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regulations similar to the C-1 zoning district, allowing a maximum height of 20 feet and 64 square feet in <br /> area. <br /> The recently completed Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework plan for downtown <br /> highlights the need"to develop a comprehensive plan that will redefine the`greater downtown area'to <br /> preserve its historical character while promoting the future viability of the community"Staff does not <br /> recommend amending the ordinance to allow freestanding signs in the downtown district. Staff believes <br /> that signs of this sort would detract from the fragile character of downtown. <br /> Advertising Signs (billboards) <br /> Chamber recommendations include allowing Advertising signs (billboards)in the Commercial Reserve <br /> Transition (CRT) zoning district and removing the language stating the billboards are classified as a <br /> principle use. <br /> Staff met with a local advertising company and discussed the changes they would like to see regarding <br /> billboards in Elk River.Their requests are similar to the Chamber recommendations and emphasize a <br /> desire for additional signage along Highway 169. <br /> Staff does not recommend changing the ordinance to allow additional billboard opportunities. Once in <br /> place,these types of signs are governed by federal law and when development continues in the CRT area, <br /> the presence of billboards may act as a hurdle to proposed uses/development Billboards function as a <br /> prominent voice in the communication of a certain character,a character not desired in the evolution of <br /> Elk River. <br /> Temporary Signs <br /> The Chamber recommends allowing portable signs (sandwich boards) of up to 25 square feet in retail <br /> areas and limiting them to within 25 feet of a business.Additionally,the recommendations included <br /> removing restrictions on temporary signs while road construction is taking place in front of businesses or <br /> major access roads to businesses. <br /> The ordinance currently allows portable signs,up to six square feet,and in the downtown district only. <br /> Staff is proposing to increase the maximum permitted height from four feet to five feet.Additionally, <br /> staff is recommending an increase in the number of portable signs,in the downtown district,to one per <br /> public entrance.Staff recommends limiting the location of portable signs to the area directly in front of <br /> the respective business. <br /> Digital Signs <br /> The Chamber recommended updating the digital changeable copy section of the sign ordinance. <br /> The draft ordinance includes an expanded section pertaining to digital changeable copy signs.The <br /> additional regulations are derived from the conditions applied to the digital billboard approved earlier this <br /> year and include:requiring static displays,limiting transition times to two seconds,limiting advertisements <br /> to at least eight seconds,automatic dimming to match ambient light,and automatic shutoffs to freeze the <br /> display during malfunctions. <br /> Meeting with Downtown Businesses <br /> N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 13-02 Sign ordinance\SR Review of the Sign Ordinance.docx <br />