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Broomfield council approves large digital monument sign at Palisade Park after split vote
Summary
After a public hearing and debate about precedent, driver distraction and content control, council voted 7–3 to approve a 27-foot, partially digital monument sign at Palisade Park and a related URA resolution; opponents warned the size could set a precedent on Highway 7.
The City and County of Broomfield approved a request to amend the Palisade Park site plan to allow a larger, fully digital monument sign after a split council vote that illustrated a debate over gateway image and future precedent.
Alex Bradshaw, senior planner, explained that the proposed V-shaped monument sign would be 27 feet tall with approximately 335 square feet of signage area, including a roughly 148-square-foot digital panel on each face. The sign design was included within the Palisade Park PUD and had previously been modified in 2013; the current request increases the digital panel area to serve a growing amphitheater and commercial development.
The applicant, identified in the record as Mr. Baum representing Kavamra LLC and Palisade Park, said the sign meets Colorado Department of Transportation and Broomfield code requirements and that digital signs now use auto-dimming technology that reduces nighttime brightness. "CDOT has looked at this. It is in compliance with their codes," he said, and provided materials including a CDOT letter and an LED-safety study summary.
Some residents and council members expressed reservations. Mayor Pro Tem Lim said she would vote no, citing concerns that an oversized digital sign could set a precedent along Colorado 7 and affect gateway character: "I will be voting no on this. I do not feel that this series of signs like this presents a good gateway image on Colorado 7 for Broomfield." Council member Ward also said he was concerned about light impacts if residential uses develop across the street.
Council member Henkel moved approval and Council member Cohen seconded. On the city council vote the measure passed 7–3. The Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority also approved a matching URA resolution in a subsequent roll call. After the vote, the applicant thanked council and said he appreciated the concerns raised by the three who voted no.
What the approval allows and limits: Staff said the Palisade Park PUD and CDOT rules bar off-premises advertising, so the digital panel is limited to Palisade Park tenants and affiliated uses rather than general commercial advertising. Staff also noted Broomfield's code limits sign illumination to three foot-candles above ambient light levels and prohibits full-motion video under current rules.
Next steps: The applicant and staff will coordinate permit details and content controls to ensure compliance with CDOT and city code; the authority's URA approval allows the site-plan amendment and the applicant may proceed to building-permit submittals.
