Council approves sign-code amendments on first reading to allow master sign plans for large developments

The Fountain City Council voted 7-0 on April 8 to approve Ordinance 18-10 on first reading, which revises Chapter 17.12 of the Fountain Municipal Code to clarify and expand the city's master sign plan regulations.

"This item before you is an amendment to Title 17 of the municipal code which pertains to zoning, specific to the section of commercial master sign plans," said Christy Martinez of the city planning department. The amendment narrows the applicability of master sign plans to large, multi-tenant projects and provides detailed design standards and review criteria, staff said.

Under the revised code, a master sign plan would be available for multi-tenant commercial, industrial or mixed-use developments that exceed 35 acres, and for standalone buildings larger than 200,000 square feet. The draft also preserves flexibility for tenants while aiming to reduce visual clutter and coordinate sign design. The ordinance allows up to a 25% alteration to some design standards (excluding the consolidated complex sign area).

Councilmember Estes moved approval on first reading; Councilmember Herzberg seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as "7 yes, motion carried." Martinez told council the change retains existing allowances for temporary signage such as banners and was modeled on practices in other municipalities.

As a first-reading approval the ordinance will return for a second reading and final vote at a later meeting.