BCC WORK SESSION OVERVIEW OF ORANGE COUNTY SIGN CODE (PART II) SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Overview RecapRecap Sept.10 th BCC MeetingSept.10 th BCC Meeting Sign Variance TrendsSign Variance Trends Proposed Sign Code AmendmentsProposed Sign Code Amendments General Sign Code AmendmentsGeneral Sign Code Amendments Tourist Commercial Sign Code AmendmentsTourist Commercial Sign Code Amendments CommentsComments

Recap On September 10, 2013, BCC and staff conducted 1 st work session. Items discussed: Items discussed: Signage TypesSignage Types Signage RegulationsSignage Regulations BCC Signage ConcernsBCC Signage Concerns

Signage Variance Trends

Sign Code Amendments General Sign Regulations under consideration: 1)Architectural Features and Signs 2)Maximum Allowable Copy Area for Wall Signs 3)Electronic Message Center 4)Non-residential Signs in Residential Districts 5)Window Signs 6)Special Event Signs 7)Construction Signs

Exempted Signs  Generic, integrated, architectural feature  Designed and constructed as part of building  Identification via symbols, logos, letters, moving parts, lights etc. are not exempt  Signage within commercial developments  Clarification of language

Wall Signs Maximum Allowable Copy Area: Maximum Allowable Copy Area:  Current code: Must use front of building to calculate wall signage. May distribute signage on all walls.  Proposed Amendment : If front of building is not used to calculate wall signage, then all signage must be placed on the side used to calculate the signage.

Wall Signs  Example Current code – 90 sq.ft. of sign to distribute on any wall Proposed – use larger wall with all sign on that wall, 150 sq. ft. on this wall

Electronic Message Center (EMC)

Electronic Message Center Current Regulations : Ground, Pole and Wall signGround, Pole and Wall sign Permitted in Office, Commercial or Industrial zoning districtsPermitted in Office, Commercial or Industrial zoning districts

Electronic Message Center Proposed Changes: Restrict EMC based on proximity to residential usesRestrict EMC based on proximity to residential uses Prohibit on Wall signsProhibit on Wall signs Pole signs – limit EMC to 25% of total copy areaPole signs – limit EMC to 25% of total copy area Must meet Display Criteria:Must meet Display Criteria: 1)Must hold display for minimum 8 seconds 2)No flashing, animation, or movement of any kind 3)Required automatic dimming technology 4)Cannot exceed a brightness level of 0.3 candles above ambient light 5)Brightness measured with foot candle meter 6)Measure brightness equation – square root of sign area x 100 a)50 sq. ft. sign measured at 71 feet b)100 sq. ft. sign measured at 100 feet c)200 sq. ft. sign measured at 141 feet

Electronic Message Center Wall Signs Electronic message centers are not allowed as wall signsElectronic message centers are not allowed as wall signs Non-residential Signs in Residential Districts Electronic message centers and changeable copy signs are not allowedElectronic message centers and changeable copy signs are not allowed

Window Signs Current Regulation (General and Tourist Commercial): Maximum copy area= 25% of window area, affixed to window.Maximum copy area= 25% of window area, affixed to window. Proposed Changes (General and Tourist Commercial): Location of sign – distance from window (3 feet)Location of sign – distance from window (3 feet)

Window Signs Excessive Window Signage

Special Event Signs Current Regulations: 1 every six months Proposed Change: No more than 2 permits on same parcel within any calendar year.

Construction Signs Current Regulations: 64 sq. ft. residential, 128 sq. ft. non-residential. Proposed Change: Allowed on a mesh fence banner affixed to the fence surrounding a construction site

Tourist Commercial Signs Areas of Focus 1)Maximum Allowable Wall Sign Copy Area 2)EMC 3)Ground Signs

Tourist Commercial Signs Maximum Allowable Copy Area : Copy area increase due to height of sign on building (sign must be located within top 20% of building height): Height 0-35 ft ft ft ft ft ft. >180 ft. Current Code % No Increase 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Proposed% No Increase 15% 20% 25% 50% 100% 125%

Tourist Commercial Signs General BCC concerns regarding Electronic Message Centers:  Location  Transition time  Dimming Technology  Prohibition

Tourist Commercial Signs Electronic Message Centers Current Code: Permitted on Pole, and Wall signs. Proposed Changes : Pole signs – Limit EMC to 25% of total copy areaPole signs – Limit EMC to 25% of total copy area Prohibit on Wall signsProhibit on Wall signs Permit on Ground signs where :Permit on Ground signs where : 1)> 15 acres 2)Min.1,000 foot road frontage 3)Separation distance of 300 feet between signs 4)Must meet display criteria: a)Must hold display for minimum 8 seconds b)Images shall appear instantaneously without flashing, animation, or movement of any kind c)Must be equipped with automatic dimming technology to adjust sign’s brightness d)Cannot exceed a brightness level of 0.3 candles above ambient light e)Non-conforming signs must comply with brightness by date certain

Tourist Commercial Signs Ground Signs : Maximum Allowable Copy Area increases from 60 sq. ft. to 80 sq. ft.Maximum Allowable Copy Area increases from 60 sq. ft. to 80 sq. ft. Maximum height increases from 8 ft. to 10 ft.Maximum height increases from 8 ft. to 10 ft. May include changeable copy area where the parcel contains a minimum of 1000 ft. of road frontage (excluding limited access highways)May include changeable copy area where the parcel contains a minimum of 1000 ft. of road frontage (excluding limited access highways) Changeable copy signs must be a minimum of 300 ft. apartChangeable copy signs must be a minimum of 300 ft. apart

Next Steps 1.Stakeholders Input 2.Draft Amendment Ordinance 3.Work sessions with P&ZC / BCC 4.Public Hearings

BCC WORK SESSION OVERVIEW OF ORANGE COUNTY SIGN CODE (PART II) SEPTEMBER 24, 2013