Changes were approved in Bristol Virginia concerning city regulations pertaining to outdoor advertising. The preliminary approval was unanimous as the City Council held first reading on the ordinance to modify control as part of the city code. They hope to affect the overall appearance to provide a more uniform look throughout the city. The ordinance will include specific definitions for all permanent and temporary signs and include time limits for temporary signs as well as establish maximum dimensions for each sign. Electronic message signs will be affected as video is prohibited as well as animation or other types of motion including scrolled messages, intermittent lighting and other features that could distract drivers. Messages on the electronic message centers must also remain in place for at least eight seconds. (bg)