PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS AN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD AMEND TITLE 10, CHAPTERS 2 (ZONING ORDINANCE) AND 5 (COASTAL LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTING ORDINANCE) OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY SIGNS ON PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL (P) ZONES AND ALL OTHER CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES City Council – February 4, 2025
Current Definition for Signs and Electronic Message Displays "Sign" shall mean any device for visual communication which shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, or insignia, visible from the outside, which is used to advertise or promote the interests of any person, business, group, or enterprise, and shall include the following:
"Electronic message display" shall mean an animated sign that displays messages through an electronically controlled lighting pattern against a contrasting background, and which may be programmed to change the message display periodically. The structure containing an electronic message display may also include an "identification sign" as defined in this section.
Background
City Council referral and strategic planning item
Currently prohibited throughout the city, except for the purposes of live performance theaters and high school Prohibition intended to prevent the proliferation of electronic signs/billboards throughout the City and sign blight Limits ability to install modern/programmable signage to communicate information to the public
Initial Draft Amendments
Allows electronic display signs and on any City-owned property or PI Zone Signs smaller than 30 sf approved through administrative design review 30 sf or larger approved through Planning Commission (or Harbor Commission) review Subject to same standards as performing art centers
Controlled by the City
PI Zones/City Properties (Including Parks)
Planning Commission Review and Recommendations
Planning Commission unanimously expressed concern about the appropriateness of electronic signs in Redondo Beach Effect may have on community character if installed city-wide Electronic message display signs should be limited to the Harbor/Pier (“Waterfront”) area only Electronic display signs of all sizes should be reviewed by the Planning Commission A Conditional Use Permit should be required for the signs rather than a Design Review entitlement
Policy Considerations/Options
Does the City Council support electronic signage? If so, where? Should they be limited to only the Harbor/Pier (“Waterfront”) area? Should there be a limit on the total number allowed?
Should electronic display signs of all sizes be reviewed by the Planning Commission or Harbor Commission? What commission specifically, if so? Should there be an exemption for electronic directory signs? If so, where, and what sizes? Does the City Council support replacing the four (4) pier directory signs with electronic displays?
Recommended Action
1. Open the public hearing, take testimony;
2. Give direction to staff on the language to include in the final draft Ordinance (if no additional substantive information/research is required); and
3. Continue the public hearing to February 18, 2025, or a later date, to allow for consideration of introduction and first reading of an Ordinance modifying the regulations in the Municipal Code pertaining to electronic message display signs.