Agenda Packet 9-9-19 Work Session

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EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Session: Digital Signs Meeting Date: September 9, 2019 Agenda Item Number: 3 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Jenessa Dragovich www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-8385 ISSUE STATEMENT At this work session, City Council will be provided with an overview of Eugene sign code regulations pertaining to digital signs. This work session is in response to Councilor Pryor’s request and was initiated through a poll, provided as Attachment A. This is an informational item and no council action is requested. BACKGROUND Eugene’s sign code (which is part of the Eugene land use code) was originally adopted in 1968. Minor amendments to the sign code were passed in 2001 and 2013, however, the last major change occurred in the late 1980s. Electronic sign technology has changed significantly in that period. Digital signs use an electronic display system, such as an LED screen, to deliver multiple signs at a single location. Images are often static and held for a specified amount of time; however, the technology is capable of slide presentation effects, including frame transitions, scrolling, animation and videos. With a push to convert traditional billboards to digital, many communities are being asked to allow electronic signage. At this work session, council will be presented with an overview of: Eugene’s existing sign code pertaining to digital signs Digital sign information Common concerns related to digital signs Examples of how other communities regulate digital signage Eugene’s current sign code prohibits flashing signs, except electronic message centers (which are considered digital signs). However, because electronic message centers are limited to three square feet in area and five display characters, they are effectively prohibited with the exception of small displays that show time and temperature. A 2007 Land Use Board of Appeals decision affirmed the City’s interpretation that LED displays meet the City’s definition of electronic message centers and are subject to the size, character and message interval limits prescribed by the sign code. To allow digital signage in Eugene, the sign code would need to be amended to remove prohibitive language and add specific regulations to address common concerns associated with digital signage. Excerpts from the sign code are provided as Attachment B. Page 25