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Gunnison council adopts Main Street signage amendment but removes restrictive variable-message clause
Summary
The council approved a code amendment to allow certain Main Street sign encroachments consistent with the overlay zone but voted to exclude a provision that would have restricted variable-message/scrolling signs, directing further outreach to affected businesses and UDOT guidance.
The Gunnison City Council on June 17 approved a code amendment that extends existing Main Street sign encroachment allowances to the full Main Street overlay zone but removed a proposed limitation on variable-message electronic or scrolling signs.
Dennis explained the amendment is intended to align the code with current Main Street signage practices and to apply an encroachment allowance beyond the historic district so that businesses already over the sidewalk are compliant. "This sign allowance or this encroachment allowance... can now be applied to all businesses along Main Street," Dennis said.
Council debated the language that would have restricted dynamic or video-style displays. Several council members and staff raised concerns that restricting timing and message display could unintentionally block existing, popular signs used by businesses and the city marquee. One council member urged striking the problematic subsection rather than adopting an approach that would require reprogramming longstanding signs.
A motion to adopt the ordinance excluding subsection 3 (the provision dealing with variable-message timing and display restrictions) carried on a council vote. Council members asked staff to follow up with affected businesses—specifically those already using overhanging or electronic signs—and to consult with UDOT on variable-message standards where Main Street is a state route.
The ordinance change updates the Main Street overlay standards and preserves the ability for businesses already using certain signs to continue operating while the city works with businesses and UDOT on best practices for dynamic displays.
