Digital Sign Regulations Review
As part of the review of the City of Saskatoon Policy 8769 (Official Community Plan) and City of Saskatoon Bylaw 8770 (Zoning Bylaw), the Community Services Department is reviewing all current policies contained in the Sign Regulations, including digital signs. The goal of the City of Saskatoon’s Sign Regulations is to allow businesses and other organizations to advertise their offerings, while at the same time maintain reasonable standards of public safety and community aesthetics.
Recently, new forms of signs, including digital signs, are challenging this goal. Digital signs include displays containing messages that can be altered by electric or electronic means and can involve letters, words, graphics, animation, video, dynamic text, or can be static. The popularity of digital signs is likely to increase significantly as this technology becomes more affordable. As a result, new development standards are required to address traffic safety, aesthetic and sign conflict concerns that sometimes arise with this type of dynamic sign.
NEW! Digital Billboard Trial Project
Pattison Outdoor Advertising, through the City of Saskatoon Planning and Development Branch, will be testing digital billboards in Saskatoon at two locations. These locations are 102 Pakwa Place, and 1202 Idylwyld Drive North.
The trial period is expected to last at least until the end of this year, during which time the City will collect comments and assess feedback from the public. Citizen feedback will be used to evaluate current sign policies and help determine whether enhancements are needed. New development standards are required to address traffic safety, aesthetic and sign conflict concerns that sometimes arise with this type of dynamic sign.
The digital billboards include nine static images, displaying in a one minute time loop, where each image will display for approximately six seconds. The time loop, transition between messages, and brightness can be easily adjusted if required. There will be no intermittent lights, flashing lights, video, or animation.
Comments? Email signs@saskatoon.ca.
What has already been done?
- Consultation with various stakeholders including members of the industry
- Presentation of preliminary report to Planning and Operations on June 22, 2010
- Circulate the current report to all stakeholders, requesting feedback;
- Meet with stakeholders to discuss issues and concerns identified in the comments provided; and
- Compile researched findings and develop recommendations to present to Committee.
The report was presented to the Municipal Planning Commission on November 23, 2010 and adopted by Council on December 6, 2010. A copy of the current report can be found here (starting at page 78).
Bylaw No. 8922 containing new regulations for digital signs was approved by City Council Monday April 4, 2011. Click here to view the amending bylaw.
Please check back over the next few months as updates to the review process will be posted as they occur.
Comments?
We welcome your feedback.
All interested parties are invited to submit written comments and feedback using one of the following methods:
Email: signs@saskatoon.ca
Fax: (306) 975-7712 Attention: Digital Sign Review
Mail: Attention: Digital Sign Review
Planning and Development Branch
City of Saskatoon
3rd Floor - 222 Third Ave N
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
Updated April 13, 2011