03-24-24 EDC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – FEBRUARY 28, 2024 2 more poles. The Arden Hills sign code defines dynamic display signs as signs “that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physical removing and replacing the sign or its components.” In Arden Hills, dynamic display signs are prohibited except as menu board signs that meet the requirements of the sign code and are for drive-through restaurant use only. Senior Planner Fransen said they would be focusing on Sign Districts 4 through 8, per the table provided. She further explained regulations that are specifically called out in the Code, depending on the Sign District. She noted that requests for additional freestanding signs and increased sign height were most often made for multi-tenant properties. Internal lighting was requested for a sign in a sign district that only permitted external lighting. Requests for additional signage are usually done through a PUD. She reviewed a comparison chart between Arden Hills, Shoreview and New Brighton, citing differences and similarities between the city’s codes. Senior Planner Fransen suggested the EDC discuss and provide comments on the application of the Arden Hills sign code freestanding signage regulations. Some considerations include: - Types of lighting for freestanding signs - Freestanding sign copy area, sign area, and height - Regulating a second freestanding sign - Dynamic display signs for uses other than drive-through restaurant Youth Commissioner Schneider asked if all digital signs were considered dynamic display signs. Senior Planner Fransen thought what is displayed, display colors, and how often the message changed were factors in the difference between them. Chair Cupery wondered what the intent was behind not allowing dynamics. Senior Planner Fransen said she hadn’t looked into the background but she thought it was primarily the impact of that type of signage. Commissioner Brausen added that when he went through the approval process to get his dynamic sign some of the Councilmembers thought it would be dangerous, and that people would veer off the road while looking at the sign. Commissioner Murchie said dynamic signs and their brightness were an issue in the town he used to live in, it partially had to do with the residents in the area not wanting to have a bright sign. He wondered if they could make them the same intensity as some of the backlit signs. Commissioner Brausen noted that if they are too bright people won’t read them, so he imagined those that will have dynamic signs would keep the brightness down. Commissioner Bonine thought the City was working on going green in TCAAP and traditional bulbs would be banned in a couple of years, so because LEDs are a lot greener it could help accomplish another initiative. He felt a dynamic sign should be an option depending on the business. Senior Planner Fransen stated there are a lot of nuances with dynamic displays, especially with how they are currently regulated in the sign code and what considerations should be moving