Tamarac commission approves sign-code changes to allow electronic message center signs, 3–2

The Tamarac City Commission on April 22 approved on first reading an amendment to the city’s land-development code to provide exemptions for certain government-installed signs and establish a use-based regulatory framework for electronic message center signs.

City Attorney read the ordinance title for the record and the staff report had been delivered at a prior workshop. The Community Development Director, Kent Walia, was listed as available for questions; no members of the public spoke on the item during the hearing.

The roll call produced three votes in favor and two opposed. The clerk recorded votes as: Commissioner Patterson — yes; Mayor Michelle J. Gomes — no; Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton — no; Commissioner Dr. Keisha Daniel — yes; Commissioner Morrie Wright — yes. The chair announced, “Motion passes 3 to 2.”

The amendment changes parts of chapter 10, article 4 of the land development code to modify sign-permit provisions and remove the prohibition on electronic message center signs in certain circumstances. The staff presentation was previously given at the April 20 staff agenda review, and Kent Walia is available to advise on implementation and permit requirements.

Next steps: Because this was a first-reading approval, the ordinance will return to the commission for second reading and final adoption with any additional edits required by staff.