Council endorses code changes: 15-second hold time for electronic signs; e-cigarette stores codified as special use

The Police Policy and Code Services committee considered mechanical changes to the village sign and use codes. Staff explained that several electronic cigarette stores have opened and should be codified as special uses where tobacco stores already require special‑use review. The committee also considered amending the electronic message board ordinance to reduce the required hold time from one minute to 15 seconds to align with neighboring communities and current practice.

Staff reported that the planning commission recommended the changes unanimously (8–0) and staff concurred. Under the proposed amendment multi-tenant developments could host an electronic message board provided the board's display would not duplicate tenant signage; any multi‑tenant advertising would need to conform to the 15‑second hold limitation. "We're recommending that we reduce the the hold time from its present limitation of 1 minute to 15 seconds," staff said during the discussion. The committee approved forwarding the measure to the consent agenda.

Why it matters: The change shortens the minimum display interval, bringing local rules into alignment with neighboring municipalities and clearing ambiguity about multi‑tenant developments. Councilmembers raised concerns about clustering of e-cigarette shops and said staff should consult the village attorney about potential public-health or proximity restrictions.

Next steps: The amendments were placed on the consent agenda for council approval; staff said they would consult the village attorney on possible future proximity restrictions for electronic cigarette shops.