The Columbia City Council passed a six month ordinance making illuminated LED signs in store windows illegal.
The ordinance applies to signs installed after Oct. 1. Second Ward Councilman Michael Trapp said the signs are distracting to drivers.
“Our human visual field is attracted to movement so I think there’s safety issues," Trapp said.
Curtis Bohl is the Chief Pixel Pusher for the display and scoreboard systems for Mizzou. He said he believes this is a step backwards for Columbia.
“Why do we want to keep businesses advertising in the mid-20th century instead of regulating the LED signage?" Bohl said. "Why are we trying to play whack a mole and try to get rid of it?”
The prohibition will be in place through April next year while the Columbia Public and Zoning Commission examines the concerns regarding the lighted signs. It will then make its recommendation to the council on whether it thinks the prohibition should be made a permanent law.
