They say the digital lights are bright on Casper streets.

They say there's always magic in the air.

But when you're driving (or living) down those streets, you won't be so annoyed that you'll run off the road. (With sincere apologies to "On Broadway" lyricists Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.)

Tuesday, the Casper City Council passed on third reading the new ordinance for electric signs that will help businesses promote themselves while not distracting drivers with too much flashing.

City staff, businesses and area residents have been working on the ordinance's language for months.

"These changes make the (regulations) a lot easier to understand and interpret," Jerry Galles told the council before its vote.

Galles, owner of Bar-D Signs on East Yellowstone Highway, complimented the city's planning and zoning commission and staff, and the business community for their months of work.

Councilman Steve Cathey said those who collaborated on the ordinance looked forward at the city's development. "This is something that will keep Center Street and major arterials and commercial areas from looking like the strip in Vegas 10 years from now," Cathey said.

Councilman Dan Sandoval said he favored the ordinance because all the stakeholders participated in the process.

Councilman Charlie Powell said the ordinance has a parallel to barking dog ordinances. Barking dogs would be okay if their barks stayed on their owners' properties, Powell said.

"It affects the property rights of the people who live in the surrounding area," he said. "And I think light is the same way; it doesn't stay on the property of the business owner and it travels across the community and it affects everyone."

Casper is one of the last communities in Wyoming to revise its sign ordinance to accommodate the needs of businesses, consumers and property owners, Powell said. "And apparently we've adopted one that's less burdensome than many or most others."

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