The Joliet City Council approved a set of new restrictions regulating electronic message centers at its Dec. 5 meeting.
A concern was raised at a June meeting of the City’s Land Use and Legislative committee meeting regarding brightness, size and location of these displays.
In July, a moratorium was instituted to block the issuance of new sign permits or variations allowing electronic message centers in city limits.
The text amendment, as presented to the council, adds new definitions and regulations regarding location, size and operational requirements.
“It brings the digital displays to the 21st century,” Corporation Counsel Marty Shanahan said.
Rules stipulate that the maximum illuminated area of the electronic message center is 50 square feet as a condition of a special use permit. The go on to clarify that any new display of 50 square feet or smaller used for non-resident purposes must be reviewed by City staff.
“Existing electronic sign message centers would be grandfathered as far as location and size, but it still would need to comply with the current regulations that prohibit blinking, flashing lights, and a 10-second hold time,” Shanahan said.
Rules regulating bounce houses amended
Also at the meeting, the Joliet City Council approved new restrictions for inflatable bounce houses, slides and similar apparatus.
City codes, as amended, stipulate that they are permitted uses in front and corner side yards with a 48-hour time limit.
Members of Joliet’s Land Use and Legislative committee first held discussion in May over the location and duration of bounces houses, slides and similar apparatus. Since that time, the code has been amended to reduce concerns for placing burden on residents who may not possess the option to locate a bounce house in the rear or corner side yards.
In November, the City’s Plan Commission reviewed and recommended an amended ordinance detailing a 48-hour time restriction. No one appeared in opposition to the proposed rules.
The Joliet City Council came to a consensus to change the rules regulating bounce houses, slides and similar apparatus.
Round it up
A brief recap of action and discussion from the Dec. 5 regular meeting of the Joliet City Council:
Officials tabled City action on an annexation agreement of eight parcels near the former Silver Cross Hospital site located at Maple Road and Hebbard Street. The measure will be considered at the council’s Dec. 19 meeting.
The council postponed a motion to approve the vacation of a portion of Old Richards Street, which includes a bridge. City action was tabled until Feb. 6.
Councilmembers set a date and time for the City’s publication of a notice detailing a Feb. 20 public hearing to gauge community input over an amendment to the City Center tax increment financing development plan and project. The hearing is 6:30 p.m. at Joliet City Hall.
Joliet officials set a date and time for the City’s publication of a notice detailing a Feb. 20 public hearing to gauge community input over the Downtown tax increment financing redevelopment project area. The hearing is 6:30 p.m. at Joliet City Hall.