To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Dave Corliss, Town Manager
Bill Detweiler, Development Services Director
Title
Sign Code Update
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Background
The current Town sign code was adopted in 1986. Since that time, numerous code amendments were approved by Council in 1987, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2013. The code amendments related to sign structures, vehicle signs, definitions, sign fees, special permits, sign height and area, field inspections, sign lighting, temporary signs, right-of-way signs, electronic signs, residential signs, homebuilder signs, business signs, downtown signs, common sign plans and sign violations. Every code amendment adopted during the last 33 years responded to a need to maintain community character and to meet legal requirements as case law, market conditions and new technology occurred.
Following adoption of the 2030 Vision and Comprehensive Master Plan (“CMP”), staff initiated an update to the Zoning Code, Chapter 17. While reviewing Chapter 17, staff recommended also reviewing the interpretation, administration, and enforcement of the current sign code. Completion of the zoning code update will occur in the first quarter or second quarter of 2019. Given this timeline, staff is recommending we complete a comprehensive review and rewrite of the sign code in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2019.
Discussion
While reviewing Chapter 17, town staff discussed the current sign code as it relates to administration and ease of use for the business community. Town staff noted that the current sign code is difficult to procedurally administer and could be streamlined to ensure it matches the business friendly character of the Town. I have been involved in numerous discussions and public sessions where sign experts stated the following portions of the code could be improved to ensure ease of use:
- Rules regulating the size and height of signs.
- Rules regulating the location of freestanding signs and building attached signs.
- Rules regulating lighted and unlighted signs.
- Rules regulating signs with fixed messages and electronic signs where the messages change.
- Rules regulating the placement of signs on private and public property.
- Rules regulating the placement of signs on commercial and residential property.
- Rules regulating on premise and off-premise signs.
- Rules regulating the total number of signs allowed along public rights-of-way.
- Rules regulating temporary signs advertising a one-time event.
- Rules that do not regulate signs based on sign content.
- Rules concerning signs for dormant/closed business and maintenance of signage.
Additionally, following the adoption of the CMP, town staff has identified a need to ensure that the sign code contemplates the CMP defined character within neighborhoods, business districts, and the I-25 corridor.
Finally, recent court findings include an intent to distinguish content-based sign regulations. The Reed decision clarified that content neutral signs must be applied to noncommercial signage. Based upon discussions with sign professionals, Brian Connolly and other legal experts, it remains unclear whether the Reed decision applies to commercial signs and the regulation of off-premise signs. Those listed above and other issues that will arise require a thoughtful and thorough analysis of the existing code and comparison to recently adopted sign codes in other communities.
The goal is to hire Brian Connolly to assist staff with a comprehensive evaluation of the existing sign code followed by a series of community engagement sessions with appropriate business and community leaders such as the Chamber, Downtown Merchants Association and local sign companies that do a majority of work in Castle Rock. I envision a 6-8 month process to complete the review prior to conducting additional outreach meetings with the DDA and DRB and then prepare for public hearings with the Planning Commission and Town Council. Staff will also engage the Community Relations Team to create a plan for community announcements and updates as the code amendment moves forward.
Recommendation
Staff recommends we secure the services of Brian Connolly to assist Town staff with a comprehensive review and rewrite of Chapter 19, Sign Code and to engage the public and specific business groups to assist with the rewrite.