HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-13 YPC Packet("O)WMIIN17'YI)EVI�LOl'AfL'N7'[)EI"ARI'MEN7' FOINITHE,
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City of Yakima Planning Commission
PUBLIC WORKSHOP
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday December 11, 2013
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
YPC Members:
Chair Ben Shoval, Co -Chair Dave Fonfara, Al Rose,
Scott Clark, Paul Stelzer, Bill Cook
Ci !y Planning Staff:
Steve Osguthorpe, Community Development Director/Planning Manager; Jeff Peters, Supervising
Planner; Chris Wilson, Assistant Planner; and Rosalinda lbarra, Administrative Assistant
Agenda
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Staff Announcements:
IV. Public Input Workshop Session - Billboards & Digital Signs
V. Other Business
VI. Adjourn
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TO: Yakima Planning Commission
FROM: Steve Osguthorpe, AICP, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Public Workshop - Billboards & Digital Signs
Date: December 11, 2013
In preparation for the December 11 Public Workshop on billboards and digital
signs I have prepared the attached spreadsheet that describes how other
jurisdictions throughout the State of Washington currently regulate both types of
signs. The spreadsheet includes 43 cities, 13 of which are located in Eastern
Washington, with the balance west of the Cascades. It describes various
approaches that we might want to consider for the City of Yakima, and may be
good as a beginning point for public dialogue at the workshop.
Possible considerations for the City of Yakima may be as follows:
Digital Signs:
• Allow a stated percentage of free-standing sign to be used for digital
(e.g., 30% or 50%). (e.g., Marysville or Burien)
• Allow one digital sign per frontage. (common to many cities)
• Limit digital signs in sensitive areas to monochrome text only with dark
background. (e.g., Walla Walla).
• Allow scrolling, but limit other motion and animation. (e.g., Des Moines
and Bellevue)
• Limit text change to 1.5 second fade in, and retain image for 8 seconds
(or other) (see Vancouver)
• Limit illumination intensity to 5000 nits daytime, and 500 nits evening.
(e.g., Des Moines)
• Require ambient light dimming device (required by most cities)
• Require background to be darker than text. (e.g., Sea Tac)
Billboards:
Allow existing billboards to be retained as legally nonconforming, and
disallow additional billboards. (common to most cities)
• Allow relocation of existing billboards to similarly intense zone subject
to removal of one billboard for every relocated billboard. (e.g., Burien)
• Allow conversion to digital only if an additional static billboard is
removed. (e.g., State of Oregon)
• Impose same restrictions on illumination, motion, and animation of
digital billboards as required for on-site digital signs (see above).
I am attaching a few samples of regulations in other cities, including the City of
Burien (pertaining to billboards), and the City of Des Moines (pertaining to digital
signs). Both have components that we may want to consider. We can also refer
to the technical data the Industry representatives forwarded to Ben pertaining to
illumination. They may provide a good benchmark for discussion purposes. It
will be helpful to compare Industry standards to those adopted by other cities
because digital signs complying with industry standards are typically noticeably
brighter and more vivid than non -digital signs, (even though they may have less
light "spill" than some externally illuminated signs). That is likely why some cities
have adopted significantly lower lighting limits. It was suggested by one of our
industry representatives at the last, meeting that they may be able to bring in a
digital sign to demonstrate different lighting levels, so that may be an option we'll
want to explore.
We intentionally decided at the last meeting to not pursue any specific course of
action until we could first solicit public input and explore various options. That is
the purpose of this Wednesday's workshop. While we can discuss various
possibilities as we engage with the public, we don't need to feel pressured to
select any particular course of action at this point. We'll nonetheless want to
focus fairly quickly thereafter. The meeting following the workshop (January 8,
2014) will allow opportunity to debrief from what we learned at the workshop and
to begin developing a specific course of action.
Attachments:
Spreadsheet of Billboard and Digital Sign Regulations in Washington Cities
Example Ordinances:
City of Burien Billboard Regulations
City of Des Moines Digital Sign Regulations
Moratorium Tentative Timeline
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City of Des Moines Electronic Sign Regulations
18.42.030 Definitions.
(6) "Changing message center" means an electronically controlled message center with different
copy changes of a public service or commercial nature.
(35) "Reader board" means a sign face designed with readily changeable letters allowing frequent
changes of copy either manually or electronically.
18.42.220 Electronic reader board and changeable message center signs.
Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section, all electronic reader board signs and
changeable message center signs shall comply with the following:
(1) Advertising messages on electronic reader boards and message centers may contain words,
phrases, sentences, symbols, trademarks, and logos. A single message or a message segment
must have a static display time of at least two seconds after moving onto the reader board or
message center, with all segments of the total message to be displayed within 10 seconds. A
one -segment message may remain static on the reader board or message center with no
duration limit.
(2) Displays may travel horizontally or scroll vertically onto electronic reader boards or message
centers, but must hold in a static position for two seconds after completing the travel or scroll.
(3) Displays shall not appear to flash, undulate, or pulse, or portray explosions, fireworks, flashes
of light, or blinking or chasing lights. Displays shall not appear to move toward or away from the
viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or animate as it moves onto, is displayed
on, or leaves the reader board or message center.
(4) Electronic signs requiring more than four seconds to change from one single message display
to another shall be turned off during the change interval.
(5) Maximum brightness shall not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight hours when measured from
the face of the sign and 500 nits from sunset to sunrise when measured from the face of the sign.
(6) Signs shall have programmable dimming capacity.
(7) Audio speakers associated with signs allowed under this section are prohibited.
(8) Signs allowed under this section shall not exceed or be in addition to the total allowable
freestanding sign area allowed in the various zones established in Article V of this chapter.
(9) Signs allowed under this section shall not be used as wall signs and shall not be used as
individual tenant signs.
(10) Electronic reader board and changeable message center signs shall not be placed on,
above, or over the right-of-way.
(11) This section shall not apply to official traffic control devices installed by the city traffic
engineer or the state. [Ord. 1509 § 2, 2011.]
City of Burien Billboard Regulations
19.30.090 Billboards.
1. No billboards shall be erected, altered or relocated except as permitted in this section.
2. Alteration of billboards.
A. Billboards shall not be altered with regard to size, shape, orientation, height, or location
without the prior issuance of a sign permit. All such permits require full compliance with this
chapter.
B. Ordinary and necessary repairs which do not change the size, shape, orientation, he ght,
or location of a billboard or billboard face shall not require a sign permit. Billboard copy
replacement may occur at any time and is exempt from the requirement for a sign permit.
C. Temporary cut-out extensions are allowed if the extensions do not exceed 20% of the
area of the billboard face. A sign permit is not required for temporary extensions. With
Director approval, extensions shall be allowed for multiple copy changes in order to meet
the needs of advertisers.
D. Single Type I billboard faces may be replaced with two side-by-side Type II billboard
faces, and likewise two side-by-side Type II billboard faces may be replaced with a single
Type I billboard face, provided each resulting billboard face complies with the requirements
of this chapter.
E. Trivision billboard fads may be installed on Type I and Type II billboards.
3. Relocation of billboards. Relocation of billboards requires the issuance of a demolition permit
for the removal of the existing billboard and a sign permit for erection of the new billboard. If a
billboard owner owns two (2) or more billboards in Burien, removal of two (2) billboards is
required for the installation of each relocated billboard. If only one (1) billboard in Burien is owned
by a billboard owner, that billboard may be relocated. Billboard demolitions shall be completed
prior to installation of the relocated billboard.
4. Number of billboards. The total number of billboards within the city of Burien shall not exceed
30. This number shall be reduced by one (1) for each relocated billboard erected.
5. Location. Relocated billboards shall only be located in the following areas:
A. In the CR and CC -2 zones, north of 146th St. and south of 154th St.
B. In the I zone south of So. 176th St.
C. One (1) billboard may be located in a non-residential zone in the area between 8th Av,
So. and Des Moines Memorial Dr., within 1,000 feet of the SR -518 right-of-way.
6. Setbacks. Relocated or altered billboards shall comply with the following setbacks:
A. Billboards shall observe the same setbacks as required for the primary use of the site. If
the site is undeveloped, billboards shall comply with the setbacks required for the closest
adjacent use in the same zone.
B. Type II billboards shall be at least 100 feet from any residential zone. Type I billboards
shall be at least 330 feet from any residential Z017e,.
C. No billboard shall extend beyond a property line unless written approval is provided to
the city from the adjacent property owner.
7. Height.
A. Billboards located in the CC or CR zone shall not exceed a he ght of 15 feet above the
average height of all buildings within 330 feet of the billboard or 35 feet, whichever is less;
and
B. Billboards located in the I zone shall not exceed a height of 15 feet above the average
height of all buildings within 330 feet of the billboard or 45 feet, whichever is less; and
C. Billboards located in the non-residential zone between 8th Av. So and Des Moines
Memorial Dr. within 1,000 feet of the SR -518 right-of-way shall not exceed a height of:
i. 25 feet above the average grade of SR -518, if the billboard face(s) is oriented to
SR -518; or
ii. 15 feet above the average height of all buildings within 330 feet of the billboard or
45 feet, whichever is less, if the billboard face(s) is not oriented to SR -518.
D. A billboard that includes a changeable copy sin operated by the City of Burien may
exceed the height limits above by up to 15 feet.
8. Transition standards. The transition standards in BMC 1917 apply to relocation or alteration of
billboards, and may have the effect of increasing the required setbacks in BMC 19.30.090.6
and/or reducing the maximum allowable height in BMC 19.30.090.7.
9. Number and type of billboard faces.
A. No single relocated or altered billboard shall support a total of more than two Type I
billboard faces or the equivalent, and no single relocated or altered billboard shall orient
more than one Type I billboard face or the equivalent in any single direction. A tri -vision
billboard face shall be considered a single billboard face. The Director may allow additional
billboard faces or other signs on a billboard for specific community -oriented purposes such
as a coiL?m Jt -went s or marketing of the Burien business community or specific
segments thereof.
B. The Director may allow use of billboard face shapes other than a horizontal rectangle if;
i. The area of such shape does not exceed the maximum allowable area for the type
of billboard face allowed at that location, and
ii. The horizontal and vertical dimensions of the face do not exceed 150% of the
maximum allowable horizontal and vertical dimensions for the type of face allowed at
that location, and
iii. All other requirements of this chapter are met.
10. Type of billboard. Relocated billboards shall be monopole -type. The Director may allow multi-
pole billboards in locations where a monopole is not feasible due to existing development.
11. Orientation. In the CR and CC -2 zones, no more than two (2) relocated billboards; shall be
visible from SR -509. In the I zone, no more than one (1) relocated billboard shall be visible from
SR -509.
12. Mt. Rainier view protection. No billboard shall be erected, altered or relocated in a manner
that is within the direct line -of -sight of views of Mt. Rainier from adjacent public roadways. All
applications for billboard alteration or relocation shall be certified by the applicant as meeting this
provision. Any billboard subsequently found to violate this provision shall be removed within 90
days.
13. Vegetation protection. No billboard owner or his agent shall remove, cut, or otherwise alter
any vegetation on public property or private landscaping required by code as a condition of permit
approval in order to improve the visibility of a nearby billboard, without Director approval. Should
such an unauthorized alteration occur, any billboard so benefited shall be shall be removed within
90 days. In exchange for allowing vegetation removal, the Director may require replanting of
equivalent or greater amount of landscaping on public property and/or the affected private
property.
14. Billboard -free areas. No billboard shall be relocated in any of the following areas:
A. Sites listed in either the Washington State or National Register of Historic Places or on
sites designated as county or city landmarks.
B. Open space and scenic resource sites identified in the adopted the city of Burien
Comprehensive Plan.
C. Within 660 feet of any public park.
15. Maintenance. If a billboard is not maintained pursuant to BMC 19.30.150, the City may
suspend the business license of the billboard owner. [Ord. 359 § 1, 2002]
City of Des Moines Electronic Sign Regulations
18.42.030 Definitions.
(6) "Changing message center" means an electronically controlled message center with different
copy changes of a public service or commercial nature.
(35) "Reader board" means a sign face designed with readily changeable letters allowing frequent
changes of copy either manually or electronically.
18.42.220 Electronic reader board and changeable message center signs.
Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section, all electronic reader board signs and
changeable message center signs shall comply with the following:
(1) Advertising messages on electronic reader boards and message centers may contain words,
phrases, sentences, symbols, trademarks, and logos. A single message or a message segment
must have a static display time of at least two seconds after moving onto the reader board or
message center, with all segments of the total message to be displayed within 10 seconds. A
one -segment message may remain static on the reader board or message center with no
duration limit.
(2) Displays may travel horizontally or scroll vertically onto electronic reader boards or message
centers, but must hold in a static position for two seconds after completing the travel or scroll.
(3) Displays shall not appear to flash, undulate, or pulse, or portray explosions, fireworks, flashes
of light, or blinking or chasing lights. Displays shall not appear to move toward or away from the
viewer, expand or contract, bounce, rotate, spin, twist, or animate as it moves onto, is displayed
on, or leaves the reader board or message center.
(4) Electronic signs requiring more than four seconds to change from one single message display
to another shall be turned off during the change interval.
(5) Maximum brightness shall not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight hours when measured from
the face of the sign and 500 nits from sunset to sunrise when measured from the face of the sign.
(6) Signs shall have programmable dimming capacity.
(7) Audio speakers associated with signs allowed under this section are prohibited.
(8) Signs allowed under this section shall not exceed or be in addition to the total allowable
freestanding sign area allowed in the various zones established in Article V of this chapter.
(9) Signs allowed under this section shall not be used as wall signs and shall not be used as
individual tenant signs.
(10) Electronic reader board and changeable message center signs shall not be placed on,
above, or over the right-of-way.
(11) This section shall not apply to official traffic control devices installed by the city traffic
engineer or the state. [Ord. 1509 § 2, 2011.]
FORTTIE
R�.11l.',wC 01111llii n F11..,E
Billboards & Digital Signs — Moratorium (Tentative) Time Line
Process Step
Date
1. City Council Enacted Moratorium on Billboards & Digital Signs (Greater than 72 sq ft)
04/02/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-013
• Moratorium Expires October 1, 2013
....................................... — . .....
2. City Council Public Hearing Adopting Moratorium
05/21/2013
• RESOLUTION NO. R-2013-065
...... ........ .......
3. City Council Public Hearing Extending and Renewing Moratorium
.._.............._
10/01/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-046
• Moratorium Expiration Extended to April 1, 2014
.......__ �. _ ........ ................_
4. City Council Enacted Moratorium on Electronic Digital Signs (Up to 72 sq ft)
10/01/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-047
• Moratorium Expires April 1, 2014
S. City Council Public Hearing Adopting Moratorium on Digital Signs (Up to 72 sq ft)
10/15/2013
• RESOLUTION NO. R-2013-132
6. YPC Public Workshop on Billboards & Digital Signs
12/11/2013
._ .... __.................. .................................................................
7. YPC Study Session
01/08/2014
• Course of Action
......_.-..�...................... ._.
S. Notice of Application, SEPA, and YPC Public Hearing
..............
01/10/2014
• Comment Period 01/10/14-01/30/2014
• YPC Public Hearing Tentatively Scheduled for 02/12/2014
• Publish Legal Notice in YHR
• Issue 60 Day Notice to Dept of Commerce
....__ ........................
9. YPC Study Session
......-
01/22/2014
......._.........................................................
10. Issuance of SEPA Threshold Determination
02/03/2014
• Appeal Period 02/03/2014-02/18/2014
11. YPC Public Hearing with Findings and Recommendation
02/12/2014
• Complete Packet with Staff Report Due 02/05/14
12. Set Date of 03/04/14 for Council Public Hearing on Billboard & Digital Sign
02/18/2014
Regulations
• Novus — Set Date Agenda Statement Due 02/10/14
• Legal Publication —City Clerk to Publish Notice on 02/21/2013
13. YPC Findings and Recommendation — Follow Up Action
02/19/2014
.
14. City Council Holds Public Hearing on Billboard & Digital Sign Regulations
_.. ... ............ _
03/04/2014
• Novus —Agenda Statement with Council Packet and YPC Findings &
Recommendation due 02/24/14
.......
._............................
15. City Council to Adopt Ordinance on Billboard & Digital Sign Regulations
03/04/2014
..................... _._............_.
16. Ordinance is Published and Recorded
03/07/2014
.................... .-�.......................
17. Ordinance Becomes Effective
.................__
04/06/2014
Ibarra, Rosalinda
'rom: Ibarra, Rosalinda
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 2:54 PM
To: Al Rose; Alfred A. Rose (silvrfx40@bmi.net); Benjamin W. Shoval (ben.shoval@shoval.com);
Dave Fonfara; Ensey, Rick; Ibarra, Rosalinda; Kunkler, Mark; Paul Stelzer; Scott Clark
(scott.clark@charter. net); William Cook (cook.w@charter.net)
Subject: FW: Yakima Planning Commission Agenda Packet for December 11, 2013
Attachments: Yakima letterto PC 12-10-13.pdf; Economic Value of On -Premise Signs.pdf
Please see attached letter and information received from James Carpentier on Monday December 9, 2013. Thank you!
Rosafnda Ibarra
Administrative Assistant
rosalinda.itarra) aliiirnaw a. ov'
(509)575 61.83
From: James Carpentier [mailto:James.Carpentier@signs.org]
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 1:27 PM
To: Ibarra, Rosalinda; Osguthorpe, Steve
Cc: 'Patti King'; David Hickey; David Servine
Subject: RE: Yakima Planning Commission Agenda Packet for December 11, 2013
Hello Steve and Rosalinda,
I have included attached the NWSC and ISA recommendations for the Planning Commission meeting on December 11tH
`you could ensure that they receive this information, hopefully prior to the meeting, that would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks
James
From: James Carpentier
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 10:58 AM
To: 'jbcconsultant@gmail.com'
Subject: FW: Yakima Planning Commission Agenda Packet for December 11, 2013
From: Ibarra, Rosalinda [mallto:Rosal!n a.Ib rra ak!mawa. ov]
Sent: Thursday, December 05, 2013 7:54 PM
To: Al Rose; Alfred A. Rose (s!iv*400bmi.net); Benjamin W. Shoval (ben.shoval(dshoval.com); Dave Fonfara; Ensey,
Rick; Ibarra, Rosalinda; Kunkler, Mark; Paul Stelzer; Scott Clark (scott.clark(acharter.net); William Cook
(ceok.w@charter.net); Brown, Michael; Crockett, Ken; Daily Sun News - Bob Story; KAPP TV News; KBBO-KRSE Radio -
manager; KCJT TV News; KDNA Radio; KEPR TV News; KIMA TV - Jim Niedelman; KIMA TV News;
KIT/KATS/DMVW/KFFM - Lance Tormey; KNDO TV - Julie Stern; KNDO TV News; KUNS-TV Univision; KVEW TV News;
Lozano, Bonnie; NWCN News; NWPR - Anna King; Randy Luvaas - Yakima Business Times; Tu Decides - Albert Torres;
UNIVISION TV - Marta Isabel Sanchez; Yakima Herald Republic - Adriana Janovich; Yakima Herald Republic - Chris
Bristol; Yakima Herald Republic - Craig Troianello; Yakima Herald Republic - Erin Snelgrove; Yakima Herald Republic - Mai
,-bang; Yakima Herald Republic - Mark Morey; Yakima Herald Republic Newspaper; Yakima Valley Business Times;
Yakima Valley Business Times - George Finch; Beehler, Randy; Allyn, Kaarre; Beehler, Randy; Bill & Linda Beerman; Chris
Linschooten; City of Union Gap; Claar Tee, Sonya; CWHBA Joe Walsh (E-mail); Dan Catchpole - YHR; Danielle Surkatty;
Davenport, Joan; David Kearby - Associated General Contractors of WA; Davido, Sean; Dianna Woods; Dirk Bernd -
Cobalt Mortgage; Doug Carey; Evodio Reyes; Farmworker Housing Marty Miller (E-mail); Gary Forrest; Jamie Carmody;
Jefferson Spencer (f rsri.penccow kirrwa� u - AIA; Crockett, Ken; Mike & Cindy Noble; Mike
r ); Ken Camarata
Dooley - Wilbert Precast; Mike Shinn; Osguthorpe, Steve; Peters, Jeff; Phil Hoge; Price, Cally; Ralph Call; Robert
.ockhart; Ron Pelson (r aia(atratrnaldesitnsinc.corn); Sandy Lloyd; Schafer, Scott; Schneider, David; Steve Erickson;
Steve S; Steven Nielsen; Terrence Danysh; Terry Keenhan; Thomas Carroll; Vic & Wilma Koski; Walt Ranta; Willson,
Shelley; Wilson, Chris
Cc: 'sgrover@metrooutdoorlic.com'; 'pgrover@metrooutdoorllc.com'; James Carpentier;
'Robert.lagrone@cbsoutdoor.com'; 'nschreibeis@lamar.com'; 'Camarata.ken@gmail.com';
'Troy. la urvick@co.yakima.wa. us'; 'Thomas.carroll@co.yakima.wa.us'; 'DeanHaugen@clearchannel.com';
'sj button @aol.com'; 'Annamarie.dufault@esd105.org'; 'verlynn@yakima.org'; 'larry@eaglesignsllc.com';
'fred.cascade@gmail.com'; 'jakessignservice@yahoo.com'
Subject: Yakima Planning Commission Agenda Packet for December 11, 2013
Good afternoon —
The next meeting with the Yakima Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday December 11, 2013 beginning at
5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Attached is the agenda packet for this meeting. Additional information can be found online at:
htt : www. akimawa. ov seo,vices lannin billboard -di ital-si n-iiiorator uums
Rosalinda Ibarra
Community Development Administrative Assistant
rosalirrda.il)arra akin awa. ov
City of Yakima Planning Division
129 North 2nd Street, Yakima WA 98901
p: (509) 575-6183 * f: (509) 575-6105
December 10, 2013
City of Yakima
Planning Commission
Dear Planning Commission,
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
On behalf of the International Sign Association (ISA) and the Northwest Sign Council (NWSC), I would like
to submit our organization's comments with regard to Introductory Discussion of billboards and digital
signs. The International Sign Association (ISA) is a 2000 -member trade association, the members of
which are manufacturers, users and suppliers of on -premise signs and other visual communications
products from the 50 United States and 60 countries around the world. ISA supports, promotes and
improves the visual communications industry, which sustains the nation's retail, distribution, service and
manufacturing industries. ISA and the NWSC work actively with officials and business owners
throughout the northwest to assist jurisdictions with creating reasonable and effective sign regulations.
ISA recommends that staff, City Council, and other involved stakeholders should consider the
following resources as part of their information -gathering and ordinance -writing processes. In
preparation for this meeting we took the liberty to review the sign code for, legal issues and best
practices.
For purposes of organization, I have organized my comments into three categories of feedback. The first
grouping is Recommendations Lor on. remise si n re ulotions. The next category are Comments on
the Memorandum dated December 11 2013 and the last category is Changes Recommended as Best
Practices in Drafting a i n Ordinance.
All
In 2008, ISA hired a lighting expert (and a former president of the Illuminating Engineering Society of
North America) to develop recommendations for self-regulating industry standards to address concerns
about EMC brightness. These standards are compliant with IES TM -11-00 ("Light Trespass: Research,
Results, and Recommendations"). In summary:
B. EMC Illumination Limits: The di erence between theoftand solid -message measurements
using the EMC Measurement Criteria sholl not exceed a footcandles according to ambient light
conditions or that con be adjusted to comi2tv with, the 0.3 footcandle measurements.
MR.717,777
/1M�lift f 11
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
We believe that the 0.3 foot-candles standard (which is typically equivalent to —320 nits or less
of an all -white EMC background at night) is proven to be an appropriate method for regulating
brightness.
• Automatic dimmin
C. Dimmina Ca obifit1 s: All permitted EMCs shaft be e uN ed with a sensor or other device that
outornaticaii- determines the ambient iffurninotion and is programmed to autornaticaNN dim
ri . ,. MUM=
We recommend that the City allow 75% or 100% (versus what staff has suggested 30% or 50%)
of the freestanding sign to be digital. This allows for additional design flexibility and is
supportive of Yakima's business and institutions such as churches, convention centers, sports
facilities or entertainment centers that would choose the flexibility of a digital sign as their
primary sign .
•
Definition for di itai si n or telectronk message center
We recommend that a definition for an digital sign be include in the definition section of the
code.
Digital Sign — A sign that is ca able of dispIaving words symbols, figures or images that can be
electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.
Comments on the Memorandum dated December 12 2013 by Steve Gds uthor e
No mention is made of the economic considerations for digital or electronic message centers. Please see
the attached study by the University of Cincinnati that has information on the economic impacts of
EMCs on a hotel chain, banks and auto dealership. We suggest that the positive economic impacts of
EMCs on the business community be a part of the discussion when regulating EMCs. Note the attached
study "The Economic Value of Signs."
Other Comments on the Bulleted points under Digital Signs page 1, comments by Steve Osguthorpe are
indicated by (SO) NWCS/ISA comments are in bold italics:
• Allow 30% to 50% of freestanding sign to be used for digital signs (SO)
INTERNATIONAL SIGN ASSOCIATION
We recommend that the City consider 75% or 100% as recommended above. We believe that to
unreasonably limit the sign area to 30% or 50% would severely limit the amount of information that
can be displayed on a digital sign at one time. The bottom line with the allowable % of digital sign is,
how business friendly (includes other uses institutional or churches) does Yakima want to be?
Limit digital signs in sensitive areas to monochrome text only with a dark background (SO).
We recommend that the City not enact any color or text only restrictions. This could infringe
on court established free speech requirements. With our recommended brightness restrictions
EMC signs will not exceed the brightness of other sign types.
• Limit text change to 1.5 seconds fade in, and retain image for 8 seconds (OS).
We recommend that if the City is to enact hold times for EMCs that they be in the range of 3 to
4 seconds. The transition time for fade in and out should not exceed 1 second.
• Limit illumination to 5,000 nits daytime and 500 nits evening.
This standard is outdated since it is based upon the maximum LED brightness limitations from
over 10 years ago. The daytime standard is not needed with the automatic dimming
requirement. If digital signs were limited to 5,000 nits they could not be properly viewed in full
sunlight. Our recommended brightness limitations are typically around 300 nits substantially
less than the 500 nits that are suggested.
Require background to be darker than text (OS).
We recommend that the City not enact any color or text only restrictions. This could infringe
on court established free speech requirements. With our recommended brightness restrictions
EMC signs will not exceed the brightness of other sign types.
Maintain se orate and distinct regulations fwr on: remise and off -,premise si ns.
The current sign code for Yakima has distinct and separate regulations for on premise and off premise
signs. We strongly recommend that all of the regulations for on -premise and off -premise signs be
maintained as entirely separate sections of the sign ordinance. This will ensure correct administration of
these sections and minimize any confusion of the regulations for on -premise and off -premise signs.
Again, ISA and the NWSC recommends that the Planning Commission, staff, Council, and other
involved stakeholders should consider these suggestions to the language of the proposed ordinance.
Thank you for your time and consideration to the ISA recommendations to the proposed regulations.
ISA and local sign company representatives would be pleased to offer any additional assistance in
understanding issues involved in the regulation of on -premise digital signs, including a demonstration of
brightness.
Sincerely,
James Carpentier AICP
Manager, State and Local Government Affairs
From: Ibarra, Rosalinda
To: Al Rase; Alfred A. Rase (si1vrfx40@bmLnet); Benjamin W. Shoval (ben. shovaIL6shoval.com); Dave Fonfara;
Ensev, Rick; Ibarra. Rosalinda; Kunkler. Mark; Paul Stelzer; Scott Clark (scott.clark@charter.net); William Cook
(cook.w@charter.neti
Subject: FW: Billboards
Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 11:28:03 AM
Please see below the comments received From Suzanne Noble on 12/09/13. -rhanl< you!
]Rosalinda lbarra
Adie innistrative Assistant
rosaiinndalil)arra(&yakiirnawaov
(509) 575-6183
From: Suzanne Noble [mailto:gogogirl59@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 7:50 PM
To: Osguthorpe, Steve
Subject: Billboards
Hi Steve,
I read about your request for input on the billboards in the Yakima Herald. I'm sorry I can't
make the meeting on Wednesday night. I had an idea to share with you. Perhaps you already
thought of this. Whomever rents a sign for their own business would have to also sponsor at
least one more similarly sized sign with a beautiful view of nature in Yakima (the mountains,
the parks, the river or the hills).. just a purely aesthetic gorgeous photograph!! This
photograph in and of itself would be a mood lifter, health enhancer and promote pride in
community members. Such a venue would allow artist's to market their wares. Or if that
doesn't fly..the matching billboard would need to be for a non-profit such as the Red Cross,
Yakima School District, Yakima Arboretum, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, etc... In this
way, the community can showcase the positive attributes of the area. I am also in favor of not
providing anymore billboard space since it metropolitinizes what is actually a rural
community. Billboards are characteristically commercialization of the common space. They
are annoying, unpleasant and difficult to avoid. Having a giant billboard in one's face is worse
than radio or TV or newspaper ads.
Feel free to read my letter at the meeting if you so desire.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Noble
221 South 25th Ave
Yakima, WA
Maxey, Lisa
From: Ibarra, Rosalinda on behalf of Ask Planning
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:56 PM
To: Al Rose; Alfred A. Rose (silvrfx40@bmi.net); Benjamin W. Shoval
(ben.shoval@shoval.com); Dave Fonfara; Ensey, Rick; Ibarra, Rosalinda; Kunkler, Mark;
Paul Stelzer; Scott Clark (scott.clark@charter.net); William Cook (cook.w@charter.net)
Cc: Osguthorpe, Steve
Subject: FW: Public Comment Submission - Digital Billboards
Please see the comments below submitted by Heather Lowe. Thank you!
➢C .osatinda 11barra
Administrative Assistant
rom satinda.ibarra( ,)yaiiimawa.gom v
( 09) 575 6183
From: Heather Lowe [mailto:heather@heatherlowedesign.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:11 PM
To: Ask Planning
Subject: Public Comment Submission - Digital Billboards
This comment is submitted to the Yakima Planning Division as part of public comments for Digital Billboards
The City of Yakima is at a pivotal stage in its 125 year existence.
Policy decisions made in 2014 can set the tone for long-term vitality or stagnation.
The management and vision for Yakima has direct parallels to brand management (my professional
background) in that what image and character is portrayed to the public either portrays the brand as something
valuable or something mundane or common.
Like a magnificent grape harvested from the Yakima Valley, the product has to be carefully crafted and
managed and marketed to become a fine wine.
The key question in setting planning policies is "what kind of city does Yakima want to be known as"? What
character, what experience do you want visitors to savor, what quality of life do you want for your workers and
residents?
It is no accident that Leavenworth, Winthrop and Walla Walla come up in internet searches for best places to
visit in Washington State. Being recognized as an outstanding destination year after year takes commitment to
high standards.
Those municipalities have earned their distinction because of the strong commitment to a single vision of
quality that permeates each place. They each transformed their cities from mundane to extraordinary through
careful planning.
With over 70 wineries beckoning visitors, will you have an authentically unique and beautiful Yakima or a
helter-skelter mess of visual pollution around every corner managed by the giant outdoor advertising
companies reaping profits off your assets?
Your Central Washington location on the road to Walla Walla provides a comprehensive opportunity to attract
the ever-expanding number of tourists passing through and turn them into satisfied destination tourists in
Yakima.
The "Yakima Apple" is ripe for the picking since you already identify on your website that "tourism is the fastest
growing segment of the economy".
In order for your city to live up to your promise of "a premiere place to live, work and p/ay"you must ban digital
billboards for the long-term; come up with a strategy to reduce current traditional billboards and institute strict
oversight of on -premise digitals.
Please refer to this Scenic America webpage for help in the process http;!lwww,scenic,orlbillboards-a-si�n-
control/tools-for-action/102-tools-for-sign-control and visit www.Keep ashington0eautiful.orgfor additional
information on this subject.
Digital Billboards pose a major visual and environmental pollution threat to Washington State. The Outdoor
Advertising Industry is spending money and allocating personnel to go into Washington cities and towns like
Yakima (and cities and towns across America) to convince governments to change their ordinances so that
they can expand advertising revenues in as many locations as possible. Once up digital billboards never come
down, land values decline, safety hazards become municipal liabilities and the threat of lawsuits against the
city rise. The ONLY benefit of a digital billboard is to the advertising company in increased revenue and profits.
Please write a new ordinance that bans digital billboards, reduces existing billboards and affords strict
management of on -premise signs.
I would like to see Yakima in this selection in the future
Best "'ro ulrist "'rowans in iia State
httpel�n�rescapes,kin 5,comJbest�tourist-tomrnllocal-excursions northwest
Heather Lowe
I Nuull<ed, uuII"rofll r
',/oY ii, ,NII"°Bite e r I< e e IIP IN:N s h iiIIIgi'or11I :3 NN,.,NiUI"tl.,N
"ft one r0vrsr"rc e s c or"rlr"r;kntlr; in the rldrecbon ol'trls rlre rsrrrs rsr"rrleW"rrkrst or"ss to ldt e the ldl ;, s,thwh he hc, s urrrsghl rl he s,s rll a el Wdtfth rs success
e "sass
rrn qid c de rl m conwrr:nm hours" Henry David Thoreau
Maxey, Lisa
From: Ibarra, Rosalinda
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 11:28 AM
To: Al Rose; Alfred A. Rose (silvrfx40@bmi.net); Benjamin W. Shoval
(ben.shoval@shoval.com); Dave Fonfara; Ensey, Rick; Ibarra, Rosalinda; Kunkler, Mark;
Paul Stelzer; Scott Clark (scott.clark@charter.net); William Cook (cook.w@charter.net)
Subject: FW: Billboards
Please see below the comments received from Suzanne Noble on 12/09/13. Thank you!
Rosalinda Ibarra
Administrative Assistant
rom satinda.ibarra(4,)yaicima -a.gom v
( 09) 575 6183
From: Suzanne Noble [mailto:gogogirl59@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 7:50 PM
To: Osguthorpe, Steve
Subject: Billboards
Hi Steve,
I read about your request for input on the billboards in the Yakima Herald. I'm sorry I can't make the meeting
on Wednesday night. I had an idea to share with you. Perhaps you already thought of this. Whomever rents a
sign for their own business would have to also sponsor at least one more similarly sized sign with a beautiful
view of nature in Yakima (the mountains, the parks, the river or the hills) ... just a purely aesthetic gorgeous
photograph!! This photograph in and of itself would be a mood lifter, health enhancer and promote pride in
community members. Such a venue would allow artist's to market their wares. Or if that doesn't fly -the
matching billboard would need to be for a non-profit such as the Red Cross, Yakima School District, Yakima
Arboretum, Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, etc... In this way, the community can showcase the positive
attributes of the area. I am also in favor of not providing anymore billboard space since it metropolitinizes what
is actually a rural community. Billboards are characteristically commercialization of the common space. They
are annoying, unpleasant and difficult to avoid. Having a giant billboard in one's face is worse than radio or TV
or newspaper ads.
Feel free to read my letter at the meeting if you so desire.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Noble
221 South 25th Ave
Yakima, WA
CITY OF YAKIMA
Public Workshop - Billboard
and Digital Sign Regulations
Your Opinion Counts!
The City of Yakima Planning Commission is soliciting public input on appropriate
regulation of billboards and electronic digital signs within City limits. Two
moratoriums have been enacted that prohibit the installation of any new billboards
or digital signs until regulations can be developed addressing how these signs can
be incorporated into the community in a safe, attractive and effective manner. An
open workshop for the public is scheduled for December 11, 2013 from 5:30 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The purpose of the workshop is to
solicit public comment on how these signs affect community character and
community business, and to solicit ideas on appropriate levels of regulations.
Additional information on the billboard and digital sign moratoriums is available on
the Planning Division's website at http://www.yakimawa.aov/services/planning/
under Quick Links or you may call Steve Osguthorpe, Community Development
Director at (509) 575-3533.
Billboard / Digital Sign
Regulations in Washington Cities
Billboards
Prohibit Off-
Allow New
Allow Digital
Allowed
Prohibit New
premise Signs
Billboards Only
Prohibit Digital
Digital Design Restrictions
Only with
Eliminate Existing
City / Jurisdiction
with Size/ Location
Billboards
(including
with Relocation
Billboards / Signs
Reduction
Billboards By
Restrictions
billboards)
Permit
Provision
Amortization
Ellensburg
✓ TC zone only, CUP
One digital sign per frontage,
required, 288 sq.ft.
3 sq.ft. max, 64 sq.ft. max.
max.
for public use.
3 -second rule applies.
10 -seconds pause for entire
message.
Kennewick
✓ Must meet size,
area, height and
electrical
requirements by
specified date.
Moses Lake
✓
50 sq.ft. max. size.
Illumination limit - 8,000
nits daytime; 1000 nits
nighttime.
10 -second rule.
s~
No white background
Pasco
✓ (with some
exceptions)
Pullman
✓
Richland
✓
✓
Selah
✓
✓
c�
W
Spokane
✓
Illumination limit - .3 foot-
candles. 2 -second rule
applies. Limited to 50% of
allowable signage.
Prohibited in CBD zone.
Spokane Valley
✓
✓
✓
Union Gap
✓
Walla Walla
✓
✓
✓ (No changing
Allows electronic text only.
message centers)
Wenatchee
✓ Limited to 60 sq.ft.
(Effectively)
@ 30 feet tall or 100
sq.ft. @ 8 ft. tall.
Yakima
✓ M1, M2, CBD, GC
and RD zones. 35 ft.
tall, 500 ft. spacing.
Billboards
Prohibit Off-
Allow New
Allow Digital
Allowed
Prohibit New
premise Signs
Billboards Only
Prohibit Digital
Digital Design Restrictions
Only with
Eliminate Existing
City / Jurisdiction
with Size/ Location
Billboards
(including
with Relocation
Billboards / Signs
Reduction
Billboards By
Restrictions
billboards)
Permit
Provision
Amortization
Auburn
✓
Illumination limit - 8,000
nits daytime;
500 nits nighttime.
1.5 second rule applies, 5
second scroll allowed.
Bellevue
✓
✓ (Allowed for non-
4 minute rule applies.
✓
commercial use only)
8 hour rule applies. No
motion or animation.
Limited to text only.
Bothell
✓
Bremerton
✓
✓
✓
Burien
✓
✓
✓
Limited to 50% area of free-
standing sign.
Centralia
✓
✓ (90 days)
s~
wo
s~
c�
Des Moines
✓
Illumination limit - 5,000
s�
nits daytime;
500 nits nighttime.
2 -second rule applies.
No animation.
Everett
✓ 20 ft. above street
✓ Requires removal
✓
grade, 1000'
of any
separation, subject to
nonconforming
removal clause.
billboard owned by
that company, and
remove/conform
when sold.
Federal Way
✓
✓
Fife
✓
Gig Harbor
✓
✓
Kent
✓
✓ (prohibition
applies to off -
premise only)
Billboards
Prohibit Off-
Allow New
Allow Digital
Allowed
Prohibit New
premise Signs
Billboards Only
Prohibit Digital
Digital Design Restrictions
Only with
Eliminate Existing
City / Jurisdiction
with Size/ Location
Billboards
(including
with Relocation
Billboards / Signs
Reduction
Billboards By
Restrictions
billboards)
Permit
Provision
Amortization
Lacey
✓
✓
Lakewood
✓
✓
✓
Marysville
✓
No animation. 20 second
rule applies. 30% of sign
area max. Dimming
mechanism required.
Mill Creek
✓
Olympia
✓
✓
(3 minute rule (very
limited).
Port Angeles
✓ CA and Industrial
30 second rule applies.
Zones only.
1000 ft. spacing.
p
Port Orchard
✓
✓
✓ (billboards)
✓
Poulsbo
✓
✓
Puyallup
✓
2 second rule applies.
(n
Renton
✓
Sea Tac
✓
✓
Illumination limit - 8,000
✓
nits daytime;
500 nits nighttime.
1.5 -second rule applies.
Requires dark background.
Seattle
✓ (subject to removal
✓ (except under
✓ (within 660 feet of
✓
✓ (billboards)
2 second rule, with 20
clause).
removal clause).
highways)
second pause.
Sequim
✓
✓
Shelton
✓
✓
✓ (except for
10 -acre
shopping
center)
Shoreline
✓
✓
20 -second rule applies. No
moving messages.
Tacoma
✓ (subject to removal
✓ (except under
✓
✓
clause).
removal clause).
Legend — Cities highlighted in yellow are those that permit the typical billboard without any requirements for mitigation (e.g., no requirements to remove existing billboards to allow new billboards).
Of those jurisdictions that allow billboards, Yakima is the least restrictive in terms of required spacing, lack of illumination restrictions, and the number of zones in which billboards are permitted
2
City / Jurisdiction
Billboards
Allowed
with Size/ Location
Restrictions
Prohibit New
Billboards
Prohibit Off-
premise Signs
(including
billboards)
Allow New
Billboards Only
with Relocation
Permit
Prohibit Digital
Billboards / Signs
Digital Design Restrictions
Allow Digital
Only with
Reduction
Provision
Eliminate Existing
Billboards By
Amortization
Vancouver
✓
✓
4 / 8 second rule applies.
o
Illumination limit - 8,000
bA
�
nits daytime;
1000 nits nighttime.
M
Requires ambient light
monitor
Woodinville
✓
✓
✓ (Allowed only in
32 sq.ft. max. Single color
Public/Institution
only (warm tone).
y
Zone)
4 second rule applies.
Legend — Cities highlighted in yellow are those that permit the typical billboard without any requirements for mitigation (e.g., no requirements to remove existing billboards to allow new billboards).
Of those jurisdictions that allow billboards, Yakima is the least restrictive in terms of required spacing, lack of illumination restrictions, and the number of zones in which billboards are permitted
2
Billboards & Digital Signs — Moratorium (Tentative) Time Line
Process Step
Date
1. City Council Enacted Moratorium on Billboards & Digital Signs (Greater than 72 sq ft)
04/02/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-013
• Moratorium Expires October 1, 2013
2. City Council Public Hearing Adopting Moratorium
05/21/2013
• RESOLUTION NO. R-2013-065
3. City Council Public Hearing Extending and Renewing Moratorium
10/01/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-046
• Moratorium Expiration Extended to April 1, 2014
4. City Council Enacted Moratorium on Electronic Digital Signs (Up to 72 sq ft)
10/01/2013
• ORDINANCE NO. 2013-047
• Moratorium Expires April 1, 2014
5. City Council Public Hearing Adopting Moratorium on Digital Signs (Up to 72 sq ft)
10/15/2013
• RESOLUTION NO. R-2013-132
6. YPC Public Workshop on Billboards & Digital Signs
12/11/2013
7. YPC Study Session
01/08/2014
• Course of Action
8. Notice of Application, SEPA, and YPC Public Hearing
01/10/2014
• Comment Period 01/10/14-01/30/2014
• YPC Public Hearing Tentatively Scheduled for 02/12/2014
• Publish Legal Notice in YHR
• Issue 60 Day Notice to Dept of Commerce
9. YPC Study Session
01/22/2014
10. Issuance of SEPA Threshold Determination
02/03/2014
• Appeal Period 02/03/2014 — 02/18/2014
11. YPC Public Hearing with Findings and Recommendation
02/12/2014
• Complete Packet with Staff Report Due 02/05/14
12. Set Date of 03/04/14 for Council Public Hearing on Billboard & Digital Sign
02/18/2014
Regulations
• Novus — Set Date Agenda Statement Due 02/10/14
• Legal Publication — City Clerk to Publish Notice on 02/21/2013
13. YPC Findings and Recommendation — Follow Up Action
02/19/2014
14. City Council Holds Public Hearing on Billboard & Digital Sign Regulations
03/04/2014
• Novus — Agenda Statement with Council Packet and YPC Findings &
Recommendation due 02/24/14
15. City Council to Adopt Ordinance on Billboard & Digital Sign Regulations
03/04/2014
16. Ordinance is Published and Recorded
03/07/2014
17. Ordinance Becomes Effective
04/06/2014