During the February 6, 2019, City Council Meeting, discussion ensued regarding the use of digital signs at places of worship.  During said discussion, City Council directed City staff to research this proposed use and provide a Code amendment for City Council consideration.  City staff researched how other municipalities govern digital sign uses at places of worship and determined that most prohibit this use, with some permitting the use with specific conditions.  The Planning and Zoning Board discussed and reviewed this item on February 28, 2019 and May 9, 2019, and has recommended that City Council not proceed with the sign code amendment.  City staff has proposed a Code amendment requiring special exception approval for programmable digital signs at places of worship.  The City Council has determined that the approval of this ordinance is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the City’s residents and stakeholders.

For reference, the following Code amendment is proposed:

(2) Places of worship, special exception approval required.

a. Notwithstanding the requirements provided within Sec. 28-125(1), a programmable digital sign may be permitted at a place of worship with special exception approval as provided within City Code Sec. 31-61 and Sec. 31-62.