City Council unanimously adopts electronic signage code amendments at Nov. 15th session

Update: 11/16/11: City Council unanimously adopted the sign code with the its suggested amendments at its November 15, 2011 regular session.

The package of sign code amendments accomplish two things: loosen the strict rules regarding signage along McLoughlin Boulevard in the Downtown area, and add new rules to put parameters around electronic billboards in other commercial and industrial areas.

More information about the hearing is available at the bottom of this page.

City Council voted on a motion for staff to make the following revisions: remove a provision that would make certain code requirements retroactivly applicable, allow large electronic signs to change message not more than once every 2 minutes, allow small electronic signs  to change messages not more than once every 10 seconds, adopt the amendments through an emergency ordinance, and revise wording about coordination with ODOT sign permits. Specific revisions were also requested for electronic signs on McLoughlin Blvd in the north industrial area to make them exempt from limitations on the size of electronic signs and to allow them to change messages not more than once every 10 seconds regardless of the sign's size.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approved amendments to the Milwaukie Sign Ordinance related to electronic display signs. The amendments recognize that downtown properties fronting McLoughlin Boulevard are different than those closer to Main Street, so the amendments will allow properties along McLoughlin to install small electronic reader board signs. These are currently prohibited throughout downtown.

The amendments pertaining to electronic billboards limit their size and clarify how the City regulates moving and electronic signs. The proposed amendments recommend capping the size of electronic billboards at 50 square feet, or at 50% of the billboard’s total size. Additionally, the amendments stipulate how bright the electronic display can be, how long messages should be displayed for before rotating, and prohibit video displays and flashing or scrolling text.

The Planning Commission made two changes to the proposed amendments. First, the cap on electronic billboards was increased from 25% to 50% of the billboard's total size. The overall size limit of 50 square feet was not changed. The second change was to decrease the time that a message is displayed before it can change from a minimum of 3 hours to 2 minuites for signs over 20 square feet in size.

Please conctact Ryan Marquardt, Associate Planner, at 503-786-7658 or marquardtr@ci.milwaukie.or.us if you have questions or want additional information about the amendments.