Digital Signs. January 8, 2013 Presentation for Discussion and Feedback

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Chloe Berry
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1 Digital Signs January 8, 2013 Presentation for Discussion and Feedback

2 General Definition: Digital signage is a form of electronic display that shows television programming, menus, information, advertising, and other messages. Digital signs frequently utilize technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD), lightemitting diode semi-conductor light source (LED), plasma displays or projected images to display content.

(EMCs) Off-site signs are often called digital or electronic

3 Digital signs can be either on-site or off-site: On-site digital signs are often called Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) Off-site signs are often called digital or electronic billboards On-site Electronic Message Center Off-site Electronic Billboard

4 The Calvert County Zoning Ordinance has not allowed digital due to restrictions on sign materials and lighting.

5 Chesapeake Beach, a municipality with their own planning authority, does allow this type of signage. There are four very typical signs found in close proximity that can be viewed there:

6 Traders, at 8132 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, has an electronic reader board that advertises specials and transmits other messages for the owner.

7 The Rod n Reel Restaurant, 4165 Chesapeake Beach Ave., has a more dynamic digital sign that has more color and video capabilities.

8 The North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 8536 Bayside Ave, Chesapeake Beach, utilizes their digital/electronic sign to advertise fund raising events and other activities.

9 The American Legion at 3330 Chesapeake Beach Rd, Chesapeake Beach, presently has the largest digital sign. They also utilize it in the most video-like manner of the signs located in the County, although more expensive, more realistic signs can be purchased.

10 Basic Digital Sign Terms* Definitions Animation or full-video means displaying images in a dynamic way, like television or movies Scrolling means having the letters or images move across the sign Display interval means the amount of time between displaying different images *information on this slide from Professor Alan C. Weinstein Cleveland State University

11 Basic Digital Sign Issues* Traffic Safety Prohibition vs. Regulation Aesthetics

12 Basic Digital Sign Issues* Traffic Safety No consensus in studies to date. Industry claims digital sign are safe. Opponents claim they are a traffic safety concern. Seems clear that animation and scrolling are concerns. They obviously catch enough attention that businesses want to use them! *information on this slide from Professor Alan C. Weinstein Cleveland State University

13 Basic Digital Sign Issues* Prohibition vs. Regulation Case Law Total bans of digital/electronic signage have mostly been upheld Partial bans are often struck down *information on this slide from Professor Alan C. Weinstein Cleveland State University

14 Prohibition vs. Regulation When digital signs are allowed... Can regulate*: Brightness Movement (prohibit flashing, strobing, racing) Specify intervals between displays Setbacks Zones where allowed or prohibited *information on this slide from Professor Alan C. Weinstein Cleveland State University

15 Prohibition vs. Regulation Can regulate:* (cont.) Spacing, maximum size, height Min. separation from similar signs Duration (of images in seconds, hours, days or during driving times) Can t regulate:* Absolute numbers of signs w/in jurisdiction Colors, content Aesthetics *information on this slide from Professor Alan C. Weinstein Cleveland State University

16 Prohibition vs. Regulation In plain language: Current case law has shown that Digital/ Electronic Signs are most easily either banned or they are allowed. If they are allowed, animated, colored, changing signs will be permanently allowed. Only certain aspects may be regulated. This presentation does not suggest that this is good or bad, but a choice. The Ad Hoc Committee is being asked for input via the survey being distributed with this presentation.

17 Committee Input What the Committee can do for their members: Instead of input from many individuals what we are asking for is for representatives here to gather input from their many members and provide the County Commissioners with thoughtful input on this very important issue. It is a way for each group to give a voice to their view point.

18 Committee Input This input will be sent to the Board of County Commissioners with the name of the group, and why they feel that digital/electronic signs should or should not be introduced in Calvert and why is serves their constituency or the citizens of the County, to be considered along with all of the other groups input.

19 Committee Input We are not looking for a vote or a tally or popularity of yes or no, but only your group s input. Or where a group is split why that might be. It is through input such as this that the Commissioners are able to understand this topic. Thanks in advance for your help!!

20 Submit Survey Response to Pat Haddon By February 12, 2013 Patricia J. Haddon, AICP Principal Planner Calvert County Department of Community Planning and Building 150 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD ext FAX

In the proposed amendment below, text shown with underline is proposed to be added and text shown with strikethrough is proposed to be removed.

In the proposed amendment below, text shown with underline is proposed to be added and text shown with strikethrough is proposed to be removed. ZOA-13-07 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT AND RECODIFY ARTICLES 13 AND 18 OF THE ARLINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO DEFINE LARGE MEDIA SCREENS AS AUTOMATIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS LARGER THAN 12 SQUARE