrowly defined locations and under specific technical constraints, after a lengthy public hearing that drew both business support and residents' concern about town character.
The draft ordinance allows programmable monument or freestanding displays at a limited list of municipal properties and makes a separate, discretionary decision on whether to extend such displays to institutional theaters/auditoriums. During a months-long ad hoc and planning commission review, staff recommended controls including required message dwell times, one programmable sign per parcel, limits on A-frame counts per frontage, and a prohibition on animated or flashing effects. The planning commission had proposed a 10 p.m.'5 a.m. dark period; council amended the hours to 9 p.m.'6 a.m.
Council set technical and operational safeguards: programmable monument signs may cycle images with a minimum display duration of 10 seconds; pedestrian A-frame displays will be limited to minimum 15-second static images to reduce distraction; A-frames must be cordless (battery/solar) or otherwise configured so there are no exterior cords across the sidewalk; and the code will require an encroachment permit and maintain a 36-inch pedestrian clear path where applicable. The ordinance also removes an obsolete $200 deposit for political signs and harmonizes political-sign time windows across code sections.
Business owners and some downtown merchants urged the council to enable modern, battery-powered A-frame and window signage to help promote events and daily specials. "Digital window signage is a business-friendly solution that reduces sidewalk clutter," said business owner Frank Nyoto during public comment. Residents countered that programmable displays could alter Lumis' small-town character: "Digital signs introduce brightness, movement that shift character in a big way," said resident Greg Walters.
Council approved first-reading introduction with the staff'proposed changes and directed staff to return with an implementation review after a defined monitoring period. The vote (Cortez: yes; Cartwright: yes; Young Bloodood: no; Ring: yes; Mayor Clark: yes) advanced the draft to the next meeting for final action.
What happens next: staff will prepare the final ordinance text reflecting council'approved edits, publish the revised language for public review and return for adoption on a future consent calendar; staff will also produce a one-year monitoring report on the new signage rules and impacts.
