That new electronic-sign ordinance
This week, the Neighborhood Alliance dispatched an email: “Is this the image we want around our neighborhoods?”
The issue: electronic signage, and a proposed city ordinance to regulate their size and placement. The new rules would provide for three “levels” of signs:
· Level 1 allows static messages to be displayed for at least eight seconds. It would be the only type of [electronic message display] permitted in residential areas, except for along major arterial roads.
· Level 2 allows text and graphics that appear to move or change in size. Messages may scroll across the sign.
· Level 3 allows animated graphics and full-motion video with no restrictions of message length.
There are also size limitations: level 1, for instance, is limited to 100 square feet. The Alliance wants this cut to 75 square feet, and a ban in areas where design review is required; also, they want neighborhoods to be informed if any such sign is going to be constructed within 300 feet of its official boundaries.
Ward 4 Councilman Pete White explains the reason for the new rule:
“The idea is to bring the ordinance into the 21st century and get an ordinance that anybody could read and see if they’re able to get a particular sign,” White said. “We’re trying to get rid of this administrative quagmire that was created.”
I’m not quite sure what I think of this. There’s a full-fledged Level 3 sign at billboard level along I-44′s north loop, and it doesn’t bother me at all; I suspect I’d be more annoyed, though, were it closer to eye level, or closer to my house — though that presumably wouldn’t happen, under either the previous ordinance or the new one.
And hardly any of the EMD signs I’ve seen have even a sliver of the gritty urban character of good old-fashioned neon, which makes me wonder just how much Tyranny of the New factor is involved here.
Old Grouch »
18 January 2010 · 11:52 am
a ban in areas where design review is required
Wonder how that would affect a theater restoration project (Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN… yes, the front and side panels are electronic.)? (Or are there no theaters in OKC left to restore?)
CGHill »
18 January 2010 · 12:20 pm
There is one under reconstruction: the Tower, along the new 23rd streetscape. I don’t think it would be affected under this rule, if they stick to the original marquee size.