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Commission asks staff to study illuminated gas-price and informational signs; no regulation change made
Summary
A request to allow illuminated gas-price signs and other electronic displays prompted commissioners to request examples, brightness and operational details. The panel did not adopt changes and asked staff to research other municipalities and return with recommendations.
The commission considered a request to allow illuminated electronic signs—notably electronic gas-price readouts—and whether the town should amend zoning rules to permit such signs at gas stations or municipal properties.
Staff described sample language and examples from other municipalities. Commissioners raised questions about brightness (measured in nits), whether signs should be static or scrolling, restrictions on animation, and whether business-design-control areas should have separate standards. One commissioner said they did not want anything "flashing or moving or distracting"; others suggested limiting any change to specific uses such as gas stations or schools.
No code change was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to bring back examples and night-time samples and to research how other towns regulate electronic sign brightness and operation. The body also flagged business-design-control aesthetics and potential state-highway restrictions where signs abut state right-of-way.
Next steps: Staff will compile sample regulations and nighttime brightness examples (nit levels), consider limiting changes to gas stations or designated municipal locations, and return with recommendations and sample language for the commission's review.
