Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts first reading of updated sign code in Unified Development Code rewrite
Summary
Council approved on first reading a rewritten sign code to replace a 30‑year‑old standard; it modernizes temporary, electronic and wall sign rules, adds a creative‑sign allowance and makes downtown exceptions. The vote included an amendment on electronic message timing and patio sign placement.
Loveland City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Title 18 (the Unified Development Code) to replace the city’s sign regulations with a modernized sign code that consolidates rules, adds graphics and tables for clarity, and creates a new creative‑sign approval path.
Planning staff presenter Carrie Burchette said the draft replaces a 30‑year old sign code and aims to be more user friendly, allow creative signs through a public hearing process, and add modest flexibility for wall, awning and blade signs. Todd Messenger, who drafted the original UDC, briefed council on legal limits tied to First Amendment case law and explained the code’s content‑neutral approach to avoid constitutional risk.
Key changes include a structured table for sign types, new rules to allow limited electronic message boards for civic institutions in residential zones (with a minimum message duration), increased permitted wall sign area tied to building frontage rather than a flat cap, and an option for a ‘creative sign’ review by Planning Commission for nonstandard, higher‑quality sign proposals. Portable (A‑frame) signs would remain allowed downtown and the code proposes permitting them elsewhere for tenant‑rich walkable centers with a free permitting/sticker process to document location and compliance.
At the Planning Commission hearing commissioners were divided on electronic message timing; staff proposed a 10‑second minimum between message changes in nonresidential zones and the commission recommended 5 seconds for nonresidential signs but 30 seconds for civic signs in residential zones. Councilor Samson moved an amendment to reduce the civic sign minimum from 30 to 10 seconds and to require portable signs in retail patio zones not to impede a 5‑foot clear right‑of‑way measured from the curb; the amendment passed on council vote. Another proposed amendment to remove a 50% window‑coverage limit outside the downtown DDA failed.
Public commenters asked for clarity on rights of businesses to use window graphics, sidewalk placement of portable signs and enforcement. Staff said the code is written to balance signage needs, pedestrian access and visual character; enforcement will rely on existing code‑enforcement staffing and a proposed sticker/permit practice for downtown A‑frame signs. Council approved the ordinance on first reading by a 7–1 vote; Councilor Foley cast the lone no vote. The ordinance will return for second reading under the city’s ordinance schedule.
