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Discussion of a text amendment to the Sign Ordinance - Guidance
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During the March 15, 2011 Administration and Finance and Recreation and Parks Committee meeting there was discussion regarding a monument sign with LED lighting in the historic district. The Committee discussed a text amendment to the Sign Ordinance. The sections of the Sign Ordinance at play are:
Definitions:
Changeable copy board sign: A sign on which copy or sign panels may be changed, such as boards with changeable letters or changeable pictorial panels.
Changeable electronic variable message sign: A programmable sign that provides changing information.
Changing sign: A sign that electronically or electrically controls the display of time, temperature and date.
22.11 Prohibited Signs; Ground Signs on Double Frontage Lots
22.11 (20) Direct illuminated signs in HR Zoning District
22.11 (21) Changeable electronic variable message sign used for purposes other than traffic management or display of time, temperature and date.
22.11 (22) Changeable copy board sign except as allowed in subsection 22.18(c).
22.11 (23) Light emitting diode (LED)s signs except as allowed in subsection 22.15(e)
22.16 Illumination
22.16 (e) Light emitting diode (LED)'s shall be allowed as a light source in a manner that the LED is behind acrylic, aluminum or similar sign face and returns in such a manner that the LED modules are not visible from the exterior of the sign.
22.18 Maximum Heights, Maximum Sizes, Setback, Setback Requirements, and Number Allowances
22.18 (c) Ground signs permitted with the use of a convenience store with fuel pump shall be allowed to have changeable copyboard as provided for by the laws and regulations of the State of Georgia
During the March 30, 2011 Committee Meeting, staff was requested to review options including liquid crystal, lumens, and the feasibility of measuring intensity as well as the use of covers and limitations based on signage area for LED signs. Staff’s research indicates that the LED display brightness is a measurement of luminance called NIT which is equal to one candela per square meter (1cd/m2). The requested LED design for the gas station with the current technology is unable to control the brightness.
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