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Recommendation

Add a new subsection to the General Sign Regulations of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to regulate Electronic Variable Message (EVM) signs.

There are no existing provisions in the CZO that regulate electronic signs.

EVM technology is new. More businesses are utilizing the technology for advertisement.

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Goals of Proposed Regulations

Accommodate the use of EVM technology Improve business visibility

Protect residential neighborhoods Minimize commercial light intrusion

Promote safety for motorists Improve the appearance of the streetscape Craft enforceable regulations

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Summary of Research

Cross-section of local EVM sign regulations: Jefferson Parish; City of New Orleans

State and Federal outdoor sign programs and policies: FHWA, LADOTD

Publications from sign industry organizations: Outdoor Advertising Association of America; Int. Sign Assoc.; Signage Foundation Inc.

Scholarly reports on safety, driver behavior, sign legibility, sign lighting, etc.: APA; ULI

Input from local sign companies

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Sign Face Characteristics

The entire sign face may use EVM technology, or; May be used as a portion, not to exceed 35% of sign face.

Multi-Panel On-Premise Sign Single Panel On-Premise Sign

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Electronic Message Display

Static images only – little to no movement of messages/images in the frame

Minimum 8 second dwell-time between messages

Instantaneous transition between messages No fading, dissolving, scrolling, etc.

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EVM Sign Lighting

400 cd/m2 600 cd/m2

Sign Luminance

800 cd/m2 1,000 cd/m2

861 cd/m2

Based on moderately high ambient lighting

750 cd/m2

USSC’s recommendation

323 cd/m2 NighttimeBased on moderate ambient lighting(OAAA & ISA recommendation)

500 cd/m2 DaytimeMost common standard in other communities reviewed

1,097 cd/m2

Highest standard in other communities reviewed

(323 cd/m2 Consistent with Jefferson Parish EVM Sign Ordinance)

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Sign Programming & Equipment

Photocell/sensor to measure ambient light conditions

Auto-dimming capabilities and a malfunction display lock

The manufacturer must provide written certification that: Ambient light sensors are installed The sign’s light intensity is preset not to

exceed Kenner’s maximum brightness levels, and protected from manipulation

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Zoning Regulations for EVM Signs

1 sign per development site Located along street frontage Oriented away from closest residential district Setback at least 150’ from residential district

and closest existing EVM sign

(Consistent with Jefferson Parish EVM Sign Ordinance)

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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EVM Sign Conversion

A legal conforming sign may convert to an EVM sign when all applicable requirements are met.

A legal nonconforming sign may convert to an EVM sign if the conversion results in full compliance with all applicable regulations of the ordinance.

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RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTSRELIGIOUS USES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS,

SCHOOLS & INSTITUTIONS, ALLOWED EVM SIGNSConditions: EVM panel shall comprise no more than 50%

of the detached sign area or twenty-five (25) square feet, whichever is less.

Must meet applicable criteria of Article XX, Section 20.09(d).

Changing messages/images is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am.

Illumination shall not be aimed, directed or reflected to causedirect light from the luminaire to be directed toward residentialor adjoining uses, or to create up light, spill light or glareperceptible to persons operating motor vehicles on public ways.

Illumination of the sign face shall not exceed fifty (50) lumensper square foot.

Roof signs, flashing & blinking signs, off-premise signs (billboards),and signs with animated and scintillating lights are prohibited.

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Not Considered EVM Signs

Pedestrian-Oriented Directory & Menu Signs Menu Boards for Drive Thru Services Advertised Price of Motor Fuel by Retail Dealers

(Provided minimum conditions are met)

Pedestrian-Oriented Menu Sign Menu Board Fuel Prices

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Amortization with Sign Programming

3 months from the adoption date of the ordinance all existing electronic signs shall meet the message display standards and brightness levels of the EVM sign regulations.

Existing electronic signs not conforming to the new EVM sign regulations shall be considered nonconforming.

Summary Ordinance 11,781

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Enforcement Procedure

A nit meter or light meter may be used to measure the luminance intensity of an EVM sign.

Summary Ordinance 11,781Used by Jefferson Parish

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Enforcement Procedure (Continued)

Upon receiving a complaint an inspection of the sign will be conducted.

Upon 1st inspection, three measurements will be taken. Average of the three shall be the sign’s lumination.

A letter will be sent to the property owner which shall include: A summary of the City’s EVM sign lighting regulations The date and time I.C.E. performed 1st inspection Sign’s owner/operator be present for re-inspection

Violations of the EVM sign regulations would be processed under existing citation procedures.