Council hears proposal to expand rooftop signage allowances across downtown Central Business District

Councilors discussed a proposed zoning code amendment on Feb. 20 to allow rooftop signs across the city’s Central Business District by right, rather than only within the smaller Downtown Entertainment District and portions of the Route 66 overlay.

Susan Miller of the planning office explained that the current code allows rooftop signage in two limited areas and that the amendment would expand by-right allowance across the CBD while retaining size limitations and the existing sign budget rules. Miller said recent rooftop signs have been approved through the Board of Adjustment (BOA) and that most sign permits are handled directly by Development Services.

Councilor Bellis introduced the item and noted past piecemeal approvals in the Blue Dome/Downtown Entertainment area and the Route 66 overlay. Councilors asked whether review and oversight would remain; staff said BOA review still applies to signs that exceed code allowances and that the permitting process through Development Services continues for most signs.

Staff said the amendment includes a definition of “roof sign” (a sign that extends above the parapet) and that it is not intended to remove size limits or the requirement that signage fit within a property’s overall sign budget. The code change is intended to simplify permitting for downtown property owners and developers who have asked for clearer, by-right guidance for rooftop signage.

No final vote was recorded on Feb. 20; staff presented the draft and answered councilors’ questions about oversight and the permit review process.