A.

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to set out regulations for the erection and maintenance of signs while preserving the right of free speech and expression. The regulations of chapter shall provide a balanced and fair legal framework for design, construction, and placement of signs that:

1.

Promotes the safety of persons and property by ensuring that signs do not create a hazard by:

a.

Collapsing, catching fire, or otherwise decaying,

b.

Confusing or distracting motorists, or

c.

Impairing drivers' ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs,

2.

Promotes the efficient communication of messages, and ensures that persons exposed to signs:

a.

Are not overwhelmed by the number of messages presented, and

b.

Are able to exercise freedom of choice to observe or ignore said messages according to the observer's purpose; and

3.

Protects the public welfare and enhances the appearance and economic value of the community by protecting scenic views and avoiding sign clutter that can compromise the character, quality, and viability of commercial corridors,

4.

Ensures that signs are compatible with their surroundings, and prevents the construction of signs that are a nuisance to occupants of adjacent and contiguous property due to brightness, reflectivity, bulk, or height,

5.

Promotes the use of signs that are aesthetically pleasing, of appropriate scale, and integrated with the built environment, in order to meet the objectives related to the quality and character of development set forth in the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Cañon City,

6.

Enhances property values and business opportunities,

7.

Assists in wayfinding, and

8.

Provides fair and consistent permitting and enforcement.

B.

Findings. The City of Cañon City finds that.

1.

The ability to display signs of reasonable size and dimensions is vital to the health and sustainability of many businesses, and the display of signs with noncommercial messages is a traditional component of the freedom of speech, but the constitutional guarantee of free speech may be limited by appropriate and constrained regulation that is unrelated to the expression itself,

2.

The City has an important and substantial interest in preventing sign clutter (which is the proliferation of signs of increasing size and dimensions as a result of competition among owners for the attention of passing motorists), because sign clutter degrades the character of the community, makes the community a less attractive place for commerce and private investment, and dilutes or obscures messages displayed along the City's streets by creating visual confusion and aesthetic blight,

3.

Sign clutter can be prevented by regulations that balance the legitimate needs of individual owners to convey messages against the comparable needs of adjacent and nearby owners and the interest of the community as a whole in providing for a high-quality community character,

4.

Temporary signs that are not constructed of weather-resistant materials are often damaged or destroyed by wind, rain, and sun, and after such damage or destruction, degrade the aesthetics of the City's streets if they are not removed,

5.

The City has an important and substantial interest in keeping its rights-of-way clear of obstructions and litter,

6.

The City has an important and substantial interest in protecting the health of its tree canopy, which contributes to the character and value of the community, and

7.

The uncontrolled use of off-premises advertising signs can be injurious to the public, and destructive to community character and property values, and that, as such, restrictions on the display of off-premises commercial signage are necessary and desirable.

C.

Applicability.

1.

This chapter shall apply to any sign in any district, unless otherwise stated in this chapter or the UDC.

2.

Permit required. No person shall erect, display, alter, relocate, or replace any sign, including a sign face replacement, without the prior issuance of a sign permit issued pursuant to 17.10.020(F), unless the sign is exempt from permit requirements as provided in this chapter.

(A)

Permanent sign area limit. Each lot shall be allowed aggregate permanent sign area equal to one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage.

(B)

Temporary sign area limit. Each lot shall be allowed aggregate temporary sign area equal to one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of lot frontage.

(C)

Corner and double frontage lots. Lots having frontage on more than one (1) public street will be allowed an additional one-half (0.5) square foot of aggregate sign area for each lineal foot of the secondary lot frontage; however additional sign area shall only be displayed on the secondary frontage.

(D)

Irregularly shaped lots. Irregularly shaped lots with minimal lot frontage may petition for additional aggregate sign area through the Comprehensive Sign Plan process as detailed in Section 17.07.090.

Figure 7.1: Limit on Sign Area

(A)

Sign height. Sign height shall be measured by the total distance between the highest point on the sign to the average elevation of the ground upon which the sign supports are placed, except when the sign supports rest upon a berm or other area elevated above the surrounding ground or when the sign supports rest upon a ditch or other area lower than the surrounding ground. In such cases, the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent roadway shall be considered as the ground level.

Figure 7.2: Measuring Sign Height

(B)

Sign area. Unless otherwise defined, sign area is determined by the total area enclosed by a continuous perimeter along the edges of a sign, including any frame or border. The area of a sign composed of individually-affixed letters is determined by the total area of the smallest geometric shape enclosing the copy. A maximum of two (2) geometric shapes may be utilized. The calculation for a double-faced sign shall be the area of one (1) face only.

Figure 7.3: Measuring Sign Area

The following key is to be used in the interpretation of Table 17.07.040 Permitted Sign Types by district.

(A)

Signs requiring a permit. Sign types marked as "C" in the table shall require the issuance of a sign permit as detailed in Section 17.10.010(F).

(B)

Signs not requiring a permit. Sign types marked as "P" in the table shall be permitted without the issuance of a sign permit.

(C)

Prohibited Sign Types. A blank space in the table indicates that a sign type is not allowed in the respective district.

(D)

Unlisted Sign Types. Sign types that are not included in Table 17.07.040 shall be considered prohibited.

Table 17.07.040 Permitted Sign Types by District

(Ord. No. 14-2022, §§ 1, 2, 8-1-22; Ord. No. 3-2024, § 7, 8-5-24)

(A)

Wall signs.

(1)

Sign area.

(a)

The maximum sign area of wall signs in residential districts or the NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

(b)

The maximum sign area of wall signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

(2)

Sign height. No wall sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.

(3)

Projection. A wall sign shall not extend more than six (6) inches from the wall of the building or structure to which it is attached and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet.

Figure 7.4: Wall Sign Area, Height, and Projection

(4)

Number of signs.

(a)

Single tenant buildings shall be permitted a total of two (2) wall signs; however only one (1) wall sign shall be displayed on any single building façade.

(b)

Multi-tenant buildings shall be permitted one (1) wall sign per unit.

(c)

A maximum of two (2) secondary wall signs may be authorized for buildings with lineal frontage in excess of seventy-five (75) feet by the Zoning Administrator provided such additional signage is:

(I)

In keeping with the overall design and architecture of the building,

(II)

A minimum of twenty (20) feet from the primary wall sign and other secondary wall signs,

(III)

A maximum of fifty (50) percent of the size of the primary wall sign,

(IV)

Accessory to the building's primary wall sign, and

(V)

The total area of all primary and secondary wall signs does not exceed the maximum wall sign area as established in Section 17.07.050(A).

Figure 7.5: Secondary Wall Sign Standards

(5)

Sign copy. If the sign copy utilized on a wall sign is either individually affixed letters, raceway letters, applied vinyl, or printed, etched, or otherwise incorporated directly on the sign's backing plate, the Zoning Administrator may approve an increase in sign area up to an additional five (5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

Figure 7.6: Wall Sign Copy

(6)

Painted wall signs in the CB District. Buildings in the CB District may be permitted a painted wall sign pursuant to the following provisions:

(a)

The painted wall sign shall be located on a side façade facing a numbered street only.

(b)

The maximum painted wall sign area shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total area of the face of the wall on which the sign is to be painted.

(c)

The painted wall sign may be externally illuminated with a down cast, hooded floodlight only.

(d)

Painted wall signs approved as part of the City's mural program or located on City property shall not be required to obtain a permit and may be located in any basic or planned development district. Painted wall signs under this exemption are not subject limitations on size area in Sections 17.07.020 or 17.07.050.

(7)

Other provisions.

(a)

No wall sign shall cover any architectural features (architectural features shall include but not be limited to, pediment, cornice, belt course, pier, windows, pilaster, roof, decorative stone or inlay, kick plate/bulkhead, raised or colored brick pattern, and corbel) of the building to which it is affixed.

(b)

No wall sign shall be affixed to HVAC screening, elevator overrun, or other features protruding from the roof of the structure.

(B)

Single-tenant monument signs.

(1)

Sign area.

(a)

The maximum sign area of single-tenant monument signs in Residential Districts or the NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet.

(b)

The maximum sign area of single-tenant monument signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

(2)

Sign height.

(a)

The maximum sign height of single-tenant monument signs in Residential Districts or the NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed five (5) feet.

(b)

The maximum sign height of single-tenant monument signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed seven (7) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) single-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Single-tenant monument signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements, shall not block points of ingress or egress, be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system, and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Sign Base. The base of single-tenant monument signs, including all structural components, shall extend horizontally from the sign face a minimum of ten (10) percent and a maximum of twenty-five (25) percent of the width of the sign face. The base of single-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality materials in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.

(6)

Landscape requirement. All single-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign. The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to half of the square footage of the sign area of the associated sign. Landscape areas shall be planted with one (1) shrub or native grass per every three (3) square feet.

(7)

Other provisions. A single-tenant monument sign shall not be permitted on a lot frontage with an existing monument sign or pole/pylon sign.

Figure 7.7: Single-Tenant Monument Sign Standards

(C)

Multi-tenant monument signs.

(1)

Sign area.

(a)

The maximum sign area of multi-tenant monument signs in NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

(b)

The maximum sign area of multi-tenant monument signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

(2)

Sign height.

(a)

The maximum sign height of multi-tenant monument signs in the NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed ten (10) feet.

(b)

The maximum sign height of single-tenant monument signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) multi-tenant monument sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Multi-tenant monument signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements, shall not block points of ingress or egress, be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Sign base. The base of multi-tenant monument signs, including all structural components, shall extend horizontally from the sign face a minimum of ten (10) percent and a maximum of twenty-five (25) percent of the width of the sign face. The base of single-tenant monument signs shall be constructed from masonry, stone, or similar high-quality materials in keeping with the materials and design of the principal building of the lot.

(6)

Landscape requirement. All multi-tenant monument signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign. The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to half of the square footage of the sign area of the associated sign. Landscape areas shall be planted with one (1) shrub or native grass per every three (3) square feet.

(7)

Other provisions. A multi-tenant monument sign shall not be permitted on a lot frontage with an existing monument sign or pole/pylon sign.

Figure 7.8: Multi-Tenant Monument Sign Standards

(D)

Pole/pylon signs.

(1)

Sign area.

(a)

The maximum sign area of pole/pylon signs in the GC and I Districts shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.

(2)

Sign height.

(a)

The maximum sign height of pole/pylon signs in the GC and I Districts shall not exceed fourteen (14) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) pole/pylon sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Pole/pylon signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system, and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Sign base.

(a)

The base of a pole/pylon sign shall be painted.

(b)

The concrete footing in which a pole/pylon sign is installed shall be completely underground.

(6)

Landscape requirement. All pole/pylon signs shall be required to plant and maintain a landscape area at the base of the sign. The minimum area of the landscape area shall be equal to the square footage of the sign area of the associated sign. Landscape areas shall be planted with one (1) shrub or native grass per every three (3) square feet.

(7)

Other provisions. A pole/pylon sign shall not be permitted on a lot frontage with an existing monument sign or pole/pylon sign.

Figure 7.9: Pole/Pylon Sign Standards

(E)

Projecting signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of projecting signs shall be twelve (12) square feet.

(2)

Height. Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building to which it is attached, or a maximum of twelve (12) feet, whichever is less, and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor nonresidential tenant space. A projecting sign and a wall sign may be displayed on the same building frontage. A projecting sign and an awning or canopy sign shall not be displayed on the same building frontage.

(4)

Projection. Projecting signs shall horizontally project a maximum of four (4) feet from the mean elevation of the building to which it is attached.

(5)

Other provisions.

(a)

Projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated.

(b)

Projecting signs may encroach upon, extend, or project over a public right-of-way or easement. The property owner may be required to provide a release or hold harmless to the City prior to issuing permits for any such signs.

Figure 7.10: Projecting Sign Standards

(F)

Awning/canopy signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of awning/canopy signs shall be seventy-five (75) percent of the face of the awning or canopy upon which the sign shall be printed or affixed. The area of the awning or canopy sign shall count towards the maximum amount of sign area permitted for wall signs as detailed in Section 17.07.050(A).

(2)

Other provisions. Awning/canopy signs shall only be permitted on awnings/canopies extending above ground floor entrances or windows.

Figure 7.11: Awning/Canopy Sign Standards

(G)

Window signs, permanent.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of a permanent window sign shall be fifty (50) percent of the square footage of the individual window on which the sign shall be located. Permanent window sign area shall be counted in aggregate with temporary window sign area.

Figure 7.12: Permanent Window Sign Standards

(H)

On-site traffic directional signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of on-site traffic directional signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet. Permitted on-site traffic directional sign area shall not count towards aggregate sign area.

(2)

Sign height. The maximum height of on-site traffic directional signs shall not exceed three (3) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. The permitted number of on-site traffic directional signs shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator as necessary to assist in the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on a property.

Figure 7.13: On-Site Traffic Directional Sign Standards

(Ord. No. 5-2022, § 8, 2-21-22; Ord. No. 3-2024, §§ 6, 8, 9, 8-5-24)

(A)

General standards for permitted temporary signs.

(1)

Concurrent display. A maximum of two (2) permitted temporary signs, as permitted per district, may be displayed per lot concurrently.

(2)

Display period. The display period of a permitted temporary sign shall be fourteen (14) consecutive days per permit. A maximum of five (5) permits may be issued in a calendar year per property. Permits may be issued for consecutive fourteen (14) day periods up to the maximum number of permits.

(B)

Wall mounted banner signs.

(1)

Sign area.

(a)

The maximum sign area of wall mounted banner signs in residential districts or the NC, CB, and OPR Districts shall not exceed two and one-half (2.5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

(b)

The maximum sign area of wall mounted banner signs in the GC, BP, and I Districts shall not exceed five (5) percent of the total area of the face of the wall to which the sign is to be affixed.

(2)

Sign height. No wall mounted banner sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or above the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) wall mounted banner sign shall be permitted per lot frontage of a single-tenant building or unit of a multi-tenant building.

(4)

Location. Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed to a building.

(5)

Projection. Wall mounted banner signs shall be affixed flat against the building to which they are mounted.

Figure 7.14: Wall Mounted Banner Sign Standards

(C)

Ground mounted banner signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of a ground mounted banner sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

(2)

Sign height. The maximum height of a ground mounted banner sign shall not exceed six (6) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) ground mounted banner sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Ground mounted banner signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements, shall not block points of ingress or egress, be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Other provisions.

(a)

Ground mounted banner signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.

(b)

Ground mounted banner signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.

Figure 7.15: Ground Mounted Banner Sign Standards

(D)

Feather sign.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of feather signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

(2)

Sign height. The maximum height of a feather sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) feather sign shall be permitted per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Feather signs shall be located:

(a)

Within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance to the storefront located on the same lot; and

(b)

Within an amenity zone or placed to maintain a minimum clearance area for pedestrians of forty-eight (48) inches.

(5)

Other provisions. Feather signs shall:

(a)

Be securely anchored into the ground in zone districts other than the CB, Central Business District, or secured in a portable base designed for such function.

(b)

Be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.

(c)

Only be displayed during hours of operation.

(d)

Not be placed within two (2) feet from the face of the curb.

(e)

Not impede the vision triangle.

(f)

Not be illuminated.

Figure 7.16: Feather Sign Standards

(E)

A-frame/sandwich board signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum allowed sign area of a-frame/sandwich board signs shall be six (6) square feet.

(2)

Height. The maximum allowed height of a a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be three (3) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) a-frame/sandwich board sign shall be permitted per ground floor nonresidential tenant space.

(4)

Location.

(a)

A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed in a manner that preserves a continuous sidewalk width of a minimum of three (3) feet.

(b)

No part of any a-frame/sandwich board sign shall block points of ingress or egress.

(c)

A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed no more than one (1) foot from the wall of the building or unit of a building or fenced enclosure for outdoor seating or dining areas to which the sign is associated.

(d)

A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be placed no less than three (3) feet and no more than six (6) feet from the entrance of the building or unit of a building to which the sign is associated or within the amenity zone.

(5)

Other provisions.

(a)

A-frame/sandwich board signs shall be on-premises signs only.

(b)

The owner shall be required to provide a release or hold harmless to the City prior to the display of any signs located within a public right-of-way.

(c)

Duration of display. The display of a-frame/sandwich board signs shall only be permitted during the operating hours of the use to which the sign is associated.

Figure 7.17: A-Frame/Sandwich Board Sign Standards

(F)

Window sign, temporary.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of a temporary window sign shall be thirty (30) percent of the square footage of the individual window on which the sign shall be located, or not more than a total sign area of 30 percent when considered in aggregate with permanent window sign area on the same window.

Figure 7.18: Temporary Window Sign Standards

(G)

Post signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of a post sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet.

(2)

Sign height. The maximum height of a post sign shall not exceed six (6) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) post sign shall be allowed per lot frontage.

(4)

Location. Post signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements, shall not block points of ingress or egress, be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Other provisions.

(a)

Post signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.

(b)

Post signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.

Figure 7.19: Post Sign Standards

(H)

Yard signs.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum sign area of a yard sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.

(2)

Sign height. The maximum height of a yard sign shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of two (2) yard signs may be displayed concurrently. However, during the period sixty (60) days before and fifteen (15) days after an election a maximum of four (4) yard signs may be displayed concurrently.

(4)

Location. Yard signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, rights-of-way, and utility easements; shall not block points of ingress or egress; be placed in any sidewalk or pedestrian circulation system, and shall not be located in a vision clearance area as detailed in Section 17.06.060.

(5)

Other provisions.

(a)

Yard signs shall be securely anchored into the ground or secured in a portable base designed for such function.

(b)

Yard signs shall be maintained in good condition and shall not sag, lie on the ground, be torn, or otherwise kept in a disorderly state.

Figure 7.20: Yard Sign Standards

(I)

Flags.

(1)

Sign area. The maximum permitted sign area of a flag sign shall be twelve (12) square feet. Flag sign area shall be counted toward the maximum sign are limit for temporary signs in Section 17.07.020(B).

(2)

Sign height. No flag sign shall protrude above the highest roofline or above the top of the parapet wall or mansard roof.

(3)

Number of signs. A maximum of one (1) flag sign shall be permitted per every twelve (12) linear feet of building frontage.

(4)

Location. Flag signs shall be secured to a building and shall maintain a seven (7) foot clearance above any public right-of-way. Flag signs shall not be located to hinder pedestrian traffic and shall not project more than three (3) feet from any building. Flag poles shall only be permitted when directly attached to a building and not extending more than six (6) inches from the building.

Figure 7.21: Flags

(Ord. No. 3-2024, §§ 10—13, 8-5-24)

(A)

Illumination.

(1)

Location and design of light source. Whenever an external artificial light source is used for a sign, such source shall be located, shielded, and directed so as not to be directly visible from any public street or private residence. No receptacle or device housing a permitted light source for a sign shall protrude more than twelve (12) inches from the face of the sign or building to which it is attached except if such light source is ground mounted, locked in place, and cannot be redirected.

(2)

Level of illumination. In no event shall the illumination of any sign, resulting from any internal or external artificial light source, exceed the outdoor lighting standards established in Section 17.06.070. All artificial illumination shall be so designed, located, shielded, and directed as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light upon adjacent property or streets.

(B)

Electronic message boards. Single-tenant and multi-tenant monument signs may incorporate electronic message boards in accordance with the following.

(1)

One-third (⅓) of the sign area must be permanent copy.

(2)

The area of the sign devoted to an electronic message board shall be part of, not in addition to, the maximum sign area allowed.

(3)

The electronic message format shall conform to the following requirements:

(a)

The message will contain a static message or image only and not have movement, or the appearance of movement, during the static display period.

(b)

The transition to change from one message or image to another shall be instant and not dissolve, fade, scroll, travel, or have similar transitions.

(c)

The message shall not change more frequently than once every ten (10) seconds.

(4)

Electronic message boards must be equipped with a default mechanism that will stop the messaging or freeze the image in one position when a malfunction in electronic programming occurs.

(5)

Electronic message boards shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to light conditions.

(6)

Illumination of electronic message signs shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over the ambient lighting conditions when measured at a distance equal to the square footage of the sign area.

(7)

Applications shall be reviewed by the Public Works Director to determine that the sign placement does not interfere with traffic control devices within three hundred (300) feet of the sign or traffic circulation upon roadways. If determination is not approved by Public Works Director a report from a traffic engineer certifying that the proposed sign does not interfere with the design characteristics of the traffic circulation and traffic control devices shall be required.

(C)

Drive through signs. Signs for accessory drive through uses shall be subject to Section 17.05.140(F) in addition to Subsection B above.

(A)

Prohibited signs. The following sign types shall be prohibited in all districts:

(1)

Off-premises signs.

(2)

Roof signs.

(3)

Outline lighting.

(4)

Signs located on city property without the City's permission.

(5)

Signs which encroach on the public right-of-way.

(B)

Prohibited content.

(1)

The following content is prohibited without reference to the viewpoint of the individual speaker:

(a)

text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity;

(b)

text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats; or

(c)

text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with traffic control signs or signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words "Stop," "Yield," "Caution," or "Danger," or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).

(2)

The narrow classifications of content that are prohibited by this subsection are either not protected by the United States or Colorado Constitutions, or are offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the City Council that each paragraph of this subsection be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or Colorado Constitutions.

(Ord. No. 3-2024, § 14, 8-5-24)

(A)

Every sign and all parts thereof, including framework, supports, background, anchors and wiring systems shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with applicable building and other codes adopted by the City.

(B)

All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in proper repair in accordance with the provisions of this UDC. When not galvanized or constructed of approved corrosion resistive, noncombustible materials, signs shall be painted when necessary to prevent corrosion, rust, peeling paint, and excessive fading. Failure of owners to keep signs maintained in good mechanical and visual repair shall be deemed a violation of this UDC.

(C)

It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner or lessee of every sign to maintain the immediate premises occupied by the sign in a clean condition, free of rubbish. Any landscaping surrounding the sign shall be kept trimmed and in good repair. If the landscaping installed at the time of sign approval dies, said landscaping shall be replaced immediately or as soon as weather permits.

(D)

Every existing sign shall be subject to an inspection whenever the Zoning Administrator deems it necessary. In the event an inspection demonstrates that repairs, and/or maintenance is necessary, the sign owner shall be notified and required to complete said repairs and/or maintenance within thirty (30) days of notification. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to grant one (1) thirty (30) day extension, if, upon written request, it is deemed necessary due to extenuating circumstances.

(E)

If the Zoning Administrator shall find that any sign is unsafe or unsecure, or is a threat to the public safety, or was, after the adoption of this UDC constructed, erected, or maintained in violation of the provisions of this title, he or she shall give written notice per the provisions of this UDC. Such notice shall specify the manner in which the sign is unsafe or in violation of this UDC.

(F)

Sign copy shall be removed and in the case of a wall sign, the building façade shall be repaired, by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the use which the sign is associated is no longer conducted on the premises. The sign copy shall be removed within thirty (30) days of when the use ceases to operate. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign copy, the Zoning Administrator shall give the owner thirty (30) days written notice to remove it. Failure to comply with the notice shall be deemed a violation of this UDC.