Title
Electronic Signs (B)
Petition 139TCH-06PB. City Plan Board. Amend the City of Gainesville Land Development Code to add electronic signs to list of prohibited signs (includes digital and LED signs) and add Definition of Electronic Signs.
Explanation
This issue has been the subject of several public meetings. The City Plan Board held a public hearing on this petition on October 19, 2006. On December 7, 2006, staff held a public workshop regarding electronic signs. The Plan Board held additional public hearings on January 30, 2007 and on March 15, 2007.
Public Notice was published in the Gainesville Sun on February 28, 2007. The Plan Board held a public hearing March 15, 2007. The Plan Board discussed the petition, heard public comments, and recommended that electronic signs be prohibited.
The City Commission held a public hearing regarding electronic signs on April 23, 2007. At that meeting, the Commission voted to adopt a moratorium on electronic signs. This moratorium will expire on October 23, 2007. The Commission also directed staff to work with stakeholders to seek compromise and consensus regarding the regulation of electronic signs.
Planning Division staff held a workshop with stakeholders from the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the sign industry on July 12, 2007. A follow up meeting was held with Chamber of Commerce staff on September 17, 2007.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
City Plan Board to City Commission - The City Commission prohibit electronic signs (including time & temperature devices), that an "electronic signs" definition be added to the land development code, that the "animated signs" definition be amended, that existing electronic signs be amortized, and that the "changing message device" definition be deleted. Plan Board vote 5-0.
Staff to City Commission - Allow electronic signs conditionally with a restricted sign size.