§ 27-630.03. Digital Billboards.

(a)

Digital Billboards are not allowed in Residential or Mixed Use Zones, but may be permitted in other zones, subject to the following requirements:

(1)

Minimum display time. Each message on the sign must be displayed a minimum of six (6) seconds.

(2)

Digital Billboards shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot candle meter at a pre-set distance.

(3)

Pre-set distances to measure the impact of foot candles vary by size and viewing distance. Measurement distance criteria:

Display Size	Measurement
12' × 25'	150'
10'6' × 36'	200'
14' × 48'	250'

 

(4)

Each display must have a light sensing device to adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change.

(b)

The technology currently used for digital billboards is LED (light emitting diode), but alternate, preferred and superior technology may be available in the future. Any other technology that operates under the maximum brightness stated in (2) above may be permitted upon review and approval by the Building Official.

(c)

The main display area of the sign shall be not more than six hundred seventy-five (675) square feet, excluding cabinetry or trim.

(d)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Subtitle, Digital Billboards shall have a minimum front setback of ten (10) feet from the property line, a minimum side setback of five (5) feet from the property line and be located within fifteen (15) feet of the previous billboard's location.

(e)

No Digital Billboard shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of an existing outdoor advertising sign or within one thousand (1,000) feet of another Digital Billboard located on and facing the same roadway.

(f)

All Digital Billboards shall be located on a roadway with a transportation functional classification of collector or higher.

(g)

No Digital Billboard shall be located where it prevents a motorist from having an unobstructed view of official traffic signs or controls, and approaching or merging traffic.

(h)

The height of the Digital Billboard shall be not more than forty-five (45) feet above the finished grade at the base of the sign, or with respect to signs oriented toward an abutting elevated street, not more than forty-five (45) feet above the pavement of that street, whichever is greater.

(i)

If the Digital Billboard becomes obstructed from view on the abutting street it is oriented toward, the permit may be revised by applying to the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE). If DPIE finds that the existing outdoor advertising sign is higher than forty-five (45) feet or that the Digital Billboard is obstructed from view, the height limit may be raised to fifty-five (55) feet above the finished grade at the base of the sign, or to fifty (50) feet above the pavement of the abutting elevated street, whichever is greater.

(j)

If, at the time of application for the sign permit, a building permit has been issued for an adjacent property which would cause an obstruction of the proposed Digital Billboard, the height of the Digital Billboard may be increased, with the permission of DPIE, not to exceed the applicable increased height limit specified in Paragraph (g), above.

(k)

Digital Billboards shall also conform to all applicable State and Federal regulations.

(l)

The landscaping and screening provisions of Parts 6 and 7 shall not apply to a lot or parcel solely occupied by a Digital Billboard. Landscaping shall be provided around the base of the sign in accordance with the provisions of the Landscape Manual.

(m)

Owners of Digital Billboards may remove the digital units from the billboard's supporting structure. During the temporary (not exceeding one (1) year) periods where there are no digital units, the sign owner shall be permitted to operate the sign faces as traditional, static type.

(CB-84-2016)