HomeMy WebLinkAbout07348ORDINANCE NO. 7348
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE XVII OF THE PUEBLO MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE ADDITION
OF CHAPTER 10 THERETO RELATING TO SIGNS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
(Brackets indicate matter being deleted; underscoring indicates new matter being added.)
SECTION 1.
Title XVII of the Pueblo Municipal Code is hereby amended by the addition of Chapter 10 to
read as follows:
Section 17- 10 -01. Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing
standards and criteria for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of signs in the City
of Pueblo. More specifically, this Chapter is intended to:
M Enhance and protect the physical appearance of the municipality.
Protect property values.
Promote and maintain visually attractive, high value residential, retail, commercial and
industrial districts.
Promote the economic well being of the community by creating a favorable physical
image.
Ensure that signs are located and designed to:
a. Provide an effective means of way- finding in the community.
b. Afford the community an equal and fair way to advertise and promote its
products and services.
C. Reduce sign clutter and the distractions and confusion that may be contributing
factors in traffic congestion and accidents, and maintain a safe and orderly pedestrian
and vehicular environment.
d. Minimize the disruption of the scenic views which when maintained protect
important community values.
e. Afford businesses, individuals and institutions a reasonable opportunity to use
signs as an effective means of communication
Provide review procedures that assure that signs are consistent with the Municipality's
objectives and within the Municipality's capacity to efficiently administer the
regulations.
Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this Chapter.
Curb the proliferation of signs.
Section 17- 10 -02. Application of this chapter.
(a) The regulations contained in this Chapter shall apply to signs generally outside of the
public right -of -way and on the property to which the standard or regulation refers, except when
specifically stated otherwise. A sign shall only be erected, established, painted, created or
maintained in conformance with the standards, criteria, procedures, and other applicable
requirements of this Chapter.
Unless otherwise stated in this Chapter, all determinations, findings, and interpretations
shall be made by the Administrative Official or designee.
(c) The following signs and displays are exempted from this Chapter:
M Any sign displaying a public notice or warning required by a valid and
applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation;
Flags of any nation, government or non - commercial organization;
Any sign inside a building that is not attached to the window or door and is not
legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the lot on which the sign is
located;
Any work of art that does not display a commercial message;
Any religious symbol that does not display a commercial message;
Any traffic control sign, such as "STOP" or "YIELD," including traffic control
signs located on private property that meets applicable governmental standards
pertaining to such signs and does not display a commercial message;
Signs promoting or identifying an area, location, activity, or event of a state,
local government or agency thereof.
Product dispensers and trash receptacles;
Holiday, community, and community special event decorations that do not
display a commercial message;
Mascots for educational institutions with primarily academic curricula;
Signs on athletic fields and scoreboards intended for on- premises viewing;
Construction signs of up to thirty -two (32) square feet;
Menu signs at drive -in restaurants.
(14) Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative
tablets and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or
made of metal or other permanent -type construction and made an integral part
of the structure.
(15) Signs in the public right -of way that comply with the requirements of Section 9-
10-87 of the Pueblo Municipal Code concerning those signs constructed,
placed, affixed on any bus stop shelter, building, kiosk, structure or bench upon
any street, sidewalk or public right -of -way.
Section 17- 10 -03. General rules for all zone districts.
The following requirements shall apply to all signs in all zone districts unless otherwise indicated.
M All local, state, and federal Laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to,
Chapter 9 of this Code.
No provision of this Chapter shall be interpreted as authorizing the erection or
maintenance of any sign or display that is regulated under the State of Colorado Division of
Highways authorized by Sections 43 -1 -415 and 24 -4 -103, C.R.S.
All signs in a commercial or industrial zone district adjacent to the state highway
system must obtain a state sign permit if the sign is located in an area within Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT) jurisdiction.
Large scale development performance standard, Section 17 -4 -46, supercede the
standards set forth in this Chapter where applicable.
No sign shall be placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, structure,
tree or other surface located on public property including the posting of handbills except as
may otherwise expressly be authorized by this Chapter.
Temporary Signs six (6) square feet or less do not require a permit from the
Department of Land Use Administration.
Section 17- 10 -04. Computations, measurement, rules and definitions.
(a) Determining sign area or dimension of signs:
M The sign area shall include the face of all the display area(s) of the sign.
Architectural features that are either part of the building or part of a freestanding
structure are not considered signs and are thus exempt from this Chapter.
a. For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and
intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall
be the area of not more than three (3) geometric shapes that encompasses the
entire area of the sign faces including the background or frame.
For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, elements on a wall, or similar
surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign; the area of
the sign shall be the area of not more than three (3) regular geometric shapes that
encompasses the perimeter of all the elements in the display.
Up to five (5) percent of the permitted sign area may be considered minor
protrusions, and extend outside of the maximum limitation of three (3) geometric
shapes and are, therefore, exempted from being included as part of the sign area.
a. For freestanding and projecting signs the sign area shall be computed
by the measurement of one (1) of the faces when two (2) display faces are
joined, are parallel, or are within thirty (30) degrees of being parallel to each
other and are part of the same sign structure. For any sign that has two display
surfaces that do not comply with the above regulation, or has more than two
display surfaces then each surface shall be included when determining the area
of the sign.
The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the
edge of the property immediately adjacent to, or nearest the sign structure, to the
highest point of the sign, its frame, or decorative features.
Determining Building Frontage:
M For the purposes of this Chapter and for determining allowable wall sign area,
the building frontage shall include the building walls that: face a public street, face a
parking lot which serves the use, or that contains a public entrance to the uses therein.
For the purposes of these regulations, a public alley is not considered a public street.
The building frontage shall be measured along such building wall between the exterior
faces of the exterior sidewalls.
In the case of an irregular wall surface, a single straight line approximating such
wall surface shall be used to measure the wall's length.
For multi- occupant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased
by a single occupant shall be considered a building unit. The building frontage for a
building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the
building unit.
(c) Determining Public Street Frontage
M The primary frontage shall be the portion of a frontage that serves as the main
access point to a building or building unit. In most instances the building frontage is
that side on which the property is addressed.
The secondary frontage shall be all other frontages.
Determining sign setbacks: the required setbacks for the sign shall apply to all
elements of the sign including its frame and base.
(e) Definitions. For purposes of this Chapter the following words shall have the meaning
herein set forth:
M Abutting. Having a common border with or being separated from such a
common border by a right -of -way, alley, or easement.
Architectural feature. Any construction attendant to, but not an integral part of
the sign, which may consist of landscape, building, or structural forms that enhance the
site in general; also, graphic stripes and other architectural painting techniques applied
to a structure that serves a functional purpose, or when the stripes or other painting
techniques are applied to a building provided such treatment does not include lettering,
logos or pictures.
Building frontage. The length of any side of a building or store which fronts
upon a public street, a customer parking area, or pedestrian mall, and which has one
or more entrances to the main part of the building or store.
Building wall. Any vertical surface of a building or structure (other than a
pitched roof) that is integral to and could reasonably be constructed as part of the
architecture of the building when a sign(s) are not being contemplated. Examples of
building walls include: awnings, canopies, marquees, the vertical portion of gable roofs,
and parapets.
Canopy. A roof like cover, or a free- standing or projecting cover above an
outdoor service area, such as at a gasoline service station. A marquee is not a canopy.
Flag. Any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols,
used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, corporate or commercial
entity, or institution. A corporate or commercial, or institutional flag may only display the
name, trademark, or logo of the business or institution on the parcel and such flag may
not be used for other business or advertising purposes.
Nonresidential business use. A commercial establishment whose activity is at
a scale greater than a home occupation, examples of nonresidential business use
include office, service, and retail shops.
Residential business use. A business whose primary service is for the lodging
of quests or care of children, (for example: hotel, bed and breakfast, childcare center
and similar uses) or whose activity is not at a scale greater than home industry.
Sign. Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on
the premises on which the sign is located and including any words, lettering, figures,
numerals, phrases, sentences, devices, designs, pictures, symbols or trademarks by
which anything is made known, such as are used to designate a firm, association,
corporation, business, service or commodity or product, or any type of publicity,
whether placed on natural objects or on a building, fence or other man -made structure,
which are visible from any public street or public road right -of -way.
Sign, abandoned. A sign pertaining to or associated with an event, business, or
purpose which is no longer ongoing and which has been inactive or out of business for
a period of 180 consecutive days or longer; or a sign which contains structural
components but no display for a period of 180 consecutive days or longer
Sign, advertising (off - premise). A sign which directs attention to a business,
product, activity, or service which is not conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises
where such a sign is located.
Sign, animation. The presentation of pictorials and graphics on signs displayed
in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion, including but not limited to
the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or
contracting shapes.
Sign, animated (moving). Any sign having a conspicuous and intermittent
variation in the physical position of any part of the sign. Inflatable devices are excluded.
Sign, banner. A sign made of lightweight fabric or similar material with no
enclosing framework that is mounted to a building or other structure at one or more
edges.
Sign, billboard (off - premise sign). A sign structure advertising an establishment,
merchandise, event, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced,
manufactured or furnished at the property on which the sign is located. Any other
outdoor advertising prohibited by the provisions of Section 43 -1 -415 C.R.S. and
Section 24 -4 -103 C.R.S.
Sign, freestanding, — A sign supported from the ground and not attached to any
building. A freestanding sign may be supported by one or more poles or structures. For
the purposes of this Chapter a monument sign is not considered a freestanding sign.
Sign, high rise. A freestanding sign that exceeds fifty (50) feet in height.
Sign, inflatable. Any inflatable shape or figure designed or used to attract
attention to a business event or location. Inflatable promotional devices shall be
considered to be temporary signs under the terms of this Chapter and subject to the
regulations thereof.
Sign, instructional. A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use on the
premises and that is intended to instruct employees, customers, or users as to matters
of public safety or necessity such as specific parking requirements, the location or
regulations pertaining to specific activities on the site or in the building, and including a
sign erected by a public authority, utility, public service organization, or private industry
that is intended to control traffic; direct, identify or inform the public; or provide needed
public service as determined by the rules and regulations of governmental agencies or
through public policy.
Sign, monument. A sign supported primarily by an internal structural
framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features other than
support poles.
Sign, multiple tenant. A sign that serves as a common or collective
identification for two or more uses on the same premises.
Sign, on -site shopping center.
a. Relating in its subject matter to the premises on which it is located or to
products, accommodations, services or activities on the premises on which it is
located, or
b. Identifying businesses conducted on the premises on which it is located.
For purposes of this subsection, for shopping centers, the term premises shall
mean all the parcels of real property which comprise the shopping center as
evidenced by either:
1. A private declaration, covenant, restriction or other document
identifying the parcels of real property which comprise such shopping
center, or
2. City- approved site plan identifying the parcels of real property
which comprise such shopping center, irrespective of the fact that
various portions of such premises may be owned by different owners or
leased by different tenants. If applicable pursuant to Subsection 17-4 -
46(b), signs for shopping centers shall conform with the large scale
development performance standards set forth in subsection 17- 4- 46(i).
C. On -site shopping center signs do not include billboard (off - premise)
signs.
Sign, perimeter wall. A permanent on- premise sign fastened to or painted on a
wall at the perimeter of a subdivision identifying a vehicular entrance, residential
complex, or institutional use.
Sign plate. A building sign not exceeding two (2) square feet indicating the
street number, the name of the person, business, profession or activity occupying the
lot, building, or part thereof; or other information pertaining to the use on the lot.
Sign, pole. A freestanding sign that is affixed, attached, or erected on a pole, or
pole structure that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building or structure.
Sign, portable. Any sign designed to be transported on wheels, skids, runners,
brackets, or has a frame to which wheels, skids, runners, brackets, or similar
mechanical devices can be attached to or support the sign. A portable sign also
includes sandwich signs, inflatable devices, and mobile signs such as parked utilitv
trailers (less than 2,000 pounds empty weight) or vehicles, which include signs which
are visible from the public right- off -way unless such vehicle is used in the normal day
to -day operations of the business.
Sign, projecting. A sign that is attached to a building wall and extending
perpendicular to (or approximately perpendicular to) the building wall and fifteen (15)
inches or more beyond the face of the wall.
Sign, roof. A sign, or any portion thereof, erected, constructed, or projecting
upon or over the roof or parapet wall of any building whether the principal support for
the sign is on the roof, wall or any other structural element of the building.
Sign, structure. The supports, uprights, bracing, or framework of any structure
exhibiting a sign, be it single- faced, double -face, or V -type, or otherwise.
Sign, temporary. A sign that is designed to be used only temporarily and is
not intended to be permanently attached to a building, structure or permanently
installed in the ground. These include, but are not limited to, political signs, special
event signs, portable signs, and for sale or leasing signs. Temporary signs may be
displayed as window signs.
Sign, wall. A sign fastened to or painted on a building wall in such a manner
that the wall is the supporting structure for or forms the background surface of the
sign and which does not project more than fifteen (15) inches from such building wall.
(32) Sign, window. A sign that is applied or attached to a window or door, or a
sign located near a window within a building for the purpose of being visible to and
read from the outside of the building except for signs that are not attached to a
window or a door and are not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond
the building lot on which such sign is located.
(33) Trailer. Any wheeled vehicle, without motive power and having an empty
weight of more than two thousand pounds, which is designed to be drawn by a motor
vehicle and to carry its cargo load wholly upon its own structure and which is
generally and commonly used to carry and transport property over the public
highways.
Section 17- 10 -05. Sign Standards
(a) Residential: R -1, R -2, R -3, R -8
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Monument Sign
Prohibited
Free Standing
Prohibited
Sign
Building Address
1 per dwelling unit
2 sq. ft.
Sign Plates
Signs for
Subdivision
Identification
2 per subdivision entrance
48 sq. ft.
6'
_
Subdivision
Identification on
Unlimited
2 sg.ft. per linear foot of
Restricted to height of wall
wall
Subdivision
Perimeter Wall
(b) Residential: R4,
R -5
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Monument Sign
1 per development
48 sq. ft.
6'
entrance
Free Standing
Prohibited
Sign
Building Address
1 per public entrance to
2 sq. ft.
Sign Plates
building
Signs for
Subdivision
Identification
Prohibited
(c) Manufactured Home
Park: R -7
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Monument Sign
1 per development
48 sq. ft.
6'
entrance *
Free Standing
1 per development
48 sq. ft.
12'
Sign
entrance *
Building Address
1 per public entrance
2 sq. ft.
Sign Plates
Park
Identification on
Unlimited
2 sq. ft. per lineal foot of
Restricted to'/ height of wall
wall
Park Perimeter
Wall
Notes:
* Both types of signs (monument and freestanding) are not permitted at the same time
(d) Nonresidential Commercial Use: R4, R -5, R -6
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Monument Sign
1 *
48 sq. ft.
6'
Freestanding
1*
80 sq. ft.
16'
Sign For
Development
< 40,000 sq. feet
Freestanding
1 per frontage*
150 sq. ft.
1 per building frontage,
20'
Sign For Large
Scale
Development
primary and secondary
> 40,000 sq. feet
Building Address
1 per address
2 sq. ft.
Sign Plates
Wall Sign
Unlimited
2 sq. ft. per lineal foot of
Height of building
building frontage
Note:
* Both types of signs (monument and freestanding) are not permitted at the same time
(e) Residential Business Use R-4, R -5 (Hotel, B &B, Daycare Center, and similar uses)
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Permitted
Monument Sign
12 sq. ft
6'
Freestanding
Prohibited
_
Building Address
1 per address
2 sq. ft.
Sign Plate
Wall Sign
Unlimited
1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of
Limited to height of wall
building frontage
(f) Neighborhood Office District: 0-1
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Additional
Requirements
Sign Plate
1 per address
2 sq. ft.
Wall Sign on
Unlimited
1 sq. ft. per lineal
Limited to
height of wall
Primary
Frontage
foot of primary
building frontage
Wall Sign on
Unlimited
1 sq. ft. per lineal
Limited to
height of wall
Secondary
Frontage
foot of secondary
building frontage
Freestanding
1 permitted
(see additional
requirements)
80 sq. ft.
16'
If property abuts residential use
Sign
on only one (1) side then one (1)
free standing sign or one (1)
monument sign is permitted for
individual or multiple tenants. Both
types of signs on the same lot are
not permitted
Monument Sign
A. Multiple tenants
48 sq. ft.
6'
If property abuts R -1, R -2, R -3
200 sq. ft.
permitted on one (1)
Zone Districts on two sides then
monument sign.
Only (1) sign permitted
only monument signs are allowed.
Free standing signs are not
on site
(see additional
requirements)
permitted in this scenario
Special Sign
District these
monument sign 48 sq. ft. 6' high*
B. Individual tenant
identification monument
signs are permitted.
Only (1) sign permitted
48 sq. ft.
4'
If property abuts R -1, R -2, R -3
Zone Districts on two sides then
only monument signs are allowed.
per tenant, cannot have
Free standing signs are not
monument sign and wall
permitted in this scenario
sign
(see additional
requirements )
(g) Nonresidential
Districts: (B -1, B -2, B -3, 134, B- P,1- 1,1- 2,1 -3, )
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Additional
Requirements
Sign Plate
1 per address
2 sq. ft.
Free Standing
1 *
200 sq. ft.
30'
If Property abuts R -1, R -2, or R -3
Sign
(Unless Propert y
Zone Districts on two (2) or more
sides; Freestanding sign is limited
is located in a
to 80 sq. ft. & 16' high or one (1)
Special Sign
District these
monument sign 48 sq. ft. 6' high*
regulations apply.
see 17- 10 -06)
Monument Sign
1
100 sq. ft.
10'
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Additional
Requirements
Development
Unlimited
2 sq. ft. per lineal
Limited to
height of wall
Identification of
foot of wall
Development
Perimeter Wall
Multiple Tenant
1 shared sign per street
800 sq. ft.
30'
Freestanding
Sign Two (2) or
frontage
More Business
(Unless Propert y
is located in a
Special Sign
District these
regulations apply.
see 17- 10 -06)
Wall sign On
Unlimited
2 sq. ft. per lineal
Limited to
height of wall
Primary Frontage
foot of primary
frontage (a)(b)
Wall sign On
Unlimited
2 sq. ft. per lineal
Limited to
height of wall
Secondary
Frontage
foot of secondary
frontage (a)(b)
Projecting Signs
1
20 sq. ft.
Not less than 8'
5' Maximum projection
between bottom
of sign and
grade & not
over 16' high
nor extend
above roofline
Island Canopy
Unlimited
1.5 sq. ft. per lineal
Approved
Canopy Height
foot of building
frontage
Roof Sign
Unlimited
1.5 sq. ft. per lineal
Sign, not to extend above roof line
foot of building
frontage
Free Standing
One (1) per franchise in
100 sq. ft
25'
Signs Auto
Dealership
addition to the primary
siqn for the dealership
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Additional
Requirements
Spacing Between Signs
Free Standing
1
300 sq. ft.
65'
If property is adjacent to 1 -25 and
"High Rise" Sign
another frontage then one (1)
Along 1 -25
additional low profile sign is
permitted at 125 sq. ft. & 25' high
400
Notes:
(a) The maximum sign area that is permitted for primary frontage may be transferred to a secondary frontage provided that the
maximum sign area on any secondary frontage does not exceed two (2) square feet for each lineal foot of frontage.
(b) The maximum building sign area for a building or any portion of the building that is setback more than 200 feet from the
right -of -way that provides primary access to the site may be increased by 25 %, provided the building is visible from the street
* Both types of signs (freestanding and monument) are not permitted on the same lot at the same time if property abuts an R -1,
R -2, or R -3 zone district on two (2) or more sides
(i) Off - premise Advertising
Zone District
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Spacing Between Signs
Per Lot
R -6
300
30'
300'
A -1, A -2,
1- 1,1- 2,1 -3,
400
40'
300'
Note:
Spacing determined by CDOT along State and Federal highways
All existing legal nonconforming signs shall continue as legal non - conforming
cap — (24) additional bill board structures and faces over the next (5) years. cap is subject to review by City Council every (5)
years
Bill board structures and faces that are removed and relocated to another location shall be exempted from the cap
lil Temporary Signs
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Area
Maximum
Comments
Height
All Districts
2
6 sq. ft.
6'
Vacant Parcels
1 per street frontage
32 sq. ft.
6'
Event Banner
75 sq. ft.
Requires Revocable Permit
under Section 9 -10 -88 when
installed in the public right -of -way
Portable Signs
1
32 sg. ft.
In the absence of a revocable
(k) Instructional Signs: All Districts
Intent
Compliance
Exemption
Instructional signs intended for
instructional purposes shall be permitted
permit, temporary & portable signs
are not permited in the public right -
serve the intended instructional purpose, not
base of a permitted freestanding
as needed on a lot in a residential district
to exceed six (6) sq. ft. in area.
b. The number of instructional signs located
sign without the area of such
of -way
instructional sign, or the
background, being considered as
or non - residential use provided such
on the site are the minimum needed to serve
signs comply with a, b, or c (under
the intended instructional purpose C.
Notes:
"Compliance ")
The display of signage carried by a person shall not be considered a temporary
sign and shall not require a revocable permit in
the public right of way
attention beyond the perimeter of the site
Political signs shall be posted not more than ninety (90) days prior to the election to which the signs relate and shall be
removed fifteen (15) days following the election for which the signs relate
Sales/ advertising / business signs — maximum time allowed is seven (7) days per
month
Event, banner or sign shall be removed within seven (7) days after event
Real estate signs shall be removed seven (7) days after property sale closing
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated
(k) Instructional Signs: All Districts
Intent
Compliance
Exemption
Instructional signs intended for
instructional purposes shall be permitted
a. The signs are not larger than necessary to
The signs may be placed on the
serve the intended instructional purpose, not
base of a permitted freestanding
as needed on a lot in a residential district
to exceed six (6) sq. ft. in area.
b. The number of instructional signs located
sign without the area of such
when the lot is devoted to a multi - family
instructional sign, or the
background, being considered as
or non - residential use provided such
on the site are the minimum needed to serve
signs comply with a, b, or c (under
the intended instructional purpose C.
part of or added to the area of the
"Compliance ")
The signs are not located or designed to be
freestanding sign
readable from a distance or serve to attract
attention beyond the perimeter of the site
Notes:
Instructional signs shall not be used to display commercial messages referring to products or services that are unrelated to
current or pending activities on or uses of the propert y
Entrance and exit signs, which are permitted in addition to the above freestanding signs, shall be limited to two for each
entrance /exit driveway
If the side lot is adjacent to a residential zone district the minimum setback from the side lot line is thirty (30) feet
Lines
(1) Display of commercial flaps
Display of commercial flaps. In all Districts, a maximum of three (3) flagpoles may be erected on any parcel provided that
A maximum of three (3) commercial flags may be displayed simultaneously:
The maximum height or length of the flag pole shall be thirty (30) feet; and
The total maximum size of all commercial flags displayed shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet, subject to the
total maximum (aggregate) size of commercial flags, a commercial or non - commercial organization may display alongside a
national or governmental flag, one organizational flag not larger than the national or governmental flag;
The corporate or commercial flag may only display the name, trademark, or logo of the business on the parcel and such flag
may not be used for other business or advertising purposes
(m): Supplemental standards: residential, neighborhood office, and non - residential
Type
Type
Free Standing
&
Wall Signs
In All Districts
External
Illumination
a. Height of six (6) feet or less may be illuminated from the ground or the top
b. Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated from the top if more than 6 feet in
height C.
Light sources must be shielded and directed only on the sign to minimize illumination
beyond the sign
Animated or
Prohibited
Moving
Preservation of Sight
Sight
Triangle
For the purpose of assuring that drivers and pedestrians have adequate visibility at
Lines
the intersection of a roadway, street, driveway, trail, or alley, no sign or portion of a
sign
between a height of two (2 ) feet and eight (8) feet shall conflict with the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Sight Distance
Triangle specifications
Section 17- 10 -06: Special sign districts
Special sign districts have been established to prescribe special regulations to modify or supplement the regulations of the
general district in recognition of distinguishing circumstances while maintaining the character and purposes of the general use
district area over which it is superimposed. (See attached map descriptions in appendix A)
Type
Maximum Number
Maximum Height
Maximum Area Per Sign
Permitted
District 1
Freestanding "High Rise"
1
75'
300 sq. ft.
If property is adjacent to 1 -25 and
Signs Properties Fronting on
Elizabeth From HWY 50 to
another frontage an additional (1) low
Dillon Drive
profile sign is permitted at 125 sq. ft. &
25' high
District 2
Freestanding "high rise"
1
75'
300 sq. ft.
If property is adjacent to 1 -25 and
signs from Dillon Drive south
to HWY 47 within 1100' east of
1 -25; and only those properties
another frontage an additional one (1)
sign is permitted at 125 sq. ft. & 25' hiqh
adjacent to 1 -25 & Frontage
300 sq. ft.
Road from HWY 47 to 29`"
Street
District 3
Freestanding "high rise"
1
75'
signs from Streeter Avenue
alignment south along Lake
Avenue to 1 -25 and closing
boundary North along 1 -25 to
Streeter Avenue alignment
District 4
Freestanding signs on
1
50'
300 sq. ft.
properties adjacent to HWY 50
west of I -25
District 5
Freestanding signs
all other streets
1 *
30'
200 sq. ft.
If property abuts R -1, R -2, or R -3 zone
districts on two (2) or more sides;
freestanding sign is limited to 80 sq. ft. &
16' high or one (1) monument sign 48 sq.
ft. 6' high
Note:
* Both tVpes of sign (freestanding and Monument are not permitted on the same lot at the same time if propertV abuts R -1 R-
2, and R -3 on two (2) or more sides
Section 17- 10 -07. Prohibited signs.
The following signs and sign structures are prohibited:
M Roof signs that extend above the roof line.
Off - premise signs except for permitted billboards.
Signs that mechanically alter their physical position in space.
Signs attached to antennae or towers except for warning signs and identification
placards.
Signs which contain statement(s), word(s), or picture(s) describing or depicting sexual
activities or sexually explicit anatomical areas.
Signs which contain, or are an imitation of, an official traffic sign or signal or contain the
words: "STOP," "GO SLOW," "CAUTION," "DANGER," "WARNING," or similar words, except
official traffic signs or signals.
Signs which are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of
illumination which may be construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any
traffic or street sign or signal.
Signs erected after adoption of this Chapter that do not comply with the provisions of
this Chapter.
Signs in, on, over, or above the public right -of -way without a revocable permit
therefore.
Parked motor vehicles and / or trailers intentionally located so as to serve as an
advertising device for a use, product, or service.
Revolving beacon lights.
Section 17- 10 -08. Regulations for nonconforming signs.
(a) A legal nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legal nonconforming status, and
thereafter shall be brought into conformance with this Chapter or removed, when any of the following
occur:
M The size or shape of the sign is changed.
The sign structure is altered. Alteration does not include repairs and /or maintenance.
(3) The legal nonconforming sign is accessory to a nonconforming use that has lost its
nonconforming status.
(4) A land use application has been filed to change the use or dimension of the subject
property.
A nonconforming sign shall not be structurally altered, relocated or replaced unless the sign is
brought into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
(c) If a sign and /or sign structure are damaged to the extent that the repair cost exceeds fifty (50)
percent of the replacement cost of the sign or sign structure, the sign or sign structure shall be
removed or brought into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. If the repair costs do not
exceed fifty (50) percent of the replacement cost of the sign or sign structure, the Administrative
Official may authorize the sign or sign structure to be repaired, provided all repair work is completed
within ninety (90) days, (subject to the Administrative Official extending the time for good cause), of
the date the Administrative Official determines the sign or sign structure requires replacement or
authorizes repairs. In no event may a sign be maintained in an unsafe condition.
The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power to grant an extension to the time of
removal of a nonconforming sign or sign structure required by this Section. In evaluating a request
for an extension of time for removal of a nonconforming use, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall
consider, the following factors to determine whether the owner of the sign or sign structure has had
reasonable amount of time to recoup its investment:
M The value of the sign or sign structure at the time of construction and the length of time
the sign has been in place;
The life expectancy of the original sign or sign structure and its salvage value, if any;
The amount of depreciation and /or amortization of the sign or sign structure already
claimed for tax or accounting purposes;
The length of the current tenant lease or expected occupancy compared to the date the
sign or sign structure is to be brought into compliance;
The extent to which the sign or sign structure is not in compliance with the
requirements of this Chapter; and,
The degree to which the Board determines that the sign or sign structure is consistent
with the purposes and intent of this Chapter.
Section 17- 10 -09. Construction Standards.
(a) Signs shall be structurally sound and located so as not to pose any threat to pedestrian
or vehicular traffic.
Non - temporary signs shall be fabricated on and of materials that are of good quality and
durability.
(C) Electric signs and all non - temporary signs involving structural requirements of the
building code shall be installed, repaired, altered and serviced only by a contractor licensed to perform
such tasks.
No sign shall be erected in such a way as to obstruct any window, door, fire escape,
balcony, platform, stairway, ladder, vent or other means of ingress and egress of any building.
(e) No sign shall be attached to a utility pole, tree, trash receptacle, or other structure not
intended or approved as a sign support.
ff) Temporary signs shall be durable and weather - resistant and fastened or anchored
sufficiently to remain in place whether attached to the building or positioned in the ground.
Lq)_ No sign regulated by any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be erected in the
right -of -way, in proximity to railroad crossings, or at the intersection of any streets in a manner to
obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, or color, it
may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign signal or
device; or which makes use of the words "STOP," "LOOK," "DANGER," or any other word, phrase,
symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.
In the event there is a conflict between the provisions of this Section and the
rovisions of anv applicable buildina or sian code the more restrictive or hiaher standard shall control
Section 17- 10 -10. Maintenance
(a) All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good repair, in a safe and secure condition,
and in compliance with this Chapter, the International Building Code (IBC) as adopted in Title 4
Chapter 2 of this code and applicable building codes.
All sign and sign structures shall be kept in a neat, clean and presentable condition. All sign
information shall be kept clearly legible and compatible with its intended use.
(c) A sign which advertises a business that has not been conducted on the premises for one
hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, or fails to serve the purpose for which it was intended, shall
either be removed or the sign area shall be replaced by a neutral single background color panel or
similar cover. If the sign is composed of individual raised letters, the letters shall be removed.
Except as provided in the IBC or applicable building codes, a sign face may be removed for
purpose of repair, refurbishing or repainting without permit or payment of fees, provided:
The sign base and sign structures are not altered or remodeled;
The sign and sign structures are not enlarged or increased; and,
The sign is accessory to a legally permitted, conditional or nonconforming use.
Section 17- 10 -11. Administrative Provisions
(a) To ensure compliance with this Chapter proposed signs or sign structures shall be required to
receive a permit from the Department of Land Use Administration, except as exempted within this
Chapter.
_ An application for a sign permit shall be made to the Administrative Official on the forms
provided by the Department of Land Use Administration and in the manner required herein. At a
minimum. the following shall be submitted to the Department of Land Use Administration for approval:
M Easements and /or rights -of -w a
a. Setbacks — distance to property lines from buildings, parking areas, and
driveways;
IL. Lighting plans as required in Section 17 -4 -52; and
C. Graphics including:
1. Building signs shall include drawings or pictures, at a minimum size of
(8.5 X 11), showing proposed building signs, sizes, square footages, placement,
elevations, and dimensions.
2. Free standing and monument signs shall include drawings or pictures, at
a minimum size of (8.5 X 11), showing proposed signs, sizes, square footages,
height, placement , and property lines.
3. Applicant shall provide drawings or pictures, at a minimum size of (8.5 X
11), showing proposed building signs, sizes, square footages, placemen,
elevations, and dimensions for all existing signage.
4. Other requirements adopted by the Department of Land Use
Administration to comply with this Section.
The Administrative Official shall review and act on the sign applications for non -
temporary signs for which a permit is required to assure compliance with the standards set
forth in this Chapter.
(c) The Administrative Official may grant exceptions to the provisions of this Chapter whenever a
sign or property has been designated a Historic Sign pursuant to the eligibility criteria adopted by
Historic Preservation Commission. These criteria provide for Historic Sign status for signs that are:
M Associated with historic figures, events or places.
Significant as evidence of the history of the product, business or service advertised.
Significant as reflecting the history of the building or the development of the historic
district. A sign may be the only indicator of a building's historic use.
Characteristic of a specific historic period, such as gold leaf on glass, neon, or
stainless steel lettering.
Integral to the building's design or physical fabric, as when a sign is part of a storefront
made of Carrara glass or enamel panels, or when the name of the historic firm or the date are
rendered in stone, metal or tile. In such cases, removal can harm the integrity of a historic
property's design, or cause significant damage to its materials.
Outstanding examples of the sign maker's art, whether because of their excellent
craftsmanship, use of materials, or design.
Local landmarks, that is, signs recognized as popular focal points in a community.
Elements important in defining the character of a historic district, such as marquees in
a theater district.
Section 17- 10 -12. Variances and appeals
(a) The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have power to authorize variances from the terms of this
Chapter with respect to maximum sign area., maximum sign height, sign location, and the number of
signs located on a parcel.
In evaluating a request for a variance to the maximum sign height, the Zoning Board of
Appeals may consider whether there are special topographical circumstances that would result in a
material impairment of visibility of the sign from the adjacent roadway which significantly diminishes
the sign owner or user's ability to communicate adequately and effectively with the public through the
use of the sign.
(c) The Zoning Board of Appeals may not grant a variance which exceeds the specific
requirement of this Chapter by more than twenty -five (25) percent.
Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Administrative Official concerning the
interpretation or administration of this Chapter may appeal such decision to the Zoning Board of
Appeals in the time and manner provided in section 17 -5 -22 of this Code.
Section 17- 10 -13. Enforcement, violations and penalties.
(a) The Administrative Official is authorized to enforce a final order to remove, alter or repair a
sign or sign structure. All costs incurred in enforcing such order shall be paid by the responsible party
within thirty (30) days after notification of such costs. All unpaid costs together with interest thereon at
the rate of ten (10) percent per annum shall, upon recording in the offices of the Pueblo County Clerk
and Recorder a statement under oath of the City Manager showing the cost of such enforcement and
describing the parcel upon which the sign or sign structure is located, be and constitute a perpetual
lien on such parcel having priority over all other liens except general property taxes. Such lien shall
remain in full force and effect until such costs and interest have been paid in full. The remedies of the
City hereunder and under this Chapter and Title shall be cumulative.
The sign owner and the owner of the parcel upon which a sign is located shall be jointly and
severally responsible for the sign and sign structure.
(c) Any person violating any provision of this Chapter shall be punished as provided in section 17-
7-3 of this Title.
Section 17- 10 -14. Short title.
This Chapter shall be known and cited as the "Pueblo Sign Code."
Section 17- 10 -15. Appendix A.
SECTION 2.
The adoption of this Ordinance and the Pueblo Sign Code shall not create any duty to any
person, firm, corporation, or other entity with regard to the enforcement or nonenforcement of this
Ordinance or the Pueblo Sign Code. No person, firm, corporation, or other entity shall have any
private right of action, claim or civil liability remedy against the City of Pueblo or its officers,
employees or agents, for any damage arising out of or in any way connected with the adoption,
enforcement, or nonenforcement of this ordinance or the Pueblo Sign Code. Nothing in this
Ordinance or the Pueblo Sign Code shall be construed to create any liability, or to waive any of the
immunities, limitations on liability, or other provisions of the Governmental Immunity Act, Section 24-
10 -101, et seq., C.R.S. or to waive any immunities or limitations on liability otherwise available to the
City of Pueblo or its officers, employees or agents.
SECTION 3.
In any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or the Pueblo
Sign Code hereby adopted is for any reason determined to be unenforceable or invalid, such
determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining portions of this Ordinance
and the Pueblo Sign Code.
SECTION 4.
This Ordinance shall become effective upon final passage and approval.
INTRODUCED July 11, 2005
BY Michael Occhiato
Councilperson
APPROVED:
PREMENT 9F CITY CPJPIL
ATTESTED BY:
CITY CLERIC
PASSED AND APPROVED July 25, 2005