Continue discussion on the Sign Code Update pertaining to Electronic Messaging Centers and Wall, Freestanding, and Additional Types of Signage

Ramsey's Sign Code (currently split between Chapter 117, Article II, Division 8, and the COR Framework) has been updated several times over the years as individual issues or topics have surfaced. Staff have noted several areas, mostly minor items, that need to be cleaned up, clarified, or rearranged. One of the major items that needs to be addressed is how to incorporate the signage regulations in the COR Framework into the rest of the City's Sign Code for consistency in application and administration.

The goals of updating the Code are the ease of use by property owners, developers, businesses, and staff:

• Consistency in terms and definitions
• Clear purpose and intent of the sign code
• Clear distinctions between what sign types and sizes are allowed in each zoning district
• Consistency with how the Sign Code is interpreted and administered
• Reorganization of Chapter 117 and the COR Framework language to eliminate redundancies and contradictions
• Streamline processes
• Create an improved Sign Code that is easier to read and understand for all users.

Following the Planning Commission's previous meetings on October 24th, November 21st, and December 19th, 2024, and January 14th, 2025, it was the consensus of the Commission to draft Code language pertaining to definitions and regulations for all types of signage for the Commission to review and give recommendations. The draft code is attached to this case for reference and review. The new sign code will be located in a new chapter, Chapter 108, of Ramsey City Code. All proposed code sections within Chapter 108 are preliminary. 

Staff have three topics within the sign regulations that need discussion and guidance from the Planning Commission. These include the following:

1. Should we change or eliminate window signage regulations? Alternately, should we enforce existing regulations?
   • Currently, window signs in the COR are limited to 10% of the window area or 4 square feet, whichever is less, and are further limited to 1 window sign per building. Many commercial buildings in the COR do not follow these regulations, with several multi-tenant buildings having window signs in most or all of the tenant's respective windows. Most of these signs were installed without obtaining permits, though it should be noted that Staff has not received formal complaints regarding these signs. Staff is seeking guidance on whether to continue regulating (and enforcing the current regulations) for window signage, or to modify or strike window signage regulations from the new code.
2. Should we change or eliminate the requirements for electronic messaging centers (EMCs) pertaining to duration of display, transitions between displays, and animations? Alternately, should we enforce existing regulations?
   • The current code states that on-premise EMCs shall not change their display more frequently than once every 3 seconds. This standard varies across cities in the metro, though nearly every city has a minimum duration of 4 seconds or longer; Ramsey currently has the shortest duration. The general consensus (including codes from Elk River, Shakopee, Lino Lakes, and Prior Lake) is no more than 8 seconds between display changes. Off-premise EMCs in Ramsey are currently required to not change their displays more frequently than once per 7 seconds. Staff is seeking guidance on whether to retain the 3 second minimum, increase the minimum to 7 seconds in accordance with off-premise EMC regulations, or make another change to display frequency.
   • The current code also states that transitions between displays must be instantaneous without special effects, meaning that an EMC changes from one static display to another static display without any movement, such as those commonly seen in PowerPoint presentations. This standard is very common among peer cities in the metro, though it is rarely followed in Ramsey. Staff is seeking guidance on whether to retain and enforce the current regulation, or to change it to allow for non-instant transitions.
   • The current code also states that no EMC display may include flashing or scrolling text, or full-motion video. This is also quite common among peer cities in the metro, though it is rarely complied with in Ramsey. Staff is seeking guidance on whether to retain and enforce the current regulation, or to change it to allow for some movement and/or scrolling text.
3. Lastly, Staff is seeking guidance on temporary signage regulations, which were not included in the attached document.
   • Ramsey's current regulations are generally in alignment with peer cities, though our code does not address newer types of temporary signage, such as plastic sandwich boards and feather signs. Additionally, proactive code enforcement has been discouraged in recent years by City Council. Lastly, businesses rarely obtain permits to install temporary signs, meaning that several temporary signs posted throughout Ramsey are not following current code requirements. It is also quite common to see non-permitted temporary signs placed in the right-of-way, which is not allowed. This has prompted Staff to seek guidance from the Planning Commission and  City Council on how to proceed with temporary signage regulations.

After all sections of the code have been drafted and reviewed, Staff will bring forward a comprehensive document for the Commission to review and make a formal recommendation to City Council. This is anticipated for a Public Hearing to be held at the Planning Commission's meeting on March 27th. 

Notification is not required for this stage. However, Staff wrote an article for the March/April edition of the Ramsey Resident to explain the Sign Code Update. This article includes a Public Hearing notice for Planning Commission's full Sign Code review to be held on March 27th. A Public Hearing notice will also be posted in the Anoka County UnionHerald.

The Sign Code Update is being handled through Staff's normal duties.

Provide direction to Staff to develop clear, consistent, and simplified regulations for various types of signage in all zoning districts.