HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 3/19/2019 - Email From Larry Barrett, Scenic Colorado, Re: Electronic Billboard Resolution - Agenda Item #20From: Larry Barrett
To: Sarah Kane
Subject: FW: Electronic billboard resolution
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 7:22:32 AM
Attachments: FortCollinsElectronic20190318.doc
Please find below an email sent to the mayor, council members and key staff. It included you but
with an error in the address.
Hope this reaches all parties listed on the email.
Larry Barrett
33 Briarwood Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-964-0825 (m)
barrettlarry@comcast.net
From: Larry Barrett [mailto:barrettlarry@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 7:13 AM
To: 'wtroxell@fcgov.com' <wtroxell@fcgov.com>; 'sgutowsky@fcgov.com'
<sgutowsky@fcgov.com>; 'raymartinez@fcgov.com' <raymartinez@fcgov.com>;
'ksummers@fcgov.com' <ksummers@fcgov.com>; 'kstephens@fcgov.com'
<kstephens@fcgov.com>; 'rcunniff@fcgov.com' <rcunniff@fcgov.com>; 'ghorak@fcgov.com'
<ghorak@fcgov.com>; 'councilemail@fcgov.com' <councilemail@fcgov.com>
Cc: 'datteberry@fcgov.com' <datteberry@fcgov.com>; 'llarson@fcgov.com' <llarson@fcgov.com>;
'skane@fcgo.com' <skane@fcgo.com>; 'nbeals@fcgov.com' <nbeals@fcgov.com>;
'johnoliverwalker@gmail.com' <johnoliverwalker@gmail.com>; 'MILES DAVIES'
<miles@disputepro.com>
Subject: Electronic billboard resolution
Mayor and Councilmembers:
Please find attached a statement from Scenic Colorado urging denial of a resolution that could foster
the installation of electronic billboards in Fort Collins.
John O. Walker, Miles Davies, and Larry B. Barrett
Members of the Board of Directors
Scenic Colorado
March 19, 2019
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Larry Barrett
RE: Council Agenda Item #20
/sek
Fort Collins Sign Code Resolution Comments
March 19, 2019
• Fort Collins has been progressive about billboards
o New billboards and new locations are prohibited
o Over time billboards will decline in number as
redevelopment takes place and signs age
• New electronic billboards are prohibited
o Once one electronic billboard is permitted, more
will be sought by the sign industry
o Allowing electronic billboards to replace static
billboards is false economy and defers extinction
• Electronic billboards are a distraction and a blight
o Research shows electronic billboards distract
drivers, even if eyes try to ignore them
o Electronic billboards are generally too bright and
an eyesore
o Electronic billboards use many times more
electricity than an average home or static billboard
• Code enforcement of electronic billboards is complex
o Where might they be located or allowed
o What is the maximum size in square feet
o How high above ground level in feet
o How long should each face be displayed
o How long for transitions between faces
o How about restricting scrolling, fading, video
o What brightness levels should be allowed
o How should brightness values be measured
o How should brightness levels adjust to ambient
o Should electronic billboards be turned off at night
• Most significant communities in Colorado ban
electronic billboards, especially after public process
o Greeley allows electronic on premise signs but
prohibits electronic billboards (aka off-premise)
o Denver allowed about five electronic billboards and
then prohibited any more
o Lakewood rejected a billboard industry proposal
to replace several static billboards with electronics
o Colorado Springs allows electronic on-premise
signs, but not electronic off-premise billboards
o Boulder prohibits any new billboards
o Most tourist counties prohibit new billboards,
including electronic
• In summary, electronic billboards compromise highway
safety by distracting drivers, increase urban blight,
decrease neighboring property values, and reduce
aesthetic values so dear to Fort Collins
• Recommendation: Vote NO on Resolution 2019-037
By: John O. Walker, Larry B. Barrett, and Miles Davies
Board of Directors, Scenic Colorado