Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance revises sections of Columbus Zoning Code Article XV, "City Graphics Code" in order to create new limits on the brightness and movement of automatic changeable copy on signs and billboards, update some definitions and terminology, and standardize the limits on special effects within 660 feet of an Interstate and special effects oriented toward a freeway. This ordinance also corrects grammatical errors and adjusts section titles to better reflect the content of those sections. Many of the standards contained in Article XV of the Columbus Zoning Code were developed prior to the prevalence of modern sign and illumination technologies, necessitating periodic code changes and updates such as this.
The proposed code changes were considered at the Columbus Graphics Commission public hearing on October 15, 2013, and at the Columbus Development Commission public hearing on November 14, 2013, and both commissions recommend unanimous approval.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend sections 3303.03, 3303.07, 3375.06, 3375.12, 3377.01, 3377.04, 3377.08, 3377.20, 3377.24, 3378.06, 3379.01, and 3381.08 of the Columbus City Code in order to modernize terminology and update standards related to automatic changeable copy of signs and billboards and update regulation of other special effects of graphics; and to repeal the existing sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, this ordinance revises sections of Columbus Zoning Code Article XV, "City Graphics Code", which includes Chapters 3375 through 3383; and
WHEREAS, city officials, staff, citizens, area commissions, and community groups have requested that additional limits be placed on special effects of graphics; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance established new limits on automatic changeable copy signs and billboards; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance limits the brightness of automatic changeable signs and billboards to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance also establishes a specific technique for measuring brightness of automatic changeable copy signs and billboards; and
WHEREAS, animation and moving copy will no longer be permitted, as an eight second hold time is imposed on all automatic changeable copy; and
WHEREAS, standards are updated regarding the time limit on illumination of billboards to reflect internally illuminated digital technology; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance standardizes the limits on special effects within 660 feet of an Interstate and special effects oriented toward a freeway; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance also corrects grammatical errors and adjusts section titles to better reflect the content of those sections; and
WHEREAS, these proposed code changes were considered at the Columbus Graphics Commission public hearing on October 15, 2013, and at the Columbus Development Commission public hearing on November 14, 2013, and both commissions recommend unanimous approval; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
(See ORD0153-2014Attachment for Sections 1-13)
SECTION 14. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.