Discussion Item: Oversized Signage in the COR

Members of the City Council and public wanted to visit the topic of over-sized signage in the COR to potentially develop City standards in-line with the mission of the COR. This is a discussion topic only.
 

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COR Design Framework - Signage. The intention of the COR Design Framework Signage Regulations is to allow flexibility and creativity, maintain design concepts of The COR. The following outlines specific signage standards for large signs.

Community Signs

• Master Plan allows 3 off-site community signs whose locations are already identified
• A community sign is an off-site sign with development name and key tenants, sometimes public information
• Community signs are located at: NW corner of Highway 10 and Ramsey Blvd, the future transit plaza, and NW corner of Highway 10 and Armstrong Blvd
• Community signs are allowed to be up to 300 square feet and 30 feet tall
• Free standing pylon signs over 6 feet in height except Community Signs

Gateway Signs

• Gateway signs are planned at entrances to The COR
• Gateway signs can be 50 square feet and up to 10 feet tall
• Retail gateway signs can be 150 square feet and up to 12 feet tall

Existing Regulations: Sign Regulations, Division 8
Ground sign. There shall not be more than one ground sign for each parcel or per road frontage on parcels with more than one road frontage, not to exceed an aggregate of two ground signs. The gross surface area of a ground sign shall not exceed 100 square feet for each exposed face nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 200 square feet. For parcels qualifying for two ground signs, the second ground sign shall not exceed 50 square feet for each exposed face nor exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 100 square feet and may not exceed 12.5 feet in height as measure in section 117-463(c) of this section.

Existing Regulations: Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District
A district for purposes of allowing additional signage in a specified area, described as all commercially zoned property located within 750 feet of the Centerline of Highway 10 and extending to the Centerline of Traprock Street and extending to the Centerline of Llama Street. Parcels located within The COR District are exempted from this overlay district, as sign regulations for that district are located in a separate section of City Code.

Permitted freestanding signs under previous section 117-519(a) (business use signs), and located within the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Overlay District as defined by this section, shall be allowed to a height of not more than 50 feet and an area of not greater than 150 square feet. Signs permitted under this section shall have a monument style base constructed of materials that are consistent with the principal building to a minimum height of six feet.

Signs less than 50 feet and 150 square feet are approved by staff. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) required for signs greater than 50 feet or 150 square feet. Signs up to 75 feet allowed.

COR District Signage
Desired: Helpful signage, flexible sign options, clear and attractive signage, simple process, limited over-sized signs
Undesired: Forest of signs, signs blocking visibility, signs that are too large or unattractive, multiple signs per block

Key Discussion Topics

1. Should we apply the Armstrong Overlay District regulations to the COR?
2. Should we create a new overlay district with new height maximums and an updated process for administrative approval?
3. Should there be new regulations for the COR?
   1. Limit the total square footage of signage in the COR?
   2. Allow administrative approval of first 50+ foot sign per City block?
   3. Limit what types of businesses can request over-sized signage?
   4. Require a CUP if the sign is a certain size? If there is another sign on the block? If the signage is on certain streets?

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

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No formal action is required, Staff is looking for general discussion and feedback on this topic to guide what, if any, further work is needed.