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ShopRite sign application continued after Danbury board questions timing, enforcement and precedent
Summary
The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals continued a variance request for an electronic message center at 70 Newtown Road after the applicant and sign company representatives and staff debated whether a proposed 2.5-minute message interval constitutes a prohibited 'flash' and how the city would enforce timing.
The Zoning Board of Appeals continued a request from the Sangari family and National Sign to install an electronic message center (EMC) at the ShopRite at 70 Newtown Road. Darcy Roy, representing National Sign, said the proposed 20-foot, 150-square-foot ground sign complies with size and height rules but sought a variance because changing the message every 2.5 minutes could be interpreted as a prohibited flashing sign under local rules.
Board members and city staff raised questions about precedent and enforceability. One board member said the existing ShopRite board across town appears to transition far faster than 2.5 minutes, and staff noted prior approvals for other applicants had set different hold times. "The city of Danbury has always been the opinion that electronic message centers... when they do change, that is a flash," a staff member said, explaining that the city treats message transitions as flashing regardless of interval.
Russ Hassman, president of National Sign Corporation, cited research showing some DOT guidance and prior approvals use shorter hold times and said the sign software can be locked to enforce a hold interval. "The software... the interval times can be locked," Hassman said. After discussing options—withdraw and refile with a different advertised interval or continue—the applicant chose to continue the application to consult with staff and the client and return at a later meeting.
Why it matters: The debate highlights how cities grapple with new LED messaging technologies, local precedent and the practical limits of enforcement. Board members flagged driver distraction and the challenge of ensuring approved timing is respected.
Next steps: The application was continued to the June 11 meeting so the applicant can consult with city staff and the client and refine the requested hold time.
