VIDEO ANALYSIS

Board of Zoning Appeals: Video Analysis

Board of Zoning Appeals: Video Analysis

Introduction

The video under review is “Board of Zoning Appeals” taken from catstv.net. In the video, the topic under discussion is concerning The City of Bloomington's existing billboard regulations, which do not adequately control the variety of commercially available electronic changeable message signs and animated displays, particularly in light of emerging technologies. Based on the video of the City Council, a Focus Group comprised of sign industry professionals, and a literature review staff has prepared a draft ordinance that would regulate the operational characteristics of electronic changing message and video display signs on billboards. The analysis and summary of the video is presented below.

Background

From the video it is clear that The City Council approved a three-month moratorium on June 19, 2006 on rapidly changing image signs and animation displays. The Council directed staff to create new standards related to these types of signs. Staff performed a nation-wide literature review of traffic studies, policy documents, and zoning ordinances relating to electronic message boards. From the video we also come to know that on August 23, 2006 staff convened a Focus Group comprised of sign industry professionals to gather input on a draft version of the proposed ordinance. New electronic sign and video display standards were adopted by the City Council on October 9, 2006.

Objectives

This debate aims to minimize and mitigate the level of distraction from billboards utilizing electronic signs. Existing billboards within Bloomington are located along high-speed, heavily trafficked roadways. Different types of electronic signs present varying levels of distraction to motorists and must be regulated accordingly (Schultz, 2000).

Analysis

By watching the video, it is clear that advanced electronic outdoor display signs have become more technologically advanced and less costly in Bloomington City. The advanced technology, particularly with respect to the more practical and economical light emitting diode (LED) video display signs, has the ability to produce electronic displays that rivalphotographs and television programs in quality and clarity.

Existing standards

According to the speaker in the video, the current sign ordinance addresses electronic changeable message signs and video displays. However these regulations do not apply to billboards. Existing billboard standards prohibit animation but do not address illumination, timing, or other characteristics of electronic displays.

Driver distraction

While video display signs create mood, interest and energy in pedestrian oriented entertainment districts, serious highway safety questions have been raised concerning this visual medium by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington and Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A complete listing of these and related reports is found in the bibliography section of this staff report. All of the studies conducted reveal that driver distraction continues to be a significant underlying cause of traffic accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 25% of police-reported crashes involve some form of driver inattention. Driver distraction is one form of inattention and is a factor ...