City planners to debate electronic signs Tuesday

Mon, May 12, 2008    to del.icio.us

The city's planning commissioners will take up the electronic message sign debate when they meet Tuesday night.

The commission held a public hearing at its April 8 meeting, but didn't take any action after it. While the five commissioners at last month's meeting formed a legal quorum for action, they decided to postpone a decision on the issue until more commissioners were available to weigh in on it.

In March, City Council placed a nearly six-month moratorium on issuing new permits on electronic message signs, which are currently allowed along the U.S. 31 corridor in Grand Haven. The moratorium is designed to give time to develop what some city officials say are more appropriate regulations.

Critics of the proposed ordinance changes say the new rules would be over-restrictive.

The proposed rules include the requirement that "each message interval must express a complete thought or idea," preventing graphic displays and moving pictures, and restrictions on color and size of the text.

The commission's next expected action is to forward a recommendation on new sign rules to City Council.

Also on the commission's agenda for Tuesday are public hearings for a special land use permit for a 3,440-square-foot addition to the Love INC office, 1106 Fulton; and a new 7,500-square-foot boat storage building at North Shore Marina, 18275 Berwyck. The commission will also consider a special land use permit for a seasonal rental house at 19970 Breton St.

The commission will meet in council's chambers at Grand Haven City Hall, 519 Washington Ave., at 7:30 p.m. A pre-meeting work session will begin at 7 p.m.