Ordinance Amendment 83 2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CHANGES The amendment adds A-1EX Exclusive Agricultural to the list of zoning districts in which an electronic sign is allowed [Article 5]. It also modernizes the definition of electronic sign [Article 2], adds control over the brightness of electronic signs by defining a unit of measure for intensity of light [Article 3], and for clarity, updates the definition of vision clearance triangle [Article 4]. Electronic off -premise advertising (billboard) signs are prohibited [Article 6]. Design requirements are updated in Article 7. Standards for illumination of signs is modernized and includes controls for external source of light, the angle of light, glare, and prohibits flashing, moving, reflecting or changing light sources. Electronic message sign design is defined controlling for sign types, frequency of changing messages, sets maximum brightness, and adds procedures for sign malfunction. Article 9, repeals 10.83 setback regulations and replaces them with setbacks of 5 feet from a public right-of-way or highway easement, and 5 feet from side and rear property lines. III. ANALYSIS This section provides a brief staff analysis of the proposed ordinance changes. Impacts a substantial amount of rural land countywide 445,920 acres (42%) of town land in Dane County is zoned A-1EX, therefore electronic signs could proliferate across the county. Inconsistent with comprehensive plans Maintaining rural character is a goal in every Town plan in Dane County, as well as the County comprehensive plan. Electronic signs are not in keeping with "rural character". In fact, some towns, in an effort to implement the goal of retaining rural character, have adopted dark skies ordinances. Electronic signs in farmland preservation areas is not consistent with several goals and objectives of the Dane County Comprehensive Plan, including: o "Maintain Dane County's rural character and preserve the distinct character and physical separation of Dane County Communities" [Chapter 5 Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources], o "Protect and maximize public enjoyment of the scenic qualities of Dane County by preserving views and landmarks, including high promontories or viewpoints, mitigating the visual impact of proposed development and facilities, and improving public access to scenic areas and views" [Chapter 5 Agricultural, Natural and Cultural Resources], and o "Balance individual property rights with community interests and goals" [Chapter 8 Land Use]. Inconsistent with farmland preservation planning The majority of towns in Dane County participate in the State Farmland Preservation program. A-1EX is one of the zoning districts that implements farmland preservation in Dane County. After reviewing ss. 91.01 Definitions, 91.44 Permitted Uses, and 91.16 Conditional Uses, Wis. Stats., it is reasonable to argue that electronic signs do not meet the definition of an agricultural, agricultural accessory or agriculture -related use under the statutes. Modernization of Dane County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 10 of the DCCO) Modernizing the definition of electronic signs and adding a definition for a Nit, a unit of measurement of luminance, are improvements to the ordinance. The updated design requirements for illumination of signs and electronic message sign design are also good improvements, as they will assist in allowing electronic signs while mitigating potential negative impacts. It should also be noted that the portion of the zoning ordinance pertaining to signs will be reviewed and updated as part of the Comprehensive Rewrite of Chapter 10 Page 2 of 3