(a) Electronic Message Centers (EMCs). A freestanding sign, monument sign or wall sign may contain an EMC, provided it does not display video. All EMCs are required to have automatic dimming capability that adjusts the brightness to the ambient light at all times of the day and night.

Any EMC that malfunctions, fails, or ceases to operate in its usual or normal programmed manner, thereby causing motion, movement, flashing or any other similar effects, shall be repaired or disconnected within 24 hours by the owner or operator of such sign.

Area: Maximum of 66% of total permitted display area.

Brightness: Not to exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting conditions when measured as detailed in the International Sign Association’s “Recommended Night-time

Brightness Levels for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers (EMC’s)”, dated October 2013.

Message Hold Time: Maximum of 5 seconds.

Transition Duration: Maximum of 1 second.

(b) Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements. All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of not less than 40 pounds per square foot of area.

(c) Protection of the Public. The temporary occupancy of a sidewalk or street or other public property during construction, removal, repair, alteration, or maintenance of a sign is permitted provided the space occupied is roped off, fenced off, or otherwise isolated.

(d) Maintenance. Except for nonconforming signs, the owner of any sign shall keep a sign in good maintenance and repair which includes restoring, repainting, or replacing a worn or damaged sign to its original condition. The owner of all conforming and nonconforming signs shall, however, maintain the premises on which the sign is erected in a clean, safe, and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish, weeds, and grass.

(e) Supporting Members or Braces. All signs shall be constructed of galvanized iron, properly treated steel, copper, brass, or other noncorrosive incombustible material or properly treated and structurally sound wood. All signs, if placed at a right or other angle to the wall or roof of any building, shall be attached by such noncorrosive metal bolts, anchors, cable, or other metal attachments as shall ensure permanent and safe construction, and shall be maintained free from rust or other defects.

(f) Compliance with Electrical Codes. All electric signs shall comply with applicable local and state electrical codes.

(g) External Lighting. All external lighting of signs shall be designed and shielded so as not to direct any light or produce glare onto any adjacent residential districts and shall also be so arranged so as to not adversely affect driver visibility with stray light or glare on adjacent rights-of-ways.

(h) Landscape Requirements. All freestanding or monument signs shall meet the landscape requirements as contained elsewhere in this ordinance. [Code § 12.14-8.]