Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, TN - File #: BL2021-726

• File #: BL2021-726
• Type: Bill (Ordinance)
• Status: Withdrawn
• File created: 4/26/2021
• In control: Metropolitan Council
• On agenda: 8/15/2023
• Final action: 8/15/2023
• Title: An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, pertaining to LED message boards and digital display signs. (Proposal No. 2021Z-006TX-001).
• Sponsors: Steve Glover (resigned 3/1/2022), Robert Swope

Date	Action By	Action
8/15/2023	Metropolitan Council	withdrawn
9/7/2021	Metropolitan Council	referred
9/7/2021	Metropolitan Council	deferred indefinitely
8/26/2021	Planning Commission	recommended for indefinite deferral
7/6/2021	Metropolitan Council	deferred
7/6/2021	Metropolitan Council	public hearing
6/4/2021	Metropolitan Council	advertised
5/4/2021	Metropolitan Council	passed on first reading
4/27/2021	Metropolitan Council	filed

Title
An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, pertaining to LED message boards and digital display signs. (Proposal No. 2021Z-006TX-001).
Body
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government, through Chapter 17.32.050 of the Zoning Code restricts the location of LED message boards and digital display signs based, in part, on certain distance and spacing requirements irrespective of the orientation of sign illumination; and

WHEREAS, on April 9, 2021 the Metropolitan Council enacted substitute ordinance BL2020-535 regarding the design and operation of outdoor electrical lighting to achieve light pollution reduction consistent with International Dark Sky Association guidelines, and adopted resolution RS2021-873 recognizing April 5-12, 2021 as International Dark Sky Week in Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, technology in the sign industry as to electronic changeable message signs with LED message boards and digital displays has evolved in the last ten (10) years in a manner that can reduce light pollution; and

WHEREAS, digital display signage is permitted in certain non-residential zoning districts; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the Metropolitan Code of Laws be updated pertaining to LED message boards and digital displays to reflect the technological advancements in the sign industry that mitigate light spill.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Section 17.32.050(G)(2) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by adding a new subsection c as follows:

c. The distance requirements in subsections a and b above shall not apply to LED message boards and digital display signs designed with louvers and ambient light sensors that together reduce light spill. LED message boards and digital display signs equipped with this technology shall not have an illu...