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Planning commission approves electronic message center sign for Murray Law Firm at 311 S. Duck St.
Summary
After staff described code limits on electronic message centers (static images, dimming, residential buffer) and applicant Jamie Murray framed the sign as a community bulletin board, commissioners voted 5–0 to recommend approval of the specific‑use permit for 311 South Duck Street.
The Still Water Planning Commission voted May 19 to accept staff findings and recommend city council approve a specific‑use permit for an electronic message center (EMC) sign at 311 South Duck Street.
Staff explained the sign would be located in the Transect 5 corridor of the Quarter Redevelopment Area planning district, where EMCs require a specific‑use permit. Staff reviewed code constraints the applicant agreed to: images must be static (no continuous scrolling or animation), brightness must automatically dim at night to reduce glare, and there are limits designed to reduce distraction for drivers and adverse impacts on nearby residences.
Applicant Jamie Murray, owner of Murray Law Firm, said the existing sign has been in place since 2012 and that he envisions using the proposed EMC as a community bulletin board to promote local events (softball, expo center events, OSU activities) and local legal information. Murray said he would work with contractors to maintain quality and compliance and acknowledged nearby property owners’ concerns about night lighting.
One nearby property owner, William Haway, initially opposed electronic messages but told the commission that, after staff explained restrictions, he would support the sign so long as animated or distracting content is prohibited. Commission discussion emphasized balancing commercial signage and protecting nearby residents; the commission voted 5–0 to accept findings and recommend approval.
What’s next: The recommendation will be forwarded to city council. Staff said it will confirm specific timing rules (for example, minimum static display duration) as part of permit conditions.
