Midlothian planners propose measurable limits for internally illuminated monument signs

Senior Planner Daniel Humbert presented draft changes to the city sign ordinance to address internally illuminated monument signs, saying the draft “would require the actual lighting equipment to remain concealed, establish a measurable nighttime brightness limit, require documentation showing compliance, recognize automatic dimming, and directly connect illuminated signs to residential protections.” The presentation contrasted nearby ordinances and proposed using a measurable standard such as foot‑lamberts to avoid subjective judgments on brightness.

Humbert told commissioners the draft is organized around definitions, monument sign construction, illumination standards, and residential protection, and stressed that “clear definitions would help applicants design correctly, help staff review consistently, and reduce future interpretation disputes.” Commissioners asked how staff would measure brightness in the field; Humbert said staff would use a measurement tool and that existing signs would be exempt from new standards but the ordinance would set the standard going forward. The commission did not vote on the ordinance at this meeting; staff opened the floor for questions and technical clarification will be brought back in a future session.