Sponsor
Alderman Helding
Title
Ordinance No. 11-09
To amend Sec. 114-1033 of the Municipal Code of the City of Racine, Wisconsin relating to Sign regulations - Electronic message signs.
The Common Council of the City of Racine do ordain as follows:
Part 1:
Section 114-1033 of the Municipal Code of the City of Racine is hereby amended by adding the following at the beginning of the section:
"(a) Electronic Signs, (Educational Facilities)
For purposes of this section, Educational Facility shall be defined as a primary, secondary, or technical school (public, private, or parochial) involved in the instruction of students as its primary function. This definition shall not include community centers, religious institutions without a K-8th grade school, job training facilities, or other similar organizations providing student instruction.
(1) Standards
All electronic signage for educational facilities shall be constructed as set forth in this part and shall comply with the following standards:
a. Zone Districts
Allowed as a Conditional Use in any zone district in which the school is located.
b. Sign Area
1. One electronic monument sign is allowed per site. The sign may have an electronic face on both sides of the sign.
2. The maximum size of the sign may not exceed 60 square feet, including borders, trim, etc. A maximum of 50% of the total sign area may be electronic.
3. Height may not exceed six (6) feet, as measured from average finished grade to the highest point on the sign cabinet.
4. The electronic monument sign is allowed in addition to all other signage as allowed per Article X of the City of Racine Zoning Code.
c. Setback and Location
1. Minimum setback from any property line is 25'.
2. May not be located within 200' of a residential zone or use, and may not directly face a residential zone or use.
d. Electronic Message Restrictions
1. Messages are limited to advertisements of school activities and functions. No commercial advertising is allowed.
2. The sign lighting may be on between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
3. Maximum of four (4) lines of electronic message are allowed per sign face. Lettering height will be determined by the posted speed limit on the adjacent street:
(a). 0-30 mph: four (4) inches in height maximum
(b). 31-45 mph: six (6) inches in height maximum
(c). 46+ mph: ten (10) inches in height
4. The use of scrolling, flashing, blinking, chasing, traveling, or similar animation is prohibited.
5. Each message change shall be accomplished in one second or less, and each message shall remain in a fixed position for a minimum of sixty (60) seconds.
6. No additional electronic signage will be permitted in addition to, or in lieu of, an electronic monument sign.
7. No electronic monument signage shall interfere with or be in conflict with any traffic control devices. This shall be determined by the Commissioner of Public Works.
e. Design Standards
1. The sign design must be architecturally compatible with the school design, utilizing similar materials and established style as found in the principle structure.
2. A landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the Conditional Use. The landscaping shall address the area within six (6) feet of the sign, utilizing plantings that are complimentary to the sign base, appearance, and location of the sign. The landscape plan is subject to review and approval of the Director of City Development."
Part 2:
Amend 114-1033 by adding "(b) Electronic Signs, (Non-Residential Uses)" before the original paragraph, "Electronic message signs are allowed
"
Part 3:
This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and the day after publication.
Passed by the Common Council:
__________________________
Approved: ______________
__________________________
Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
City Clerk
Fiscal Note: N/A