Council Extends Digital Billboard Moratorium

A moratorium on the erection of digital billboards in Ann Arbor has been extended by another 180 days. The city council took the action to extend the moratorium  at its Oct. 1, 2012 meeting. The moratorium, which also prevents city staff from even considering applications to put up digital billboards, was first enacted at the council’s April 17, 2012 meeting.

Falling under the moratorium are “billboards commonly referred to as ‘electronic message centers,’ ‘electronic message boards,’ ‘changeable electronic variable message signs,’ or any billboard containing LEDs, LCDs, plasma displays, or any similar technology to project an illuminated image that can be caused to move or change, or to appear to move or change, by a method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, including by digital or electronic input.”

The resolution passed by the city council in April acknowledges that such signs are already prohibited by the city’s sign ordinance. From that ordinance, the list of prohibited signs include those that “… incorporate in any manner or are illuminated by any flashing or moving lights other than for conveyance of noncommercial information which requires periodic change.”

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]