Commissioners press staff for clearer definitions, brightness and enforcement standards for electronic message signs

During the staff presentation and commissioner Q&A, staff urged the commission to focus the ordinance on changeable electronic message displays — not all illuminated signage — and proposed specific limits: freestanding message boards on local streets limited to 6 feet tall and 18 square feet per side, animations restricted to fade/dissolve, audio prohibited, and required dimming from dusk to dawn.

Commissioners pushed for more precision. One commissioner asked whether electronic message display signs could be limited by technology tier (for example, allowing static backlit displays or low-emission e‑ink 'Kindle' style displays but banning LED TV‑style animated screens). "I think we need to define different tiers of technology and we strike electronic message display sign and we put a different descriptor in there," Chair Silva said, urging staff to propose classifications.

Commissioners and staff discussed visibility triangles and front‑yard setback rules that already limit objects above 4 feet in sight‑line areas; staff said those specific visibility restrictions would still apply even if a 6‑foot maximum were allowed in some locations. Staff also noted that the ordinance as proposed would require a minor use permit for new electronic message displays (except like‑for‑like replacements of existing internally illuminated signs), which would trigger public notice and a possible hearing.

On hours, staff recommended 8 p.m.–6 a.m. for local streets rather than dusk‑to‑dawn because dusk/dawn definitions vary seasonally and are harder to enforce. Commissioners asked staff to return with enforceable brightness metrics, suggested shielded installations, and requested a catalog of existing illuminated signs and churches to better understand the scale of changes.