09-10-07 Item 7D, Clear Channel - Laserfiche WebLink

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1.0 INTRODUCTION This study was precipitated by concerns raised by the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota in regard to the installation of two LED ("light emitting diode") billboards along Interstate 394 and Interstate 494. The LED function was applied to two existing "static" image billboards located adjacent to the interstate. Following installation of the LED function, the City turned off the power to the signs though a stop work order based on current city ordinance prohibiting flashing signs, which is broadly defined, as well as permitting requirements for the retrofitting of the signs to the upgraded technology. The billboard owner sued the City, and the court response to this legal action as of the writing of this study has been to allow limited use of the LED billboards, A moratorium on further signage of this type was established by the City to facilitate the study of issues related to driver distraction and safety and appropriate regulatory measures for LED and other types of changeable signage. This study was undertaken on behalf of the City of Minnetonka to examine these issues. While the concerns were precipitated by LED billboards in particular, this report examines more broadly "dynamic" display signage which is defIned as any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sib'll face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays. These capabilities may be provided by a variety of technologies which are discussed later in this report, As the study progressed, additional communities within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities, expressed interest in these issues. However, it is not the intention of this report to provide a comprehensive study of all issues raised by dynamic sib'llage, or other types of billboards, but rather to focus narrowly on the issues of concern to the City of Minnetonka. 2.0 PURPOSE OF STUDY AND METHODOLOGY Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task that requires the ability to divide one's attention, Simultaneously maintaining a steady and legal speed, changing lanes, navigating traffic and intersections, reading and interpreting street signs, drivers are often challenged by conditions that can change in the blink of an eye, Internal and extel1lal physical conditions can affect how safely the driving task is accomplished. Drug or alcohol intoxication, fatigue and/or distractions in the driving environment all can playa role in motor vehicle crashes. However, these conditions are rarely the sole reason for a crash. Rather, these conditions serve to exacerbate an already- complex driving environment and subsequent mistakes in judgment can lead to crashes, A4