Illuminating update

Several months of work has led Grand Haven Township officials to come up with a recommendation on electronic signs.

Alex Doty

Jun 27, 2012

“It doesn’t allow digital signs en masse, but it does allow them to use them for a message board,” Township Manager Bill Cargo said.

Township Supervisor Karl French said they opened a review of the ordinance because of the new sign technologies coming down the pike. The township's Planning Commission hired LSL Planning to assist with the review.

While the township prohibits electronic and digital signs, it allows digital message boards attached to a sign, such as the Lake Trust Credit Union message boards recently installed at the corner of Robbins Road and U.S. 31.

French said he can see how restrictions would impact a business’ ability to advertise, but also understands the concerns from residents who don’t want the township to look like the Las Vegas strip.

“We have to find a balancing point,” he said.

There is no clear definition currently in the township’s zoning ordinance as to what is a digital sign or digital message board.

To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.