HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - COMPLETE AGENDA - 07/24/2018 - COMPLETE AGENDACity of Fort Collins Page 1
Wade Troxell, Mayor Council Information Center (CIC)
Gerry Horak, District 6, Mayor Pro Tem City Hall West
Bob Overbeck, District 1 300 LaPorte Avenue
Ray Martinez, District 2 Fort Collins, Colorado
Ken Summers, District 3
Kristin Stephens, District 4 Cablecast on FCTV Channel 14
Ross Cunniff, District 5 and Channel 881 on the Comcast cable system
Carrie Daggett Darin Atteberry Delynn Coldiron
City Attorney City Manager City Clerk
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and
will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (V/TDD: Dial 711
for Relay Colorado) for assistance.
City Council Work Session
July 24, 2018
(Amended 7/20/2018)
Will commence at conclusion of the Special Meeting that begins at 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER.
1. Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset. (staff: Ginny Sawyer; 15 minute staff presentation; 45
minute discussion)
The purpose of this item to discuss the 2020 sunset of the Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) tax. KFCG
is a .85-cent voter approved dedicated tax that will sunset December 31, 2020. April 2019 is the
anticipated election for a potential ballot related question to address funding needs. Since 2011, KFCG
has funded basic operations and enabled the City to both maintain a desired level of service and
respond to community desires in an environment of population growth and annual inflation. Prior to
the 2020 sunset of KFCG, the City would like to fully engage the community in the decision of how to
fund current service levels or make alternative plans for a lower service level at a lower cost. If the
desire is to replace KFCG funds in full this can be achieved through a dedicated tax, an increase to
the on-going base rate, or a combination of these. If the base rate is increased it can be done either
with or without taxing groceries. If City Council or the community ultimately decide NOT to replace
KFCG revenue in full then reduced levels of service from the general fund will need to be identified.
2. City Plan Update - Scenarios. (staff: Ryan Mounce, Cameron Gloss; 10 minute staff presentation;
45 minute discussion)
The purpose of this item is to update Council on the upcoming scenarios phase of City Plan. Staff will
review the purpose, goals, and general direction of the three scenarios as well as communication and
engagement strategies for discussing the scenarios with the community.
City of Fort Collins Page 2
3. Sign Code Update Phase 2. (staff: Noal Beals; 10 minute staff presentation; 45 minute discussion)
The purpose of this item is to present a draft of the proposed Sign Code amendments.
OTHER BUSINESS.
ADJOURNMENT.
DATE:
STAFF:
July 24, 2018
Ginny Sawyer, Policy and Project Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item to discuss the 2020 sunset of the Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) tax. KFCG is a .85-
cent voter approved dedicated tax that will sunset December 31, 2020. April 2019 is the anticipated election for a
potential ballot related question to address funding needs. Since 2011, KFCG has funded basic operations and
enabled the City to both maintain a desired level of service and respond to community desires in an environment
of population growth and annual inflation. Prior to the 2020 sunset of KFCG, the City would like to fully engage the
community in the decision of how to fund current service levels or make alternative plans for a lower service level
at a lower cost. If the desire is to replace KFCG funds in full this can be achieved through a dedicated tax, an
increase to the on-going base rate, or a combination of these. If the base rate is increased it can be done either
with or without taxing groceries. If City Council or the community ultimately decide NOT to replace KFCG revenue
in full then reduced levels of service from the general fund will need to be identified.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What information does Council need to determine what level of service/revenue is desired?
2. Does Council have a preferred option?
a. Renew at current KFCG rate (.85-cent/dedicated)
b. Renew the .85-cent into the base rate
c. Change either the rate, the distributions, and/or dedicated/base rate
3. Prior to community outreach, does Council have a preference about including groceries in a possible
base rate increase?
4. Does Council support the timeline and outreach plan?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Local Tax
In 2008-2009 the City was experiencing significant revenue shortfalls. In addition, several core services
had unfunded needs for the service levels desired by the community. In response, a major initiative was
launched to engage the public regarding levels of service and identification of new revenue. In 2010, a
.85% 10-year dedicated tax (KFCG) was passed by voters (60%). The revenues from this tax are, by
ballot, distributed to the following areas:
33% Street Maintenance and Repair
17% Other Transportation Needs
17% Police Services
11% Parks and Recreation
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11% Other Community Priorities
11% Poudre Fire Authority
The addition of KFCG brought the City’s total tax rate to 3.85%. The on going general tax rate is 2.25%
and has not changed in over 30 years. There are three dedicated ¼-cent taxes (Open Space, Street
Maintenance, Community Capital Improvement) totaling .75% and the Keep Fort Collins Great .85%
dedicated tax.
Groceries are not taxed by any of the dedicated taxes. They are only taxed at the 2.25% base rate.
Prescription drugs are not taxed and if a purchase is made with food stamps, groceries are not taxed.
The total tax burden to residents remains at the lower end when compared regionally:
Detail:
City State City
Base
City
Dedicated
RTD* County Cultural Other Combined
Total
Boulder 2.90% 2.68% 1.18% 1.00% 0.985% 0.10% 8.845%
Colorado
Springs
2.90% 2.50% 0.62% 1.23% 1.00% 8.250%
Denver 2.90% 3.65% 0.00% 1.00% 0.10% 7.650%
Fort Collins 2.90% 2.25% 1.60% 0.55% 7.300%
Loveland 2.90% 3.00% 0.00% 0.55% 6.450%
*Transit costs are included in City general fund rather than a separate RTD tax fund.
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The Fort Collins “Price of Government” has also remained stable:
6.6 6.5
6.4 6.3
6.3
6.6
6.2
6.0
5.6
5.3 5.3
5.7 5.8
5.6 5.6
5.4 5.4 5.5 5.5
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Cents
Fiscal Years
Price of Government for the City of Fort Collins
(cents of every dollar earned going to pay for City services, including utilities and golf)
2017-2018 Estimated
The Numbers and the Impact
Since inception, the KFCG tax has resulted in the following revenue:
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Sales
Tax
$16.8 $17.7 $18.5 $20.2 $21.1 $21.9 $22.5
Use Tax 3.0 4.0 4.3 5.7 5.5 5.6 4.9
TOTAL $19.8 $21.8 $22.8 $25.9 $26.6 $27.4 27.4
Below are the KFCG expenditures 2011- 2018 and a few examples of how these dollars were used.
Street Maintenance and Repair - $58.7M
• KFCG funding has kept the streets Level of Service in the “B” Range (target.)
Other Transportation Needs - $20.4M
• KFCG has advanced the ADA updating of bus stops by 10 years.
• In 2017, KFCG funded 10% of the entire transit system in 2017. This equates to 13,000 hours
of bus service or approximately ½ of all annual MAX bus service.
• With KFCG funding, the City’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program provides bicycle and
pedestrian education to every public school student in the city at least one time in elementary,
middle, and high school educating nearly 8,000 students per year.
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Police Services - $25.5M
• KFCG supports a quarter of the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2017, this Division was
responsible for investigations and arrests in seven homicides, arrests of 12 serial burglars who
were responsible for over 200 burglaries, and developed the sex offender registration program
and website which tracks approximately 300 offenders, 40 of whom are homeless. Without
KFCG support, this Division would be handling the same caseload with 11 fewer staff members.
• KFCG funds the Daytime District One team which has focused on disruptive behaviors. Fort
Collins has seen an almost 45% increase in transient-related calls from June 2017 to June
2018. Many of those calls would be unanswered or seriously delayed without KFCG resources.
Parks and Recreation - $17.7M
• KFCG funds Neighborhood Park maintenance. Without this funding five neighborhood parks
would be closed.
• Playground improvements have been completed in four parks utilizing these funds. These
projects not only update the playground equipment but have also improved accessibility at these
sites. There is currently no other funding source dedicated to the replacement of infrastructure
for Parks. As equipment fails it would need to be removed when it becomes unsafe until an
appropriate funding source is provided for replacement.
• Downtown landscaping and maintenance has been paid for by KFCG since its inception.
Other Community Priorities - $17.8M
• KFCG has supported Cache la Poudre floodplain and wetland restoration efforts within McMurry
Natural Area. This project restored 1.5 miles of riverbank, created 11 acres of wetlands, 28
acres of cottonwood forests and 8.5 acres of native grasslands.
• KFCG supports increased public engagement in the community and online. This has included
work with local immigrant populations and more standardized and regular translation capabilities
at public meetings.
• KFCG provides funding for WNV education efforts, larval source reduction, backyard inspection
services, and mosquito trapping and testing. These funds allow the City to aggressively remove
mosquito populations at their earliest biology stage and helps the City to understand and convey
the location of the highest risk areas.
• KFCG has funded numerous initiatives related to assisting and addressing homelessness and
transient issues in the community. Efforts include: Outreach Fort Collins, Seasonal and
Emergency Shelter plans, Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement. These programs
impact both individuals and businesses.
Poudre Fire Authority - $17.3M
• KFCG funds have been used for key capital facilities and equipment projects, including
replacement of diesel exhaust systems in PFA fire stations, fire engine replacement, and high-
rise firefighting equipment.
• A total of 12 full time firefighting positions are funded through KFCG revenues, including four
Battalion Chiefs, three firefighters, three safety officers, and an Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) supervisory position. These funds improve response times to the community, enhance
community and firefighter safety and improve firefighter training in EMS service.
• In addition to direct firefighting positions, a new Division Chief of Support and the Planning and
Analysis Battalion Chief are supported through KFCG funding.
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2008-2018 Snapshot
The last decade has seen an increase in both population and service area size for Fort Collins. When
taken together, this, coupled with annual inflation, would have resulted in significant service levels
reductions had it not been for KFCG.
2008 2017 TOTAL CHANGE
Population 140,034 167,492 19.61%
*CAGR 2.01%
Consumer Price Index 209.90 255.00 21.48%
CAGR 2.19%
Area of FC (sq. miles) 52.72 57.16 8.42%
CAGR 0.90%
General Fund (GF) $99.1 $139.1 40.4%
CAGR 3.84%
GF minus building
permits & Use Tax
$90.3 $122.0 35.1%
CAGR 3.39%
* Compound Annual Growth Rate
While City staffing numbers have increased, the Full Time Employee (FTE) per population ratio has
remained stable:
FTE FTE/1,000 POPULATION
SERVICE AREA 2008 2018 2008 2018
Community Services 163.80 189.75 1.17 1.11
Executive Services 16.25 20.00 0.12 0.12
Judicial Services 5.80 8.60 0.04 0.05
Legal Services 11.00 19.25 0.08 0.11
Financial Services 40.30 47.80 0.29 0.28
Info & Employee Services* 113.45 180.30 0.81 1.05
Police Services 257.75 314.75 1.84 1.84
Planning, Dev, & Trans 215.70 297.25 1.54 1.74
Sustainability Services 8.25 25.00 0.06 0.15
Utility Services 351.80 363.75 2.51 2.13
TOTAL CLASS/UNCLASS 1,184.10 1,466.45 8.46 8.57
Poudre Fire Authority** 169.50 212.00 1.02 1.01
*IT staff moved from Utilities to IT in 2015 for an increase of 20.70 FTE in IT and a corresponding decrease in Utilities.
**PFA numbers use total Fire District population
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Funding Examples
There are a number of funding options that could be considered in addressing the KFCG sunset
including: renewing KFCG as is at .85-cent and dedicated; renewing the .85-cent into the base rate to
be on going; changing the amount to something other than .85-cent; changing the current distributions;
pursuing both a base rate increase and a dedicated tax.
On average, 93% of KFCG funding supports ongoing operations.
Below are two options.
Option A. Generating $23M (equivalent to 2017 KFCG sales tax revenue):
1A: .75-cent increase to the base rate including groceries
2A: .85-cent either dedicated or into the base rate, excluding groceries
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% Needed Monthly Household
Impact
Total Tax
1A. With Groceries 0.75% $18.75 3.75%
2A. Without Groceries 0.85% $18.33 (current) 3.85%
Option B: Generating $17M (2017 KFCG revenue for Streets, Police, and Fire):
1B: .55-cent increase to base rate including groceries
2B: .65-cent either dedicated or into the base rate, excluding groceries
% Needed Monthly
Household
Impact
Total Tax General Fund
Reduction
1B. With Groceries 0.55% $13.75 3.55% $5.5M
2B. Without Groceries 0.65% $14.00 3.65% $5.3M
Outreach and Timeline
Staff has developed a public engagement plan covering all levels from Inform to Collaborate. This topic
is well suited for interactive engagement, such as live polling, online forums, and Council listening
sessions.
In early May, a focus group of 15 CityWork alumni convened to discuss the KFCG sunset. Key themes
and discussion points included:
• Appreciation of City services and tax needed to provide.
• Use the term “sunset” not renewal or expiration.
• 3.85 should be the base rate-maintain stability and get away from lots of small dedicated taxes.
• Need to balance stable funding for service with affordability. Greater risk of not being affordable
than of being a mediocre City.
• Messaging will need to be clear on services. Provide choices rather than open-ended questions.
Utilize Council, BFO teams, and City Plan Ambassadors.
• Absolutely need to maintain this revenue to be a resilient community.
• Consider increase in lodging tax?
Staff began engaging the public in conjunction with budget outreach. The budget year has offered a
unique opportunity to highlight offers that are funded with KFCG dollars in real time and engage the
public on level of service and desired programs.
Education and awareness efforts began in late June/early July and include posters, car magnets, Cable
14 bulletin board, Recreator advertisement, and a banner in the Fourth of July parade.
August to November outreach will involve work with boards and commissions, a Community Issues
Forum in conjunction with the Center for Public Deliberation, and a greater focus on on line
engagement.
Staff is proposing Council district meetings late in the year.
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An April 2, 2019 election would require ballot referral by February 5, 2019 at the latest. Ideally, the
majority of ballot development could occur prior to the 2018 holiday season and be finalized in January
2019.
Next key steps will be to develop actual funding scenarios to test with the public.
ATTACHMENTS
1. PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)
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Ginny Sawyer 1
City Council – Work Session – July 24, 2018
Keep Fort Collins Great-2020 Sunset
ATTACHMENT 1
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Direction Sought
1. What information does Council need to determine what level of
service/revenue is desired?
2. Does Council have a preferred option?
a. Renew at current KFCG rate (.85-cent/dedicated)
b. Renew the .85-cent into the base rate?
c. Change either the rate, the distributions, and/or dedicated/base rate?
3. Does Council have a preference about including groceries in a possible base
rate increase?
4. Does Council support the timeline and outreach plan?
2
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Sunset Key Elements
KFCG revenue can be replaced in full or at another amount.
If the desire is to NOT replace KFCG revenue in full reduced levels of
service from the general fund will need to be identified.
Key next steps will be to develop actual funding scenarios to test with
the public.
3
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Current Taxes and Comparisons
4
8.85% 8.75% 8.75% 8.60%
8.52% 8.50% 8.35%
8.25% 8.21%
7.65% 7.50%
7.30%
7.01%
6.45%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
SALES TAX RATE COMPARISONS
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Current Taxes and Comparisons
5
City State
City
Base
City
Dedicated
RTD County Cultural Other
Combined
Total
Boulder 2.90% 2.68% 1.18% 1.00% 0.985% 0.10% 8.845%
Colorado Springs 2.90% 2.50% 0.62% 1.23% 1.00% 8.250%
Denver 2.90% 3.65% 0.00% 1.00% 0.10% 7.650%
Fort Collins 2.90% 2.25% 1.60% 0.55% 7.300%
Loveland 2.90% 3.00% 0.00% 0.55% 6.450%
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Collections to Date
6
33% Street Maintenance and Repair
17% Other Transportation Needs
17% Police Services
11% Parks and Recreation
11% Other Community Priorities
11% Poudre Fire Authority
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Funding
7
$-
$4,000,000
$8,000,000
$12,000,000
$16,000,000
$20,000,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Total Ongoing Operations Supported by
KFCG
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Total Cumulative FTE Cost Supported
by KFCG
On average, 93% of KFCG supports on-going operations
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Streets
8
Over $50M in KFCG has
been spent on street
maintenance.
14 bridges have been
replaced with KFCG.
Without replacement these
bridges would have
continued to degrade
resulting in safety issues
and possible load limiting
of the roadways.
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Other Transportation
9
KFCG has
advanced the ADA
updating of bus
stops by 10 years.
KFCG allowed
Transfort to provide
approximately
20,000 demand
service rides for the
disabled (2017).
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Police Services
10
KFCG allowed the City to respond
to residents’ desires to have more
police presence and help in
neighborhoods by funding both the
Campus West Connections
substation and the Neighborhood
Enforcement Team.
KFCG funds the Daytime District
One team which has focused on
disruptive behaviors in the
downtown, at Library park, in
transient camps and near homeless
shelters.
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Parks and Recreation
11
Playground improvements have
been completed in 4 parks utilizing
KFCG. These projects not only
update the playground equipment
but have also improved
accessibility at these sites.
Adaptive Recreation Opportunities
(ARO) is an inclusive program that
provides disabled community
members access to recreational
programs. Over 60,000 participants
have been affected by over 15,000
hours of inclusive programming
support.
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Other Community Priorities
12
KFCG supports:
Increased public
engagement in the
community and online.
WNV education efforts,
larval source reduction,
backyard inspection
services, and mosquito
trapping and testing.
Operational support for
the Timberline Recycling
center.
Coordinated City-wide
volunteer management.
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
KFCG Impacts-Poudre Fire Authority
13
KFCG funds have been used
for replacement of fire engines
and highrise firefighting
equipment.
A total of twelve full-time
firefighting positions are
funded through KFCG.
These funds improve response
times to the community,
enhance community and
firefighter safety and improve
firefighter training in EMS
service.
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Population, Area and Economic Data
14
CAGR = Compound Annual Growth Rate
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Population 140,034 142,853 144,416 145,809 149,110 152,205 155,400 158,600 161,000 167,492
2008-2017 Change 19.61%
CAGR 2.01% 1.55% 1.36% 1.58% 1.68% 1.75% 1.79% 1.76% 2.01%
CPI 209.90 208.55 212.45 220.29 224.57 230.79 237.20 239.99 246.64 255.00
2008-2017 Change 21.48%
CAGR -0.64% 0.61% 1.62% 1.70% 1.92% 2.06% 1.93% 2.04% 2.19%
Area of Fort Collins (sq mi) 52.72 53.38 55.46 55.58 55.69 55.83 56.61 56.61 56.78 57.16
2008-2017 Change 8.42%
CAGR 1.25% 2.57% 1.78% 1.38% 1.15% 1.19% 1.02% 0.93% 0.90%
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
General Fund Revenue
15
Revenue Source 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Sales Tax $49.7 $48.1 $50.1 $52.5 $55.3 $57.9 $63.0 $66.2 $68.1 $69.4
Property Taxes 16.2 16.5 17.1 17.0 17.0 16.9 17.6 18.2 20.6 21.4
Use Tax 7.7 5.7 7.8 7.9 10.5 10.6 15.8 17.5 15.8 13.9
PILOT from Utilities 6.9 6.9 7.7 8.0 8.9 9.1 9.1 9.4 10.0 10.2
General Govt Fees 6.2 5.5 6.0 6.0 6.3 6.5 6.6 7.0 7.4 6.9
Building Permits 1.1 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.8 2.5 4.0 3.2 3.3 3.2
Occupational Privilege Tax 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.9 2.8 3.0
Fines & Forfeitures 2.7 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.5 2.8 2.2 2.0
Planning and Development Fees 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.3
Earnings on Investments 2.1 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.1 1.3 1.0 0.5 1.1
All Other Revenue 3.7 3.7 4.8 5.0 5.1 4.4 4.6 6.2 5.7 6.5
TOTAL $99.1 $93.6 $100.5 $103.7 $111.3 $114.5 $128.6 $135.5 $137.8 $139.1
Year-over-year increase -5.53% 7.43% 3.09% 7.40% 2.82% 12.35% 5.35% 1.73% 0.93%
CAGR -5.53% 0.74% 1.52% 2.96% 2.93% 4.44% 4.57% 4.21% 3.84%
Not including Building Permits
or Use Tax
$90.3 $87.3 $91.9 $94.7 $99.0 $101.4 $108.8 $114.8 $118.7 $122.0
Year-over-year increase -3.34% 5.31% 3.04% 4.54% 2.39% 7.30% 5.53% 3.40% 2.72%
CAGR -3.34% 0.89% 1.60% 2.33% 2.34% 3.15% 3.49% 3.48% 3.39%
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
FTE 2008-2018
16
FTE FTE/1,000 POPULATION
SERVICE AREA 2008 2018 2008 2018
Community Services 163.80 189.75 1.17 1.11
Executive Services 16.25 20.00 0.12 0.12
Judicial Services 5.80 8.60 0.04 0.05
Legal Services 11.00 19.25 0.08 0.11
Financial Services 40.30 47.80 0.29 0.28
Info & Employee Services 113.45 180.30 0.81 1.05
Police Services 257.75 314.75 1.84 1.84
Planning, Dev, & Trans 215.70 297.25 1.54 1.74
Sustainability Services 8.25 25.00 0.06 0.15
Utility Services 351.80 363.75 2.51 2.13
TOTAL CLASS/UNCLASS 1,184.10 1,466.45 8.46 8.57
Poudre Fire Authority 169.50 212.00 1.02 1.01
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Option A
Generating $23M annually (current KFCG without Use Tax)
17
% Needed
Monthly
Household Impact
Total Tax
1A.With Groceries 0.75% $18.75 3.75%
2A.Without Groceries 0.85% $18.33 (current) 3.85%
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Option B
Generating $17M annually
2017 KFCG revenue for Streets, Police, and Fire
18
%
Needed
Monthly
Household
Impact
Total Tax
General Fund
Reduction
1B.With Groceries 0.55% $13.75 3.55% $5.5M
2B.Without Groceries 0.65% $14.00 3.65% $5.3M
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Outreach and Education
Budget Booths
Online Engagement
Signage
Banners
Magnets
Council Outreach Meetings
October Community Issue
Forum
19
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Timeline
Currently Scheduled:
July 24 Work Session
November 13 Work Session
Last Day to Refer Ballot language- February 5, 2019
Election-April 2, 2019
20
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
Direction Sought
1. What information does Council need to determine what level of
service/revenue is desired?
2. Does Council have a preferred option?
a. Renew at current KFCG rate (.85-cent/dedicated)
b. Renew the .85-cent into the base rate?
c. Change either the rate, the distributions, and/or dedicated/base rate?
3. Does Council have a preference about including groceries in a possible base
rate increase?
4. Does Council support the timeline and outreach plan?
21
1.1
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6994 : Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) Sunset)
DATE:
STAFF:
July 24, 2018
Ryan Mounce, City Planner
Aaron Iverson, Senior Transportation Planner
Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
City Plan Update - Scenarios.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to update Council on the upcoming scenarios phase of City Plan. Staff will review the
purpose, goals, and general direction of the three scenarios as well as communication and engagement
strategies for discussing the scenarios with the community.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. What feedback does Council have regarding the general direction of the three City Plan scenarios?
2. Does Council have questions or feedback on next steps in the City Plan scenarios phase?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
City Plan Overview
City Plan is an update to the City’s comprehensive land use plan, transportation master plan, and transit master
plan. Collectively, these plans set a general vision for the future and provide high-level policy guidance to inform
decision-making for the community’s land use and transportation frameworks. The next City Plan update will
provide guidance towards the year 2040.
During City Plan’s visioning phase earlier this spring, feedback was collected on community values and priorities
to help refine the existing City Plan vision. This input is also being used to inform the scenarios phase of City Plan
this summer and fall. Final City Plan content is anticipated to be completed winter 2018/2019, with consideration
of adoption by Council in spring 2019.
Upcoming Phase: Scenarios
The next phase of City Plan is focused on the development and evaluation of three scenarios. Each scenario
represents a collection of potential changes and strategies to the community’s existing land-use, transportation,
and policy frameworks designed to achieve and strengthen community priorities and values. A thorough analysis
and evaluation of each of the scenarios will provide information about the expected impacts, costs, and potential
tradeoffs of these changes. The analysis of the scenarios and input received from community discussion will be
used to inform policy direction in City Plan.
Community Values and Priorities
Each scenario will reflect an alternative future condition that is shaped by community feedback on values and
priorities. While the overall community goals and values will not change from scenario to scenario, the three
options will differ in the expected amount of resources available and the prioritization of various strategies. A brief
recap of relevant results from the visioning phase is below. Community goals and values that will be incorporated
into the scenarios include:
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July 24, 2018 Page 2
LIVABILITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY
•Quality of life
•Safety
•Ease of getting around
•Affordable
•Access to jobs/education
•Clean environment
•Ensuring a viable future, especially
environmentally and financially
•Carbon neutral
•Managing growth
•Triple bottom line
•Friendly, neighborly, community
pride
•Inclusive, respectful of diversity
•Spaces for interaction and
celebration
•Open communication
Community members also indicated two priority areas Fort Collins should focus on in the coming years:
Housing
• Attainable housing for average wage earners and those on fixed incomes
• Maintaining existing affordable housing stock and increasing the number of new affordable units
• Greater access to different kinds of housing and greater housing choices
Multimodal Transportation
• Taking the next steps in community’s commitment to travel by foot, bike, or transit
• Management of vehicle roadway congestion
• Improved regional connections
• Improving bicycle and pedestrian access between neighborhoods and services for shorter trips
Scenarios - General Direction
The specific nature of changes and strategies to be included in each scenario will continue to be refined
throughout July and August; however, the general direction and assumptions that will underpin each scenario are
outlined in the table on the following page. Several themes heard from community members, City staff, Boards &
Commissions, and Council provide a general direction for all of the scenarios:
Themes:
• Enjoyment of the community’s overall direction
Many community members enjoy the overall direction in which Fort Collins is already headed. As a result, the
scenarios represent variations on established policies and priorities rather than imagining dramatic new
options. One scenario (‘baseline’) continues our existing vision and land use/transportation framework.
• Striking a balance between aspirational and pragmatic
Community members desire options that are realistic and implementable, and recognize that funding and
resources are a constraint to achieving all the community’s priorities. Two of the scenarios (‘baseline’ and
‘targeted adjustment’) assume funding and resources that are consistent with existing levels. Where
additional resources are shown in the third scenario (‘stretch goals’), they are realistic and potentially
achievable.
• Make additional progress implementing existing goals and plans
The scenarios will illustrate the continued implementation of existing community goals and plans, such as
Nature in the City and our climate action goals, while planning for anticipated future trends.
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July 24, 2018 Page 3
General Direction and Assumptions:
SCENARIO 1 SCENARIO 2 SCENARIO 3
Baseline scenario carries forward
existing land-use and
transportation plans and policies.
Illustrates what our current
framework and funding is likely to
achieve in the future.
•Resources and funding match
existing levels.
•Continues existing land-use
plans and policies, with a focus
on continued buildout along the
MAX corridor.
•Continues existing trends for
density, mix of uses, and housing
types. Assumes slightly lower
densities than what is allowed
under existing zoning and
development standards,
consistent with current
development trends.
•No major new multimodal
transportation infrastructure
beyond what is envisioned in
current plans; focus on
maximizing existing investments.
•Includes new policies
supporting emerging mobility
trends (e.g. electric and
autonomous vehicles).
Adjustments to land use and
transportation in targeted areas
to support multimodal
transportation, increased housing
supply, and a better mix of
housing options.
•Resource and funding match
existing levels but funding may
be reprioritized.
•Adjustments to zoning and
development standards in
existing or planned multimodal
corridors.
•Higher densities and mix of
uses in new projects along
multimodal transportation
corridors, consistent with existing
zoning and development
standards. Some flexibility for
new housing types in select
areas of the community.
•Re-prioritizes funding for
multimodal transportation, such
as additional high frequency
transit service in select areas,
emphasizing first/last mile
connectivity to transit.
•Includes new policies
July 24, 2018 Page 4
Communication and engagement during the scenarios phase will also stress that a selection of a single scenario
by itself is not the primary objective. Feedback and input on individual scenario elements and the general
direction of each scenario will be used to help inform and update City Plan policy direction this fall.
Both visual and narrative based communication will be important in sharing information about scenarios with the
community. Traditionally, comprehensive planning represents land-use changes through color-coded zoning
maps. These maps can be difficult for community members to understand as they may not be aware which zone
district they live or work within, and what types of land-uses and buildings are permitted in each zone district.
Instead, the City Plan scenarios propose to use “place types” when describing potential land-use and built
environment changes. Place types are a visual way to describe areas of the community with common
characteristics. These illustrations will show community members what a particular place type (for example, an
employment district) might look and feel like. Annotations will describe the predominant types of activities and
characteristics of each place type. This approach is modeled after the ways in which many people already talk
about the community. In the scenarios phase, 11 place types will be described and illustrated.
Place types will be organized into three main categories: neighborhoods, districts, and protected lands. A brief
description of each place type is listed below. Final names for each place type are still under review.
Neighborhoods
• Semi-rural Neighborhood: Low density areas with large lots and more rural characteristics and activities, such
as agriculture and the keeping of farm animals. Tend to be located on the edges of the community.
• Single family Neighborhood: Areas predominantly composed of single-family detached houses with
supporting uses such as neighborhood parks and schools.
• Mixed Neighborhood: Areas with higher housing densities and a mix of housing types, such as duplexes,
townhomes and apartments. Tend to have closer proximity to services and transit.
Districts
• Downtown: Historic commercial core of the community with a diverse mix of land uses, activities, densities,
and building forms.
• Urban Mixed Use: Higher intensity areas with mixed-use developments, taller structures, and enhanced
access to multimodal transportation options.
• Suburban Mixed Use: Lower intensity areas with a mix of uses such as retail, medical offices and auto
dealerships with surface parking lots and more limited access to multimodal transportation options.
• Neighborhood Mixed Use: Smaller commercial areas serving nearby neighborhoods with goods and services.
Mostly commonly experienced as a grocery-anchored retail center.
• Employment: Areas with higher concentration of employment uses such as office, research, or manufacturing.
Supporting uses such as restaurants and hotels may also be located nearby.
• Industrial: Higher concentration of uses, businesses, and activities engaged in industrial work which may
feature outdoor storage and impacts such as noise or odors. Predominantly located away from residential
areas.
• Campus: Areas with concentrated institutional and educational uses, such as Colorado State University or
Front Range Community College.
Other:
• Protected Lands: Large areas of protected open space, both private and public, including natural areas,
conservation easements, floodplains, golf courses, and areas to be protected as sensitive natural features
from nearby development.
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July 24, 2018 Page 5
Place types will utilize illustrations, photos from the community, and annotated drawings to demonstrate common
characteristics and the transitions from one place type to another. Because place types transcend zoning districts,
they can also be used to show how areas of the community could change over time based on scenario elements.
For example, one scenario may indicate an area as a ‘suburban mixed-use’ place type, but in another scenario,
based on the potential for additional transit or land-use changes, the area may evolve in to something closer to an
‘urban mixed-use’ place type. Community members could then compare the two place types to understand key
differences and provide feedback on the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed scenario changes.
Next Steps
Continued development of scenario elements and their evaluation will continue to take place throughout July and
August. Community activities and engagement on scenarios is anticipated to begin in late August and into
September. Staff anticipates significant discussions on scenarios with a large variety and number of community
stakeholders followed by additional Council discussion and direction. The next City Plan Council Work Session is
scheduled for November 13th.
Water Scenario Modelling
Utilities has received a grant to fund two Growing Water Smart workshops facilitated by the Sonoran Institute that
will consider water impacts of the City Plan scenarios. The first workshop on August 15, will present the draft
scenarios and the concept of integrating water cost/availability into the equation. A second workshop in October
will examine the best ways to implement a preferred water management strategy. All three of the community’s
water providers will participate in the process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)
2
Packet Pg. 36
1
City Plan Update - Scenarios
Cameron Gloss
7/24/18
ATTACHMENT 1
2.1
Packet Pg. 37
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
2
Overview
City Plan includes updates to:
• Coordinated Engagement Opportunities
• Integrated Policies
Comprehensive
Plan
Transportation
Master Plan
Transit
Master Plan
2.1
Packet Pg. 38
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Phases
3
1
2
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Trends, issues & opportunities,
community priorities
VISIONING
Update & reconfirm a shared
community vision for the future
3 SCENARIOS
Evaluate different community scenarios
to achieve vision & priorities
4 DRAFT PLAN & POLICIES
Develop policies & plan document
5 ADOPTION
Share, reconfirm & update draft
plan with the community
2.1
Packet Pg. 39
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Direction Sought
1. What feedback does Council have regarding the general
direction of the three City Plan scenarios?
2. What feedback does Council have on the communications
strategy for scenarios?
4
2.1
Packet Pg. 40
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios
5
Scenarios Overview
Develop three City Plan scenarios
Each represents a collection of land-use,
transportation, and policy ideas & strategies
Designed to achieve & strengthen community
priorities & values
Scenario direction derived from community
input & feedback
2.1
Packet Pg. 41
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios
6
Scenarios: Purpose & Goals
Evaluation exercise to determine the impacts, costs
& potential tradeoffs of changes
Communication tool for conversation & deliberation
Feedback will be used to inform refinements to City
Plan policy direction
2.1
Packet Pg. 42
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Recap: Community Values
7
Key Drivers – Community Values
Livability Sustainability Community
Quality of life
Safety
Ease of getting around
Affordable
Access to
jobs/education
Clean environment
Ensuring viable future
Steward of natural
environment
Carbon neutral
Managing growth
Triple bottom line
Friendly, neighborly,
community pride
Inclusive, respectful of
diversity
Spaces for interaction &
celebration
Open communication
2.1
Packet Pg. 43
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Recap: Community Priorities
8
Housing
Attainable housing for average wage
earners / fixed incomes
Maintaining / increasing affordable
housing units
Housing choices & access to housing
types
2.1
Packet Pg. 44
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Recap: Community Priorities
9
Multimodal Transportation
Taking the next steps to achieve goals
for travel by foot, bike & transit
Roadway congestion management
Improved regional connections
Improved access from neighborhoods
to services for shorter trips
2.1
Packet Pg. 45
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
All Scenarios – Place Types
10
• Rural Lands
• Urban Estate
• Residential Foothills
• Low Density Residential
• Low Density Mixed-Use
• Medium Density Mixed-Use
• Neighborhood Conservation Low
Density
• Neighborhood Conservation Medium
Density
• Neighborhood Conservation Buffer
• High Density Mixed-Use
• Transition
• Public Open Lands
• River Conservation
• Downtown
• River Downtown Redevelopment
• Community Commercial
• Community Commercial North College
• Community Commercial Poudre River
• General Commercial
• Service Commercial
• Neighborhood Commercial
• Harmony Corridor
• Employment
• Industrial
* Neighborhoods
Semi-Rural
Single Family
Mixed
* Districts
Downtown
Urban/TOD
Suburban Mixed Use
Neighborhood Mixed Use
Employment
Industrial
Campus
* Other
* Final names TBD Open & Protected Lands
2.1
Packet Pg. 46
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios – Place Types
11
• Simplified approach to describe and illustrate the general character of
an area for community members based on elements such as:
- existing development
- dominant land-uses
- zoning & development standards
- access to amenities/transportation
- potential for change through each scenario
2.1
Packet Pg. 47
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios – Place Types
12
Source: Norman, OK
Place Type:
Single Family
Neighborhood
Place Type:
Mixed
Neighborhood
2.1
Packet Pg. 48
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios – Place Types
13
2.1
Packet Pg. 49
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenarios – Place Types
14
Source: San Antonio, TX
2.1
Packet Pg. 50
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Direction
15
Overall Scenario Direction – Key Themes
Enjoyment of community’s overall direction
Scenarios are variations on our current path rather than
dramatic new options
Balance between aspirational & pragmatic
Realistic and achievable options that focus mostly on funding and
resources at current levels
Continued implementation of current goals and plans
Scenarios show progress towards existing goals
(e.g. Nature in the City, Climate Action)
2.1
Packet Pg. 51
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario One
16
Continuation of Established Policies & Plans
Similar funding
Current Structure Plan
Assumes slightly lower densities (than allowed)
A mix of TOD and non-TOD redevelopment along the MAX corridor
One new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line (West Elizabeth)
Add high frequency bus service on several key corridors
Retain low ridership coverage routes
Policies addressing emerging mobility trends
2.1
Packet Pg. 52
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario One
17
Key Land Use Elements
Focus Areas Zoning & Intensity
Continuation of structure plan & lower
densities than permitted by zoning
Buildout along MAX & Downtown
Key Transportation Elements
Support MAX Maintain Service
Low Stress Network
Congestion Projects
Auto Bike/Ped Transit
Sidewalk Improvements
Mobility Trends
2.1
Packet Pg. 53
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Two
18
Targeted Land-Use Adjustments & Transportation Adjustments
Reprioritized funding
Assumes higher density & intensity (as currently allowed)
Assumes buildout along the MAX corridor (at transit supportive densities)
First and last mile connectivity to support transit
BRT service on West Elizabeth, North College
Add high frequency bus service on more key corridors
Policies supporting emerging mobility trends
2.1
Packet Pg. 54
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Two
19
Key Land Use Elements
Focus Areas Zoning & Intensity
Targeted areas of higher intensities
(as planned) in multimodal corridors
Downtown, Commercial & Multimodal
corridors
Key Transportation Elements
More BRT Service Expanded Service
First / Last Mile
Congestion Projects
Auto Bike/Ped Transit
Sidewalk Connections
Mobility Trends
2.1
Packet Pg. 55
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Three
20
Broader Land-Use Adjustments & Transportation Adjustments
New funding sources required
Increased density & intensity in more areas
Greater flexibility for new housing types
BRT service on West Elizabeth, North College, Mulberry and Harmony
Add high frequency service on key corridors
Regional transit investments
Expanded shared transportation options (microtransit, on-demand, etc.)
Increased investment in bicycling and walking
Policies supporting emerging mobility trends
2.1
Packet Pg. 56
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Three
21
Key Land Use Elements
Focus Areas Zoning & Intensity
Areas of higher intensities & greater mix of
uses in multimodal corridors
Downtown, Commercial & Multimodal
corridors. Additional housing types in neighborhoods
Key Transportation Elements
BRT Lines / High Freq. Expanded Regional Service
First / Last Mile
Congestion Projects
Auto Bike/Ped Transit
Walking Programs
Automated Vehicles
2.1
Packet Pg. 57
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Scenario Communications
22
Planned Scenario Activities:
City-led workshops
Plan Ambassador Meetings
Community Partner Organization Events
Online questionnaire
Narrative & video-based description of scenarios for all activities
2.1
Packet Pg. 58
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
Direction Sought
1. What feedback does Council have regarding the general
direction of the three City Plan scenarios?
2. What feedback does Council have on the communications
strategy for scenarios?
23
2.1
Packet Pg. 59
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6992 : City Plan Update - Scenarios)
DATE:
STAFF:
July 24, 2018
Noah Beals, Senior City Planner/Zoning
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Sign Code Update Phase 2.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to present a draft of the proposed Sign Code amendments.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does Council have additional direction for digital billboard replacement, Section 3.8.7.6 of the draft?
2. Is there any other feedback on the draft of the Sign Code amendments?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
At a work session in March 2018 Council provided feedback on Phase 2 of the Sign Code Update. During this
meeting, it was confirmed that any Sign Code changes should continue the general purposes the Sign Code to
prevent the proliferation of signs and to maintain a high-quality, aesthetic environment.
The purposes of Phase 2 of the Sign Code update have been:
• Improve overall legibility of the Sign Code Section and address common requests
• Implement action items from the adopted Downtown Plan
o Restore existing historic signs and allow for the reconstruction of historically significant signs that
previously existed
o Develop Land Use Code regulations that identify performance standards for design elements that activate
buildings and private outdoor spaces along public streets. Amend the Sign Code to require pedestrian-
oriented signs.
• Discuss sign standards for new technology
• Provide an option for consideration of digital billboards
Since the March meeting, a draft of the Sign Code was created and released for review and input from the public.
The draft was presented at a public meeting in May. This meeting consisted of an open house with boards
highlighting the updates and then followed by a simple presentation. Following the public meeting, the draft was
available on the Sign Code web site and a questionnaire was available through June to provide any feedback.
In June the draft Code language was presented four other times. Upon request from a local business owner, the
draft was presented to Economic Advisory Committee (EAC). The EAC in general was favorable of the draft and
decided to provide a written statement that would be reviewed and approved at its next meeting. At the time of
this report, the subsequent EAC meeting has not occurred.
As an action item from the adopted Downtown Plan the Sign Code update looked at the process for reviewing
historic signs. The drafted Code language for historic signs was presented to the Landmark Preservation
Committee (LPC) for a recommendation. Members of the LPC raised concerns that the language was confusing
and did not provide the clarity to the process. In general, the confusion was between what the LPC currently
reviews and the relationship to the proposed Sign Code review. This section has since be written to remove the
confusion and provide the additional clarity to the process.
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July 24, 2018 Page 2
The entire draft was also presented to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board for a recommendation. At the public
hearing of the P&Z Board, members had questions that were clarifying in nature. Discussion also focused on the
number of digital billboards the City would receive. The drafted language stated a maximum of 5 new digital
billboards; however, if Larimer County approved a digital billboard and later the City annexed the property, there
could be more than 5. A motion to recommend approval of the Sign Code update was adopted 6 - 1. The
dissenting vote objected to the section concerning digital billboard reduction. It was stated if the Code did not
include this section, there would be no objection to the rest of the Sign Code update.
Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce requested City staff to make a presentation to its Local Legislative Affairs
Committee (LLAC). The same presentation given to P&Z meeting was presented to the LLAC. During this
meeting staff also received clarifying questions and, in general, received positive feedback on the draft.
Highlights of section 3.8.7.6 the Digital Billboard Replacement are below;
• To place a digital billboard an applicant needs to remove the greater of 8 static faces or 2,200 square feet. of
sign face currently found in the Growth Management Area.
• Digital message may be displayed for 60 seconds or more, unless along I-25 then the message may be
displayed for 24 seconds or more.
• The maximum size (sign face) of a Digital billboard is 90sf. or if along I-25 then the size can be 250sf.
• A digital billboard cannot be within a 2miles measured in a straight line of any other billboard
• Prohibited zone districts of a Digital Billboard include D; R-L; R-C; P-O-L; U-E; R-U-L; R-F; N-C-L and N-C-M
• The application for a Digital Billboard will be reviewed through a Type 2 process, where the Planning and
Zoning Board is the decision maker.
The proposed Code amendment will be presented for Council consideration in September or October.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sign Code Update - Draft (PDF)
2. PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)
3
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DRAFT SIGN CODE (Legal Review Pending) CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Page 1
3.8.7 - SIGNS
3.8.7.1 - Generally
(A) Title; Purpose and Intent.
(1) Title. Sections 3.8.7.1, 3.8.7.2, 3.8.7.3, 3.8.7.4, 3.8.7.5. and 3.8.7.6 may be collectively referred to as the
“City of Fort Collins Sign Code,” or the “Sign Code”. Definitions related to the Sign Code are set out in
§ 5.1.2, Definitions.
(2) Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of the Sign Code is to set out reasonable regulations for
the design, location, installation, display, operation, repair, maintenance, and removal of signs in a
manner that advances the City’s legitimate, important, substantial, and compelling interests, while
simultaneously safeguarding the constitutionally protected right of free speech.
(B) Interests. The City has a legitimate, important, substantial, or compelling interest in:
(1) Preventing the proliferation of signs of generally increasing size, dimensions, and visual
intrusiveness (also known as “sign clutter”) that tends to result from property owners competing for
the attention of passing motorists and pedestrians, because sign clutter:
(a) Creates visual distraction and obstructs views, potentially creating safety hazards for motorists,
bicyclists, and pedestrians;
(b) May involve physical obstruction of streets, sidewalks, or trails, creating public safety hazards;
(c) Degrades the aesthetic quality of the City, making the City a less attractive place for residents,
business owners, visitors, and private investment; and
(d) Dilutes or obscures messages on individual signs due to the increasing competition for
attention.
(2) Maintaining and enhancing the historic character of historic Downtown Fort Collins, a unique historic
resource of exceptional quality and vibrancy.
(3) Protecting the health of the City’s tree canopy, an important community asset that contributes to the
character, environmental quality, and economic health of the City and the region.
(4) Maintaining a high quality aesthetic environment to protect and enhance property values, leverage
public investments in streets, sidewalks, trails, plazas, parks, open space, civic buildings, and
landscaping, and enhance community pride.
(5) Protecting minors from speech that is harmful to them according to state or federal law, by
preventing such speech in places that are accessible to and used by minors.
(C) Findings. The City finds that:
(1) Content-neutrality, viewpoint neutrality, and fundamental fairness in regulation and review are
essential to ensuring an appropriate balance between the important, substantial, and compelling
interests set out in § 3.8.7.1(B) and the constitutionally-protected right to free expression.
(2) The regulations set out in the Sign Code are unrelated to the suppression of constitutionally-
protected free expression, do not relate to the content of protected messages that may be displayed
on signs, and do not relate to the viewpoint of individual speakers.
(3) The incidental restriction on the freedom of speech that may result from the regulation of signs
pursuant the Sign Code is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of the important, substantial,
and compelling interests that are set out in § 3.8.7.1(B).
(4) Regulation of the location, number, materials, height, sign area, form, and duration of display of
temporary signs is essential to preventing sign clutter.
ATTACHMENT 1
3.1
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Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
DRAFT SIGN CODE (Legal Review Pending) CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Page 2
(5) Temporary signs may be degraded, damaged, moved, or destroyed by wind, rain, snow, ice, and sun,
and after such degradation, damage, movement, or destruction, such signs harm the safety and
aesthetics of the City’s streets if they are not removed.
(6) Certain classifications of speech are not constitutionally protected due to the harm that they cause
to individuals or the community.
(D) Applicability, exemptions, and permit exceptions.
(1) Applicability. The provisions of the Sign Code shall apply to the display, construction, installation,
erection, alteration, use, location, maintenance, and removal of all signs within the City that are not
specifically exempt from such application.
(2) Sign Permits.
(a) No sign shall be displayed, constructed, installed, erected, refaced, or altered within the City
limits until the City has issued a sign permit, unless the sign qualifies as an exception to the
permit requirements.
(b) No permit is required for routine sign maintenance, painting, or replacing light sources with
lighting of comparable intensity (however, the installation of a new manual changeable copy
message center or electronic message center does require a permit).
(3) Sign Regulation Exemptions. The Sign Code does not apply to:
(a) Signs of any type that are installed or posted (or required to be installed or posted) by the
Federal government, the State of Colorado, Larimer County, the City, or a School District
(collectively, “Governmental Entities”), on property owned or controlled by the Governmental
Entity.
(b) Required signs, posted in accordance with applicable law or regulations.
(4) Sign Regulation Partial Exemptions. The following signs are subject only to subsections (E) through
(L), inclusive, and shall not require a sign permit:
(a) Signs that are not visible from any of the following areas due to the configuration of the
building(s) or structure(s) or the topography of the site upon which the signs are located:
1. Residential lots;
2. Adjoining property that is not under common ownership;
3. Public rights-of-way; or
4. Property that is located at a higher elevation than the property upon which the sign is
displayed.
(b) Signs that are not legible from adjoining property or rights-of-way due to the configuration of
the building(s) or structure(s) or the topography of the site upon which the signs are located or
the orientation or setback or typeface of the sign, provided that:
1. One such sign may have a sign area that is not more than 35 square feet, and if a sign area
allowance applies to the site, 50 percent of the sign area of the sign is counted towards the
sign area allowance;
2. Other such signs may have a sign area that is not more than eight square feet, and are not
counted towards any applicable sign area allowance.
(c) Horizontal projected light signs that are projected onto private property, provided that they are
not projected onto required signs.
(5) Sign Permit Exceptions. The following signs may be displayed, constructed, installed, erected, or
altered without a sign permit, but are not exempt from other applicable provisions of § 3.8.7.2 or §
3.8.7.3:
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(a) One optional residential sign per street-facing building elevation of a residential building not
exceeding four square feet in area;
(b) Flags that are hung from not more than three rigid, straight, building-mounted or ground-
mounted flagpoles per 100 feet of property frontage or fraction thereof, provided that:
1. No more than three flags are flown from any one flagpole;
2. No flag obstructs pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular traffic, or a required sight triangle; and
3. No flag exceeds 32 square feet in area;
(c) Small signs, as follows:
1. Signs that are affixed to a building or structure, that do not exceed two square feet in sign
area, provided that only one such sign is present on each elevation that is visible from
public rights-of-way or adjoining property; and
2. Signs that are less than one square foot in area that are affixed to machines, equipment,
fences, gates, walls, gasoline pumps, public telephones, or utility cabinets;
(d) Temporary seasonal decorations;
(e) Temporary signs (except feather flags and attached or detached temporary banners and
pennants, all of which require a sign permit); and
(f) Window signs that are less than six square feet in area, provided that:
1. The total area covered by window signs:
a. Does not exceed 25 percent of the area of the architecturally distinct window in which
they are located; and
b. Does not exceed 25 percent of the sign allowance described in § 3.8.7.2(A); and
2. The window signs are not illuminated.
(E) Relationship to Other Regulations.
(1) In addition to the regulations set out in the Sign Code, signs may also be subject to applicable State
laws and regulations (e.g., State of Colorado, Department of Highways, “Rules and Regulations
Pertaining to Outdoor Advertising,” effective January 1, 1984, as may be amended from time to time),
Federal laws and regulations, and applicable adopted building and electrical codes. Exceptions to
the sign permit requirement do not constitute exemptions to other applicable codes or permit
requirements.
(2) Where any provision of the Sign Code covers the same subject matter as other regulations of the City,
the more specific regulation shall control the more general one, unless the City determines that the
more restrictive regulation is clearly unenforceable as a matter of law.
(3) Where any provision of the Sign Code covers the same subject matter as other regulations of the State
of Colorado or the United States, the applicant is advised that nothing in this Chapter shall be
construed as a defense to a violation of applicable state or federal law except as may be provided in
the state or federal law.
(4) All signs within the Old Town Historic District within the Downtown District must comply with the
Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines except that the Old Town Historic District Design
Guidelines shall not be interpreted to limit the content of the sign.
(5) The Downtown District shall be defined by the boundary exhibited in the 2017 Fort Collins
Downtown Plan, which includes the following Subdistricts: North Mason, Civic, Historic Core, and
Canyon Avenue.
(F) Measurements.
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(1) Property Frontage. Property frontage is measured as the length of each property boundary that abuts
a public street right-of-way.
(2) Sign Area.
(a) Generally. In general, sign area is the area within a continuous polygon with up to eight straight
sides that completely encloses the limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame
or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the
sign’s contents from the background against which they are placed.
(b) Additions. The area of all freestanding and ground signs shall include the area of the sign face(s)
as calculated in subsection (F)(2)(a), together with any portion of the sign structure which
exceeds one and one-half (1½) times the area of the sign face(s).
(c) Exclusions. The sign area does not include the structure upon which the sign is placed (unless
the structure is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it), but does include any
open space contained within the outer limits of the display face, or between any component,
panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether this open space is
enclosed by a frame or border or not.
Figure (F)(2)(c)
Sign Area Measurement
(d) Multiple Sign Faces. Freestanding temporary signs may have multiple faces. The area of such
signs is measured using the vertical cross-section that represents the sign’s maximum
projection upon a vertical plane (e.g., for a sign with two (2) opposite faces on the same plane,
the total cumulative area of both faces is used for area calculation).
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Figure (F)(2)(d)
Multiple Sign Faces
(e) Three-Dimensional Sign Faces. The area of signs that do not have a flat sign face is measured
using the vertical cross-section that represents the sign’s maximum projection upon a vertical
plane.
Figure (F)(2)(e)
Three-Dimensional Sign Faces
(3) Sign Clearance. Sign clearance is the distance between the bottom of a sign or related structural
element that is not affixed to the ground and the nearest point on the ground-level surface under it.
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Figure (F)(3)
Sign Clearance
(4) Sign Height. Sign height is measured as:
(a) For ground-mounted signs:
1. The distance between ground level at the base of the sign and the top of the sign or sign
structure, whichever is higher; or
2. If the average grade under the base of the sign is more than two feet lower than the average
grade of the nearest adjoining street, then the height of the detached sign shall be
measured from the elevation of the flowline of the street to the top of the sign or sign
structure.
Figure (F)(4)(a)
Sign Height (Ground-Mounted Signs)
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(b) For building-mounted signs, the greatest distance between the lowest part of the sign or sign
structure and the highest part of the sign or sign structure.
Figure (F)(4)(b)
Sign Height (Building-Mounted Signs)
(5) Projection. Projection is the horizontal distance between a building wall or fascia to which a sign is
mounted and the part of the sign or sign structure that is most distant from the wall or fascia,
Measured perpendicular to the vertical plane of the wall or fascia.
Figure (F)(5)
Projection
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(6) Setbacks Sign setbacks are measured perpendicularly from the property line that defines the
required setback to the nearest point on the sign or sign structure.
(G) Prohibited signs and sign elements.
(1) Generally. The prohibitions in this subsection (G) apply to temporary and permanent signs in all
areas of the City.
(2) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are not allowed, whether temporary or permanent:
(a) Temporary signs, except as specifically permitted in § 3.8.7.3, Temporary Signs;
(b) Portable signs, except as permitted in the Code of the City of Fort Collins Chapter 24, Article IV;
(c) Wind-driven signs except flags, feather flags, banners, and pennants in compliance with this §
3.8.7.3;
(d) Inflatable signs, and signs that are designed to appear as inflatable signs (e.g., plastic balloons);
(e) Revolving or rotating signs;
(f) Permanent off-premises signs, except as provided in § 3.8.7.6;
(g) Billboards, except as provided in § 3.8.7.6; and
(h) Abandoned signs.
(3) Prohibited Design Elements. The following elements shall not be incorporated as an element of any
sign or sign structure, whether temporary or permanent:
(a) Animated or moving parts, including any moving, swinging, rotating, or spinning parts or
flashing, blinking, scintillating, chasing, fluctuating, or otherwise animated light; except as
expressly allowed in this Sign Code;
(b) Cardboard, card stock, or paper, except when laminated or used as a window sign located on
the interior side of the window;
(c) Motor vehicles, unless:
1. The vehicles are operational, and either:
a. Automobile dealer inventory; or
b. Regularly used as motor vehicles, with current registration and tags;
2. The display of signage on the motor vehicle would not interfere with the immediate
operation of the motor vehicle (e.g., signs that are held in place by an open hood or trunk
are not allowed; signs that cover windows are not allowed; and signs that would fall off of
the vehicle if the vehicle were in motion are not allowed); and
3. The motor vehicle is legally parked in a vehicle use area depicted on an approved site plan.
(d) Semi-trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units, unless:
1. The trailers, containers, or portable storage units are:
a. Structurally sound and capable of being transported,
b. Used for their primary purpose (e.g., storage, pick-up, or delivery); and
c. If subject to registration, have current registration and tags; and
2. The display of signage is incidental to the primary purpose; and
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3. The semi-trailer, shipping container, or portable storage unit is parked or placed in a
designated loading area or on a construction site in an area that is designated on an
approved construction staging plan.
Exception: This standard does not apply to shipping containers that are used as building
cores.
(e) Stacked products (e.g., tires, soft drink cases, bagged soil or mulch) that are placed in
unapproved outdoor storage locations;
(f) Materials with a high degree of specular reflectivity, such as polished metal, installed in a
manner that creates substantial glare from headlights, street lights, or sunlight.
Exception: This standard does not prohibit retroreflective materials that comply with the
standards set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(g) Rooftop signs and all other types of signs that project above the roof deck, except that signs are
allowed on parapet walls if the parapet wall was constructed as a part of the building and the
parapet wall includes a sign band within which the sign is installed.
Exception: Secondary Roof signs as provided in subsection 3.8.7.2(F).
(4) Prohibited Obstructions. In no event shall a sign, whether temporary or permanent, obstruct the use
of:
(a) Building ingress or egress, including doors, egress windows, and fire escapes;
(b) Operable windows (with regard to movement, not transparency); or
(c) Equipment, structures, or architectural elements that are related to public safety, building
operations, or utility service (e.g., standpipes, downspouts, fire hydrants, electrical outlets,
lighting, vents, valves, and meters).
(5) Prohibited Mounts. No sign, whether temporary or permanent, shall be posted, installed, mounted on,
fastened, or affixed to any of the following:
(a) Any tree or shrub;
(b) Any utility pole or light pole, unless:
1. The sign is a banner or flag that is not more than 10 square feet in area;
2. The owner of the utility pole or light pole consents to its use for the display of the banner
or flag;
3. The banner or flag is mounted on brackets or a pole that extend not more than 30 inches
from the utility pole or light pole;
4. The banner or flag is either situated above an area that is not used by pedestrians or
vehicles, or the bottom of the banner or flag has a sign clearance of at least eight feet; and
5. Any applicable City encroachment or banner permits are obtained; or
(c) Utility cabinets.
(H) Prohibited Locations. In addition to applicable setback requirements and other restrictions of this Sign
Code, no sign shall be located in any of the following locations:
(1) In or over public rights-of-way (which, in addition to streets, may include other sidewalks, parkways,
trails, multi-use pathways, retaining walls, utility poles, traffic calming devices, medians, and center
islands that are within public rights-of-way), except:
(a) Signs painted on or affixed to transit shelters and bus benches as authorized by the provider of
the shelter or bench, but not extending beyond the physical structure of the shelter or bench;
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(b) Signs that are the subject of a revocable license agreement with the City, installed and
maintained in accordance with the terms of that agreement;
(c) Portable signs permitted pursuant to the Code of the City of Fort Collins, Chapter 24, Article IV;
or
(d) Signs posted by the City or jurisdiction that owns or maintains the right-of-way; or
(2) Within any sight distance triangle, as provided in subsection (I), below.
(I) Illumination. The illumination of signs, where permitted, shall comply with the standards of this
subsection (I) and Land Use Code § 3.2.4, Site Lighting.
(1) Generally.
(a) In general, attached illuminated signs shall be turned off by 11:00 PM if they located within 300
feet of property that is zoned, used, or approved for residential use. However, signs may be
illuminated in Downtown, Commercial/Industrial, and Mixed-Use sign districts after 11:00 PM
if:
1. The operating hours of the use to which the sign relates extend past 10:30 PM, in which
case the sign shall be turned off not more than 30 minutes after the end of operating hours
each day; and the sign is dimmed by at least 30 percent between midnight and 6:00 AM; or
2. The lighting that illuminates the sign is used primarily for the protection of the premises
or for safety purposes, or
3. The sign is separated from residential uses by an arterial street.
(b) Illuminated signs shall avoid the concentration of illumination. The intensity of the light source
shall not produce glare, the effect of which constitutes a traffic hazard or nuisance to adjoining
property.
(c) No sign or associated luminaire shall create light spillover of more than one lux at any property
line that is zoned or used for single-family detached, duplex, or townhome purposes.
(d) Every electric sign shall have affixed thereon an approved Underwriters' Laboratories label, and
all wiring connected to such sign shall comply with all provisions of the National Electrical Code,
as adopted by the City.
(e) Electrical service to freestanding signs shall be installed underground. Electrical service to
attached signs shall be provided from the building and concealed from view.
(2) Internal Illumination.
(a) No internal sign lighting shall include any exposed light source, except that neon or comparable
tube lighting is permitted in locations where internal sign illumination is allowed.
(b) During the permit between sunset and the time an illuminated sign must be turned off pursuant
to subsection (I)(1)(a), above, internally lit signs (including electronic message centers) shall
not exceed 600 nits of luminance.
(3) Indirect Lighting.
(a) All signs that use indirect lighting shall have their lighting directed in such a manner as to
illuminate only the face of the sign, and not to create glare or sky glow.
(b) When indirect lighting is used to illuminate detached signs, the light source must be concealed
from view from on and off-site vehicular and pedestrian use areas and from within existing
buildings.
(c) Indirect lighting of signs shall not exceed the following illuminance:
1. Commercial/Industrial and Mixed-Use Sign Districts: 600 lux
2. Downtown Sign District: 500 lux
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3. All Other Sign Districts: 400 lux
(4) Off-Premises Signage. No new illumination may be added to existing off-premises signage.
(J) Message Centers.
(1) Manual Copy Message Centers.
(a) Design.
1. Manual changeable copy message centers shall appear integrated into the sign face of a
permanent sign that also includes text and graphics that are not part of the manual
changeable copy message center.
2. No manual changeable copy message center may be constructed using face or screen
materials such as expanded metal or other types of mesh; any type of corrugated plastic
such as Filon, V3, or Styrene; or other types of materials that are commonly used for
“portable” or “homemade” signs.
(b) Dimensions. No manual changeable copy message center shall occupy more than 80 percent of
the sign area of a sign.
(c) Operation and Maintenance.
1. No changeable copy sign or portion of a sign may have changeable copy that is nailed,
pinned, glued, taped, or comparably attached.
2. If any part of the changeable copy portion of a sign or the track type system or other
method of attachment is absent from the sign, or deteriorates so that it is no longer
consistent with the style or materials used in the permanent portion of the sign, or is
altered in such a way that it no longer conforms to the approved plans and specifications,
the sign shall be removed or repaired within 14 days.
(2) Electronic Message Centers. Digital electronic message centers (“EMCs”) may be incorporated into
signs as provided in this subsection.
(a) Number, Design, Dimensions.
1. Not more than one sign with an EMC component is allowed per street frontage.
2. EMCs shall appear to be incorporated into the face of a permanent sign that includes text
or graphics that are not part of the EMC.
3. EMCs shall not have a pixel pitch that is greater than 12 mm.
4. EMCs shall be integrated harmoniously into the design of the sign face and structure, shall
not be the predominant element of the sign, and if located at the top of a sign, the sign must
include a substantial cap feature above the EMC, which consists of the same material, form,
color, and texture as is found on the sign face or structure.
5. Not more than 50 percent of the sign area of a permitted sign may be occupied by EMCs.
(b) Spacing, Prohibitions.
1. Signs with EMC components shall be separated from each other and from property used
or if the property is vacant but zoned for residential purposes (except multi-family
buildings with more than four units) by a distance of not less than 100 feet, measured in a
straight line.
2. EMCs are not allowed on a freestanding pole sign except as provided in Section 3.8.7.6.
3. In the Downtown (D) District, wall signs with electronic message centers are not permitted
on properties located within the boundaries of the Portable Sign Placement Area Map, See
Sec. 24-150, et seq., Fort Collins Municipal Code.
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(c) Operations.
1. The message displayed on an EMC shall not change more frequently than once per 60
seconds unless the EMC is subject to Section 3.8.7.6(F). If a single sign includes multiple
EMCs, they shall be considered a single EMC for the purposes of this standard.
2. EMCs shall contain static messages only, and animated, dissolve, or fade transitions are not
allowed.
3. EMCs shall be controlled by dimming software and sensors to adjust brightness for
nighttime viewing and variations in ambient light. The intensity of the light source shall
not produce glare, the effect of which constitutes a traffic hazard or is otherwise
detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
(d) Certification. Prior to acceptance of the installation by the City, the permit holder shall schedule
and inspection with a Zoning Inspector to verify compliance. The permit holder and the
business owner, business manager or property manager shall be in attendance during the
inspection.
(K) Sight Distance Triangles. Signs that obstruct view within an area between a 42 inches and 72 inches
above the flowline of the adjacent street shall be set back from the right-of-way line a distance as
established in Table (K), Sight Distance Triangles.
Table (K)
Sight Distance Triangles1
Type of street Y distances (ft.)2 X distances (ft.) Safe sight distance (ft.)
Arterial
Right: 135
15 500
Left: 270
Collector
Right: 120
15 400
Left: 220
Local
Right: 100
15 300
Left: 150
Table Notes:
1 These distances are typical sight distance triangles to be used under normal conditions and may be modified by the Director of Engineering
in order to protect the public safety and welfare in the event that exceptional site conditions necessitate such modification.
2 See Figure (K) for illustration.
Figure (K)
Sight Distance Triangle Setbacks
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(L) Content. Except as provided in this subsection (L), no sign shall be approved or disapproved based on the
content or message it displays.
(1) Prohibition on Certain Types of Unprotected Speech. The following content, without reference to the
viewpoint of the individual speaker, shall not be displayed on signs:
(a) Text or graphics that is harmful to minors as defined by state or federal law;
(b) Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless
action, or true threats, as such words and phrases are defined by controlling law;
(c) Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with
traffic control signs; or
(d) Signs that provide false information related to public safety (e.g., signs that use the words “Stop,”
“Yield,” “Caution,” or “Danger,” or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters that are
presented in a manner as to confuse motorists or imply a safety hazard that does not exist).
(2) Severability. The narrow classifications of content that are prohibited from display on signs by this
subsection (L) are either not protected by the United States and Colorado Constitutions, or are
offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial and compelling governmental
interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the City Council that each
provision of this subsection (L) be individually severable in the event that a court holds one or more
of them to be inconsistent with the United States Constitution or Colorado Constitution.
(M) Sign Districts.
(1) Generally. In recognition that the City is a place of diverse physical character, and that different areas
of the City have different functional characteristics, signs shall be regulated based on sign district in
which they are located.
(2) Sign Districts Created. The following sign districts are created: Downtown, Commercial/Industrial,
Multifamily, Single-Family, and Residential Neighborhood. Sign districts shall correspond to zoning
districts as provided in Table (M), Sign Districts.
Table (M)
Sign Districts
Sign District Corresponding Zoning Districts
Downtown D; R-D-R
Commercial/Industrial T; C-C; C-C-N; C-C-R; C-G; C-S; C-L; H-C; E; I
Mixed-Use L-M-N; M-M-N; H-M-N; N-C
Multifamily N-C-M; N-C-B
Single-Family R-U-L; U-E; R-F; R-L; N-C-L; P-O-L; R-C
Residential Neighborhood Sign
District
See map on file at City Clerk’s office. To the extent of any geographic overlap with other sign
districts, the Residential Neighborhood Sign District supersedes the overlapped sign district.
3.8.7.2 - Permanent Signs
(A) Sign Area Allowance.
(1) Generally. The sign area allowance limits the total amount of sign area that may be allocated to certain
types of signs (listed in Tables (B) to (F)) on a site based on the location and use of the site. Sign area
allowance is calculated as set out in Table (A), Sign Area Allowance.
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Table (A)
Sign Area Allowance
Location / Use
Calculation
For 1st 200 lf. of
bldg. frontage +
For each lf. of bldg.
frontage in excess of 200
lf.
= But not less than
Generally
All Sign Districts1 2 sf. / lf. + 1 sf. / lf.
= 1 sf. / lf. of lot frontage
TABLE NOTES:
1 Sign allowance is calculated per building frontage and may only be applied to the frontage to which the calculations apply. No more than 3
building frontages shall be used for the purposes of the sign allowance calculations.
(2) Sites without Frontage on Public Streets. If a building does not have frontage on a dedicated public
street, the owner of the building may designate the one building frontage for the purpose of
calculating the sign area allowance.
(3) Allocation of Sign Area Allowance.
(a) If the only building frontage that fronts on a public street is a wall containing no signs, the
property owner may designate another building frontage on the building on the basis of which
the total sign allowance shall be calculated, provided that no more than 25 percent of the total
sign allowance permitted under this Sign Code may be placed on frontage other than the
building fascia which was the basis for the sign allowance calculation.
(b) In all other cases, the sign allowance for a property may be distributed in any manner among its
building and/or street frontages except that no one building or street frontage may contain
more sign area than 100 percent of the sign area allowance.
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(B) Wall Signs. Wall signs are allowed according to the standards in Table (B), Wall Signs.
Table (B)
Wall Signs
Type of
Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District1 Within Residential
Neighborhood Sign
Downtown District1
Commercial/
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Applied or Painted Wall Signs
Max. # Not limited Not limited 1 per single-
family
dwelling unit
or duplex
building that
fronts on an
arterial; or
1 per
nonresidenti
al use
1 per single-
family
dwelling unit
or duplex
building that
fronts on an
arterial; or
1 per
nonresidential
use
1 per single-
family
dwelling unit
or duplex
building that
fronts on an
arterial; or
1 per
nonresidential
use
1 per single-family
dwelling unit or duplex
building that fronts on an
arterial; not limited for
nonresidential uses
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Nonresidenti
al uses only
Nonresidentia
l uses only
Nonresidentia
l uses only
Yes
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Table (B)
Wall Signs
Type of
Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District1 Within Residential
Neighborhood Sign
Downtown District1
Commercial/
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Max. Sign
Height
4.5 ft. if within 15 ft.
of elevation of
sidewalk below; 7 ft.
if above 15 ft. of
elevation of sidewalk
below but any
portion below fourth
story; 9 ft. if entirely
above fourth story.
7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 2.5 ft. within
Neighborhood Service
Center or Neighborhood
Commercial Uses; 2 ft.
within Convenience
Shopping Center use; and
1.5 ft. for all other
Institutional, Business,
Commercial, or other
Nonresidential uses
Max. Sign
Width
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Tenant space 45,000 sf. or
less: lesser of 40 ft. or 75%
of width of tenant space;
Tenant space is larger than
45,000 sf.: 55 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only None Indirect only
Other
Standards
For flush wall signs
consisting of framed
banners, all banners
shall be sized to fit
the banner frame so
that there are no
visible gaps between
the edges of the
banner and the
banner frame.
For flush wall signs
consisting of framed
banners, all banners
shall be sized to fit
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Applied or Painted Wall Signs – Vertically Oriented
Max. # 1 per building 1 per building 1 per building 1 per building 1 per building 1 per single-family
dwelling unit or duplex
building that fronts on
an arterial; 1 per
building for
nonresidential uses
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Nonresidential
uses only
Nonresidential
uses only
Nonresidential
uses only
Yes
Max. Sign
Area
Limited by
sign area
allowance
Limited by sign area
allowance
Single-family or
duplex building:
4 sf.
Nonresidential
use: 35 sf.
Single-family or
duplex building:
4 sf.
Nonresidential
use: 35 sf.
Single-family
or duplex
building: 4 sf.
Nonresidential
use: 35 sf.
Limited by sign area
allowance, except if
tenant space does not
have outside wall, in
which case 30 sf.
Max. Sign
Height
10’ if within
15’ if
elevation of
sidewalk
below; 25 ft.
if above 15’ of
elevation of
sidewalk
below
25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft.
Max. Sign
Width
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Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Nonresidential
uses only
Yes Yes Yes
Max. Sign
Area
Limited by
sign area
allowance
Limited by sign area
allowance
Limited by sign
area allowance
Limited by sign
area allowance
Limited by sign
area
allowance
Limited by sign area
allowance
Max. Sign
Height
4.5 ft. if
within 15 ft.
of elevation
of sidewalk
below; 7 ft. if
above 15 ft.
of elevation
of sidewalk
below but any
portion below
fourth story;
9 ft. if entirely
above fourth
story.
7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 2.5 ft. within
Neighborhood Service
Center or Neighborhood
Commercial Uses; 2 ft.
within Convenience
Shopping Center use;
and 1.5 ft. for all other
Institutional, Business,
Commercial, or other
Nonresidential uses
Max.
Projection
1 ft. 1 ft. 1 ft. 1 ft. 1 ft. 1 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any None None Internal only
Other
Standards
Raceway
must be
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Table (C)
Window Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District1 Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Commercial/Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family Sign District
Other
Standards
Window signs
that are not
exempt from
sign permits are
counted
towards sign
area allowance.
See subsection
(A), above, and
§
3.8.7.1(D)(5)(g)
Window signs that
are not exempt from
sign permits are
counted towards sign
area allowance. See
subsection (A), above,
and § 3.8.7.1(D)(5)(g)
Window signs that
are not exempt
from sign permits
are counted
towards sign area
allowance. See
subsection (A),
above, and §
3.8.7.1(D)(5)(g)
Not allowed
above the first
story of
nonresidential
buildings
Not allowed
above the first
story of
nonresidential
buildings
Not allowed
above the first
story of
nonresidential
buildings
(D) Projecting Signs. Projecting signs include awning signs, marquee signs, under-canopy signs, and fin signs.
Projecting signs are allowed according to the standards in Table (D), Projecting Signs. Projecting signs
shall not extend into the public right-of-way, except that the City may grant a revocable license to allow
projecting signs to encroach into the right-of-way.
Table (D)
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Table (D)
Projecting Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Sign District
Commercial/
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Other Standards Not allowed above
first story; awning
must be installed
over window or
building entrance
Awning sign shall
not project above
top of awning or
beyond face of
awning
Not allowed above
first story; awning
must be installed
over window or
building entrance
Awning sign shall
not project above
top of awning or
beyond face of
awning
Not allowed above
first story; awning
must be installed
over window or
building entrance
Awning sign shall
not project above
top of awning or
beyond face of
awning
Not allowed
above first
story; awning
must be
installed over
window or
building
entrance
Awning sign
shall not
project above
top of awning
or beyond face
of awning
Not allowed
above first
story; awning
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Table (D)
Projecting Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Sign District
Commercial/
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Fin Signs (Primary)
Max. # 1 per street frontage
per nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily building
1 per street
frontage per
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
building
1 per street
frontage per
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily building
1 per street
frontage per
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
building
1 per street
frontage per
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
building
1 per street
frontage per
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
building
Subject to Sign
Area Allowance
Yes Yes Yes, but only for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
buildings
Yes, but only for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
buildings
Yes, but only
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Figure (D)
Fin Signs (Primary)
Fin Signs (Secondary)
Max. # 1 per public
building entry
1 per public building
entry
1 per public
building entry
1 per public
building entry
1 per public
building entry
1 per public
building entry
Subject to Sign
Area Allowance
Yes Yes Yes, but only for
nonresidential uses
No No Yes
Max Sign Area 4 sf. 4 sf. 4 sf. 4 sf. 4 sf. 4 sf.
Max. Projection 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 1 ft.
Min. Sign
Clearance
By building
code
By building code By building code By building code By building
code
By building
code
Allowed
Lighting
Indirect only Any Any Not allowed Not allowed Internal only
Other
Standards
Must be
located above
entrance,
within 3 ft. of
top of door;
not allowed if
under-canopy
sign is present
at same
entrance
Must be located
above entrance,
within 3 ft. of top of
door; not allowed if
under-canopy sign is
present at same
entrance
Must be located
above entrance,
within 3 ft. of top of
door; not allowed if
under-canopy sign
is present at same
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(E) Canopy Signs. Canopy signs are allowed according to the standards in Table (E), Canopy Signs.
Table (E)
Canopy Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Commercial/Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family Sign District
All Canopy Signs
Max. # 1 per canopy
elevation, for
nonresidential,
multifamily, or
mixed-use
property
1 per canopy
elevation, for
nonresidential,
multifamily, or mixed-
use property
1 per canopy
elevation, for
nonresidential,
multifamily, or
mixed-use
property
1 per canopy
elevation, for
nonresidential,
multifamily, or
mixed-use
property
1 per canopy
elevation, for
nonresidential,
multifamily, or
mixed-use
property
1 per street
frontage, on
canopy that
covers
vehicular use
area of
nonresidential,
multifamily, or
mixed-use
property
Subject to Sign
Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max. Sign Area
(per sign)
20 percent of
canopy fascia
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Table (F)
Secondary Roof Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Commercial/Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family Sign District
Max. Sign
Height
1st or 2nd story
secondary
roof: 3 ft
1st or 2nd story
secondary roof: 3 ft.;
1st or 2nd story
secondary roof: 3
ft.;
1st or 2nd story
secondary roof: 3
ft
1st or 2nd story
secondary
roof
1st or 2nd story
secondary roof:
3 ft
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Any Any Any
Other
Standards
Distance
between
secondary roof
and bottom of
sign face shall
not exceed 6
in.; not
allowed above
2nd story
Distance between
secondary roof and
bottom of sign face
shall not exceed 6 in. ;
not allowed above 2nd
story
Distance between
secondary roof
and bottom of sign
face shall not
exceed 6 in. ; not
allowed above 2nd
story
Distance
between
secondary roof
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(G) Freestanding Permanent Signs. Detached permanent signs are allowed according to the standards in
Table (G)(1), Freestanding Permanent Signs.
Table (G)(1)
Freestanding Permanent Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Downtown Neighborhood
Commercial /
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Primary Detached Signs
Max. # 1 per frontage1 1 per frontage1 1 per frontage for
nonresidential, mixed-
use, or multifamily
property1
1 per site for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily uses1;
1 per site for
single-family
detached or
duplex if the lot
fronts on an
arterial; 2 per
public vehicular
entry into
residential
subdivision or
multifamily site
(one single face
sign on each side
of entry)
1 per site for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
uses1; 1 per site
for single-family
detached or
duplex if the lot
fronts on an
arterial; 2 per
public vehicular
entry into
residential
subdivision or
multifamily site
(one single face
sign on each side
of entry)
1 per site for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
uses1; 2 per
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Table (G)(1)
Freestanding Permanent Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Downtown Neighborhood
Commercial /
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Other
Standards
Location may be established by approved development plan;
Structure shall match primary finish and colors of associated buildings;
Pole style signs shall contain no more than 30 percent (or 40 percent if located within the site distance
triangle) of free air space between the top of the sign and the ground, vertically and between the extreme
horizontal limits of the sign extended perpendicular to the ground. A base or pole cover provided to satisfy
this requirement shall be integrally designed as part of the sign by use of such techniques as color, material
and texture. Freestanding signs that existed prior to December 30, 2011, and that do not comply with this
requirement shall be removed or brought into compliance by December 31, 2019, provided that such signs
otherwise comply with § 3.8.7.4, Nonconforming Signs.
structure shall
match primary
finish and
colors of
associated
buildings; must
be monument
style
Secondary Detached Signs
Max. # 1 per vehicular
access point to
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
property
1 per vehicular
access point to
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
property
1 per vehicular access
point to
nonresidential, mixed-
use, or multifamily
property
1 per vehicular
access point to
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
property
1 per vehicular
access point to
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
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Table (G)(1)
Freestanding Permanent Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Downtown Neighborhood
Commercial /
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Setbacks
and Spacing
2ft from the right
of way; if the
sign faces out to
the right-of-way
10 ft.
2ft from the right of
way; if the sign
faces out to the
right-of-way 10 ft.
2ft from the right of
way; if the sign faces
out to the right-of-way
10 ft.
2ft from the right
of way; if the sign
faces out to the
right-of-way 10 ft.
2ft from the
right of way; if
the sign faces
out to the right-
of-way 10 ft.
2ft from the
right of way; if
the sign faces
out to the
right-of-way
10 ft.
Max.
Cabinets or
Modules
per Sign
Face
1 1 1 1 1 1
Other
Standards
Must be oriented
to the drive-thru
lane; if any part
of the sign
structure is
visible from
abutting
property or
right-of-way
additional
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permit may be issued is expanded to include the following zoning districts: D, R-D-R, C-C-R, C-
G, and N-C, and all pedestrian-oriented shopping streets within the C-C and H-C zoning districts.
[b] All horizontal projected light signs require a permit.
(b) The projected image of a horizontal projected light sign:
1. Shall be entirely within 10 ft. of a building entrance;
2. Shall not exceed 6 sf. in area;
3. Shall be projected onto a sidewalk or landscaped area;
4. Shall not project onto safety or traffic signage (e.g., crosswalk markings, bicycle dismount
signs, etc.); and
5. Shall comply with all applicable lighting standards.
(c) The projector shall be concealed from view and either:
1. Located entirely on private property; or
2. Hung under an awning, canopy, eave, or arcade that is allowed to encroach over the right-
of-way by way of a revocable license.
(d) A Horizontal projected light sign shall not be displayed on the public sidewalk at the same time
as a sidewalk sign.
(2) Vertical Projected Light Signs. Vertical projected light signs are not allowed as permanent signs. See
Section 3.8.7.3 for the temporary use of vertical projected light signs.
(3) Operation. All projected light signs shall contain static messages only. Animated, dissolve, or fade
transitions are not allowed.
(I) Restoration or Reconstruction of Historic Signs. The provisions of this subsection apply to buildings in
the Downtown sign district that are 50 years or older, whether or not they are formally recognized as
historic at the local, state, or national level, or whether they are located within a designated historic
district.
(1) A sign on a designated property, or a property determined to be eligible for designation on the
National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Properties, or as a Fort Collins
Landmark, that may not otherwise comply with the strict provisions of this Sign Code and has been
approved by the Landmark Preservation Commission through a review of Chapter 14 of the
Municipal Code shall be permitted and shall not be counted in sign area allowance for the property.
(2) A sign on a property which is not designated or individually eligible for designation on the National
Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Properties, or as a Fort Collins Landmark,
that may not otherwise comply with the strict provisions of this Sign Code and is inspired by a
historic sign on the property and does not require a review through Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code
by the Landmark Preservation Commission shall be reviewed by the Director. In approving such
signs, the Director shall not condition approval on changes in content and find the following:
(a) The sign is not detrimental to the public good;
(b) The size and location of the sign are comparable to a historic sign of the property and the
deviation from the provisions of this Sign Code are nominal and inconsequential with the
context of the neighborhood;
(d) The sign is comparable to the quality, character and design of a historic sign of the property;
(e) The sign shall not degrade the historic character of the neighborhood or convey a false sense of
history.
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The Director may deny any sign application that does not meet all the standards of this section. All
signs approved through this section shall count towards the sign area allowance for the property.
3.8.7.3 - Temporary Signs
(A) Applicability. The regulations contained in this § 3.8.7.3 apply to temporary signs. The standards of this
Section are applied in conjunction with all other applicable standards (e.g., the standards set out in §
3.8.7.1).
(B) Standards for Attached Temporary Signs.
(1) Generally. The standards of this subsection apply to temporary signs that are attached to buildings.
Temporary signs that are not attached to buildings are subject to the standards of subsection (C),
below. Duration of display is limited by subsection (D).
(2) Attached Temporary Banners and Pennants. Attached temporary banners and pennants may only be
displayed provided a permit is obtained pursuant to § 3.8.7.4(B)(2).
(3) Temporary Sign Covers. Temporary sign covers are permitted in all sign districts, provided that they
are used during a period not to exceed 40 days in which a new permanent sign or sign component is
being fabricated and such sign or sign component is permitted and installed in accordance with this
Sign Code.
(4) Temporary Window Signs.
(a) Temporary window signs are allowed in all locations where permanent window signs are
allowed, provided that the standards of § 3.8.7.2(C) are met as to the combination of temporary
and permanent window signs.
(b) Temporary window signs shall be affixed to the window such that the fastener (e.g., tape) is not
highly visible, or shall be mounted vertically inside of the building for viewing through the
window.
(C) Standards for Detached Temporary Signs.
(1) Generally. The standards of this subsection apply to temporary signs that are not attached to
buildings. Temporary signs that are attached to buildings are subject to the standards of subsection
(B), above. Duration of display is limited by subsection (D).
(2) Detached Temporary Signs. Detached temporary signs are allowed according to the standards in
Table (C), Detached Temporary Signs. Detached temporary sign types that are not listed in Table C
(including but not limited to inflatable signs) are not allowed. Detached banners and pennants may
only be displayed provided a permit is obtained pursuant to subsection (E), below. Portable signs
may only be displayed provided a permit is obtained pursuant to the Code of the City of Fort Collins,
Chapter 24, Article IV.
Table (C)
Detached Temporary Signs
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of
Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown Commercial-Industrial Multifamily/Mixed Use Single-Family
Yard Signs
Max. #
Single-Family and
Duplex Residential
Buildings: Not Limited
Single-Family and
Duplex Residential
Buildings: Not Limited
Single-Family and
Duplex Residential
Buildings: Not Limited
Residential Buildings:
Not limited
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Table (C)
Detached Temporary Signs
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of
Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown Commercial-Industrial Multifamily/Mixed Use Single-Family
Multi-Family
Residential Buildings:
1 per 20 ft. of property
frontage or fraction thereof
All other uses: 2 per
vehicular access point
Multi-Family
Residential Buildings:
1 per 20 ft. of property
frontage or fraction
thereof
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed Use
Buildings: 1 per 80 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed Use
Buildings: 1 per 80 ft.
of property frontage or
fraction thereof
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed Use
Buildings: 1 per 80 ft.
of property frontage or
fraction thereof
Max. Sign
Area (per
sign)
6 sf. 8 sf. 8 sf. 6 sf.
Max. Sign
Height 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft.
Allowed
Lighting None None None None
Setbacks
and Spacing
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
2 ft. from property
lines; 2 ft. from all
other signs
Other
Standards
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Table (C)
Detached Temporary Signs
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Type of
Sign
Standards
Sign District
Downtown Commercial-Industrial Multifamily/Mixed Use Single-Family
12 ft. from building
walls
12 ft. from building
walls
12 ft. from building
walls
12 ft. from building
walls
Other
Standards
Where allowed, site
signs shall be installed in
permeable landscaped
areas or
hardscaped areas other
than vehicular use areas
and sidewalks that are at
least 5 ft. in every
horizontal dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
Where allowed, site
signs shall be installed in
permeable landscaped areas
or
hardscaped areas other than
vehicular use areas and
sidewalks that are at
least 5 ft. in every horizontal
dimension and at least 40 sf.
in area
Where allowed, site
signs shall be installed
in permeable
landscaped areas or
hardscaped areas other than
vehicular use areas and
sidewalks that are at
least 5 ft. in every horizontal
dimension and at least 40 sf. in
area
Where allowed, site
signs shall be installed in
permeable
landscaped areas or
hardscaped areas other
than vehicular use areas
and sidewalks that are at
least 5 ft. in every
horizontal dimension and at
least 40 sf. in area
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(1) Generally. The purpose of temporary signs is to display messages for a temporary duration.
Temporary signs shall not be used as a subterfuge to circumvent the regulations that apply to
permanent signs or to add permanent signage to a property in addition to that which is allowed by
this Sign Code.
(2) Classification of Temporary Sign Materials. Temporary signs are constructed from a variety of
materials with varying degrees of durability. Common materials are classified in Table (D)(1),
Classification of Temporary Sign Materials.
Table (D)(1)
Classification of Temporary Sign Materials
Material
Material Class
1 2 3 4 5
Paper, card stock, foam core board, or cardboard ✓
Laminated paper or cardstock, polyethylene bags ✓
Cloth, canvas, nylon, polyester, burlap, flexible vinyl, or other flexible material of comparable durability ✓
Inflexible vinyl, hard plastic, composite, or corrugated plastic ("coroplast") ✓
Wood or metal ✓
(3) Duration of Display.
(a) In general, a temporary sign shall be removed as of the earlier of the date that:
1. It becomes an abandoned sign; or
2. It falls into disrepair (see § 3.8.7.5); or
3. The number of days set out in Table (D)(2), Duration of Temporary Sign Display by Material
Class, expires.
Table (D)(2)
Duration of Temporary Sign Display by Material Class
Sign Type
Max. Duration for Individual Sign by Material Class
1 2 3 4 5 Max. Posting Days/Year
Yard Sign Not Allowed 45 days Not Allowed 60 days 180 days 180 days
Site Sign Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed 60 days 180 days 180 days 1
Swing Sign Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed 60 days 180 days 180 days 1
Window Sign 30 days per sign 30 days per sign 30 days per sign 30 days per sign 30 days per sign 30 days per sign
Feather Flags Not Allowed Not Allowed 20 days Not Allowed Not Allowed 20 days
Table Notes:
1 Alternatively, the sign type may be displayed for three hundred sixty (360) days every two (2) calendar years.
(b) Temporary required signs shall be removed as required by the applicable regulation.
(4) Administrative Interpretations. Materials for signage that are not listed in this subsection (D) may be
introduced into the market. When a material is proposed that is not listed in this subsection (D), the
Director shall determine the class of materials with which the new material is most closely
comparable, based on the new material’s appearance, durability, and colorfastness. No temporary
sign shall be displayed for a longer period than a site sign constructed of class 5 material, regardless
of the durability material (although such a sign may be permissible as a permanent sign under §
3.8.7.2).
(E) Banners and Pennants.
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(1) Attached unframed banners, detached banners, and attached and detached pennants are allowed in
any zone district pursuant to the restrictions in below Table (E), provided that a permit is obtained
from the Director. The Director shall issue a permit for the display of banners and pennants only in
locations where such banners and pennants will not cause unreasonable annoyance or
inconvenience to adjoining property owners or other persons in the area and on such additional
conditions as deemed necessary to protect adjoining premises and the public. All banners and
pennants shall be removed on or before the expiration date of the permit. If any person, business or
organization erects any banners or pennants without receiving a permit, as herein provided, the
person, business or organization shall be ineligible to receive a permit for a banner or pennant for
the remainder of the calendar year.
(2) Each business or non-profit entity or other organization, and each individual not affiliated with an
entity or organization, shall be eligible to display banners and pennants pursuant to a valid permit
for a maximum of forty (40) days per calendar year.
(3) The Director shall review a banner or pennant permit application within two (2) business days to
determine completeness. If it is complete, the Director shall approve or deny the application within
three (3) business days after such determination. If it is incomplete, the Director shall cause the
application to be returned to the applicant within one (1) business day of the determination, along
with written reasons for the determination of incompleteness.
(4) Notwithstanding the size and time limitations contained in Table E in the Downtown sign district:
(a) , In conjunction with a special event permit three banners larger in size than 40 sf. may be
displayed for 15 days.
(b) The Director may approve a temporary banner permit application if it is demonstrated that:
1. The banner display is not detrimental to the public good;
2. The banner does not project into the right-of-way;
3. The banner is attached to a building 30ft or greater in height;
4. The banner is mounted flush with the building wall;
5. The banner is on the side of building that fronts a right-of-way or public plaza;
6. There is no more than 15 sf. of permanent signage on the side of the building on which the
banner is to be displayed;
7. The banner does not cover more than one architecturally distinct window;
8. No feather flags are displayed on the property;
9. Only one banner is displayed at a time;
10. The banner does not exceed six feet in width and 25 feet in height; and
11. The banner is displayed no more than a four consecutive month period
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Table (E)
Banners and Pennants
(sf. = square feet / ft. = linear feet / N/A = not applicable)
Standard
Sign District
Downtown Commercial-Industrial Multifamily/Mixed Use Single-Family
Detached Banners and Pennants
Max. # on each
building elevation 1
1 per 300 ft. of
building elevation or
fraction thereof, but
not more than 3
banners per building
1
Residential
Buildings:
Not Allowed
Nonresidential
Buildings: 1
Max. Sign Area 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf.
Residential
Buildings: N/A
Nonresidential
Buildings: 40 sf.
Allowed Lighting None External None None
Max. Sign Height 7 ft. 7 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft.
Other Standards None
If more than one
banner is allowed on a
building elevation,
banners may be
clustered
None None
Detached Banners and Pennants
Max. #
Either framed or
unframed: 1 per
property frontage; or 1
per 100 ft. of property
frontage if secured to temporary
construction fencing related to
permitted construction (may be
clustered)
Either framed or
unframed: 1 per
property frontage; or 1
per 100 ft. of property
frontage if secured to
temporary
construction fencing
related to permitted
construction (may be
clustered)
Either framed or
unframed: 1 per
property frontage; or 1 per
100 ft. of property
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(F) Vertical Projected Light Signs.
(1) Vertical projected light signs may be used in connection with a temporary special event, during the
term of the temporary special event. Such special events may include, but are not limited to, Art in
Public Places events or Downtown Development Authority Alley Enhancement Projects.
(2) The projected image of a vertical projected light signs is limited to nonresidential and mixed-use
properties, but is not limited by zoning district.
(3) The projected image shall not fall onto a surface with a high degree of specular reflectivity, such as
polished metal or glass. The image shall be positioned to harmonize with the architectural character
of the building(s) to which it is projected, and shall avoid any projection, relief, cornice, column,
window, or door opening.
(4) The projected image shall not exceed 15 sf. if any portion of it is on a first story building wall or on a
structure that is not a building, or 30 sf. if all of the image is above the first story of a building, except
that a projected image may occupy 100 percent of the side or rear wall area of a building in the
Downtown sign district, provided that the building is within the Downtown Development Authority’s
Alley Enhancement Project and the building wall does not face a vehicular right-of-way.
(5) The path of the projection shall not cross public rights-of-way or pedestrian pathways at a height of
less than seven feet.
(6) Vertical projected light signs shall contain static messages only, and animated, dissolve, or fade
transitions are not allowed.
(6) Vertical projected light signs are subject to the illumination standards of § 3.8.7.1(I) unless the City
determines that additional illumination will be permitted because it will pose no material
detrimental effects on neighboring properties or public rights-of-way due to the location and/or
timing of the display. Such determination, and allowable illumination levels, shall be specified in the
permit that allows the vertical projected light sign.
3.8.7.4 - Nonconforming Signs and Administration
(A) Nonconforming Signs.
(1) Nonconforming signs shall be maintained in good condition and no such sign shall be:
(a) Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, although its content may be changed;
(b) Structurally altered in order to prolong the life of the sign;
(c) Altered so as to increase the degree of nonconformity of the sign;
(d) Enlarged;
(e) Re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated cost of reconstruction 50 percent
of the appraised replacement cost.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (A)(3), below, all existing nonconforming signs located on property
annexed to the City shall be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Article no later
than seven years after the effective date of such annexation; provided, however, that during said
seven-year period, such signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall be subject to the same
limitations contained in subparagraphs (A)(1)(a) through (f), above. This subsection shall not apply
to off-premises signs which are within the ambit of the just compensation provisions of the Federal
Highway Beautification Act and the Colorado Outdoor Advertising Act.
(3) All existing signs with flashing, moving, blinking, chasing or other animation effects not in
conformance with the provisions of this Article and located on property annexed to the City shall be
altered so that such flashing, moving, blinking, chasing, or other animation effects shall cease within
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60 days after such annexation, and all existing portable signs, vehicle-mounted signs, banners, and
pennants located on property annexed to the City shall be removed or made to conform within 60
days after such annexation.
(4) Historic signs shall be considered conforming for the purposes of this Section. The Director may
designate a sign as an historic sign if:
(a) The applicant provides documentation that the sign has been at its present location for a
minimum of fifty (50) years.
(b) The sign is structurally safe or capable of being made structurally safe without substantially
altering its historic character. The property owner is responsible for making all structural
repairs and restoration of the sign to its original condition.
(c) The sign is representative of signs from the era in which it was constructed and provides
evidence of the historic use of the building or premises.
Additionally, a sign shall be considered historic if the Landmark Preservation Commission through a
review of Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code as approved the historic nature of the sign.
(B) Administration.
(1) All sign permit applications shall be accompanied by detailed drawings indicating the dimensions,
location, and engineering of the particular sign, plat plans when applicable, and the applicable
processing fee.
(2) The Director shall review the sign permit application within two business days after receipt to
determine if it is complete. If it is complete, the Director shall approve or deny the application within
three business days after such determination. If it is incomplete, the Director shall cause the
application to be returned to the applicant within one business day of the determination, along with
written reasons for the determination of incompleteness.
3.8.7.5 - Sign Maintenance
(A) Maintenance Standards. Signs and sign structures of all types (attached, detached, and temporary) shall
be maintained according to the following standards:
(1) Paint and Finishes. Paint and other finishes shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling finishes
shall be repaired. Signs with running colors shall be repainted, repaired, or removed if the running
colors were not a part of the original design.
(2) Mineral Deposits and Stains. Mineral deposits and stains shall be promptly removed.
(3) Corrosion and Rust. Permanent signs and sign structures shall be finished and maintained to prevent
corrosion and rust. A patina on copper elements (if any) is not considered rust.
(4) Damage. Permanent signs that are damaged shall be repaired or removed within one year, unless
the damage creates a material threat to public safety, in which case the Chief Building Official may
order prompt repair or removal. Temporary signs that are obviously damaged (e.g., broken yard
signs) shall be removed within 24 hours.
(5) Upright, Level Position. Signs that are designed to be upright and level, whether temporary or
permanent, shall be installed and maintained in an upright and level position. Feather flag poles shall
be installed in a vertical position. Signs that are not upright and level shall be removed or restored to
an upright, level position.
(6) Code Compliance. The sign must be maintained in compliance with all applicable building, electrical,
and property maintenance codes (including any exceptions that may apply to existing sign
structures).
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(B) Quality of Repairs. Repairs to signs shall be equal to or better in quality of materials and design than the
original sign.
(C) Altering or Moving Existing Signs.
(1) Any alteration to an existing sign structure (except for alterations to changeable copy, replacement
of a panel in a cabinet sign, replacement of a light source with a comparably bright light source,
application of paint or stain) shall require a new permit pursuant to § 3.8.7.4(B) prior to
commencement of the alteration. Alterations requiring a new permit shall include, without
limitation:
(a) Changes to the area of manual changeable copy center on a sign, including the installation of a
new manual changeable copy center where one was not previously present;
(b) Changing the size of the sign;
(c) Changing the shape of the sign;
(d) Changing the material of which the sign is constructed;
(e) Changing or adding lighting to the sign (except as provided above);
(f) Changing the location of the sign; or
(g) Changing the height of the sign.
(2) No sign permit is required for removal of sign displays from supporting structures for maintenance,
provided that they are replaced on the same support in the same configuration and the maintenance
did not involve work that requires a permit.
3.8.7.6 - Conversion of Nonconforming Billboards
(A) Generally. The purpose of this Section is to provide an incentive for the reduction of sign clutter by
allowing for digital billboard replacements (DRC) in exchange for the removal of existing nonconforming
billboards according to the provisions set out herein. The digital electronic message center components
of DRC are exempt from § 3.8.7.1(J)(2), and instead are subject to the standards of this Section. DRC are
subject to all other provisions of § 3.8.7.1.
(B) Replacement Ratio. The applicant for a (DRC) shall provide proof that the greater of eight static sign faces
or 2,200 sf. of static sign face from existing billboards within the City of Fort Collins or its Growth
Management Area will be permanently removed for each sign face that is the subject of a DRC. Where a
sign structure remains with no sign faces, the sign structure shall also be permanently removed.
(C) Review Procedures.
(1) An application to convert nonconforming billboards will undergo a Type 2 review.
(D) Replacement Locations. (1) Within the City there shall not be more than five new DRC locations
and shall be:
(a) Prohibited in the D; R-L; R-C; P-O-L; U-E; R-U-L; R-F; N-C-L; and N-C-M zone districts.
(b) Not located within 500 ft. from designated historic districts or landmarks, natural areas or
parks, or property that is used or zoned for single-family, duplex, or single family attached
residential uses
(c) Not located within 1/8 mile (660 ft.) of Downtown Zone District
(2) DRC shall be separated from each other by not less than two miles, measured in a straight line
between the DRC and existing static billboards.
(3) DRC shall be set back as follows:
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(a) From public rights-of-way: 25 ft.
(b) From traffic control devices and driver decision and action points: 100 ft.
(d) From interchanges with limited access highways: 1,000 ft.
(E) Sign Face Area. No sign face of a digital billboard replacement shall exceed 90 sf. in area, unless it is
directed at an interstate highway, in which case it shall not exceed 250 sf. in area.
(F) Sign Height. No DRC shall exceed 18 ft. in height, unless it is directed at an interstate highway, in which
case it shall not exceed 26 ft. in height. If flush mounted on a side of a building it cannot cover any
fenestration and not exceed the lesser of the roof line or 18 ft. in height.
(G) Design and Operation. With respect to digital billboard replacements:
(1) EMCs shall not have a pixel pitch that is greater than 16 mm.
(2) The message displayed on an EMC shall be a single message (not a split screen with more than one
message), which shall not change more frequently than set out in Table (F), Dwell Time.
Table (F)
Dwell Time
Speed limit of street that EMC faces Minimum dwell time
50 m.p.h. or less 60 seconds
More than 50 m.p.h. 24 seconds
(3) DRC shall contain static messages only, and animated, dissolve, or fade transitions are not allowed.
(4) DRC shall be controlled by dimming software and sensors to adjust brightness for nighttime viewing
and variations in ambient light. The intensity of the light source shall not produce glare, the effect of
which constitutes a traffic hazard or is otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
(5) DRC that are mounted on poles shall utilize pole covers to hide the poles from view.
(H) Certification. Prior to acceptance of the installation by the City, the permit holder shall schedule and
inspection with the Community Development Department to verify compliance. The permit holder and
the business owner, business manager or property manager shall be in attendance during the inspection.
Definitions
5.1.2 - Definitions.1
Abandoned sign means a sign that does not contain a message, or contains a commercial or event-based
message that is obviously obsolete (e.g., the name of a business that is no longer operational, or an
advertisement for an event that has already occurred), for a continuous period of sixty (60) days.
Applied or painted sign means a type of wall sign that is applied to or painted on a building wall, such that
the sign appears flush with, or within not more than one inch of, the surface of the wall.
Attached sign means a wall sign, a window sign, a roof sign, or a projecting sign.
Awning sign means a sign that is painted on, integrated into, or attached to an awning. For the purposes of
this definition, an awning is a projection from the building that is supported entirely from the exterior wall of
the building, and that gives shelter from the sun or weather over doors, windows, or storefronts. An awning
is different from a canopy in that an awning is covered with fabric or other flexible material.
1 These definitions should be alphabetically interleaved with the existing definitions in Section 5.1.2 of the Land
Use Code.
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Banner means a type of temporary sign that is painted or printed on cloth, vinyl, or other flexible material,
which is designed to be stretched between poles, fence posts or wire, mounted in a free-standing frame, or
hung on walls with ties, clips, rails, brackets, hooks, or frames.
Banner frame means type of wall sign composed of a frame that is secured to a building wall and used to
stretch banners such that they are tightly stretched and their mounting hardware is hidden from view.
Billboard means a type of freestanding sign that incorporates a sign face that is larger than 70 square feet,
mounted on one or more pole structures, such that the lowest part of the sign face is 10 feet or more above
adjacent grade.
Illustrative Billboard
Building elevation means the external face of a building, projected onto a two-dimensional plane. For
purposes of calculating allowed sign area, the building elevation is the two-dimensional representation of the
side of the building upon which the sign is proposed.
Bulletin board means type of wall sign composed of a cork, letter board, white board, or comparable surface
that is within a secured, weather-resistant enclosure and used for the display of temporary messages.
Bulletin board does not include manual changeable copy center.
Cabinet sign means a type of sign composed of a frame or external structure with a box-like design that
encloses a sign face and other functional elements of the sign, including dimensional or electrical
components.
Canopy sign means a type of sign with one face affixed to a canopy. For the purposes of this definition, a
canopy is an attached or detached structure, open on at least one side, which is designed to provide overhead
shelter from the sun or weather. Canopies include, but are not limited to, service station canopies, carports,
porte-cochères, arcades, and pergolas. A canopy is different from an awning in that a canopy is not covered
with fabric or flexible material.
Commercial speech means expression by a speaker for the purposes of commerce, where the intended
audience is actual or potential consumers, and where the content of the message is commercial in character.
Commercial speech typically advertises a business or business activity or proposes a commercial transaction.
Detached sign means a sign that is not attached to or located inside of a building.
Digital billboard means a billboard that incorporates an electronic message center on at least one sign face.
Digital billboard replacement means the replacement of all or part of a static sign face of an existing
billboard with a digital electronic message center or a new billboard with an electronic message center that
replaces existing billboards without electronic message centers, according to the provisions of § 3.8.7.6.
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Digital electronic message center means a display surface that is composed of light emitting diodes (LEDs)
or comparable light sources that is capable of displaying variable messages and graphics, which are generally
created on a computer. Digital electronic message centers are also known as EMCs.
Dimensional wall sign means a three-dimensional sign that is attached to building wall, such that the
elements of the sign do not extend more than eight inches from the building wall. Dimensional wall signs
include but are not limited to channel lettering.
Illustrative Dimensional Wall Sign
Feather flag means a flexible piece of fabric that is attached to a flexible pole along a long edge such that the
pole stretches the fabric taut regardless of wind conditions. Feather flags are also commonly referred to as
“teardrop banners,” “teardrop flags,” and “flutter flags.”
Illustrative Feather Flags
Fin sign means a projecting sign that is mounted on or affixed to a building wall, such that the sign face is
generally perpendicular to the building wall. In addition to the wall mount or mounts, a fin sign may include
ground-mounted support structures.
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Illustrative Fin Signs
Flag means a flexible piece of fabric, that is attached along one edge to a straight, rigid flagpole (directly or
with rope), and which is designed to move when the wind blows. Flags are typically (but not necessarily)
rectangular in shape, and often (but not always) include printed or embroidered insignia that symbolizes a
nation, state, or organization, or that display a graphic or message.
Hanging sign means a sign that is mounted under an awning or canopy as such terms are defined above, or
under a cantilevered portion of a building. Generally, hanging signs are oriented perpendicular to the
building wall.
Inflatable sign means a sign that is constructed from an envelope flexible material that is given shape and /
or movement by inflation. The phrase inflatable sign does not include balloons that are less than 18 inches in
all dimensions.
Initial luminaire lumens means the light output of the lamp or luminaire before any light loss factors are
considered.
Interactive window sign means one or more illuminated screens that are displayed inside storefront
windows that can be programed to allow customers to navigate content interactively from outside the
window.
Manual changeable copy message center means a sign element in which letters, numbers, or symbols may
be changed manually without altering the face of the sign (e.g., by placement of letters into tracks that are
enclosed within a cabinet structure). Manual changeable copy centers are sometimes known as
“readerboards.”
Marquee sign means projecting sign that is designed as a canopy structure, which includes a combination of
permanent lettering or graphics and either manual changeable copy or electronic message center
components.
Monument style means a style of freestanding sign characterized by a supporting sign structure that is at
least 70 percent of the width of the sign face, and that contains not more than 2 sign faces.
Off-premises signs shall mean a sign or billboard which is used or intended for use to advertise, identify,
direct or attract the attention of the public to a business, institution, product, organization, event or location
offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot, tract or parcel of land where such sign or billboard is
displayed.
Optional residential sign means a wall sign, affixed to a residential building on a street-facing elevation,
with a single sign face that does not exceed four square feet in area.
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Permanent sign means a durable sign that is mounted or affixed for long-term use, not easily removed, and
resistant to weather and other wear and tear.
Pole cover means a durable, permanent decorative cover that encloses the structural supports of a detached
sign. The phrase “pole cover” does not include paints, stains, powder coating, or other finishes that are
applied directly to the structural supports.
Portable sign means a sign that is designed to be easily moved from one location to another, and when
placed, is neither fastened to a permanent structure or building, nor staked or otherwise installed into the
ground.
Illustrative Portable Sign
Primary detached sign means a detached sign that is visually dominant over other detached signs on the
same property, due to its taller height and / or larger sign area.
Primary fin sign means a fin sign that is visually dominant over other fin signs on the same building, due to
its taller height and / or larger sign area.
Principal building entrance means a street-level primary point of public pedestrian access into a building.
The phrase “principal building entrance” does not include doors used principally as emergency exits, or doors
that provide restricted access (e.g., for employees or deliveries).
Projected light sign means any image, text, or other content that is projected onto an outdoor surface (e.g., a
building wall or sidewalk) by a laser projector, video projector, video mapping, or other comparable
technology, in a location such that the image, text, or content is obviously visible from outside of the premises.
Projecting sign means a type of attached sign that extends from a building wall, usually perpendicular to the
wall’s surface. Projecting signs include awning signs, fin signs, marquee signs, and hanging signs.
Property means the real property owned or controlled by the applicant for a sign permit or alternative sign
program. Property may be a single lot or parcel, or may be a combination of abutting lots or parcels that will
be bound by the approval.
Property frontage means the length of a front, side, or rear property line that abuts a street right-of-way.
Required sign means a sign that is required by an applicable building code (e.g., address numbers) or health
and safety regulations (e.g., the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) or other laws or regulations,
whether such sign is temporary or permanent.
Rider means a subordinate sign panel that is attached to a swing sign, either above the horizontal member or
below the principal sign face. To illustrate, but without limiting the range of messages that a rider may
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convey, if the swing sign is used to advertise a property as “for sale,” a rider is often used to convey a related
message such as “contract pending.”
Roof sign means a type of attached sign that is mounted onto a building’s roof structure.
Secondary detached sign means a detached sign that is subordinate to a primary detached sign in terms of
height and / or sign area.
Secondary fin sign means a fin sign that is subordinate to a primary fin sign in terms of height and / or sign
area.
Secondary roof means a flat roof structure that is at least 10 feet lower than another roof structure on the
same building.
Secondary roof sign means a sign that is mounted upon the horizontal plane of a flat roof structure of
secondary roof of a building, which may include the roof of a canopy or porte-cochère that is attached to a
building.
Sign means any writing (including letter, word or number), pictorial representation (including illustration or
declaration), product, form (including shapes resembling any human, animal or product form), emblem
(including any device, symbol, trademark, object or design which conveys a recognizable meaning, identity or
distinction) or any other figure of similar character that is a structure or any part thereof or is written,
painted, projected upon, printed, designed into, constructed or otherwise placed on or near a building, board,
plate, or upon any material object or device whatsoever, that by reason of its form, location, manner of
display, color, working, stereotyped design or otherwise attracts or is designed to attract attention to the
subject or to the premises upon which it is situated, or is used as a means of identification, advertisement or
announcement. The term sign shall not include the following:
(1) window displays of merchandise or products;
(2) works of art that do not include commercial speech;
(3) products, merchandise or other materials which are offered for sale or used in conducting a business,
when such products, merchandise, or materials are kept or stored in a location which is designed and
commonly used for the storage of such products, merchandise or materials; and
(4) any display that would otherwise be considered a sign, but that has been found by the Landmark
Preservation Commission to be an integral part of a building that is designated as an historic
landmark, and the display is a contributing feature of the historic character of such building. Sign face
means the surface area of a sign which is designed for placement of text, symbols, or images. The sign
face does not include the supporting structure, if any, unless the supporting structure is used for the
display of text, symbols, or images. For wall signs, the sign face is equal to the sign area of the wall
sign, or the area within any frame or color used to define, differentiate, or mount the wall sign,
whichever is larger.
Illustrative Sign Face
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Site sign means a type of temporary sign that is constructed of vinyl, plastic, wood, metal, or other
comparable rigid material, which is displayed on a structure that includes at least two posts.
Illustrative Site Sign
Street-Facing Building Elevation means Building Elevation that is oriented toward a public or private street
that abuts the property.
Swing sign means a type of temporary sign that is suspended from a horizontal swing post that is attached to
a post that is staked into the ground. Swing signs may include riders that are mounted to the swing post or
suspended under the sign panel.
Temporary seasonal decorations means decorations and signs that are clearly incidental, customary, and
commonly associated with a holiday.
Temporary sign means a sign that is designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
Temporary sign cover means a type of temporary sign that is constructed of flexible material, designed to fit
over a permanent sign face or mount.
Wall sign means a sign that is painted on, applied to, or affixed to a building wall. Wall signs include applied
or painted signs, bulletin boards, cabinet signs, and dimensional wall signs.
Window sign means a type of temporary or permanent sign that is: (i) painted on, applied to, or attached to a
window; or (ii) or installed or positioned within a building such that the sign face is oriented towards and
highly visible through a window that is within one foot of the sign.
Window transparency means the surface area of a window that is not covered or obstructed by a sign, such
that the visibility through the window in both directions is not blocked by a sign.
Yard sign means a type of temporary sign that is constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic, wood, metal or other
comparable material, which is mounted on a stake or a frame structure (often made from wire) that includes
one or more stakes.
Illustrative Yard Signs
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Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
July 24th, 2018
Phase 2 of Sign Code Update
Noah Beals Senior City Planner - Zoning
ATTACHMENT 2
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Objective
2
1. Does Council have additional direction for digital billboard
replacement, section 3.8.7.6 of the draft?
2. Is there any other feedback on the draft of the sign code update?
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Phase 2 Sign Code Update
3
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Goals of Phase 2
4
1. Improve the overall legibility of the Sign Code Section
2. Implement action items for the adopted Downtown Plan
3. Discuss sign standards for new technology and common requests
4. Provide an option for consideration of Digital Billboards
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Public Meeting
5
Presented the Draft sign code in May
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Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Other Presentations
6
Presented the Draft to Boards and Commissions
• Economic Advisory Commission
• Landmark Preservation Commission
• Planning and Zoning Board
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Types of Signs
7
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Highlights of the Code update
8
Wall Signs Projecting (Fin) Signs
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Highlights of the Code update
9
Secondary Roof Signs Electronic Message Centers
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Highlights of the Code update
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Horizontal Vertical
Light Projected Signs
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Digital Billboard Replacement
11
What does the Code Update include?
Max Size
Not to exceed 90 sf. in area, unless it is directed
at an interstate highway, in which case it shall
not exceed 250 sf. in area
Max Height
Not to exceed 18 ft. in height, unless it is
directed at an interstate highway, in which case
it shall not exceed 26 ft. in height
Resolution EMC's shall not have pixel pitch that is greater
than 16 mm.
Dwell Time
Messages can change based on the speed limit
of the street the EMC faces:
• 50 mph or less: 60 seconds
• More than 50 mph: 24 seconds
Other
Standards
The message displayed on an EMC shall be a
single static message (not a split screen with
more than one message) Maximum of 5 new locations
3.2
Packet Pg. 117
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Digital Billboard Replacement
12
What does the Code Update include?
Replacement
Ratio
The greater of 8 static sign faces or 2,200 sf. of static sign
face from existing billboards within the City limits or Growth
Management Area Will be permanently removed for each
sign face that is the subject of a digital board replacement
Spacing Separated from each other by not less than two miles,
measured in a straight line between the Billboards
Setbacks
• From public rights‐of‐way:25ft
• From traffic control devices and driver decision points:
100ft
• Downtown Zone district, designated historic districts or
landmarks, natural areas or parks, or property that is used or
zoned for single‐family, duplex, or sing‐family attached
residential uses: 500ft.
• From interchanges with limited access highways: 1,000ft
Locations The maximum of 5 new Digital Billboard Locations From Lamar.com
3.2
Packet Pg. 118
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Digital Billboard Replacement
13
• There are 70-80 static billboard faces
within the City and Growth
Management Area (this about 36
different locations).
• There is 1 digital Billboard in the
Growth Management Area.
3.2
Packet Pg. 119
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
14
Next Steps
• Based on Council Feedback Refine the Draft
• Bring an Ordinance of the Sign Code Update to Council for
consideration in September/October of 2018
3.2
Packet Pg. 120
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Objective
15
1. Does Council have additional direction for digital billboard
replacement, section 3.8.7.6 of the draft?
2. Is there any other feedback on the draft of the sign code update?
3.2
Packet Pg. 121
Attachment: PowerPoint Presentation (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
frontage if secured to
temporary
construction fencing related to
permitted construction (may
be clustered)
Not allowed
Max. Sign Area (per
banner) 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf.
Allowed Lighting None None None None
Max. Sign Height
(applies to
freestanding banner
frames)
6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
(5) For banners and pennants in all sign districts, the following shall apply:
(a) mounting hardware shall be concealed from view;
(b) banners shall be stretched tightly to avoid movement in windy conditions;
(c) all banners that are installed in banner frames shall be sized to fit the banner frame so that there
are no visible gaps between the edges of the banner and the banner frame;
(d) banners are not allowed if any of the following are present on the property: feather flag, yard
sign, site sign, or swing sign;
(e) any common line of pennants must be stretched tightly to avoid movement in windy conditions.
3.1
Packet Pg. 95
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Swing Signs
Max. # Not allowed Not allowed 1 per property frontage 1 per property frontage
Max. Sign
Area N/A N/A 5 sf., including riders 5 sf., including riders
Max. Sign
Height N/A N/A 5 ft. 5 ft.
Allowed
Lighting N/A N/A None None
Setbacks
and Spacing N/A N/A 2 ft. from all property lines 2 ft. from all property lines
Other
Standards N/A N/A
Swing signs shall be
installed in permeable
landscaped areas that
are at least 4 ft. in
every horizontal
dimension and at least
20 sf. in area
Swing signs shall be
installed in permeable
landscaped areas that are
at least 4 ft. in every
horizontal
dimension and at least 20
sf. in area
Feather Flags
Max. #
1 per 100 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof; may
be clustered
1 per 100 ft.
of property frontage or
fraction thereof; may be
clustered
1 per 100 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof; may
be clustered
Residential Buildings:
Not Allowed
Nonresidential
Buildings: 1
Max. sign
area 40 sf. 40 sf. 40 sf. 10 sf.
Max. sign
height 15 ft. 15 ft. 15 ft. 10 ft.
Other
Standards
Not allowed if freestanding
banner is present
Must be installed in a
permeable landscaped area
with a radius that extends
not less than 3 ft. from the
flag pole
Not allowed if freestanding
banner is present
Must be installed in a
permeable landscaped area
with a radius that extends not
less than 3 ft. from the flag
pole
Must be installed in a
permeable landscaped area
with a radius that extends not
less than 3 ft. from the flag
pole
Must be installed in a
permeable landscaped area
with a radius that extends
not less than 3 ft. from the
flag pole
(D) Duration of Display of Temporary Signs.
3.1
Packet Pg. 92
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Must be installed in
permeable landscaped
area.
Must be installed in
permeable landscaped area
that is at least 8 sf. in area
and 2 ft. in any horizontal
dimension, not more than 10
ft. from vehicular access point
Must be installed in
permeable landscaped area
that is at least 8 sf. in area and
2 ft. in any
horizontal dimension
Must be installed in
permeable landscaped area
that is at least 8 sf. in area
and 2 ft. in any horizontal
dimension
Site Signs
Max. #
Residential Buildings:
Not Limited
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof,
provided that the area
of the property is at
least 2 acres; properties
that are less than 2
acres shall not display site signs
1 per 600 ft. of
property frontage or
fraction thereof,
provided that the area of
the property is at least 2
acres; properties that are
less than 2 acres shall not
display
site signs
Nonresidential and
Residential Mixed Use
Buildings: 1 per
property
Max. Sign
Area 16 sf. 32 sf. 32 sf. 32 sf.
Max. Sign
Height 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
External, down
directional and
concealed light source
External, down
directional and
concealed light source
External, down
directional and
concealed light source
External, down
directional and
concealed light source
Setbacks
and Spacing
2 ft. from front
property lines
2 ft. from front
property lines
2 ft. from front
property lines
2 ft. from front
property lines
10 ft. from all other
property lines
10 ft. from all other
property lines
10 ft. from all other
property lines
10 ft. from all other
property lines
10 ft. from all other
signs
10 ft. from all other
signs
10 ft. from all other
signs
10 ft. from all other
signs
3.1
Packet Pg. 91
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
screening is
required4
Must be oriented to
the drive-thru lane;
if any part of the
sign structure is
visible from
abutting property
or right-of-way
additional
screening is
required4
Must be oriented to
the drive-thru lane; if
any part of the sign
structure is visible
from abutting
property or right-of-
way additional
screening is required4
Must be oriented
to the drive-thru
lane; if any part of
the sign structure
is visible from
abutting property
or right-of-way
additional
screening is
required4
Must be
oriented to the
drive-thru lane;
if any part of the
sign structure is
visible from
abutting
property or
right-of-way
additional
screening is
required4
Must be
oriented to the
drive-thru
lane; if any
part of the sign
structure is
visible from
abutting
property or
right-of-way
additional
screening is
required4
Table Notes:
1 Frontages include the frontage of all properties that are part of a group of properties that are planned or developed with shared pedestrian or
vehicular access. Signs may not be allocated from one frontage to another.
2 Additional sign area and sign height are allowed as follows: (i) Convenience shopping centers: Max. sign area: 40 sf., Max. sign height 8 ft.;
(ii) Neighborhood service centers or neighborhood commercial districts: Max. sign area: 55 sf., Max. sign height: 10 ft.
3 A Drive-Thru Lane EMC may be 100% of the sign area if the display changes no more than three times in a 24hr. period.
4 For a Drive-Thru Lane Sign screening may be achieved through plants or other materials compatible to the primary building
Table (G)(2)
Setback for Primary Detached Signs based on Sign Height and Sign Area
Distance from Street
Right-of-Way Line (ft.)
Monument Style Sign Pole Style Sign
Max. Height (ft.) Max. Sign Area (per face) (sf.) Max. Height (ft.) Max. Sign Area (per face)
(sf.)
0 7 45 10 20
5 8.5 60 10 30
10 10 75 12 40
15 12 90 12 50
20 12 90 14 60
25 12 90 16 70
30 12 90 18 80
36+ 12 90 18 90
(H) Projected Light Signs.
(1) Horizontal Projected Light Signs.
(a) Horizontal projected light signs that are projected onto public sidewalks are allowed only by
portable sign permit, except that with respect to such signs, the area in which the portable sign
3.1
Packet Pg. 88
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
property
1 per street
frontage of a
neighborhood
service center
or
neighborhood
commercial
district
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Nonresidential uses
only
No No No
Max. Sign
Area
16 sf. 16 sf. 16 sf. 16 sf. 16 sf. 32 sf.
Max. Sign
Height
4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 4 ft. 6 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Indirect only Indirect only Any
Setbacks
and Spacing
2 ft. from right-
of-way; 10 ft.
from property
lines
2 ft. from right-of-
way; 10 ft. from
property lines
2 ft. from right-of-way;
10 ft. from property
lines
2 ft. from right-of-
way; 10 ft. from
property lines
2 ft. from right-
of-way; 10 ft.
from property
lines
2 ft. from
right-of-way;
10 ft. from
property lines
Max.
Cabinets or
Modules
per Sign
Face
1 1 1 1 1 1
Other
Standards
Same as primary
freestanding
sign; however,
pole style signs
are not allowed
Same as primary
freestanding sign;
however, pole style
signs are not
allowed
Same as primary
freestanding sign;
however, pole style
signs are not allowed
Same as primary
freestanding sign;
however, pole
style signs are not
allowed
Same as primary
freestanding
sign; however,
pole style signs
are not allowed
Same as
primary
freestanding
sign; however,
pole style signs
are not
allowed
Drive-Thru Lane Signs
Max. # 1 per drive
through lane
1 per drive through
lane
1 per drive through
lane
1 per drive
through lane
1 per drive
through lane
1 per drive
through lane
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
No No No No No No
Max. Sign
Area
30 sf. 3 30 sf. 3 30 sf. 3 30 sf. 3 30 sf. 3 30 sf. 3
Max. Sign
Height
6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft. 6 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Any Any Any
3.1
Packet Pg. 87
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
public
vehicular entry
into residential
subdivision or
multifamily
site (one single
face sign on
each side of
entry)
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Yes, for nonresidential
or multifamily uses
No No Yes
Max. Sign
Area
Based on setback
and style, see
Table (G)(2),
below
Based on setback
and style, see Table
(G)(2), below
Based on setback and
style, see Table (G)(2),
below
Single-family
detached or
duplex building
with frontage on
arterial: 4 sf.
All other allowed
signs: 35 sf.
Single-family
detached or
duplex building
with frontage on
arterial: 4 sf.
All other allowed
signs: 35 sf.
32 sf.2
Max. Sign
Height
Based on setback
and style, see
Table (G)(2),
below
Based on setback
and style, see Table
(G)(2), below
Based on setback and
style, see Table (G)(2),
below
Single-family
detached or
duplex building
with frontage on
arterial: 5 ft.
Multifamily or
Nonresidential
use: 8 ft.
Single-family
detached or
duplex building
with frontage on
arterial: 5 ft.
Multifamily or
Nonresidential
use: 8 ft.
Multifamily or
Nonresidential
use: 5 ft.2
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Indirect only None Any
Setbacks
and Spacing
See Table (G)(2),
below; 15 ft.
setback from
interior lot lines;
75 ft. spacing
between
freestanding
signs
See Table (G)(2),
below; 15 ft.
setback from
interior lot lines; 75
ft. spacing between
freestanding signs
See Table (G)(2),
below; 15 ft. setback
from interior lot lines;
75 ft. spacing between
freestanding signs
Not allowed if a
wall sign is
installed
Not allowed if a
wall sign is
installed
75 ft. from
adjacent
residential
zone or
existing or
approved
residential use
Max.
Cabinets or
Modules
per Sign
Face
3 3 3 3 3 3
3.1
Packet Pg. 86
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
and bottom of
sign face shall
not exceed 6in ;
not allowed
above 2nd story
Distance
between
secondary
roof and
bottom of sign
face shall not
exceed 6in. ;
not allowed
above 2nd
story
Distance
between
secondary roof
and bottom of
sign face shall
not exceed 6 in.
; not allowed
above 2nd story
Figure (F
Secondary Roof Sign
3.1
Packet Pg. 85
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
on elevation to
which sign is
mounted
30 percent of canopy
fascia on elevation to
which sign is mounted
30 percent of
canopy fascia on
elevation to which
sign is mounted
15 percent of
canopy fascia on
elevation to
which sign is
mounted
10 percent of
canopy fascia
on elevation
to which sign
is mounted
12 sf. on
canopy that
covers
vehicular use
area
Allowed
Lighting
Internal only Internal only Internal only Internal only Internal only Internal only
Min. Sign
Clearance
By building
code
By building code By building code By building code By building
code
By building
code
Other
Standards
Canopy signs
shall not
project above
the top of the
canopy to
which they are
mounted.
Canopy signs shall not
project above the top
of the canopy to
which they are
mounted.
Canopy signs shall
not project above
the top of the
canopy to which
they are mounted.
Canopy signs
shall not project
above the top of
the canopy to
which they are
mounted.
Canopy signs
shall not
project above
the top of the
canopy to
which they are
mounted.
Not allowed on
a canopy that
covers a
vehicular use
area if an
under-canopy
sign is present.
(F) Secondary Roof Signs. Secondary roof signs are allowed according to the standards in Table (F),
Secondary Roof Signs.
Table (F)
Secondary Roof Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Commercial/Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family Sign District
Max. # 1 per building,
for
nonresidential
or mixed-use
property
1 per building, for
nonresidential or
mixed-use property
1 per building, for
nonresidential or
mixed-use
property
1 per building,
for
nonresidential or
mixed-use
property
1 per building,
for
nonresidential
or mixed-use
property
1 per building,
for
nonresidential
or mixed-use
property
Subject to Sign
Area
Allowance
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max. Sign Area
(per sign)
Limited by sign
area allowance
Limited by sign area
allowance
Limited by sign
area allowance
Limited by sign
area allowance
Limited by
sign area
allowance
Limited by sign
area allowance
3.1
Packet Pg. 84
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
entrance
Must be located
above entrance,
within 3 ft. of
top of door; not
allowed if under-
canopy sign is
present at same
entrance
Must be
located above
entrance,
within 3 ft. of
top of door;
not allowed if
under-canopy
sign is present
at same
entrance
Must be
located above
entrance,
within 3 ft. of
top of door;
not allowed if
under-canopy
sign is present
at same
entrance
3.1
Packet Pg. 83
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
for
nonresidential,
mixed-use, or
multifamily
buildings
Yes
Max Sign Area 12 sf. if within 15 ft. of
elevation of sidewalk
below; 25 sf. if
between 15 ft. and 45
ft. of elevation above
sidewalk below; 45 sf.
if entirely above 45 ft.
of elevation above
sidewalk below
15 sf. 15 sf. 15 sf. 15 sf. 7 sf.
Max. Sign
Height
7 ft. if within 15 ft. of
elevation of sidewalk
below; 10 ft. if
between 15 ft. and 45
ft. of elevation above
sidewalk below; 18 ft.
if entirely above 45 ft.
of elevation above
sidewalk below
7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 4 ft.
Max. Projection
(may project
into right-of-
way only by
revocable
license)
Entirely or partially
below third story: 3
ft.; entirely above
third story:.6 ft.; Not
more than 4 ft. within
right-of-way
6 ft.; not more
than 4 ft.
within right-of-
way
6 ft.; not more than
4 ft. within right-of-
way
6 ft.; not more
than 4 ft. within
right-of-way
6 ft.; not more
than 4 ft.
within right-
of-way
4 ft.; not more
than 4 ft. within
right-of-way
Min. Sign
Clearance
8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Any Any Internal only
Other Standards City may authorize up
to 48 in.
encroachment into
right-of-way by
revocable license if
total sign area for fin
signs is lesser of 1 sf.
per lf. building
frontage or 12 sf.
City may
authorize up
to 48 in.
encroachment
into right-of-
way by
revocable
license if total
sign area for
fin signs is
lesser of 1 sf.
per lf. building
frontage or 12
sf.
City may authorize
up to 48 in.
encroachment into
right-of-way by
revocable license if
total sign area for
fin signs is lesser of
1 sf. per lf. building
frontage or 12 sf.
City may
authorize up to
48 in.
encroachment
into right-of-way
by revocable
license if total
sign area for fin
signs is lesser of 1
sf. per lf. building
frontage or 12 sf.
City may
authorize up
to 48 in.
encroachment
into right-of-
way by
revocable
license if total
sign area for
fin signs is
lesser of 1 sf.
per lf. building
frontage or 12
sf.
3.1
Packet Pg. 82
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
must be
installed over
window or
building
entrance
Awning sign
shall not
project above
top of awning
or beyond face
of awning
Not allowed
above first
story; awning
must be
installed over
window or
building
entrance
Awning sign
shall not
project above
top of awning
or beyond face
of awning
Under-Canopy Signs
Max. # 1 per building
entrance for
canopies that are
attached to
buildings; 1 per
elevation for
detached canopies
1 per building
entrance for
canopies that are
attached to
buildings; 1 per
elevation for
detached canopies
1 per building
entrance for
canopies that are
attached to
buildings; 1 per
elevation for
detached canopies;
1 per building
entrance for
canopies that
are attached to
buildings; 1 per
elevation for
detached
canopies
1 per building
entrance for
canopies that
are attached
to buildings; 1
per elevation
for detached
canopies
Under canopies
that cover
vehicular use
areas: 1 per
street frontage;
all others not
limited.
Subject to Sign
Area Allowance
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Max. Sign Area
(per face)
Not covering
vehicular use area:
4 sf.; Covering
vehicular use area:
12 sf.
Not covering
vehicular use area:
4 sf.; Covering
vehicular use area:
12 sf.
Not covering
vehicular use area:
4 sf.; Covering
vehicular use area:
12 sf.
Not covering
vehicular use
area: 4 sf.;
Covering
vehicular use
area: 12 sf.
Not covering
vehicular use
area: 4 sf.;
Covering
vehicular use
area: 12 sf.
Not covering
vehicular use
area: 4 sf.;
Covering
vehicular use
area: 12 sf.
Min. Sign
Clearance
8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Any Any Any Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only
Other Standards Under-canopy sign
shall not project
above top of
canopy to which it
is mounted;
painted or applied
wall sign standards
apply if parallel to
building facade;
secondary fin sign
standards apply if
perpendicular to
building façade; not
allowed if
secondary fin sign is
present at same
entrance
Under-canopy sign
shall not project
above top of
canopy to which it
is mounted; painted
or applied wall sign
standards apply if
parallel to building
facade; secondary
fin sign standards
apply if
perpendicular to
building façade; not
allowed if
secondary fin sign is
present at same
entrance
Under-canopy sign
shall not project
above top of
canopy to which it
is mounted; painted
or applied wall sign
standards apply if
parallel to building
facade; secondary
fin sign standards
apply if
perpendicular to
building façade; not
allowed if
secondary fin sign is
present at same
entrance
Not allowed if
secondary fin
sign is present
at same
entrance
Not allowed if
secondary fin
sign is present
at same
entrance
Not allowed on
a canopy that
covers a
vehicular use
area if a canopy
sign is present;
not allowed if
secondary fin
sign is present
at same
entrance
3.1
Packet Pg. 81
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
Projecting Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Sign District
Commercial/
Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family
Awning Signs
Max. # 1 per awning 1 per awning 1 per awning 1 per awning;
limited to
nonresidential
uses
1 per awning;
limited to
nonresidential
uses
1 per awning;
limited to
nonresidential
uses
Subject to Sign
Area Allowance
Yes Yes Nonresidential uses
only
Nonresidential
uses only
Nonresidential
uses only
Yes
Max. Sign Area Lesser of 35 sf. or
25% of total area of
the awning
Lesser of 35 sf. or
25% of total area of
the awning
Lesser of 35 sf. or
25% of total area of
the awning
Lesser of 35 sf.
or 25% of total
area of the
awning
Lesser of 10 sf.
or 10% of total
area of the
awning
Lesser of 35 sf.
or 25% of total
area of the
awning
Max. Projection
(may project
into right-of-
way with
revocable
license)
7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft. 7 ft.
Min. Sign
Clearance
8 ft. to awning;
7 ft. to valance
8 ft. to awning;
7 ft. to valance
8 ft. to awning;
7 ft. to valance
8 ft. to awning;
7 ft. to valance
8 ft. to
awning;
7 ft. to valance
8 ft. to awning;
7 ft. to valance
Allowed
Lighting
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and graphics
is allowed if
background is
completely opaque
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and graphics
is allowed if
background is
completely opaque
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and graphics
is allowed if
background is
completely opaque
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and
graphics is
allowed if
background is
completely
opaque
For
nonresidential
uses only;
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and
graphics is
allowed if
background is
completely
opaque
Indirect; or
backlighting of
letters and
graphics is
allowed if
background is
completely
opaque
3.1
Packet Pg. 80
Attachment: Sign Code Update - Draft (6993 : Sign Code Update, Phase 2)
finished to
match color
of wall;
raceway must
be not more
than 50% of
height of
attached
letters or
shapes
Raceway must be
finished to match
color of wall;
raceway must be not
more than 50% of
height of attached
letters or shapes
Raceway must
be finished to
match color of
wall; raceway
must be not
more than 50%
of height of
attached letters
or shapes
Raceway must
be finished to
match color of
wall; raceway
must be not
more than 50%
of height of
attached letters
or shapes
Raceway must
be finished to
match color of
wall; raceway
must be not
more than
50% of height
of attached
letters or
shapes
Raceway must be
finished to match color
of wall; raceway must be
not more than 50% of
height of attached
letters or shapes
(C) Window Signs. Window signs are allowed according to the standards in Table (C), Window Signs.
Table (C)
Window Signs
Type of Sign
Standards
Sign District
Outside of Residential Neighborhood Sign District1 Within
Residential
Neighborhood
Downtown Commercial/Industrial Mixed-Use Multifamily Single-Family Sign District
All Window Signs
Max. # Not limited1 Not limited1 Not limited1 Not limited Not limited Not limited
Subject to
Sign Area
Allowance
Yes, except as
provided in
“other
standards,”
below
Yes, except as
provided in “other
standards,” below
Nonresidential
only, and except as
provided in “other
standards,” below
No No Yes
Max. Sign
Area2
Up to 50% of
area of
architecturally
distinct
window.
Up to lesser of 50% of
area of architecturally
distinct window or 80
sf.
Up to lesser of
50% of area of
architecturally
distinct window or
80 sf.
Nonresidential:
Up to lesser of
50% of area of
architecturally
distinct window
or 80 sf.;
Residential: 6 sf.
Nonresidential:
Up to lesser of
50% of area of
architecturally
distinct
window or 80
sf.; Residential:
6 sf.
Nonresidential:
Up to lesser of
25% of area of
architecturally
distinct
window or 80
sf.; Residential:
6 sf.
Max. Sign
Height
No Max. 7 ft. 7 ft. 3 ft. 3 ft. 3 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Internal Internal Internal None None Internal
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2 ft. 2 ft. 2 ft. 2 ft. 2 ft. 2 ft.
Allowed
Lighting
Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only Indirect only
Figure (B)(2)
Applied or Painted Wall Signs – Vertically Oriented
Cabinet Wall Signs or Dimensional Wall Signs
Max. # Not limited Not limited Not limited for
nonresidential
or mixed-use; 1
per building per
frontage for
multifamily
properties
Not limited for
nonresidential
or mixed-use; 1
per building per
frontage for
multifamily
properties
Not limited for
nonresidential
or mixed-use;
1 per building
per frontage
for multifamily
properties
Not limited for
nonresidential or mixed-
use; 1 per building per
frontage for multifamily
properties
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the banner frame so
that there are no
visible gaps between
the edges of the
banner and the
banner frame.
Not allowed
if detached
sign is
installed
Not allowed if
detached sign
is installed
Not allowed if
detached sign
is installed
Location shall harmonize
with architecture of the
building(s) to which sign is
attached, (e.g., projection,
relief, cornice, column,
change of building
material, window or door
opening); Flush wall signs
shall align with other such
signs on the same building.
Figure (B)[(1)
Applied or Painted Wall Signs
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Max. Sign
Area
In addition to sign
allowance, 6 sf. is
allowed on rear wall if:
(i) the wall includes a
public entrance; (ii) site
is within DDA Alley
Enhancement Project
area; and (iii) a
projecting sign is not
installed on the wall
Limited by sign area
allowance
Single-family
or duplex
building: 4
sf.
Nonresidenti
al use: 35 sf.
Single-family
or duplex
building: 4 sf.
Nonresidentia
l use: 35 sf.
Single-family
or duplex
building: 4 sf.
Nonresidentia
l use: 35 sf.
Limited by sign area
allowance, except if tenant
space does not have
outside wall, in which case
30 sf.
Figure (A), Sign Types
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supporting emerging mobility
trends (e.g., electric and
autonomous vehicles).
More significant land use and
transportation changes to more
fully support multimodal
transportation, increased housing
supply, and a better mix of
housing options.
•Reprioritizes funding or new
dedicated sources may be
required, especially for
transportation investments.
•Adjustments to zoning and
development standards occur in
more areas of the community, to
complement and support
additional transportation
investments.
•Greater densities and mix of
uses in new development
locations and along existing or
planned multimodal
transportation corridors. Greater
flexibility for new housing types in
more areas of the community.
•Additional investment for transit
frequencies and coverage,
emphasizing regional transit
connections and first/last mile
connectivity for biking and
walking.
•Includes new policies
supporting emerging mobility
trends (e.g., electric and
autonomous vehicles).
Scenarios - Communication and Engagement
Scenario evaluation and communication will be designed for all City Plan stakeholders. Dialogue and deliberation
about each scenario and their individual elements will utilize the full spectrum of City Plan engagement activities,
such as City-led workshops, online questionnaires, and numerous smaller discussions organized by City Plan
Ambassadors and Community Partner organizations.
In preparation for the community dialogue on scenarios, staff and the City Plan consultant team will be modeling
and preparing a detailed evaluation and analysis of each scenario. Using resources such as the North Front
Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) regional land use and transportation model, the Climate
Action Plan model, and data collected during City Plan’s existing conditions phase, the analysis will focus on
communicating the impacts, costs, and potential tradeoffs of scenario elements.
2
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