HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.apz.010-10RESOLUTION N0. 10
(SERIES OF 2010)
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, RECOMMENDING AMENDMENTS TO THE
FOLLOWING SECTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN LAND USE CODE:
26.510
WHEREAS, the Community Development Director of the City of Aspen initiated
an application proposing amendments to the Land Use Code, pursuant to Chapter 26.210;
and,
WHEREAS, the amendments requested relate to Section 26.510 of the Land Use
Code of the Aspen Municipal Code; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.310, applications to amend the text of Title
26 of the Municipal Code shall be reviewed and recommended for approval, approval
with conditions, or denial by the Community Development Director and then by the
Planning and Zoning Commission at a public hearing. Final action shall be by City
Council after reviewing and considering these recommendations; and,
WHEREAS, the Director recommended approval of amendments to the above
listed Sections as fiuKher described herein; and,
WHEREAS, at a duly noticed public heating, the Planning and Zoning
Commission continued the heating to consider the proposed amendments as described
herein to January 5, 2010, where the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the draft
Sign Code and continued the discussion to February 16`x, Apri120~', and again to May 4~'
2010
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing to consider the proposed amendments described herein on May 4e', 2010, took
and considered public testimony and the recommendation of the Director and
recommended, by a (6 - 0) vote, City Council adopt the proposed amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT:
Section 1•
Pursuant to Section 26.310 of the Municipal Code, the Aspen Planning and Zoning
Commission hereby recommends City Council amend Section 26.510, Signs, which
section defines, describes, authorizes, and regulates Signs within the City of Aspen to
read as follows:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 1
Chapter 26.510
SIGNS
Sec. 26.510.010
Sec. 26.510.020
Sec. 26.510.030
Sec. 26.510.040
Sec. 26.510.050
Sec. 26.510.060
Sec. 26.510.070
Sec. 26.510.080
Sec. 26.510.090
Sec. 26.510.100
Sec. 26.510.110
Purpose
Applicability and scope
Procedure for sign permit approval
Prohibited signs
Sign measurement and allotment
Sign setback
Sign illumination
Sign lettering, logos and graphic designs
Sign types and structural characteristics
Zone District sign restrictions
Window displays
26.510.010. Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the public health, safety and welfaze through a
comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral and nondiscriminatory
sign standazds and requirements.
Toward this end, the City Council finds that the City is an historic mountain resort community
that has traditionally depended on a tourist economy. Tourists, in part, are attracted to the visual
quality and character of the City. Signage has a significant impact on the visual character and
quality of the City.
The proliferation of signs in the City would result in visual blight and unattractiveness and would
convey an image that is inconsistent with a high quality resort environment. Effective sign
control has preserved and enhanced the visual character of other resort communities in Colorado
and other states. The City must compete with many other Colorado, national and international
resort communities for tourism opportunities.
in order to preserve the City as a desirable community in which to live, vacation and conduct
business, a pleasing, visually attractive environment is of foremost importance.
These sign regulations are intended to:
A. Preserve and maintain the City as a pleasing, visually attractive environment.
B. Promote and accomplish the goals, policies and objectives of the Aspen Area
Comprehensive Plan.
C. Enhance the attractiveness and economic well-being of the City as a place to live,
vacation and conduct business.
D. Address community needs relating to upgrading the quality of the tourist experience,
preserving the unique natural environment, preserving and enhancing the high quality
human existence, retaining the City's premier status in an increasingly competitive resort
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 2
market, preserving the historically and azchitecturally unique character of the City,
fostering the "village style" quality of the City and preserving and enhancing scenic
views.
E. Enable the identification of places of residence and business.
F. Allow for the communication of information necessary for the conduct of commerce.
G. Encourage signs that are appropriate to the zone district in which they aze located and
consistent with the category of use to which they pertain.
H. Permit signs that aze compatible with their surroundings and aid orientation and preclude
placement in a manner that conceals or obstructs adjacent land uses or signs.
I. Preclude signs from conflicting with the principal permitted use of the site or adjoining
sites.
J. Curtail the size and number of signs and sign messages to the minimum reasonably
necessary to identify a residential or business location and the nature of any such
business.
K. Protect the public from the dangers of unsafe signs and require signs to be constructed,
installed and maintained in a safe and satisfactory manner.
L. Lessen hazardous situations, confusion and visual clutter caused by proliferation,
improper placement, illumination, animation and excessive height, area and bulk of signs
which compete for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
M. Regulate signs in a manner so as to not interfere with, obstruct vision of or distract
motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians. (Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
26.510.020. Applicability and scope.
This Chapter shall apply to all signs of whatever nature and wherever located within the City
except for the Aspen Highlands Village PUD. Sign regulations for Aspen Highlands Village
PUD were approved as City Council Ordinance 43, Series of 2003. No sign shall be allowed
except as permitted by this Chapter. (Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
26.510.030. Procedure for sigu permit approval.
A. Permit required It shall be unlawful to erect, place, construct, reconstruct or relocate any
sign without first obtaining a sign permit from the Chief Building Official. Ordinary preventive
maintenance including repainting of a lawfully existing sign, which does not involve a change of
placement, size, lighting, color or height is exempt from having to obtain a permit.
B. Signs not requiring a permit The following signs or sign activities shall be exempt from
obtaining a sign permit. Exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the applicant and owner
of the sign from the responsibility of complying with all applicable provisions of this Title. The
exemption shall apply to the requirement for a sign permit under this Section.
Banners pennants streamers and balloons and other gas-filled figures. Temporary
banners, pennants, streamers, balloons and inflatables shall be permitted per Land Use
Code Section ,Policies regarding signage on public property. Non-
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 3
permanent Streamers, pennants, and balloons shall be permitted in association with a
retail special event or sale of limited duration.
2. Construction sins. One (1) freestanding or wall sign along each lot line frontage on a
street for a site under construction not to exceed a total of two (2) signs per site, which
do not exceed six (6) square feet in azea per sign, which are not illuminated and which
identify individuals or companies involved in designing, constructing, financing or
developing a site under construction. Such signs may be erected and maintained only for
a period not to exceed thirty (30) days prior to commencement of construction and shall
be removed within fourteen (14) days of termination of construction. A graphic design
painted on a construction barricade shall be permitted in addition to such signs, provided
it does not identify or advertise a person, product, service or business.
3. Designated public postin¢ sins -Signs such as concert announcements, special event
notifications, and grand openings can be placed on designated public posting areas such
as the ACRA kiosk adjacent to the pedestrian mall.
4. Directional instructional, or courtesy signs. Signs, not exceeding one and one quarter
(1.25) squaze feet in area, which provide direction or instruction to guide persons to
facilities intended to serve the public as required by law or necessity. Such signs include
those identifying restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, public entrances,
freight entrances, accessibility routes, restrictions on smoking or solicitation, delivery or
freight entrances, affiliation with motor clubs, acceptance of designated credit cards and
other similar signs providing direction or instruction to persons using a facility including
courtesy information such as "vacancy," "no vacancy," "open," "closed," and the like.
Advertising material of any kind is strictly prohibited on directional, instructional, or
courtesy signs.
5. Fine art. Works of fine art which in no way identify or advertise a person, product,
service or business.
6. Flags. Flags, emblems and insignia of political or religious organizations providing such
flags, emblems and insignia are displayed for noncommercial purposes.
7. Garage estate yard sale or auction signs. On-site or off-site signs which advertise a
private garage, estate, yard sale or auction provided such signs are displayed no more
than twice per year per residence for a period not to exceed three days. Sign must be
removed at the conclusion of the event.
8. Government signs. Signs placed or erected by governmental agencies or nonprofit civic
associations for a public purpose in the public interest, for control of traffic and for other
regulatory or informational purposes, street signs, official messages, warning signs,
railroad crossing signs, signs of public service companies indicating danger, or aids to
service and safety which are erected by or for the order of government.
9. Historic designation. Signs placed on or in front of a historic building or site identifying
and providing information about a properly listed on the Aspen Inventory of Historic
Landmark Sites and Structures or the National Register of Historic Sites, which sign
shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area, as approved by the Historic Preservation
Officer.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 4
10. Holiday decorations. Noncommercial signs or other materials temporarily displayed on
traditionally accepted civic, patriotic and/or religious holidays, provided that such
decorations are maintained in safe condition, do not constitute a fire hazard and that the
decorations comply with Section 26.575.150, Outdoor lighting.
11. Incidental signs on vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers where the
sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. This is in no way intended
to permit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers which are parked on a public
right-of--way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a public right-
of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or direct
people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property.
12. Interior signs. Signs which are fully located within the interior of any building or within
an enclosed lobby or court of any building, which are not visible from the public right-
of-way, adjacent lots or areas outside the building.
13. Memorial signs. Memorial plaques or tablets, gave markers, statuary declaring names
of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of bronze or other incombustible materials or other remembrances of persons or events
that are noncommercial in nature.
14. Menu signs boxes. An exterior surface mounted or pole mounted sign box which
advertises and/or identifies a restaurant menu, drinks or foods offered or special
activities incidental to drink and food. One (1) sign per use, with an area not to exceed
four (4) squaze feet, with a height not to exceed the eave lines or parapet wall of that
portion of the principal building in which the use to which the sign applies is located,
and which is located on or in front of the building within which the restaurant is located.
15. Movie theater and performance venue signs. Signs not to exceed thirty inches by forty-
two inches (30" x 42"), located within the inner or outer lobby, court or entrance,
window display, or interior or exterior poster box of a theatre or performance venue.
These signs are limited to conveying information regarding movie, theater, music, or
other similar artistic performances or events and shall not be used for unrelated
commercial content. Variable message displays, televisions, or other forms of digital
marquees which may be incidentally visible from the exterior may be used. Only one
variable message display, television, or similar digital marquee may be designed to be
visible exclusively from the exterior provided it is limited to a thirty-two (32) inch or
smaller screen and shall not contain commercial content unrelated to the advertised
events and provided that it is not mounted on the exterior of the building.
16. Political Signs. Political signs announcing political candidates seeking public office,
political parties or political and public issues shall be permitted provided:
a. The total area of all such signs on a lot does not exceed eight (8~quaze feet.
b. All such sign may be erected no sooner than sixty (60) days in advance of the
election for which they were made.
c. All such signs shall be removed no later than seven (7) after the election for
which they were made.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 5
d. Political signs may not be placed on public property, rights-of--way adjacent to
public property, or within the State Highway 82 traffic way including the round-
a-bout and traffic islands. Political signs carried or worn by a person are exempt
from these limitations.
17. Property management signs. A building may have one sign with an area not exceeding
one (1) square foot identifying the name and phone number of a contact person or
management entity for the property. Multi-Family buildings may have up to one (1) sign
per ten (] 0) residential units.
18. Public notices. Official government notices and legal notices.
19. Practical pumose sins. Practical signs erected on private property, such as lost property
signs, cautionary or "beware" signs, wedding announcements, graduation celebrations,
and other signs announcing a special events or functions which do not exceed two (2)
square feet and limited to one (1) per building fagade or property frontage, as applicable.
20. Real estate for sale or rent si¢n. Real estate signs advertising the sale or rental of the
properly upon which the sign is located, provided:
a. Tvae. Areal estate for sale or rent sign shall be a freestanding or wall sign.
b. Number. There shall not be more than one (1) real estate for sale or rent sign per
unit.
c. Area. The area of the temporary sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet.
d. Hei t. The height of the temporary sign shall not exceed five (5) feet as
measured from the grade at the base of the sign.
e. Duration. The temporary sign may be used as long as the property is actively for
sale or rent but must be removed within seven (7) days of the sale or rental of the
real estate upon which the sign is located
f. Location -Real estate for sale or rent signs must be placed on private property
and not located on public property or within the public right-of--way.
21. Re ug latory signs. Regulatory signs erected on private property, such as "no trespassing,"
which do not exceed two (2) square feet and limited to one (1) per building fapade or
property frontage, as applicable.
22. Religious symbols. Religious symbols located on a building or property used for
organized religious services.
23. Residential name and address sins. Detached residential dwelling units, duplex units,
and multi-family residential dwelling units may have wall or freestanding signs on or in
front of the building or portion thereof to identify the street address and/or names of the
occupants or name of the dwelling unit. The area of the sign is not to exceed two (2)
square feet per dwelling unit. If the sign is for amulti-family residential complex, the
total size of all signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet.
24. Street addresses on mailboxes.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 6
25. Sandwich board signs carried by a person. Temporary sandwich board signs which are
carried by a person and are advertising or identifying a special, unique or limited
activity, service, product or sale of a limited duration or identifying a restaurant menu.
There shall not be more than one (1) such temporary sign per use at any one time. Sign
must not exceed six (6) square feet per side.
26. Security signs. Every parcel may display security signs not to exceed an area of six
inches wide by six inches long (6" x 6"). Security signs may contain a message, logo or
symbol alerting the public to the presence of a security system on the premises. Security
signs shall be of a neutral color. Security signs may not be placed in the City right-of-
way.
27. Timeshare identification signs. A building that is approved for exempt timesharing,
pursuant to Section 26.590.030, Exempt timesharing, may have awall-mounted sign with
an azea not exceeding two (2) square feet, stating that it has been approved for timesharing
and identifying the name and phone number of a contact person or management entity for
the property.
28. Temporary food vendin¢ signs. The food vending permit must include details of the
intended signage including size, material and location.
29. Temporary sale signs. Temporary sale signs, announcing special sales of products and
services, shall be subject to the following:
a. Type. The temporary sale sign shall be placed in the window or windows of the
business holding the sale.
b. Number. There shall be permitted not more than one (1) temporary sale sign in
any window and a total of not more than three (3) temporary sale signs for each
use.
c. Area. Each temporary sale sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet.
d. Duration. Temporary sale signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed
fourteen (14) days and shall be removed at the end of the fourteen (14) days or
on the day following the end of the sale, whichever shall occur first and shall not
be replaced for at least two (2) months following the removal of the sign(s).
30. Vending machine signs. Permanent, potentially internally illuminated but non-flashing
signs on vending machines, gasoline pumps, ice or milk containers or other similar
machines indicating only the contents of such devices, the pricing of the contents
contained within, directional or instructional information as to use and other similaz
information. Vending machine signs that are internally illuminated must be located
inside of a building or in a space that is not visible from the public right-of--way.
C. Application. A development application for a sign permit shall include the following
information:
That information required on the form provided by the Community Development
Director;
2. A letter of consent from the owner of the building;
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 7
3. Proposed location of the sign on the building or parcel;
4. The dimensions, measurements and calculations of building frontages and line frontages
on streets and alleys; the dimensions of any other sign located on the property and any
other information needed to calculate permitted sign area, height, type, placement or
other requirements of these regulations.
D. Determination of completeness. After a development application for a sign permit has been
received, the Community Development Director shall determine whether the application is
complete. If the Community Development Director determines that the application is not
complete, written notice shall be served on the applicant specifying the deficiencies. The
Community Development Director shall take no further action on the application unless the
deficiencies aze remedied. If the application is determined complete, the Community
Development Director shall notify the applicant of its completeness. A determination of
completeness shall not constitute a determination of compliance with the substantive
requirements of this Chapter.
E. Determination of compliance. After reviewing the application and determining its
compliance and consistency with the purposes, requirements and standazds in this Chapter, the
Community Development Director shall approve, approve with conditions or deny the
development application for a sign permit. (Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
26.510.040. Prohibited signs.
The following signs are expressly prohibited for erection, construction, repair, alteration,
relocation or placement in the City.
A. "A"frame, sandwich board and sidewalk or curb signs except as allowed per Paragraph
26.510.130.D.1.e.
B. Permanent Banners and pennants used for commercial purposes not associated with a
special event approved by the Special Events Committee approval per Subsection
26.510.030.8,
C. Billboards and other off-premise signs. Billboards and other off-premise signs, including
security company signs which do not comply with the regulations set forth in Subsection
26.510.040.B.20 and signs on benches, are prohibited, except as a temporary sign as provided for
in Section 26.510.120, Temporary signs.
D. Flashing signs. Signs with lights or illuminations which flash, move, rotate, scintillate,
blink, flicker, vary in intensity, vary in color or use intermittent electrical pulsations except as
permitted per Section 26.575.150, Outdoor lighting.
E. Moving signs. Signs with visible moving, revolving, rotating parts or visible mechanical
movement of any description or other appazent visible movement achieved by electrical,
electronic or mechanical means, including automatic electronically controlled copy changes.
F. Neon and other gas-filled light tubes. Neon lights, televisions used for advertising or
information and other gas-Filled light tubes, except when used for indirect illumination and in
such a manner as to not be directly exposed to public view.
G. Obsolete signs. A sign which identifies or advertises an activity, business, product, service
or special event no longer produced, conducted, performed or sold on the premises upon which
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 8
such sign is located. Such obsolete signs are hereby declared a nuisance and shall be taken down
by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of such sign within ten (]0) days after
written notification from the Community Development Director and upon failure to comply with
such notice within the time specified in such order, the Community Development Director is
hereby authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expense incident thereto shall be paid
by the owner of the property on which the sign was located. That an obsolete sign is
nonconforming shall not modify any of the requirements of this Subsection. Signs of historical
character shall not be subject to the provisions of this Section. For the purpose of this Section,
historical signs are defined to be those signs at least fifty (50) years in age or older.
H. Portable and wheeled signs except as allowed per Paragraph 26.SIO.l30.D.1.e.
I. Roojsigns.
J. Search lights or beacons except as approved per Subsection 26.575.ISO.H, Outdoor
lighting, Exemptions.
K. Signs causing direct glare. A sign or illumination that causes any direct glare into or upon
any public right-of--way, adjacent lot or building other than the building to which the sign may be
accessory.
1~ Signs containing untruthful or misleading information.
M. Signs creating optical illusion. Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a
design which presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective, giving the illusion of motion or
changing of copy.
N. Signs obstructing egress. A sign which obstructs any window or door opening used as a
means of ingress or egress, prevents free passage from one par[ of a roof to any other part,
interferes with an opening required for ventilation or is attached to or obstructs any standpipe,
fire escape or fire hydrant.
O. Signs on parked vehicles. Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are
parked on a public right-of--way, public property or private property so as to be visible from a
public right-of--way where the appazent purpose is to advertise a product, service or activity or
direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. However, this is
not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as
lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or
trailer.
P. Signs in public right-of way. A sign in, on, or above a public right-of-way that in any way
interferes with normal or emergency use of that right-of--way. Any sign allowed in a public right-
of-way may be ordered removed by the Community Development Director upon notice if the
normal or emergency use of that right-of--way is changed to require its removal.
Q. Street blimps. Pazked or traveling cars used primazily for advertising, sometimes referred to
as "street blimps," are prohibited. Vehicle signage incidental to the vehicle's primazy use is
exempt.
R. Strings ojlight and strip lighting. Strip lighting outlining commercial structures and used to
attract attention for commercial purposes and strings of light bulbs used in any connection with
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 9
commercial premises unless the lights shall be shielded and comply with Section 26.575.150,
Outdoor lighting.
S. Unsafe signs. Any sign which:
1. Is structurally unsafe;
2. Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or
dilapidation;
3. Is not kept in good repair;
4. Is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come into contact with it;
5. In any other way obstructs the view of, may be confused with or purports to be an
official traffic sign, signal or device or any other official government regulatory or
informational sign;
6. Uses any words, phrases, symbols or characters implying the existence of danger or the
need for stopping or maneuvering of a motor vehicle or creates, in any other way, an
unsafe distraction for vehicle operators or pedestrians;
7. Obstructs the view of vehicle operators or pedestrians entering a public roadway from
any parking area, service drive, public driveway, alley or other thoroughfare;
8. Is located on trees, rocks, light poles or utility poles, except where required by law; or
9. Is located so as to conflict with the clear and open view of devices placed by a public
agency for controlling traffic or which obstructs a motorist's clear view of an intersecting
road, alley or major driveway.
26.510.050. Sign measurement, location and allotment
A. Genera[. In calculating the azea allowance for signs in all Zone Districts, there shall be
taken into account all signs allowed therein including window decals and signs identifying
distinctive features and regional or national indications of approval of facilities. See Section
26.510.060.0, Sign Area for the method or measuring signs.
B. Two or more faces. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be
included in determining the area of the sign, except where two such faces are placed back to
back and aze at no point more than two feet from one another. The area of the sign shall be taken
as the azea of the face if the two faces are of equal area or as the area of the lazger face if the two
faces aze of unequal area. (Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 10
C. Sign area. Sign area shall be the area of the smallest four-sided or circulaz geometric figure
which encompasses the facing of a sign including copy, insignia, background and borders.
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Figure 1: Above: Window sign with cutout letters. (8' x 1') = 8 sq. ft. total
Below: Window sign with solid backing. 2' x 10' = 20 sq. ft. total
Bottom: Sign with irregular shape, 2' x 3' = 6 sq. ft. total
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lo'
2'
3'
Plarming and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 11
D. Sign location and placement. When possible, signs should be located at the same height on
buildings with the same block face. Architectural features should not be hidden by sign location.
Signs should be consistent with the color, scale, and design of the building and not overpower
facades.
Desired Style
Figure 3
Sign not covering
azchitectural feature
Undesirable Style
Figure 4
.,.b .. .... .......g L
architectural feature
Signs located ~ S'gn'n
at same proportion to
height building
Window signs not
exceeding 25% of
window
No consistency
Window signs faz
more than 25% of
window
Sign not
proportional
to building
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 12
E. Sign Allotment per business
a) Residential uses shall be allotted six (6) square feet of signage per individual business
frontage.
b) Arts, cultural, civic, and academic uses shall be allotted six (6) square feet of signage per
individual business frontage
c) Recreational uses shall be allotted six (6) square feet of signage per individual business
frontage
d) Restaurant and Retail uses shall be allotted six (6) square feet of signage per individual
business frontage.
e) Lodge uses shall be eligible for ten (10) square feet of signage allotment per individual
frontage.
f) Office and Service uses shall be allotted one (1) square foot of signage per individual
business frontage.
g) Buildings that contain one (1) tenant and occupy half a block or more shall be granted
twenty (20) square feet of signage per applicable frontage. The limitations for individual
sign size shall match that of lodge use signs.
Businesses that share occupancy of a single tenant space within a portion of a building shall
share the sign allotment. If businesses share occupancy, but there is a clear and definable
separation between uses, than each business shall have its own signage allotment.
Businesses with articulating facades along one elevation shall combine such facades to receive
one signage allotment.
26.510.060. Sigu setback.
Signs are not subject to the setback requirements of the Zone District where they are located.
(Ord. No. 9-2002, § 12; Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
26.510.070. Sigu illumination.
A. Allowed Illumination. Illumination of signs shall be designed, located, shielded and
directed in such a manner that the light source is fixed and is not directly visible from and does
not cast glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon any adjacent public right-of--way,
surrounding property, residential property or motorist's vision. Illumination shall comply with
Section 26.575.150, Outdoor lighting.
B. Prohibited illumination. No sign shall be illuminated through the use of internal
illumination, rear illumination, fluorescent illumination or neon or other gas tube illumination,
except when used for indirect illumination and in such a manner as to not be directly exposed to
public view.
26.510.080. Sigu lettering, logos and graphic designs.
A. Lettering. No lettering on any sign, including cut out letter signs, shall exceed twelve (12)
inches in height, except that the initial letter in each word shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches
in height.
B. Logos. No logo on any sign, including cut out letter signs, shall exceed eighteen inches in
height and eighteen inches in length (18" x 18"). (Ord. No. 9-2002, § 12; Ord. No. ] 0-2005, § 1)
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 13
26.510.090. _ Sigu types and characteristics
A. Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall not be higher than the principal building or
fifteen (IS) feet, whichever is less and shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet above grade when
located adjacent to a pedestrian way.
B. Identification signs. Signs intended to identify the name of a subdivision, multi-family
residential complex, mobile home park, or business name. Identification signs shall be visible
from the public right-of--way or private street.
B. Projecting or hanging signs.
Projecting and hanging signs shall not be
higher than the eave line or parapet wall
of the top of the principal building, shall
be a minimum of eight (8) feet above
grade when located adjacent to or
projecting over a pedestrian way and
shall not extend more than four (4) feet
from the building wall to which they are
attached, except where such sign is an
integral part of an approved canopy or
awning.
C. WaU signs. Wall signs shall not be
higher than the eave line or parapet wall
of the top of the principal building and
no sign part, including cut out letters,
shall project more than six (6) inches
from the building wall. (Ord. No. 10-
2005, § 1)
D. Awning Signs. No sign placed on an
awning may project above, below, or off
of an awning. Awning signs may only be
placed on awnings that meet the Figure 5: Projecting Sign
definition for Awning in Section
26.104.100, Definitions. An awning
shall consist of a single color, or a vertical or horizontal bicolor striped pattern.
E. Monument Signs. A sign which has a bottom that is permanently affixed to the ground, not a
building, shall be considered a monument sign. The size and design shall meet the use
requirements for that type of sign. The sign face must be directly connected to the base of the
sign. Landscaping shall be provided so that the sign transitions into the Bound naturally.
F. Portable Sandwich Board Signs. Sandwich board signs are two-sided self-supported a-
frame signs, or any other two sided portable sign. Sandwich board signs must be made primarily
of wood or metal and must have a professional finish. Incorporated inserts must be made out of
chalkboard. Dry erase boards are prohibited. Sandwich board signs shall not be utilized as
merchandise displays. A six (6) foot travel width must be maintained on sidewalks and an eight
(8) foot travel width on the pedestrian malls. Portable sandwich board signs are not to be left out
overnight. The sandwich board sign shall not count towazds the sign allotment.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 14
Permits for sandwich boazd signs shall be revocable by the Zoning Officer if the above criteria
are not met or, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, the sign creates a visual nuisance. Sandwich
board signs must also comply with those requirements found within Section 26.510.090.D.
Sec. 26.510.100 Zone District sign restrictions
A. Residential uses. For all residential uses, only signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B,
Exempt signs, and the following signs are permitted and then only if accessory and incidental to
a permitted or conditional use:
Type of Sign Number of Maximum Area Maximum Height of Comments
Signs (Sq. Ft.) Freestanding Signs
Identification 1 per multi- 10 5' Direct illumination
Sign (wall, family complex, only, fixtures must be
freestanding or subdivision shielded and in
monument entrance, or compliance with this
sign*) mobile home Chapter and
park 26.575.150
Bed and 1 per street 4 per sign 6' Illumination permitted,
Breakfast frontage must be in compliance
with this Chapter and
26.575.150
Home 1 per street 4 per sign 6' Illumination allowed
Occupation frontage only when it is
identifying a home
occupation of an
emergency service
nature
Temporary See Exempt Signs,
Signs 26.110.030.8
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 15
B. Arts, cultural, civic, and academic uses. For all arts, cultural, civic, and academic uses,
only temporary signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B, Exempt signs, and the following
signs are permitted and then only if necessary and incidental to a permitted or conditional use
(there shall be not more than two (2) freestanding, wall or projecting signs permitted along the
lot frontage on any one (1) street, not to exceed a total of four (4) signs per lot):
Type of Sigu Number of Sigu Area (Sq. Ft.) Maximum Height Comments
Sigus of Freestanding
Sigus
Identification Size of 6' Illumination
Sign sign cannot permitted, unless in a
(freestanding, exceed six residential zone.
wall, projecting (6) sq. ft.
sign
or awning
,
sign
No more than
Size of
n/a
Illumination
two (2) wall sign cannot permitted, unless in a
signs per exceed six residential zone.
frontage (6) sq. ft. Must not go above
eave point.
No more than Size of n/a Illumination
two (2) sign cannot permitted, unless in a
projecting or exceed six residential zone.
hanging signs (6) sq. ft. Must not go above
per frontage. eave point.
Awning sign. 1 Logos or icons on n/a Counts towards sign
per awning side awnings cannot be allotment. Letter size
larger than 1 sq. ft. cannot exceed 6" in
height.
Temporary See Exempt Signs,
Signs 26.110.030.8
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 16
C. Recreational uses. For recreational uses, only signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B,
Exempt signs, and the following signs are permitted and then only if necessary and incidental to
a permitted or conditional use (there shall be not more than two (2) freestanding, wall or
projecting signs permitted along the lot frontage on any one (1) street, not to exceed a total of
four (4) signs per lot):
Type of Sign Number of Maximum Height Comments
Signs Sign Area (Sq. Ft.) of Freestanding
Signs
Identification No more than Size of 6' Illumination
Sign two (2) sign cannot permitted, unless in a
(freestanding, freestanding exceed six residential zone.
wall, signs per (6) sq. ft.
projecting, or frontage
awning sign)
No more than Size of n/a Illumination
two (2) wall sign cannot permitted, unless in a
signs per exceed six residential zone.
frontage (6) sq. ft. Must not go above
eave point.
No more than Size of n/a Illumination
two (2) sign cannot permitted, unless in a
projecting or exceed six residential zone.
hanging signs (6) sq. ft. Must not go above
per frontage. eave point.
Awning sign. I Logos or icons on n/a Counts towards sign
per awning side awnings cannot be allotment. Letter size
larger than 1 sq. ft. cannot exceed 6" in
height.
Temporary See Exempt Signs,
Signs 26.110.030.8
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 17
D. Restaurant and Retai[ uses. For all Restaurant and Retail uses. There shall be no more than
two (2) of the following three (3) types of signs per individual business frontage: freestanding
signs, projecting signs or wall signs, including wall signs with cut out letters. No business shall
have more than four (4) of the previously listed signs, either individually or in combination.
Only signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B, Exempt signs, and the following signs aze
permitted and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted or conditional use:
Type of Sign Number of Sign Area Maximum Height of Comments
Signs (Sq. Ft.) Freestanding Signs
Identification Freestanding Size not to 6' Illumination permitted.
Sign sign. l per exceed six (6)
(freestanding, individual tenant sq. ft.
wall, projecting building frontage.
/han
in
g
g,
sandwich
boazd, window, Wall sign. 2 per Size not to n/a Must not go above eave
or awning sign) individual tenant exceed six (6) point.
building frontage. sq. ft.
Illumination
permitted.
Projecting or Size not to n/a Illumination permitted.
hanging sign. 1 exceed six (6) Must not go above eave
per individual sq. ft. point.
tenant building
frontage.
Window sign. 1 Not to exceed n/a Counts towards sign
per window. 25% of allotment. Not to
window area. exceed 25% of window
Awning sign. I Logos or icons n/a Counts towazds sign
per awning side. on awnings allotment. Letter size
cannot be cannot exceed 6" in
larger than 1 height.
sq. ft.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 18
Restaurant and Retail Use Signs Continued:
Type of Sign Number of Sign Area (Sq. Ft.) Comments
Signs
Sandwich 1 per business No more than six Must obtain permit. No dry
Boazd Sign (6) sq. ft. per side erase. Only permitted for retail
and restaurant businesses with
no frontage pazallel to the public
right-of--way or on an upper
level. Signs must be placed
adjacent to the business they
represent. Only permitted
within the CC and C-1 Zone
Districts. Does not count
towards sign allotment. Also see
criteria under 26.510.090.E
Business No more than For 1 to 5 businesses: One sq. The portion of the directory sign
directory signs one (1) business ft. of sign area per business used for the associated business
directory sign per counts towards that business's
lot. sign allotment.
For 6 to ] 0 businesses: Five sq.
ft. plus '/z sq. ft. for each
business over five businesses
For more than 10 businesses:
7'h sq. ft. plus''/a square foot
for each business over ten
businesses, to a max sign azea
of ] 0 sq. ft.
Temporary See Exempt Signs, 26.110.030.8
Signs
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Seties of 2010
Page 19
E. Lodge uses. For all lodge uses: There shall be no more than three (3) of the following three
(3) types of signs per individual business frontage: freestanding signs, projecting signs or wall
signs, including wall signs with cut out letters. No business shall have more than six (6) of the
previously listed signs, either individually or in combination.
Only signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B, Exempt signs, and the following signs are
permitted and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted or conditional use:
Type of Sign Number of Sigu Area Maximum Height of Cammeuts
Signs (Sq. Ft.) Freestaudiug Sigus
Identification Freestanding Size not to 6' Illumination permitted.
Sign sign. 2 per exceed ten
(freestanding, individual tenant (10) sq. ft
wall, projecting building frontage.
/han
in
g
g,
window, or
awning sign)
Wall sign. 2 per
Size not to
n/a
Illumination permitted.
individual tenant exceed ten Must not go above eave
building frontage. (10) sq. ft. point.
Projecting or Size not to n/a Illumination permitted.
hanging sign. 2 exceed ten Must not go above eave
per individual (10) sq. ft. point.
tenant building
frontage.
Window sign. 1 Not to exceed n/a Counts towards sign
per window. 25% of allotment. Not to
window azea exceed 25% of window
Awni Logos or icons n/a Counts towards sign
ng sign. 1 on awnings allotment. Letter size
per awning cannot be cannot exceed 6" in
side larger than 1 height.
sq. ft.
Temporary See Exempt Signs,
Signs 26.110.030.8
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 20
F. Ojftce and Service uses. For all Office and Service uses: There shall be no more than one (1)
of the following three (3) types of signs per individual business frontage: freestanding signs,
projecting signs or wall signs, including wall signs with cut out letters. No business shall have
more than six (2) of the previously listed signs, either individually or in combination.
Only signs permitted under Section 26.510.030.B, Exempt signs, and the following signs are
permitted and then only if accessory and incidental to a permitted or conditional use:
Type of Sign Number of Sign Area Maximum Height of Comments
Signs (Sq. Ft.) Freestanding Signs
Identification Freestanding Size not to 6' Illumination permitted.
Sign sign. 1 per exceed one (1)
(freestanding, individual tenant sq. ft
wall, projecting building frontage.
/h
i
ang
ng,
window, or
awning sign)
Fall sign. 1 per
Size not to
n/a
Illumination permitted.
individual tenant exceed one (1) Must go above eave
building frontage. sq. ft. point.
Projecting or Size not to n/a Illumination permitted.
hanging sign. 1 exceed one (1) Must not go above eave
per individual sq. ft. point.
tenant building
frontage.
Window sign. 1 Not to exceed n/a Counts towazds sign
per window. 25% of allotment. Not to
window area exceed 25% of window
Awning sign. 1 Logos or icons n/a Counts towards sign
per awning side on awnings allotment. Letter size
cannot be cannot exceed 6" in
larger than 1 height.
sq. ft.
Temporary See Exempt Signs,
Signs 26.110.030.8
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 21
26.510.110. Window displays.
Window displays of merchandise and representations thereof are not subject to sign regulations,
sign squaze footage and do not require a sign permit. Window displays may have minimal
illumination which shall be directed inward towards the business so that there is no contribution
of light pollution to adjacent streets or properties. The following types of illumination are
prohibited:
1. Televisions, computer monitors or other similaz technological devices that create
oscillating light.
2. Neon or other gas tube illumination, rope lighting or low-voltage strip lighting.
3. Backlit or internally illuminated displays or graphics.
(Ord. No. 10-2005, § 1)
Section 2•
A public hearing on the Resolution was held on the 4a' day of May, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. in
the Sister Cities Room, Aspen City Hall, Aspen Colorado, and where more than fifteen
(15) days prior a public notice of the same was published in a newspaper of general
circulation within the City of Aspen.
FINALLY, adopted, passed and approved this ~ day of __ G, 2010.
Attest:
o ~, ' ,t.itrti
ty Clerk
Stan Gibbs, Chair
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
Planning and Zoning Commission
Resolution No. 10, Series of 2010
Page 22