City Council Item Report

City of Surprise — General (2026-04-29)

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EXHIBIT 5
Section 109-1.11 Electronic Messaging re: Billboards

109-1.11
Electronic messaging centers (EMCs). 
A
Levels of electronic messaging. For purposes of this chapter, electronic messaging 
centers (EMCs) are divided into two categories: level 1 electronic messaging and 
level 2 electronic messaging, as defined in section 6. 
B
EMC illumination. The nighttime illumination of an electronic messaging center 
shall conform to the criteria set forth in this section. 
1.
Illumination measurement criteria. The illuminance of an electronic 
messaging center shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to 
measure foot-candles accurate to at least two decimals. Illuminance shall 
be measured with the EMC turned off, and again with the EMC displaying 
a white image for a full color-capable electronic messaging center, or a 
solid message for a single-color electronic messaging center. All 
measurements shall be taken perpendicular to the face of the electronic 
messaging center at the distance determined by the total square footage 
of the electronic messaging center as set forth in table 109-1b below. 
TABLE 109-1b
MEASUREMENT DISTANCE AS A FUNCTION OF SIGN AREA
Area of Sign 
(sq. ft.)
Measurement Distance 
(ft.)
Area of Sign 
(sq. ft.)
Measurement Distance 
(ft.)
5
22
55
74
10
32
60
77
15
39
65
81
20
45
70
84
25
50
75
87
30
55
80
89
35
59
85
92
40
63
90
95
45
67
95
97
50
71
100
100
For EMCs with an area in square feet other than those specifically listed in this table, 
the measurement distance may be calculated using the following formula: 
Measurement Distance = √Area of sign sq. ft. x 100
 
2.
EMC illumination limits. The difference between the "off" and "solid-
message" measurements using the illumination measurement criteria 
outlined in subsection 11(b)(1) above shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at 
night. 
3.
Dimming capabilities. All permitted electronic messaging centers shall be 
equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the 
ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according

to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3 
foot-candle measurement criteria. 
4.
EMCs as a portion of sign area. When allowed, electronic messaging 
centers may comprise not more than 50 percent of the allowable sign area 
of a particular sign. 
5.
Certification. Prior to the issuance of a permit relating to an electronic 
messaging center, the applicant shall provide a written certification from 
the owner of the sign attesting that said owner has read and understands 
the provisions of this section, agrees to abide by said section, and agrees 
to cooperate with City of Surprise staff with regards to any nighttime 
testing that may be necessary should the 0.3 foot-candle limitation be at 
question. 
6.
When Electronic Messaging Centers are utilized in conjunction with a 
Billboard Sign, the sign area of the Electronic Messaging Center may 
encompass 100% of the allowable sign area as outlined in Paragraph 109-
1.9.C.9.