HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.A. Text Amendment to City Code regarding Flashing and Changeable Electronic Message Signs-Ord. No. 808
/1..ft.
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
CASE NO.: PC08027
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: R. Michael Leek, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Text amendment regarding flashing and changeable electronic message signs.
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2008
REVIEW PERIOD: Amendment initiated by the City; public hearing opened on August 7,2008
INTRODUCTION:
On August 7, 2008 the Planning Commission opened the public hearing on this item, and on
September 4, 2008 made a recommendation to the City Council. The attached report to the
Planning Commission for their meeting of September 4th sets forth the alternatives considered by
the Commission.
DISCUSSION:
The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) sent a request asking that the City consider an
amendment to allow electronic message signs to change messages more than once per day. After an
informal discussion at the Planning Commission, the Commission directed staff to prepare
alternatives for their consideration. During the continued public hearing, representatives ofthe
Chamber were present to provide their input.
The text amendments recommended by the Commission are contained in the draft ordinance which
is attached for the Council's consideration. They have also been reviewed with the City Attorney,
who did express any significant concerns regarding the proposed language.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Offer and pass Ordinance No. 808, and ordinance amending Shakopee City Code Chapter 11,
Zoning as proposed.
2. Offer and pass Ordinance No. 808, and ordinance amending Shakopee City Code Chapter 11,
Zoning with revisions as directed by the Council.
3. Table the proposed text amendment for additional information.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed text amendments.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY GOALS:
This item relates to Goal D, vibrant, resilient and stable.
H:\CC\2008\09-16\08027 TXT AMEND changeable signs CC 09162008.doc 1
ACTION REQUESTED:
4. Offer and pass Ordinance No. 808, and ordinance amending Shakopee City Code Chapter 11,
Zoning as proposed.
A:~~L
R. Michael Leek
Community Development Director
H:\CC\2008\09-16\08027 TXT AMEND changeable signs CC 09162008.doc 2
ORDINANCE NO. 808, FOURTH SERIES
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA,
AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 11 AS IT RELATES TO
FLASHING AND CHANGEABLE ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
Section 1 - That City Code Sec. 11.02, Definitions, is hereby amended by adding the
language, which is underlined, and deleting the language that is struck through.
Definitions:
Staff offers for the Commission's consideration the following additional definitions for inclusion in
City Code at Section 11.
New 130. "Sie:n. Electronic Chane:eable COPY" - A sign or portion of a sign that displays
electronic. non-pictorial text information in which each alphanumeric character. graphic. or symbol
consists of or is defined by matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes
(LEDs ). fiber optics. light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic
changeable copy signs include images or messages projected onto buildings or other objects.
wherein the proiection device includes the elements described above.
New 131. "Sign. Flashing" - A directly or indirectly illuminated sign or portion thereof that
exhibits changing light or color effect by any means. so as to provide intermittent illumination that
changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing
light by streaming. graphic bursts. showing movement or any mode of lighting which resembles
zooming. twinkling or sparkling.
(renumber accordingly)
Section 2 - That City Code Sec. 11.70, Subd. 2, Prohibited Signs, is hereby amended as
follows;
C. message boards that provide any flashing, blinking, revolving or mo',ing messages or
graphics; Plashing signs:
Section 3 ~ That City Code Sec. 11.70, Subd. 9, Commercial Sign Regulations is hereby
amended as follows;
The following regulations shall apply to the Neighborhood Commercial, Community Commercial,
and Central Business District zones.
(New) I. Changeable Electronic Signs shall comply with the following conditions:
1. If wall signs. shall be limited to the area provided generally in Code Sec. 11.70.Subd. 9.A.
Wall Signs:
H:\CC\2008\09-16\08027 TXT AMEND changeable signs CC 09162008.doc 3
2. If freestanding signs. shall be comply with the requirements of Code Sec. 11.70. Subd. 9.C.
Freestanding and Portable Signs as to area. height and setback:
3. That the frequency of change be limited to up to eight (8) times per day.
4. That the change be accomplished either immediately. by "fade" or by "dissolve."
(Re-letter accordingly)
The following regulations shall apply to the Highway Business and Major Recreation Zones.
(New) H. Changeable Electronic Signs.
1. Ifwall signs, shall be limited to the area provided generally in Code Sec. 11.70.Subd. 9.A.
Wall Signs;
2. If freestanding signs, shall be comply with the requirements of Code Sec. 11.70.Subd. 9.C.
Freestanding and Portable Signs as to area, height and setback;
3. That the frequency of change be limited to up to eight (8) times per day.
4. That the change be accomplished either immediately, by "fade" or by "dissolve."
Section3 - - Effective Date. This ordinance becomes effective from and after its passage and
publication.
Adopted in session of the City Council of the City of Shako pee, Minnesota, held
the day of ,2008.
Mayor of the City of Shakopee
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Published in the Shakopee Valley News on the day of , 2008.
H:\CC\2008\09-16\08027 TXT AMEND changeable signs CC 09162008.doc 4