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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Consideration of Potential Regulations Pertaining to Animated Signs
1. Motion initiating amendments to Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code (GMC) regarding animated signs
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for June 24, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In prior Council sessions, requests were made to consider the allowance of animated signs (also known more commonly as “digital” signs) for commercial and/or civic and institutional uses, however, sign regulations based on land use are both practically and legally problematic. Instead of regulations based on use, this report provides recommendations regarding potential regulations and approval processes to allow for digital signs in the city in the form of a Pilot Program. Staff recommends that the Pilot Program be established as staff continues the evaluation and impacts of digital signs, limited to two corridors. These corridors could include Central Avenue from State Route 134 to Los Feliz, and Brand Boulevard from Colorado Street to Los Feliz (“Pilot Program Area”). These signs would be limited to convey information that is incidental and related to the primary use, and would not include offsite advertising. 22 25-87907
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RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff regarding potential amendments to Title 30 of the GMC to allow animated signs.
ANALYSIS
Background
Council previously requested consideration of allowance of digital signage along two primary corridors on Central Avenue and Brand Boulevard. This request was made based on challenging and prohibitive regulations regarding digital signage, yet the presence of some of these signs at various locations. The current regulations identify what is commonly referred to as a “digital sign” as an “animated sign” and includes:
Currently, Chapter 30.33 of the GMC (the Sign Code) prohibits animated signs – signs “designed and constructed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts by either action or motion, flashing or color changes require electrical of manual energy” with some exceptions. GMC § 30.33.020 (Definition of “Animated sign”).
Animated signs are interpreted to include any digital/electronic/LED sign, whether its static, flashing, scrolling or colorful. Some exceptions include “public service” signs, such as time and temperature units and/or barber poles, or price signs at gas stations.
Exceptions are not made for “open/close” signs, which Council may want to consider amending. Additional exceptions include signs allowed in the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) and Commercial Retail (CR) zoning districts called Creative Signs, and signs approved under the City’s established Advertising Signage Overlay Zone (ASOZ).
Animated Signage
Staff is presenting an alternative to establish a Pilot Program to allow for animated signs in the Pilot Program Area. These would be limited to announcements and information incidental to the primary use on the premises. Any signs that carry advertisements not incidental to the primary use are defined as billboards and non-accessory signs and are prohibited in the City. GMC § 30.33.020 (Definitions of “Billboard” and “Non-accessory sign”). Announcements and information would be limited to activities on the premises and could include time, date, and location for events, pricing for commercial services or other announcements related to the business operation(s) where the sign is located.
Digital signage would be allowed as an accessory ground sign and regulated by existing regulations which include height, quantity, size, and location in the Sign Code. For ground signs height and area are dependent on the zone with the maximum height allowed ranging from 6 feet to 25 feet, and the maximum area allowed ranging from 40 23 25-87907
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feet to 200 feet. Digital signs could also be considered on the façade of buildings and would be subject to the existing accessory wall sign regulations as it relates to height, quantity, size, and location in the Sign Code.
Proposed time, place and manner regulations would include:
Dimmable/adjustable lighting,
Operating hours (not before 7:00 am and off after 12:00 am), Not located directly opposite (facing) or adjacent to a residential property, No flashing graphics or words,
Signage cannot rotate more frequently than 8 seconds,
Only facing or oriented towards arterial streets and not residential uses; and Location cannot obstruct visibility from the right-of-way and subject to review by Public Works.
The Pilot Program would sunset after 10 years, but during this time, staff would continue to conduct the necessary review and analysis to make a long-term determination. This evaluation would include environmental review and any potential refinement to regulations and rules. The 10-year period is recommended so that installations of the signs would achieve their return on investment. The Pilot Program could be transitioned to permanent regulations earlier than the sunset period, if the study and analysis is complete. Council may also elect to terminate the Program, at the conclusion of 10 years, without transitioning to permanent regulations and any animated signs that are installed would be amortized out.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Outreach would be conducted as staff develops the final recommended changes to the Sign Code, through the environmental review process, including impacted areas and would be conducted through neighborhood meetings and public meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact is expected.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Amendments to the Sign Code to allow digital signs in the Pilot Program Area are not exempt from CEQA and the City will need to conduct environmental review. To determine the appropriate level of environmental review, staff will prepare an Initial Study and analyze potential impacts a digital sign-Pilot Program could have as it relates to aesthetics (visual impacts, new light sources), energy use, traffic, and other areas.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements. 24 25-87907
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ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Direct staff to develop the recommended regulations for animated signs for a 10- year Pilot Program, and begin the process of environmental review and Sign Code changes.
2. Direct staff to not make any changes as they relate to animated signs.
3. Any other recommendation not provided by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.