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1. Generally. Electronic message centers (EMCs) and manual changeable copy centers may only be used on the following types of signs, if and where allowed by this Article, and subject to the requirements of this Article:

a. Monument signs.

b. Projecting signs.

c. Cabinet wall signs.

d. Window signs (EMCs only).

2. Prohibitions.

a. EMCs and manual changeable copy centers are not allowed on nonconforming sign structures or on property that contains a nonconforming sign.

b. EMCs and manual changeable copy centers are not allowed on temporary signs.

c. EMCs are not allowed in residential zoning districts (see Section 3.3.1).

d. EMCs are not allowed closer than fifty (50) feet to residential zoning districts or existing single-family or duplex dwelling units (collectively, “residential property”) if the EMC display faces the residential property.

3. Wiring and electrical components. Junction boxes, fans, conduits, switches, sensors, transformers, wires, and other electrical or electronic components used to provide power, data, or cooling to EMCs shall be hidden from view.

4. Number of EMCs or manual changeable copy centers. Not more than one (1) sign per property shall contain an EMC or manual changeable copy center. Monument signs or projecting signs that have two (2) sign faces may include one (1) EMC or manual changeable copy center per sign face. EMCs and manual changeable copy centers shall not be installed upon the same sign structure.

5. Enclosure required. EMC displays and manual changeable copy centers that are a component of monument signs, cabinet wall signs, or projecting signs shall be enclosed on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, finished metal, or other durable material that is used for that portion of surface of the sign face that is not an EMC or manual changeable copy center, and the EMC display or manual changeable copy center shall appear to be either recessed into the frame or flush with it. The enclosure shall extend not less than six (6) inches outward from the EMC display or manual changeable copy center component on all sides.

6. Design. EMC displays or manual changeable copy centers on monument signs, cabinet wall signs, or projecting signs shall be designed as an integral part of the sign. See Figure 7.9(6), EMC/Manual Changeable Copy Center Integration (EMC Example).

Table 7.9(6). EMC/Manual Changeable Copy Center Integration (EMC Example)

Allowed

Not Allowed

7. Size and proportions.

a. An EMC or manual changeable copy center that is incorporated into a monument sign shall not occupy more than forty-five percent (45%) of the sign area of the sign into which it is integrated.

b. An EMC or manual changeable copy center that is incorporated into a projecting sign or cabinet wall sign shall not exceed the lesser of twelve (12) square feet of display area or forty-five percent (45%) of the sign area of the sign into which it is integrated.

c. An EMC that is used as a window sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet of display area.

8. Maximum pixel pitch. The pixel pitch of an EMC shall not be greater than:

a. Generally: sixteen (16) millimeters.

b. Signs directed at motorists on Highway 52: nineteen (19) millimeters.

c. Signs directed at motorists on I-25: twenty-five (25) millimeters.

9. Brightness.

a. EMCs shall be equipped with ambient light sensors and programmed to automatically dim when ambient light levels drop.

b. The maximum brightness of an EMC (whether conforming or legally nonconforming to the other provisions of this Section) during the time period between thirty (30) minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise shall be calibrated in nighttime conditions (at least thirty (30) minutes after sunset) as follows:

(1) From a point on the public right-of-way forty (40) feet in horizontal distance from the face of the EMC, five (5) feet above ground level, light readings shall be taken in the vertical plane, facing the EMC, as follows:

(a) With the EMC turned off, an ambient light reading shall be taken to establish the baseline light level;

(b) With the EMC turned on, displaying all white copy, another light reading shall be taken to establish the maximum brightness of the EMC;

2. The EMC shall be calibrated such that the difference between the maximum brightness and the baseline light level is not more than three and twenty-five hundredths (3.25) lux.

10. Operation. EMCs shall be programmed, maintained, and/or operated as follows:

a. EMCs shall display only static images (messages and/or graphics without motion, flashing, animation, or frame effects).

b. Images shall be displayed for a period of not less than six (6) seconds.

c. If the EMC is damaged or malfunctions such that image data is not properly displayed or such that the requirements of Subsection (9) of this Section are not met, it shall be automatically turned off. (Ord. 1216 §1 (Exh. A), 2016)