3. Signs Code Amendment
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227,1100
Fax: 952,227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952,227,1180
Fax: 952,227,1190
Engineering
Phone: 952,227,1160
Fax: 952,227,1170
Finance
Phone: 952,227,1140
Fax: 952,227,1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952,227.1120
Fax: 952,227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952,227,1400
Fax: 952,227,1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952,227,1130
Fax: 952,227,1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952,227.1300
Fax: 952,227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952,227,1125
Fax: 952,227,1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning Commission
FROM:
Angie Kairies, Planner I
DA TE:
June 16, 2009 July 21, 2009 O~
City Code Amendment
Chapter 20, Zoning, Signs
SUBJ:
PROPOSED MOTION:
"The Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends that City Council adopt
the proposed amendments to Chapter 20 of the Chanhassen City Code as
outlined in the staff report."
BACKGROUND
On April 7, 2009, staff presented the Planning Commission with issues and
concerns relating to electronic message center (EMC) signs including: scrolling,
color, animation, display area, and administrative approval versus conditional use
permit approval.
On May 25,2009 Staff presented the Planning Commission's feedback to the City
Council.
Chapter 1, Definitions
City Council has review responsibility of Chapter 1; staff is including the
proposed definition of Sign, Electronic Message Center (EMC) as an
informational item.
Sign, Electronic Message Center(EMC) means any characteristics of a sign that
appear to have movement or that appear to change caused by any method or
technology, 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. Motor fuel price signs are not
considered to be electronic message center sign.
Color, Scrolling, Animation, and Special Effects
The Planning Commission and City Council agreed that scrolling text was not an
issue and should be permitted, while animation and special effects including
sound shall be prohibited. Single-color versus full-color display seemed to be an
issue when it was combined with animation and/or special effects of the sign.
Chanhassen is a Community for life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16, 2009 July 21, 2009
Page 2 of7
Staff is not recommending limiting the number of colors that are permitted on an EMC sign.
Administrative Approval
The Planning Commission and City Council were in favor of approving EMC signs
administratively versus requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The approval process would
be less onerous on the applicant and the application would be approved in a timely manner (days
versus months). The review process will follow specific standards within the sign ordinance as
proposed below.
Additionally, a CUP can cost the applicant in excess of $650 and the fee for a sign (w/o an EMC)
is $100. The review process for an EMC sign will be more extensive than a sign without an
EMC. Staff is recommending increasing the fee for signs that include an EMC to $300. This fee
would cover the additional review time required for EMC signs.
Step Format
,-~,..-
The existing EMC signs within the City occupy a median percentage of38.8%. Based on this
information and the discussion with the Planning Commission and City Council, staff developed
a step increase for the percentage an EMC sign could occupy, based on the total sign display
area.
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16,2009 July 21, 2009
Page 3 of7
Sign Display Area LED Percentage
Walgreens 64 sq ft 29.44 sq ft 46%
Chapel Hill 21 sq ft 8.45 sq ft 40%
Arboretum 48 sq ft 12 sq ft 25%
Shopping Center
American Legion 22.96 sq ft 12.15 sq ft 53%
Cinema 100.3 sq ft 30 sq ft 30%
Below is an illustration of the proposed percentage stepping format for the area an EMC sign
may occupy in relation to the overall sign display area.
:l~:J:J:J...
!-f.--.l-.-~----1
..-~-_L_L.._j
i ! ! I I
· 0 21 sq ft - 50% EMC
· 25 61 sq ft - 35% EMC
· 65 80 sq ft - 25% EMC
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16, 2009 July 21, 2009
Page 4 of7
H- ~+-- ~- --i- -j--j- --i--~!- -i-t- .. -1.-. .i.-+-+-P- ,--L+.- -t ".;;H--l- --t-+--t- -- - -j- -1
I 1 I I' I I !! , 1 II, r-T , , "
f--t - +-j- --L- : i--I-: ;/ ;+t-l~jr +- ---I-LL--+- .... .......,- j
i ,-=t-1 ~ \- + !. I
=f1t:~~==_~~ ~.L == ~'-]'=6;= ..~
_j I _ i'- .. . I" __ _ -1_ 1_ ,_ I U
i I I! I! I! _~~!/. Iii! r -T I
i L. I I_J_I! -i--+j....l~... :T iFI-l-t ..--f- j--- --I- I -- _1..__,
I - "",""1 ii--il ~1- -r- --I!i!-t1-f--r-r- r-- .-t I I t--t
1 ! J~ _ I I
=tf~~q*/F ... =? =~.J-:=3
ri'1n-- + lE ~{___'6"
J JilEICXJ_LLLl,JA'"i I, LL1-I!-1 ! Ju:t~=;[[ =l~j~
. 0-24 sq ft = 50% EMC
.25-64 sq ft = 45% EMC
. 65-80 sq ft = 40% EMC
Existing Signs (retrofitting)
The Planning Commission directed staff to locate existing signs that could be retrofitted to
include EMC signs. Attached are aerial maps of downtown Chanhassen with the location of
existing standard monument signs and those with electronic message centers. Currently the sign
ordinance allows one monument per street frontage per business and one monument per parcel
within Planned Unit Developments. Therefore, EMC's would only be permitted in locations
where monument signs are currently permitted. See attached aerial maps.
DISCUSSION
Based on the input of the Planning Commission and City Council, staff is recommending the
following amendments to the Chanhassen City Code pertaining to Electronic Message Center
(EMC) Signs, which includes removing EMC signs from Sec 20-1259 Prohibited Signs, and
adding Section 20-1276 Electronic Message Center Signs.
Proposed changes are shown in strike-thru and bold format.
Proposed Change: Amend Sec. 20-1259 (2) Prohibited signs to read as follow:
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16, 2009 July 21, 2009
Page 5 of7
(2) Motion signs and flashing signs, except eleotronio message oenter signs, time and
temperature signs and barber poles, which may be permitted by conditional use permits (see
sections 20-231 through 20-237). and shall comply with the following standards:
a) No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes with the proper fuflotioning of a traffic sign, signal or ',vhich
otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
b) Eleotronic message center displays shall flot exceed 5,000 Nits between the hours of oivil
sunrise and civil sunset and shall not e-xoeed 500 Nits betv/een the hours of chil S'l:lflset and
civil sunrise.
c) Electronic message cemer signs shall not cause direct glare flor become a distraction due to
eKcessive brightness.
d) The lamp wattage afld hlfl'linance level in candelas per square meter (Nits) shall be pro'lided
at the time of permit applioations.
e) There shall be no electronic message center signs in the front setback area within 50 feet of a
street intersection (as measured from intersecting right of way lines) or within 125 feet of a
residential district, eKcept '.vhere lighting for such sign is indirect ar diffused and in no way
eonstitutes a traffic hazard.
f) Electronic and non electronic message oenter space used on a sign shall not exoeed a total of
10 square feet or 25 peroent oHhe allowable sign area, ',vhiooe:'/er is less. The message
displayed on electronic message center signs shall be depicted in one statement and not a
oontinuing sentenoe or flO'.v of information. Flashing, sorolling, special effects or animated
scenes on eleotronic reader boards shall be prohibited.
g) Electronio message oenter signs shall not be located in agricultural or residential zoning
distriets.
h) Electronie message oenter sign LED display lise f-or signs within 500 feet of single family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Proposed Change: Add Sec. 20-1276 Electronic Message Center Signs.
Electronic message center (EMC) signs and time and temperature signs shall comply with
the following standards:
a) No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or
which otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
b) Electronic and non-electronic message center space used on a sign shall not exceed the
following display area:
area EMC Dis la
50%
WV& 45%
~40%
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16,2009 July 21, 2009
Page 6 of7
c) Electronic message center displays shall not exceed 5,000 Nits between the hours of civil
sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed 500 Nits between the hours of civil sunset
and civil sunrise.
d) Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare nor become a distraction
due to excessive brightness.
e) The lamp wattage and luminance level in candelas per square meter (Nits) shall be
provided at the time of permit applications.
f) There shall be no electronic message center signs in the front setback area within 50
feet of a street intersection (as measured from intersecting right-of-way lines) except
where lighting for such sign is indirect or diffused and in no way constitutes a traffic
hazard.
g) There shall be no electronic message center signs within 125 feet of a residential district.
h) Flashing, special effects or animated scenes on electronic message center signs shall be
prohibited.
i) Electronic message center signs shall not be located in agricultural or residential zoning
districts.
j) Electronic message center sign display use for signs within 500 feet of single-family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Proposed Change: Eliminate the prohibition of scrolling from the Public/Community sign
section ofthe City Code, consistent with electronic message center signs (Sec 20-1276).
Amend Sec. 20-1302 (4)(c)(7)
(4) Public/Community Signs on property owned or leased by a governmental unit and operated
by a governmental unit.
a. One monument sign shall be permitted per site for each street frontage. Such sign shall not
exceed 120 square feet in display area nor be greater than eight feet in height.
b. Electronic message center signs may be permitted as part of the sign display area. Such sign
does not require a conditional use permit.
c. Electronic message center signs shall comply with the following standards:
1) Electronic message center space used on a sign shall not exceed a total of 40 square feet.
2) No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or which
otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
3) Electronic message center displays shall not exceed 5,000 Nits between the hours of civil
sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed 500 Nits between the hours of civil sunset
and civil sunrise.
4) Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare nor become a distraction due
to excessive brightness.
5) The lamp wattage and luminance level in candles per square meter (Nits) shall be
provided at the time of permit application.
6) There shall be no electronic message center signs within 50 feet of a street intersection
(as measured from intersecting right-of-way lines) or within 125 feet of a residential
Planning Commission
Electronic Message Center Signs
June 16,2009 July 21,2009
Page 7 of7
district, except where lighting for such sign is indirect or diffused and in no way
constitutes a traffic hazard.
7) The message displayed on eleotronie message oenter signs shaH be depicted in one
statement and not a oontinuing sentenoe or flovl of information. Flashing, scrolling,
special effects or animated scenes on electronic message center signs reader boards shall
be prohibited. 1'.. change in the message shall not oeem less than eyery f{)ur seoonds.
8) Electronic message center sign bm}...display use for signs within 500 feet of single-family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION
"The Chanhassen Planning Commission recommends that City Council adopt the proposed
amendments to Chapter 20 ofthe Chanhassen City Code as outlined in the staff report."
ATTACHMENTS
1. Aerial maps of existing monument and EMC signs.
2. Ordinance Amendment Pertaining to Electronic Message Center (EMC) sign standards.
g:\plan\city code\2009 code amendments\cc memo led signs issue paper 5-26-09.doc
Dell Road West to Highway 101
Highway 101 west to Market Blvd
Market Blvd West to Powers Blvd
_I
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 1 & 20
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE,
GENERAL PROVISIONS & ZONING
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. The City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby amended by adding
the following definitions to section 1-2, which shall read as follows:
Sign, Electronic Message Center means any characteristics of a sign that appear to have
movement or that appear to change caused by any method or technology, 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. Motor fuel price signs are not considered to be electronic message center sign. (20)
Section 2. Section 20-1259 (2) of the City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
(2) Motion signs and flashing signs, except electronic message center signs, time and
temperature signs and barber poles, which may be permitted by conditional use permits (see
sections 20-231 through 20-237). and shall comply with the follo'Ning standards:
a) No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes "vith the proper functioniFlg of a traffic sign, signal or 'lIhich
otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
b) Electronic message center displays shaJI not exceed 5,000 Nits between the hours of civil
sunrise and ci'lil sunset and shall not exceed 500 Nits bet\.veen the hours of civil sunset and
civil sunrise.
c) Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare nor become a distraction due to
excessiye brightness.
d) The lamp wattage and luminance level in candelas per square meter (Nits) shall be pro'lided
at the time of permit applications.
e) There shall be no electronic message center signs in the front setback area 'Nithin 50 feet of a
street intersection (as measured from intersecting right of way lines) or within 125 feet of a
residential district, except where lightiFlg for such sign is indirect or diffused and in no way
constitutes a traffic hazard.
f) Electronic and non electronic message center space used on a sign shall not exceed a total of
~O square feet or 25 percent of the allowable sigFl area, whichever is less. The message
displayed on electronic message center signs shall be depicted in one statement and not a
continuing sentence or flo'N of information. Flashing, scrolling, special effeots or animated
scenes on electronic reader boards shall be prohibited.
1
g) Electronic message center signs shall not be located in agricultural or residential zoning
districts.
h) Electronic message center sign LED display use for signs within 500 feet of single family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Section 3. The City Code, City of Chanhassen, Minnesota, is hereby amended by adding
a section to be numbered 20-1276, which shall read as follows:
20-1276 Electronic message center signs.
Electronic message center (EMC) signs and time and temperature signs shall comply with
the following standards:
a) No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or
which otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
b) Electronic and non-electronic message center space used on a sign shall not exceed the
following display area:
EMC Dis la
50%
45%
40%
c) Electronic message center displays shall not exceed 5,000 Nits between the hours of civil
sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed 500 Nits between the hours of civil sunset
and civil sunrise.
d) Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare nor become a distraction
due to excessive brightness.
e) The lamp wattage and luminance level in candelas per square meter (Nits) shall be
provided at the time of permit applications.
o There shall be no electronic message center signs in the front setback area within 50
feet of a street intersection (as measured from intersecting right-of-way lines) except
where lighting for such sign is indirect or diffused and in no way constitutes a traffic
hazard.
g) There shall be no electronic message center signs within 125 feet of a residential district.
h) Flashing, special effects or animated scenes on electronic message center signs shall be
prohibited.
i) Electronic message center signs shall not be located in agricultural or residential zoning
districts.
j) Electronic message center sign display use for signs within 500 feet of single-family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Section 4. Section 20-1302 (4 ) (c) 7 and 8 of the City Code, City of Chanhassen,
Minnesota, is hereby amended to read as follows:
2
20-1302 (4) (c) 7 and 8 Public/Community Signs on property owned or leased by a governmental
unit and operated by a governmental unit.
7) The message displayed on electronic message center signs shall be depicted in: one
statement and not a continuing sentence or flo':1 of information. Flashing, scrolling,
special effects or animated scenes on electronic message center signs reader boards shall
be prohibited. .\ change in the message shall not occur less than every four seconds.
8) Electronic message center sign I::,Eg...display use for signs within 500 feet of single-family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Section 5. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
publication.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ day of _,2009, by the City Council of the City
of Chanhassen, Minnesota
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager Thomas A. Furlong, Mayor
(Published in the Chanhassen Villager on )
g:\plan\city code\2009 code arnendments\arnendrnent ordinance ch 20 erne signs.doc
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