City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: March 6, 2007

Item No.:

Recommendation:  That the Council consider Ordinance No. 2449 that would impose a six-month moratorium on electronic messageboard and changeable copy signs throughout the City of Oak Creek.

Background:  Over the past year or two staff has noticed a significant increase in the number of electronic messageboard signs throughout the City.  The City’s sign ordinance does not have any specific limitations on electronic messageboard signs except for Section 17.0711, which prohibits flashing or animated signs. Staff feels that it is in the best interest of the City that no additional permits for these types of signs be issued until we can look at what other communities are doing and formulate a new set of regulations. As with other moratoriums, staff believes there should be a provision for businesses to seek special exceptions to the moratorium through the Plan Commission and Common Council.

Over the next few Plan Commission meetings, staff will be presenting various amendments to the City’s sign ordinance and seeking Plan Commission input.  It is anticipated that within this six month time frame an ordinance will be adopted by the Plan Commission and Common Council and this ordinance should address electronic messageboard signs.

The Plan Commission has reviewed this proposal, and has recommended that the moratorium be established, provided that there is a provision for businesses to seek special exceptions to the moratorium through the Plan Commission and Common Council

Fiscal Impact:  For the duration of the moratorium, there would be no application fees forthcoming from sign permits with electronic messageboards or changeable copy.  

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk