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Planning commission advances sign ordinance draft, defers numeric lighting limits for later review
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended staff’s proposed sign‑ordinance changes — easing a two‑sign facade limit, allowing three‑dimensional window signs and requiring professional construction — but deferred numeric lighting standards (proposed LED luminance levels) for additional study and a later discussion.
The Brainerd City Planning Commission voted to recommend a revised sign ordinance to move forward to a public hearing while deferring decisions on numeric lighting standards to a later date.
Staff (James) summarized proposed changes that would remove a two‑sign limit per building façade while retaining a cap that signs occupy no more than 15% of a façade, allow three‑dimensional signs in windows in addition to vinyl and paint, and add a general requirement that all signs be professionally constructed and not cause blight. Staff said the changes respond to feedback and examples from local businesses (for example, pharmacies and grocery stores that use multiple wall signs) and aim to provide clearer, more flexible design standards.
On lighting, staff reported outreach to a sign company and Dark‑Sky guidance and described sample numeric levels used by other municipalities (staff cited roughly 500 nits between sunset and sunrise and 5,000 nits during daytime as an illustrative starting point). Several commissioners expressed concern about existing digital signs that are very bright at night and visible from homes. Commissioners and staff agreed the city currently lacks field equipment to reliably measure some luminance metrics but can require front‑end manufacturer or design specifications as permit conditions and rely on electrical/building permits for installations that add lighting.
Given the technical complexity and enforcement questions, the commission voted to include staff’s recommended ordinance language but to postpone adoption of detailed lighting metrics so staff can coordinate with other code sections, consult the city attorney and prepare enforceable language. The motion to recommend the draft ordinance and schedule a public hearing passed; staff will bring the ordinance forward for public notice and hearing at the next Planning Commission meeting.
