HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-2026 Study Session Agenda PacketCITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
CITY COUNCIL ORIENTATION SESSION
Monday, February 2, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO
Lobby Conference Room – In Person Only
NOTICE
This orientation session is for newly elected City Council members.
A quorum may be present.
No public business will be discussed, and no formal action will be taken.
This session is informational only.
AGENDA
1. Community Development Department Overview
2. Questions & Informal Discussion
3. Adjournment
Councilmembers will proceed to the City Council Study Session at 6:30 p.m.
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, February 2, 2026
6:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at: 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers.
City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the
Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways:
1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign
up to speak upon arrival.
2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by
noon on February 02, 2026)
3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
Click here to pre-register and provide public comment by Zoom (You must
preregister before 5:00 p.m. on February 02, 2026)
4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or
YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings
sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. The City will upon request, provide auxiliary
aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities,
including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents
in Braille, and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have
speech, hearing, or vision impairments. To request auxiliary aid, service for effective
communication, or document in a different format, please use this form or contact
ADA Coordinator, (Kelly McLaughlin at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885) as
soon as possible, preferably 7 days before the activity or event.
Public Comment on Agenda Items
1. City Clerk Interviews
2. Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
3. Draft 2026 Resident Survey
4. Staff Report(s)
a. Housing-related zoning code amendments
5. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
ITEM No. 1
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Rhiannon Curry, Executive Assistant
DATE: February 2, 2026
SUBJECT: City Clerk Interviews
ISSUE:
City Clerk Steve Kirkpatrick was re-elected during the November 7, 2023, Election. City
Clerk Kirkpatrick tragically passed in February of 2025. An initiative was added to the
ballot during the November 4, 2025, Election to have both the City Clerk and City Treasurer
positions appointed following the completion of the term. This ballot initiative failed, and
therefore it is necessary to appoint a City Clerk to finish out the term ending in November
of 2027.
Wheat Ridge City Charter Section 3.11 (c) states that “If a vacancy occurs in the office of
the City Clerk or City Treasurer, no special election shall be called but such vacancy shall
be filled by appointment by the council for the remainder of the term”. After advertising
the vacancy, one qualified application was received from an interested candidate for the
vacant seat. An interview will be conducted by City Council at the February 2nd study
session and appointment will be made at the February 9th regular meeting.
PRIOR ACTION:
City Council was briefed on the vacancy and appointment process at the November 15,
2025 study session.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The annual salary for the City Clerk is $29,000.
BACKGROUND:
The City Clerk is currently an elected position in the City of Wheat Ridge and is elected by
the greatest number of votes cast for that office by the electors of the City of Wheat Ridge
at the relevant general municipal elections and has the same qualifications as a member
of the city council. At the time of the election, the applicant must be a registered elector,
as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes, and must be a resident of Wheat Ridge for a
period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the
Study Session Memo – City Clerk Appointment
February 2, 2026
Page 2
election.
The City Clerk vacancy was advertised on January 12th. One application was received by
the due date of 5:00 p.m. on January 23rd. The following individual submitted an
application. This applicant was determined to be eligible to hold the office of City Clerk.
1. Janeece Hoppe
RECOMMENDATIONS:
All qualified candidates were asked to provide a 3–5-minute presentation during an
interview process to City Council during the February 2nd study session. Staff recommend
City Council hear the presentations and ask follow-up questions prompted by the
presentation as appropriate. City Council will select and appoint the candidate at the
February 9th regular meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Candidate Application
ATTACHMENT 1
ITEM No. 2
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director
FROM: Jana Easley, Planning Manager
DATE: February 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
ISSUE:
The purpose of this study session is to discuss proposed amendments to the Wheat
Ridge sign code and to receive City Council direction prior to initiating the formal public
hearing process for a code amendment.
This memorandum is organized in two parts. The first focuses on whether and under
what conditions digital billboards should be allowed in Wheat Ridge. The second
outlines additional, non-billboard sign code amendments intended to modernize the
code and improve flexibility for local businesses, regardless of whether digital
billboards are allowed.
At the February 2, 2026, study session, Council will be asked to provide directions on the
following:
• Whether there is interest in allowing digital billboards in Wheat Ridge;
• If so, what limitations should apply (e.g., quantity, spacing, and selection
method); and
• Whether Council supports moving forward with other proposed sign code
amendments that are intended to be more business friendly.
PRIOR ACTION:
The sign code was last amended in 2023, specifically related to billboards. In response
to inquiries from the billboard industry, City Council considered digital billboards and
electronic message boards and a public-private partnership related to digital ad sales
during a February 3, 2025 study session. At that time, it was decided to bring the digital
billboard discussion back to Council for a separate study session.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 2
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Reinstating digital billboards and an associated lottery would entail staff time and may
result in periodic building permit revenue. The city does not receive any direct revenue
from billboards. Building permits and associated fees are required for commercial
signs.
BACKGROUND:
Billboards
Regulations pertaining to signs, including billboards, are entirely contained within Article
VII of Chapter 26 (referred to as the “Sign Code”).
The city’s current approach to billboard regulation dates to 1991. Periodic updates have
occurred, and key dates related to billboards are summarized below. The regulatory
approach to billboards has not changed significantly over the last 30 years. Below is a
summary of those changes.
Pre-1991 - Billboards were allowed throughout the city.
1991 - Ordinance 860 revised the sign code to establish two billboard districts with a
maximum of 16 billboards. Existing billboards outside the two districts were amortized,
or phased out, by 1996. The original draft ordinance also proposed a maximum distance
of 660 feet (1/8 mile) from the highway, but this was not included in the final ordinance.
Of note, the state’s purview is billboards within 660 feet of a state or federal highway.
2005 - A process was established by policy for filling billboard vacancies through a
lottery system. One vacancy existed at the time. This process was challenged in the
court system with the city prevailing.
2007 - Ordinance 1396 updated the definition of a billboard to include that the sign had
to be “oriented to the interstate highway.” A proposed code amendment also
contemplated amortizing all billboards, allowing existing billboards to stay in place but
not be reconstructed, but this change was not enacted.
2016 – Ordinance 1610 codified the lottery process which until this point existed only
as a policy. The process included a public notice, preliminary application, lottery
selection, then building permit submittal.
2023 - Ordinance 1780 amended the sign code to remove the lottery process for
billboard vacancies, reduce the maximum number of billboards within the city to 15
(and fewer as they are abandoned), establish a maximum distance between billboards
and the highway, and clarify existing development standards. This code amendment
also clarified a long-standing code interpretation that prohibited digital billboards.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 3
2025 - The February 3, 2025, study session was held at the request of the billboard
industry who was seeking Council consideration of two things:
1. To reconsider the city prohibition on digital billboards, and
2. To contemplate a public-private partnership related to digital ad sales on
public property.
Based on last year’s discussion, Council directed staff to explore a possible allowance
for digital billboards. The purpose of this memo is to summarize similar regulations in
peer jurisdictions and to present a proposed regulatory framework to the extent there is
still Council interest in allowing digital billboards. (The second proposal for public-
private signs has been abandoned.)
State and Municipal Regulation of Billboards
Digital billboards refer to large highway-oriented billboards which include digital screens
instead of (or in addition to) static printed copy. Digital billboards may also be referred
to as having changeable copy or electronic message centers (EMC). CDOT refers to
digital billboards as Changeable Electronic Variable Message Sign (CEVMS). All terms
refer to the same thing.
CDOT regulates “outdoor advertising” which includes any billboard within 660 feet of a
state or federal highway. CEVMS are subject to illumination, message interval, spacing,
and location requirements. For example, CDOT requires spacing of at least 1,000 feet
between CEVMS which are on the same side of the highway, and which face the same
direction.
Only a small handful of Denver metro-area communities have highway-oriented
billboards. Of those, four allow digital billboards: Adams County, Arvada, Denver and
Northglenn. Like Wheat Ridge, regulations in peer communities are typically restrictive
and often tied to existing billboards rather than allowing new ones. For those which
allow digital billboards, common approaches include limiting digital billboards to
specific highway-adjacent zones, capping the total number permitted, requiring
substantial spacing between signs, and, in some cases, requiring the removal or
conversion of existing billboards as a condition of approval. Figure 1 provides a
summary of these four jurisdictions’ regulations. A detailed comparison of peer
communities’ regulations is provided in the attachments.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 4
Figure 1: Digital Billboards in Peer Communities
CITY BILLBOARD/OFF-PREMISE
ADVERTISING STATUS
EXISTING DIGITAL
BILLBOARDS
DIGITAL BILLBOARD
REGULATIONS
Adams
County
Off-premise advertising
devices (billboards) are
permitted with an approved
Conditional Use Permit only in
the C-5 and industrial zone
districts by Board of County
Commissioners.
Two digital billboards.
One two-faced sign per lot.
300 sf max per sign face.
40 ft max height.
Minimum 4 second message
change; 10 seconds optimal.
No interference to vehicle or
air traffic (regardless if
internally or externally
illuminated)
Arvada
No new billboards are allowed.
Allows changes to existing
billboards through Alternative
Sign Program, which requires
public notice and planning
commission review.
8041 N I-70 Frontage Rd
- 2 sided
5340 Gray Ct
- 1 sided
5320 Gray Ct
- 1 sided
Overall sign size and
illumination regulated; relies
on CDOT's spacing (1,000 ft
separation min)
Denver Allows static and digital
billboards in certain districts
Several - existing digital
billboards permitted prior to
3/1/2010 are considered
nonconforming. No new can
be added.
Sign size and illumination
regulated including off-hours
between 1 am-6 am; extensive
separation requirements in
addition to CDOT spacing;
annual renewal.
Northglenn
Allows static and digital
billboards in select highway
locations adjacent to I-25
3-4 existing. No more digital or
static billboards can be added.
Sign size and illumination
regulated; all billboard min
spacing 2000'
Proposed Billboard Amendments
If Council decides to allow digital billboards, staff recommend limiting the number and
spacing and creating a selection process.
Limit the quantity and spacing of digital billboards
CDOT restricts CEVMS on the same side of the highway to a minimum of 1,000 feet of
separation between them. Because Arvada has allowed three digital billboards (see
Figure 2) near Wheat Ridge’s city limits, including two one-sided and one two-sided
electronic billboards, those will also need to be taken into consideration for spacing.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 5
Figure 2: Wheat Ridge and Arvada Billboard Locations
All Wheat Ridge billboards are red; Arvada digital billboards are green
Local codes can have larger spacing requirements, and that may be appropriate given
the existing conditions. Wheat Ridge has four areas where billboards are concentrated
along I-70/I-76 (See Figure 3). Staff recommend broader spacing such as one mile
(5,280 feet) between signs on either side of the highway. This would potentially
accommodate up to either four digital one-sided signs (facing only one or the other
direction of traffic) or four digital two-sided billboards (facing both directions of traffic)
within our approximately 5.3 miles of interstate, one in each grouping of billboards.
Figure 3: Billboard Groups and Spacing
Ultimately, staff recommend allowing the following:
• Up to 4 existing billboard faces can be converted to digital billboards.
• Digital billboards facing the same direction must be at least one (1) mile apart.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 6
Selection process
If digital billboards are allowed but limited in number, then staff recommend using a
lottery process to select those traditional billboards which will be permitted to convert
one face to a digital format. This would be similar to the previous lottery process for
billboard vacancies, which advertises an opening and accepts applications, and would
be an appropriate method to track digital billboards.
Other Sign Code Amendments
In addition to the billboard discussion, staff have identified several non-billboard sign
code amendments that are intended to improve flexibility, visibility, and wayfinding for
local businesses. These items reflect issues staff routinely encounter during sign
reviews and are considered low-impact, business-supportive updates. Importantly,
these proposed amendments are independent of the digital billboard discussion and
could move forward even if Council does not support allowing digital billboards.
Flexibility on wall sign location
Current code states that wall signs may only be affixed to walls which face public
streets or major interior drives. While this may seem reasonable, businesses
periodically desire other configurations or run into obstacles such as street trees that
obscure signs. To allow more flexibility, staff recommend retaining the current wall sign
allowance but removing regulations which dictate the location of wall signs.
This approach has already proven to work well in Clear Creek Crossing, which is a
planned development that has its own master sign program. In the Legacy campus, sign
regulations were also written to be more flexible, allowing an allocation of the total wall
sign square footage to be applied to any side of a building where drivers or pedestrians
can best see the sign.
Flexibility on painted mural signs
Current code distinguishes between painted wall signs and artistic murals, stating that
artistic murals shall not advertise or promote a particular business, service or "branded"
product. In the past, staff considered murals that represent a food or service located
within the building (but without a logo or name) to be a painted wall sign. However, with
the content neutral direction of a 2015 supreme court decision, imagery should not be
regulated, even if they reflect the nature of the business such as a mural depicting
bowling pins on a bowling alley. The mural could not include the business logo or name
of the business, which would still constitute a wall sign and be regulated as such.
For example, Rolling Smoke and the Clear Creek Maker Space include artistic murals on
exterior walls.
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 7
Figure 4: Rolling Smoke Mural Figure 5: Clear Creek Maker Space Mural
In line with the city's long-standing support for culture and the arts, creative murals offer
an excellent way to enliven a dull or otherwise blank exterior wall. Staff suggest
amending the definition of artistic mural to better clarify content neutrality for murals
and that a painted wall sign is one that contains the business name and/or logo.
Flexibility on roof signs
Roof signs are currently not allowed, although some older non-conforming roof signs
exist. Signs on mansard roofs are considered wall signs (see Figure 6 for an example of
a sign on a mansard roof).
Staff recommend allowing roof signs where there is no other easily visible or practical
place for a sign. This provides more flexibility for the many older commercial structures
(such as Wheat Ridge Poultry and Meats). This also provides flexibility for smaller kiosk-
type buildings (see Figure 7 for an example of a rooftop commercial kiosk sign).
Figure 6: Mansard Roof (Wall) Sign Figure 7: Commercial Kiosk Sign
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 8
Flexibility on exterior window signs
To meet required architectural and transparency requirements, faux windows are often
applied to walls that would not typically have windows, such as back-of-house
operations. In those instances, a window sign is not allowed because our code requires
it be applied to the interior of a window, and faux windows often are inaccessible from
the interior. Staff suggest allowing limited window signs to be placed on the exterior of
a window, as long as an acceptable all-weather material, such as vinyl, is used and they
are kept in good condition. The existing restriction on covering no more than 25% of the
window would remain. See Figure 8 below for an example of faux windows.
Figure 8: Faux Windows
Clarify the definition of changeable copy
The definition of changeable copy has evolved over time and does not reflect modern
technology. Where changeable copy signs are prohibited, the code inadvertently
prohibits time, temperature, gas price, and lottery signs which are changed digitally,
manually or through flipper-style mechanics. Staff recommend updating the code to
clarify that displays of fixed characters or numbers (such as time, temperature, price or
lottery jackpot amounts) are permitted.
DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR COUNCIL:
At the February 2, 2026, study session, Council will be asked to provide direction on the
following questions:
1. Is there a desire to allow digital billboards in Wheat Ridge?
a. If so, does Council agree with staff’s proposed approach regarding
number, spacing, size, and selection process?
2. Does Council support the additional sign code amendments which provide more
flexibility for local business signs?
Decorative spandrel glass
windows which are not accessible
from the interior space
Study Session Memo – Digital Billboards and General Sign Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 9
NEXT STEPS:
Based on City Council feedback, staff will finalize a draft ordinance, present the
amendments to the Planning Commission for a recommendation, and return to City
Council for first and second readings.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Chapter 26, Article VII – Sign Code
2. Summary of Billboards and Electronic Sign Regulations in Peer Communities
3. Arvada Digital Billboards Photos
4. Denver Spacing Regulations
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-12-12 11:15:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 75)
ATTACHMENT 1
Page 1 of 22
ARTICLE VII. SIGN CODE
Sec. 26-701. Intent and purpose.
The intent and purpose of this article is:
A. To protect the public from signs which are structurally unsafe;
B. To promote traffic safety and the free movement of traffic, and protect the public from the hazardous
conditions which result from signs that obscure or distract the vision of motorists, bicyclists and
pedestrians;
C. To facilitate easy, safe and pleasant communication between people and their surroundings;
D. To conserve the character and economic value of buildings and neighborhoods;
E. To provide a balance between legitimate identification and advertising needs and the visual discord
which signs sometimes cause, and to provide a sense of balance or proportion between a sign and the
building or property which it serves;
F. To encourage the erection of signs which are legible in their surroundings and compatible with the
visual character of the surrounding; and
G. To ensure that adequate and effective advertising signage opportunities exist within a regulatory
framework which protects the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech.
H. It is not the intent of these regulations to prohibit or unreasonably regulate or to require permits for
the legitimate display of traditional holiday season decorations; provided, however, that such
decorations or displays are installed and maintained in a safe manner.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1641, § 1, 4-23-18)
Sec. 26-702. Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively
ascribed to them by this section:
Animated sign. A sign or parts thereof, which revolve, whirl, twirl or utilize motion, mechanical or actual, in a
horizontal or vertical plane or both. The only animated type of signs that are permitted are barber shop poles.
Arcade sign. Any sign projecting beneath and attached to the underside of any balcony, canopy, awning or
other structural overhang or passageway.
Artistic mural or sculpture. A freestanding statue or sculpture or a graphic illustration or design, or an
architectural design or relief applied directly to or incorporated within a wall of a building, which does not
advertise or promote a particular business, service or "branded" product.
Awning. A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and/or a type which can be
retracted against the face of the supporting building.
Balloon or inflatable sign. Any sign consisting of material intended to be filled with air or helium, or have air
blown through in order to create a visual attraction; this is inclusive of air dancers, inflatable caricatures, all types
and sizes of balloons, and similar devices.
Created: 2025-12-12 11:15:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 75)
Page 2 of 22
Banner. A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric or other light material that is
mounted with no enclosing framework intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
Barber shop poles. A sign with a striped interior which may or may not rotate, which is traditionally utilized to
signify the presence of an establishment within which the practice of barbering is engaged or carried out.
Billboard. Any sign in excess of fifty (50) square feet in size oriented to the interstate highway utilized to
advertise a product or service that is not produced or conducted on the same property as the sign.
Blade sign. A sign which is affixed to any building, wall or structure and which extends beyond the building
wall more than fifteen (15) inches.
Building front. The exterior wall(s) of a building facing a public street or streets or other public right-of-way
other than alleys, or one (1) exterior wall containing the primary entrance to the building if not directly facing upon
a public street.
Canopy sign. A sign mounted to a roof-like structure serving the purpose of protecting vehicles and/or
pedestrians and which may be freestanding or attached to a building, is provided with supports, and is open on
three (3) sides if attached and on all sides if freestanding.
Changeable copy sign. A sign, either illuminated or nonilluminated, which is designed so that the message or
any part of the message may be periodically changed, either mechanically or electronically, however, where a
change in message occurs no sooner than every eight (8) seconds. This includes signs that utilize computer-
generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy, including displays using incandescent
lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix. Messages shall be static and a change in message shall be instantaneous.
Development. A single lot, parcel or tract of land or portions or combinations of lots, parcels or tracts of land
which are held in single or common ownership and which exist as a distinct functional entity. Multi-use and multi-
tenant buildings and multiple building complexes which are held in singular or common ownership, either by
individual, corporation, partnership or other legally recognized entity, shall be considered a "development" for the
purpose of signage.
Directional sign. A freestanding or wall-type sign, not located within public street right-of-way, providing
necessary directional information to motor vehicle operators or pedestrians, such as entrance, exit, parking
limitations or location of onsite buildings or facilities. Directional signs shall be clearly incidental to the primary
signage on a property, in both height and sign area.
Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix, relocate or reconstruct any sign or sign-
supporting structure.
Flashing sign. A sign that is illuminated with intermittent lighting, animated lighting or with varying
intensities including a moving light or lights. Flashing signs are prohibited.
Flag. Any fabric or other flexible material attached to or designed to be flown from a flagpole or similar
device.
Freestanding sign. A sign that is permanent and self-supporting, being nondependent on support from a
building or other structure, including signs placed upon fences or nonsupporting walls. This includes pole-mounted
or monument signs.
Illuminated sign. A sign that is illuminated with constant intensities of light of a non-varying nature. There are
three (3) types of illuminated lights as follows:
A. Direct. Lighting by means of an unshielded light source which is effectively visible as a part of the sign.
Neon lighting is considered direct lighting.
B. Indirect. Lighting which illuminates the front of a sign or the entire building façade upon which the sign
is displayed, the source of the light being shielded from public view and from surrounding properties.
Created: 2025-12-12 11:15:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 75)
Page 3 of 22
Indirect illumination does not include lighting which is primarily used for purposes other than sign
illumination, such as parking lot lighting.
C. Internal. Lighting by means of a light source which is within a sign having a translucent background and
which silhouettes opaque letters or designs, or lighting within or behind letters or designs which are
themselves made of translucent or opaque material.
Lot. A tract, building site, parcel or portion of land separated from other parcels or portions by description, as
on a subdivision plat of record or survey map or by metes and bounds, for the purpose of sale, lease or use.
Major interior drive. A drive aisle located on private property which connects two (2) public streets or
provides access to two (2) or more parcels of land or developments. Where the regulations allow "one sign per
major interior drive," the intent is that the sign allowed is placed upon or facing the major interior drive, unless
specifically otherwise permitted.
Nonconforming sign. A sign which does not conform with the regulations set forth in this article, but which
did meet the requirements of the regulations existing at the date of its erection.
Off-premise sign. A commercial sign advertising a land use, business, product or service not located or
available as the primary business, product or service upon the premises whereon the sign is located.
Painted sign. A sign that is painted directly onto the exterior surface of a building, wall or structure.
Pennant, streamer, and other similar devices. A sign made of flexible materials intended to create a visual
attraction through movement. This is inclusive of flutter flags.
Portable sign. Any sign which is supported by one (1) or more uprights or braces upon the ground and which
is of portable design, such as A-frame or pedestal style signs.
Public sign. A sign that is required by federal, state or local law or ordinance, or is deemed necessary for
public information.
Revolving sign. A sign utilizing an axis point to pivot the sign surface.
Roof sign. A sign erected, constructed and maintained above the eaves and attached to the roof of a
building.
Sign. Any object or device or part thereof situated outdoors or indoors, viewed from outdoors by the general
public, and which object or device or the effect produced thereby is used to advertise, announce, identify, declare,
demonstrate, display, instruct, direct or attract attention by means including, but not limited to, words, letters,
figures, designs, fixtures, colors, motion, illumination, sound or projecting images.
Sign permit. A building permit issued for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair,
relocation, improvement, removal, conversion or demolition of any sign issued pursuant to the building code of
the city or this sign code.
Sign setback. The total distance between the property line and the leading edge of the sign face.
Sign structure. Any supports, uprights, braces or framework of a sign which does not include any portion of
the sign message.
Signs carried by persons. Any sign, which is carried or worn by any person, typically in or along the right-of-
way for the purpose of attracting and directing traffic to a particular place of business.
Street frontage. For the purpose of signage, frontage upon a street is obtained by ownership, easement or
leasehold only if used for vehicular access to the property, or if not used for vehicular access, only if such street
frontage is at least fifty (50) feet in width. Where the regulations allow "one sign per street frontage," the intent is
that the sign allowed is placed upon or facing the street, unless specifically otherwise permitted.
Created: 2025-12-12 11:15:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 75)
Page 4 of 22
Sign oriented to a drive-through lane. A freestanding or wall-mounted sign, oriented predominantly towards
a drive-through or drive-up lane, which is clearly incidental to the primary signage on a property, in both height
and sign area.
Size of sign. When two (2) identical sign faces are placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed
from any point at the same time, and are part of the same sign structure, the sign area shall be computed as the
measurement of one (1) of the two (2) faces. For a sign which is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared
and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area and dimensions shall include the entire portion
within such background or frame. For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall of a
building or surface of a structure, the area and dimensions of the sign shall encompass a regular geometric shape
(rectangle, circle, trapezoid, triangle, etc.) or a combination of regular geometric shapes, which form or
approximate the perimeter of all elements in the display, the frame and any applied background that is not part of
the architecture of the building or structure. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign but are
separated by open space, the sign are and dimensions shall be calculated by determining the geometric form, or
the combination of forms, which comprises all of the display areas, including the space between different
elements. For a freestanding sign, the sign area shall include the frame, if any, but shall not include the pole or
other structural support unless such pole or structural support is internally illuminated or otherwise so designed to
constitute a display, or part of a display device. Architectural features that are either part of the building or part of
a freestanding structure, and not an integral part of the sign, and which may consist of landscaping, building, or
structural forms completing the site in general shall also not be in the sign area.
Temporary sign. Any sign, banner, pennant, balloon, inflatable, portable sign, yard sign or other outdoor
advertising sign constructed of light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, plywood, sheet metal, paper or other light
materials, with or without a frame, intended or designed to be displayed for a limited period of time.
Three-dimensional (3D) signs. Any sign, which by virtue of its shape, design, and location of copy provides
advertisement in a three dimensional manner and is distinctly different from an artistic sculpture, wall sign, or
blade sign.
Traffic and regulatory signs. Signs, signals or markings placed or erected by federal, state or local authority
for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.
Unlawful sign. Any sign or outdoor advertising device erected in the absence of a permit required by this
article, or in violation of any of the limitations, prohibitions or requirements of this article.
Unsafe sign. Any sign or advertising structure found unsafe or insecure or creating a hazard or menace to the
public safety, health and welfare.
Wall sign. A sign constructed of durable materials or painted and which is permanently affixed to an exterior
surface of any building, wall or structure and which does not extend more than fifteen (15) inches beyond the
building wall, except that signage placed upon marquees, canopies or awnings shall be considered as wall signs.
Window or door sign. Any sign or decal affixed to, painted on, applied to, or hanging within twelve (12)
inches of the interior of a window and that can be seen through the window from the exterior of the structure, but
excludes merchandise included in a window display.
Yard sign. Temporary, ground-mounted, portable sign constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic, wood, metal or
other comparable material, and designed or intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1463, § 1, 6-28-10; Ord. No. 1641, § 2, 4-
23-18)
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Sec. 26-703. Enforcement and penalties.
Enforcement and penalties shall be in accordance with those provisions set forth in article X. In addition to
any remedies set forth in section 26-1004 et seq., specific authority is granted to the enforcement officer to
remove, or have removed, the following signs:
A. Unsafe signs and temporary signs found by an enforcement officer to be located within city right-of-
way or in violation of sight triangle requirements shall be removed by such enforcement officer with no
requirement of notice.
B. Signs which are prohibited pursuant to this article may be removed after posting of a notice at least
twenty-four (24) hours prior to removal upon the premises where such sign(s) is located.
C. In the discretion of the enforcement officer a sign which is otherwise not in compliance with this article
may be removed upon sixty (60) days prior notice.
(Ord No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1641, § 3, 4-23-18)
Sec. 26-704. Contractor's license required.
A. No person shall engage in the business of installing, altering or repairing any sign within the corporate limits
of the city unless he is the holder of a currently valid, city sign contractor's license, except for those signs
exempt from permit.
B. The city shall have the power to suspend or revoke the license of any holder of a sign license issued pursuant
to this article, in accordance with the provisions as set forth in the building code. (See chapter 5 of this Code
of Laws for related provisions.)
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07)
Sec. 26-705. Permit required.
A. No sign or modification to an existing sign shall be erected, placed or displayed outdoors within the city limits
until a permit for such sign has been issued by the city, unless such sign is exempt from a permit in
accordance with this sign code.
B. An application, accompanied by a "to scale" drawing, for each separate sign permit shall be made to the
department of community development on a form supplied by the department. Such applications shall set
forth the name and address of the applicant; the location where such sign is to be erected or located; the
name, phone number and address of the owner of the property; the size, height, type and general
description of such proposed sign, including the materials of which it is constructed, the sign contractor's
name, phone number and address and such other pertinent information required or deemed necessary by
the department to determine the sign's safety and conformance to this article. A "to scale" plot plan of the
lot or parcel shall accompany the application and shall show the location of the proposed sign and the
location, type and size of other signs which exist upon the lot. The community development director may
require additional submission information in connection with a specific application.
C. The mere application for a sign permit does not assure that a permit will be issued; therefore, it is advised
that signs not be fabricated, constructed or purchased prior to issuance of a sign permit.
D. Fees for the erection of signs are assessed as part of building permit review and issuance. Permit fees and
city use tax will be waived where a nonconforming sign is removed and replaced by a sign conforming with
these regulations.
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E. The property owner, principal lessee, or authorized agent of the platted or otherwise recognized as legally
developable parcel on which the sign will be located shall be the same person applying for the sign permit.
Documentation shall accompany the permit for verification.
F. A copy change with no modifications to the sign structure, support, cabinets, electricity, or other features
shall be exempt from building permit.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1547, § 15, 4-28-14; Ord. No. 1641, § 4, 4-
23-18)
Sec. 26-706. Nonconforming signs.
A. Nonconforming signs. A lawful sign existing on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is
derived may be continued, although such sign does not conform to the provisions of this article, subject to
the following provisions:
1. Relocation, or replacement of a nonconforming sign is not permitted unless such sign is brought into
conformance with this article. Enlargement or extension of a nonconforming sign is permitted so long
as the nonconformity is not increased. Rebuilding or reconstructing a nonconforming sign is permitted
only if the rebuilding or reconstruction is limited to installing a new sign cabinet on an existing support
structure. Installing a new sign cabinet together with a new support structure shall constitute
replacement of the nonconforming sign and shall require conformance with this article.
2. In the event the use of a nonconforming sign is discontinued for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days,
the nonconforming sign shall thereafter conform to the provisions of the zoning district in which it is
located or be removed. For the purpose of this section, the term "discontinued" shall apply to uses
which customarily operate on a continuous basis versus a seasonal basis.
3. A nonconforming sign that is destroyed or damaged more than fifty (50) percent of its replacement
cost voluntarily or due to natural causes may not be reconstructed except in accordance with the
provisions of this article; however, any sign destroyed or damaged to any extent by vandalism may be
rebuilt to its original state within six (6) months or otherwise it must be reconstructed in conformance
with this article.
4. Normal maintenance which does not require modification of the sign structure, supports or members
shall be permitted. A face change is considered normal maintenance.
5. In order to provide an incentive for removal of nonconforming signs, permit fees and city use tax will
be waived where a nonconforming sign is removed and replaced by a sign conforming with these
regulations.
B. Discontinued business, etc. Whenever a use of land and/or building using an identification sign is
discontinued, except for seasonal uses pursuant to subsection A.2., above, the sign shall be removed or
obscured by the person owning the property within thirty (30) days after the discontinuance of such use. Any
such sign which is nonconforming to these regulations and which is not used to advertise an active business
within sixty (60) days of discontinuance shall be removed or otherwise brought into compliance.
C. Nonconforming electronic changeable copy signs. Such signs which are made nonconforming by the adoption
of ordinance no. 1641 shall be brought into conformance with the requirements of this article on or before
May 11, 2019.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1641, § 5, 4-23-18)
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Page 7 of 22
Sec. 26-707. General provisions/performance standards.
A. Sight distance triangle.
1. No sign is allowed which would violate the sight distance triangle requirements of section 26-603 B.
2. At signalized intersections, where both streets are collectors and/or arterials, the required sight
distance shall be governed by the standards set forth in the most current edition of the policy on
geometric design of highways and streets, published by the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
B. Location of signs.
1. All signs allowed by this article, except billboards, public signs, and signs permitted under the criteria in
section 26-708 E. must be owned by the property/building owner, or principal lessee of the
property/building on which the sign is placed.
C. Streets and rights-of-way.
1. No sign shall be erected in such a location as to interfere with motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
2. No sign is allowed in or above the public right-of-way, with the exception of:
a. Signs on bus benches and shelters pursuant to article IV of chapter 21;
b. Public, traffic, regulatory, or licensed sign; and
c. Signs permitted under the criteria in section 26-708 E.
3. For temporary signs, where it is difficult to determine the public right-of-way boundary due to lack of
curb, gutter and/or sidewalk, or survey markers, such boundaries shall be presumed to be ten (10) feet
from the edge of pavement or back of curb. Where a sidewalk exists, such boundaries shall be
presumed to be two (2) feet from outside edge of sidewalk.
4. Attachment of any sign to utility poles or other poles or structures within public right-of-way is
prohibited, except as approved by the public works director pursuant to this article.
D. Interference.
1. No sign is allowed which employs a lighting or control mechanism which causes radio, radar, cellular
telephone or television interference.
2. No sign is allowed which, even though in general conformance with the standards and requirements of
this sign code, is judged by the chief of police, community development director and public works
director as a dangerous sign due to interference with a traffic control device by being in direct line
between the control device and oncoming traffic or otherwise in visual competition with a traffic
control device.
3. No sign is allowed which may be construed as a traffic sign or signal or which may be confusing to
motorists or mistaken as a traffic signal.
E. Compliance with building codes.
1. No sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained which obstructs or is attached to any fire escape,
window, door or opening used as a means of egress or ingress or for firefighting purposes, or is placed
which interferes with any opening required for light or ventilation.
2. No sign is permitted which is structurally unsafe as determined by the chief building official, based
upon criteria established in the adopted building codes.
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3. The design of all sign structure members and foundation shall conform to the requirements of the
building code relative to allowable stresses, materials and engineering standards. Loads, both vertical
and horizontal, shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified in the building code, and material
construction shall be of the quality and grade required by the building code. All signs and structures
shall be designed and constructed to meet the adopted building and electrical codes.
F. Outside display.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 26-631, any merchandise displayed outside of a building in
such a way as to attract attention when viewed by the general public by placement upon a pole, a
fence, a platform, roof or other similar device or structure shall be considered a sign and is prohibited.
This shall not, however, be construed to prohibit merchandise customarily stored outside of buildings
and placed upon shelves or tables, such as automobiles, campers, boats, plant materials, produce or
lumber.
G. Illumination.
1. All illuminated signage shall comply with section 26-503 of the zoning and development code.
2. Signs within one hundred (100) feet of a residential structure, may be lighted indirectly or internally.
3. Signs over one hundred (100) feet from a residential structure, may use any type of lighting source,
except search or flashing lights, provided that they are shaded, shielded or directed so that the light
shall not adversely affect surrounding premises or interfere with safe vision on public or private
roadways, including highways.
4. All direct and indirect lighting sources shall be downcast to reduce glare, sky glow and light pollution.
5. In the MU-N district, illuminated signs are encouraged to be turned off when businesses are not in
operation.
6. Internally illuminated, translucent signs should have the typography lighter than the sign background.
Opaque sign faces with internally-illuminated translucent typography or internally-illuminated
individual channel letter with translucent faces are acceptable.
7. Sign lighting should be consistent with the lighting of building elements and storefront lighting.
8. It is encouraged that sign faces be of darker hue with light colored text to prevent light glare emitted at
night.
9. The nighttime illumination of changeable copy signs shall conform with the following criteria:
a. Illumination measurement methods shall be consistent with established city policy.
b. Illumination limits. The difference between the off and solid-message measurements using the
measurement criteria shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at night.
c. Dimming capabilities. All permitted changeable copy signs shall be equipped with a sensor or
other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to
automatically determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically dim
according to the ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with the 0.3
footcandle measurements.
H. Maintenance. Any sign, including temporary signs that becomes discolored, ragged, shredded, detached,
etc., shall be removed or repaired.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1463, § 2, 6-28-10; Ord. No. 1641, § 6, 4-
23-18; Ord. No. 1683, § 33, 1-27-20)
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Sec. 26-708. Miscellaneous provisions.
A. Building addresses.
1. House or building address number signs shall be consistent with section 26-639 of the Code and
established city policy.
B. Signs located on bus benches and bus stop shelters.
1. Signs located on bus benches shall be in conformance with section 21-124 of the Code.
2. Signs located on a bus stop shelter shall be in conformance with section 21-151 of the Code. Such signs
shall be limited to two (2) faces per shelter with a maximum of twenty-four (24) square feet per face.
C. Home occupations.
1. Home occupations must comply with section 26-613 of the Municipal Code.
2. Residential units with an approved home occupation business license through the city, are allowed one
(1) freestanding or wall-mounted non-illuminated sign.
D. Master sign plan.
1. The planning commission may approve a master sign plan for any existing or proposed commercial,
mixed use, or industrial development of at least two (2) acres or more in size which is under unified
control either by ownership, legal association or leasehold.
2. The intent and purpose is to encourage well-planned and designed signage within a large multiple
building or multiple use complex which expresses unification and integration by elements of
architectural style, size, color, placement and lighting. An additional purpose is to encourage the
elimination of existing nonconforming signs. The planning commission may grant as a bonus for well-
designed plans additional signs and/or up to a fifty (50) percent increase in maximum square footage
for each sign, and/or may permit signs in locations other than normally permitted, based upon a
finding that the proposed master sign plan substantially meets the intent and purpose of this
subsection relating to unification and integration of signage.
3. Once approved at a public hearing by planning commission, all master sign plans shall be recorded with
the Jefferson County Recorder's Office and shall constitute a covenant and must be complied with by
all owners, proprietors, lessees or assigns, whether current or future. No substantial variation from the
plan shall be permitted without planning commission approval. Noticing requirements for a master
sign plan process shall follow the procedures outlined in section 26-109.
E. Signs in the right-of-way.
1. The community development director and public works director may jointly approve freestanding signs
which are otherwise permitted to advertise a property, to be located in the public right-of-way
immediately adjacent to that property, subject to all of the following criteria:
a. There are no viable alternative locations on the subject property;
b. The sign is for a property with commercial, industrial-employment, mixed use, or planned
development zoning;
c. The sign will be within right-of-way that is immediately adjacent to the subject property;
d. The sign is not in the right-of-way of a state highway;
e. There are no immediate plans for widening the street as identified in the five-year capital
investment program (CIP) or planning documents;
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f. The sign is not for a site being completely redeveloped with new construction, in which case the
proposed design should incorporate the sign on site;
g. No underground utilities, except for electricity, exist in the proposed location for the sign;
h. The sign does not obstruct the sidewalk or vehicular traffic;
i. The sign complies with sight distance triangle requirements per section 26-603 B.;
j. The sign is not a pole sign; and
k. The sign must be in lieu of a freestanding sign otherwise located only on the immediately
adjacent property for which sign is permitted.
2. Signs that meet the above criteria shall obtain a sign permit through the community development
department and a right-of-way use permit through the department of public works.
3. Notwithstanding section 26-115, the decision of the community development director and public
works director to grant or deny a permit under this subsection F. shall be the final decision of the city,
appealable only to the district court.
F. Signs in mixed use zone districts. Signs in any mixed use zone district must also comply with requirements in
section 26-1113, or section 26-1412 for the MU-LLC zone district.
G. Signs for marijuana-related businesses. No permanent or temporary sign associated with a marijuana-related
business licensed pursuant to articles XII and/or XIII of chapter 11 may be installed or located until reviewed
and approved by the city. See sections 11-296, 11-306, 11-406 and 11-417.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1463, § 3, 6-28-10; Ord. No. 1471, § 10, 9-
13-10; Ord. No. 1547, § 16, 4-28-14; Ord. No. 1563, § 11, 1-26-15; Ord. No. 1641, § 7, 4-23-18; Ord. No. 1814, § 13,
1-27-25)
Sec. 26-709. Permitted sign types.
A. A summary of sign types addressed in this article are listed in the following tables. The tables identify if signs
are permitted (P), not permitted (NP), or permitted in limited (L) circumstances, based on the land use of the
property upon which a sign is located.
B. For the purposes of this article only, the following definitions shall apply:
1. Low density residential. Land use category for determining allowable signage, both permanent and
temporary, for single detached and duplex dwellings.
2. Multi-unit residential. Land use category for determining allowable signage, both permanent and
temporary, for residential uses with three (3) or more attached dwelling units, including single-unit
attached dwelling uses.
3. Nonresidential. Land use category for determining allowable signage, both permanent and temporary,
for all commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential uses.
C. Permanent signs. For signs that are permitted (P or L), additional standards are found in section 26-710.
Table 1. Permanent Signs by Land Use
Type of Sign Low Density Residential
Use
Multi-Unit Residential
Use
Nonresidential Use
Address numbers P P P
Animated NP NP NP
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Arcade NP NP P
Barber shop poles NP NP P
Blade NP NP P
Canopy NP P P
Changeable copy NP NP P
Directional NP P P
Flag P P P
Freestanding L P P
Off-premise NP NP NP
Roof NP NP NP
Sign oriented to a drive-
through lane
NP NP P
Traffic control or
regulatory
P P P
Vehicle P P P
Wall or painted L P P
Window or door P P P
D. Temporary signs. For signs that are permitted (P or L), additional standards are found in section 26-711.
Table 2. Temporary Signs by Land Use
Type of Sign Low Density Residential
Use
Multi-Unit Residential
Use
Nonresidential Use
Balloon or inflatable NP P P
Banner NP P P
Pennant, streamer, and
similar devices
NP P P
Portable NP P P
Signs carried by persons P P P
Yard—Small P P P
Yard—Large L L L
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1463, § 4, 6-28-10; Ord. No. 1491, § 8, 5-
23-11; Ord. No. 1547, § 17, 4-28-14; Ord. No. 1641, § 8, 4-23-18; Ord. No. 1744, § 25(Exh. 1), 7-11-22; Ord. No.
1824, § 17, 6-23-25)
Sec. 26-710. Permanent sign standards.
A. General.
1. Where a property is eligible for a permanent sign based on section 26-709, the standards of this
section shall apply.
2. Building permits are required for all permanent signs.
3. Residential zone districts include the entire residential series (R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-
3A, PRD), agricultural series (A-1, A-2), and public facilities (PF).
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4. Nonresidential zone districts include the entire commercial series (NC, RC, C-1, C-2), mixed use series
(MU-C, MU-C TOD, MU-C interstate, MU-N, MU-LLC), industrial employment (I-E), and planned
developments including PCD, PID, PHD, and PMUD.
5. With the exception of billboards permitted under section 26-712, no permanent sign shall be erected
or maintained upon a lot, tract, or parcel devoid of an established primary use.
B. Address numbers.
1. Must be compliant with section 26-639 of the Code.
2. Must be compliant with established city policies regarding addressing.
C. Arcade signs.
1. Definition: Any sign projecting beneath and attached to the underside of any balcony, canopy, awning
or other structural overhang or passageway.
2. Maximum number: one (1) per business.
3. Maximum size: four (4) square feet.
4. Height: minimum height above street frontage or sidewalk level is seem (7) feet.
5. Location: may not extend above the bottom of eave, balcony, canopy, awning or other structural
overhang or passageway to which it is affixed. Can extend into right-of-way with an approved right-of-
way permit.
D. Barber shop poles.
1. Definition: A sign with a striped interior which may or may not rotate, which is traditionally utilized to
signify the presence an establishment within which the practice of barbering is engaged or carried out.
2. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage or major interior drive.
3. Height: pole height cannot exceed five (5) feet in total, may not exceed height of building to which it is
attached.
4. Location: must be wall mounted. May extend into the right-of-way with an approved right-of-way
permit.
E. Blade signs.
1. Definition: a sign which is affixed to any building, wall or structure and which extends beyond the
building wall more than fifteen (15) inches. Projection shall extend no more than forty-eight (48) inches
away from the structure to which the sign is attached.
2. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage or business.
3. Maximum size:
a. For two-dimensional (2D) signs: one (1) square foot for each one (1) foot of height of the building
wall to which the sign is to be attached.
b. For three-dimensional (3D) signs, as defined in subsection 26-702, 1.75 cubic feet for each one
(1) foot of height of the building wall to which the sign is to be attached.
4. Height:
a. May not extend above the top of the wall or parapet; not to be roof mounted.
b. Minimum height clearance seven (7) feet above street frontage or sidewalk.
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5. Location: may extend into the right-of-way with an approved right-of-way permit.
6. Additional standards:
a. Blade signs are encouraged in the traditional overlay areas, as defined by the architectural and
site design manual.
b. Wall signs and blade signs are allowed on the same wall.
c. Blade signs should not be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet apart unless the signs work
together to make a unified and compatible design or the sign group is integral to the building
architecture, reinforcing a significant building feature such as a primary entry.
d. The structural support of projecting signs shall be integrated into the design of the sign, either by
being simple and inconspicuous, or by being creative in the use of structural elements, lighting,
color and materials.
F. Canopy signs.
1. Definition: a sign mounted to a roof-like structure serving the purpose of protecting vehicles and/or
pedestrians and which may be freestanding or attached to a building, is provided with supports, and is
open on three (3) sides if attached and on all sides if freestanding.
2. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage or major interior drive.
3. Maximum size: canopy signs may use up to fifty (50) percent of the allowed wall sign allowance, the
size of the canopy sign is to be subtracted from the allowable wall signage.
G. Changeable copy signs.
1. Definition: a sign, either illuminated or nonilluminated, which is designed so that the message or any
part of the message may be periodically changed, either mechanically or electronically, however,
where a change in message occurs no sooner than every eight (8) seconds. This includes signs that
utilize computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy, including
displays using incandescent lamps, electronic message centers (EMCs), LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix.
Messages shall be static and a change in message shall be instantaneous.
2. Prohibition: changeable copy signs are not be permitted in the MU-N district or the MU-C TOD sub-
district.
3. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage, but no more than two (2) per development.
4. Maximum size:
a. In residential zone districts, a maximum of thirty (32) square feet per sign.
b. In nonresidential zone districts, the freestanding and wall signage size regulations (subsections
26-710 J. and 26-710 L.) apply.
5. Height:
a. In residential zone districts, a maximum of seven (7) feet.
b. In nonresidential zone districts, freestanding and wall signage height regulations (subsections 26-
710 J. and 26-710 L.) apply.
6. Location: for freestanding changeable copy signs, the minimum setback is five (5) feet from any
property line.
7. The time lapse between the change in information shall not be less than eight (8) seconds.
H. Directional signs.
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1. Definition: a freestanding or wall-type sign, not located within the public street right-of-way, providing
necessary directional information to motor vehicle operators or pedestrians, such as entrance, exit,
parking limitations or location of onsite buildings or facilities. Directional signs shall be clearly
incidental to the primary signage on a property, in both height and sign area.
2. Maximum number: no limit.
3. Maximum size: four (4) square feet per side.
4. Height: If freestanding, shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height if within a required sight
distance triangle, or forty-eight (48) inches where outside of a sight distance triangle.
I. Flag.
1. Definition: any fabric or other flexible material attached to or designed to be flown from a flagpole or
similar device.
2. Maximum flagpole height of thirty-five (35) feet.
J. Freestanding signs.
1. Definition: a sign that is permanent and self-supporting, being nondependent on support from a
building or other structure, including signs placed upon fences or nonsupporting walls. This includes
pole-mounted or monument signs.
2. Owner authorization required: building permit applications for single tenant signs on multitenant
properties shall include property owner authorization with the building permit application.
3. Design:
a. For new development or total redevelopment new pole signs shall not be allowed, unless the
development is located within one-quarter (¼) mile of the interstate and a highway-oriented sign
is proposed.
b. The base of a freestanding monument sign shall be consistent with the materials of the building
with which it is associated.
c. For new development or total redevelopment, all freestanding signs shall be placed within
landscaped areas.
d. When not associated with new development or total redevelopment, pole signs are permitted,
but strongly discouraged.
4. Multiple signs: where multiple freestanding signs are permitted pursuant to this section, the following
standards shall apply:
a. Where two (2) freestanding signs are permitted by virtue of multiple street frontages, each
permitted sign shall be allowed to have the maximum square footage allowed as noted in this
subsection. In addition, the sign area allowed may be transferred from one (1) sign to another;
provided, that no freestanding sign shall exceed four hundred (400) square feet in area.
b. Where multiple signs are permitted because of multiple street frontages, the signs may be
erected on the same street frontage.
c. For double-faced signs, each sign face can have the maximum square footage allowed.
5. For low density residential uses:
a. Not permitted, except for as allowed by the home occupation regulations.
6. For multi-unit dwelling uses, including single-unit attached dwellings:
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a. Maximum number: One (1) per street frontage, not to exceed two (2).
b. Maximum size: thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Minimum setback: five (5) feet from any property line.
d. Maximum height: seven (7) feet.
7. For nonresidential uses in residential zone districts:
a. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage, not to exceed 2.
b. Maximum size: thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. Minimum setback: five (5) feet from any property line.
d. Maximum height: seven (7) feet.
8. For nonresidential uses in nonresidential zone districts:
a. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage, not to exceed two (2).
b. Maximum size: based upon table 3 below.
c. Minimum setback: based upon height and adjacent zoning:
(1) Ten (10) feet if adjacent to residentially zoned properties.
(2) Five (5) feet from ROW if under seven (7) feet tall.
(3) Ten (10) feet from ROW if seven—fifteen feet in height.
(4) Thirty (30) feet for signs over fifteen (15) feet in height.
d. Maximum height: based upon zoning and location:
(1) Seven (7) feet in all mixed use zone districts.
(2) Fifty (50) feet for retail and service businesses within one quarter (¼) mile of an interstate
highway measured from the property line.
(3) Fifteen (15) feet for all other freestanding signs.
Table 3. Maximum sign area for freestanding signs for NONRESIDENTIAL uses in nonresidential
zone districts
Floor Area of Building* Single Tenant Sign Multiple Tenant Sign
0—1,500 square feet 35 square feet 60 square feet
1,501—5,000 square feet 35 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each additional 50 square feet
of floor area over 1,501.
60 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each additional 40 square feet
of floor area over 1,501.
5,001—50,000 square feet 100 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each additional 500 square
foot of floor area over 5,001.
150 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each 300 square feet of floor
area over 5,001.
Over 50,001 square feet 190 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each additional 1,000 square
feet of floor area over 50,001 up to
a maximum size of 300 square feet
300 square feet plus 1 square foot
per each additional 1,000 square
feet of floor area over 50,001 up to
a maximum size of 400 square feet
*In computing allowable sign size, only the footprint of the structure can be used. The floor area of gas station
canopies and drive-thru canopies cannot be applied toward the freestanding sign allowance.
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9. Home occupations:
a. Must be in compliance with section 26-613 of the Municipal Code.
b. Must have an approved business license through the city.
c. Permitted one (1) non-illuminated sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in size.
10. 3D signs: three-dimensional (3D) signs, as defined in section 26-702, are permitted the sign allowances
listed in this subsection multiplied by one and seventy-five one-hundredths (1.75), as measured in
cubic feet.
K. Sign oriented to a drive-through lane.
1. Definition: a freestanding or wall-mounted sign, oriented predominantly towards a drive-through or
drive-up lane, which is clearly incidental to the primary signage on a property, in both height and sign
area.
2. Maximum size: thirty-five (35) square feet per drive-through lane
3. Maximum height: six (6) feet
4. Additional standards
a. May be illuminated by internal lighting only.
b. Must be screened from the right-of-way such that signs do not violate subsection 26-707 D.
L. Traffic control or regulatory signs.
1. Definition: signs, signals or markings placed or erected by federal, state or local authority of the
purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic
2. Location: may be placed by the federal, state or local authority within the public right-of-way.
M. Wall or painted signs.
1. Definition: a sign constructed of durable materials which is permanently affixed to an exterior surface
of any building, wall or structure or painted directly on the exterior surface of a building, wall or
structure which does not extend more than fifteen (15) inches beyond the building wall, except that
signage placed upon marquees, canopies or awnings shall be considered wall signs.
2. Maximum size:
a. Total size for any single or combined wall sign is no larger than one (1) square foot for every
linear foot of the side of the building to which it is affixed.
3. Location:
a. Signs may only be affixed to walls which face public streets or major interior drives, as
determined by the community development director
b. For buildings with flat roofs, wall signs shall not extend above the top of the parapet or mansard,
and if placed upon a parapet or mansard shall not extend more than three (3) feet above the
deck line.
c. For uses which have a rear entry or delivery door, one (1) nonilluminated wall sign not to exceed
four (4) square feet per tenant is permitted.
4. Other: signs affixed to canopies shall be considered wall signs and shall be calculated based upon the
length of the wall to which they are attached or adjacent.
5. Home occupations:
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a. Must be in compliance with section 26-613 of the Municipal Code.
b. Must have an approved business license through the city.
c. Permitted one (1) non-illuminated sign not to exceed two (2) square feet in size.
6. Additional standards:
a. Building wall signs shall complement the building's architecture and fit within the architectural
features of the façade so they do not overlap windows or columns.
N. Window or door signs.
1. Definition: any sign or decal affixed to, painted on, applied to, or hanging within twelve (12) inches of
the interior of a window and that can be seen through the window from the exterior of the structure,
but excludes merchandise included in a window display.
2. Maximum size: sign shall not obstruct more than twenty-five (25) percent of the door or window area
3. Additional standards:
a. The material, installation and/or size of window or door signs shall not negatively affect
compliance with the transparency standards established in article XI, mixed use zone districts and
in the architectural and site design manual.
b. The interior application of a solid, dark color on back of house windows shall not be considered
window or door signs and shall be permitted.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 7-23-07; Ord. No. 1463, § 5, 6-28-10; Ord. No. 1471, § 11, 9-
13-10; Ord. No. 1491, § 9, 5-23-11; Ord. No. 1523, § 10, 10-8-12; Ord. No. 1547, § 18, 4-28-14; Ord. No. 1641, § 9,
4-23-18; Ord. No. 1744, § 25(Exh. 1), 7-11-22; Ord. No. 1814, § 14, 1-27-25; Ord. No. 1824, § 18, 6-23-25)
Sec. 26-711. Temporary sign standards.
A. General.
1. Where a property is eligible for a temporary sign based on section 26-709, the standards of this section
shall apply.
2. Maximum number:
a. One (1) temporary sign per business may be placed on eligible property at any given time.
b. This limitation on maximum number of temporary signs shall take effect on May 11, 2019.
3. Illumination of temporary signs is prohibited.
4. Temporary signs do not require building permits.
B. Balloon or inflatable.
1. Definition: any sign consisting of material intended to be filled with air or helium, or have air blown
through in order to create a visual attraction; this is inclusive of air dancers, inflatables caricatures, all
types and sizes of balloons, and similar devices.
2. Height: cannot exceed twenty-five (25) feet above existing grade.
3. Location: may not be located within the public right-of-way.
4. Additional standards:
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a. Shall be securely anchored or attached so as to prevent dislocation, entanglement or
encroachment onto adjacent properties or public streets, or undue hazard to motorists or
pedestrians. Roof mounting is not permitted.
b. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, balloon or inflatable signs may be maintained
for no longer than thirty (30) consecutive days within any calendar year.
C. Banner.
1. Definition: a sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric or other light material that
is mounted with no enclosing framework intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
2. Maximum size: Total size for any single or combined banners affixed to a wall based on one-half (1/2)
the allowance for wall signs.
3. Location: may be placed upon a building wall but shall not be attached to fencing, landscaping,
freestanding posts or utility poles. Banners may be placed only on walls facing a public street or major
interior drive.
4. Other: shall be securely anchored or attached so as to prevent dislocation, entanglement or
encroachment onto adjacent properties or public streets, or undue hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
D. Pennant, streamer, and other similar device.
1. Definition: a sign made of flexible materials intended to create a visual attraction through movement.
This is inclusive of flutter flags.
2. Location: shall be securely anchored or attached so as to prevent dislocation, entanglement or
encroachment onto adjacent properties or public streets, or undue hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
F. Portable.
1. Definition: any sign which is supported by one (1) or more uprights or braces upon the ground and
which is of portable design, such as A-frame or pedestal style signs.
2. Maximum size: Six (6) square feet per side per sign.
3. Setback:
a. Five (5) feet from any street right-of-way line if taller than thirty-six (36) inches.
b. Two (2) feet from any street right-of-way line if thirty-six (36) inches or less in height.
4. Location:
a. May be located on a sidewalk within private property, provided that adequate clearance exists to
meet ADA requirements.
b. Must be anchored to the ground or weighted sufficiently to prevent movement by wind.
c. May not be located outside when business is closed.
G. Signs carried by persons.
1. Definition: any sign, which is carried or worn by any person, typically in or along the right-of-way for
the purpose of attracting and directing traffic to a particular place of business.
2. Maximum size: six (6) square feet per side.
3. Location: permitted along any public right-of-way, provided there is no negative impact to vehicular,
bicycle, or pedestrian safety as determined by the director of public works, community development
director or chief of police or their designee. Signs shall be limited to the exterior edges of the right-of-
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way, and completely outside of the vehicular and bicycle travel lanes. Shall be located behind the
outermost curb and gutter, not impede pedestrian traffic, and are completely prohibited to be
stationed in any median, island, or other refuge within the right-of-way.
H. Yard—Small.
1. Definition: a temporary, ground-mounted, portable sign constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic, wood,
metal or other comparable material, and designed or intended to be displayed for a limited period of
time.
2. Maximum number:
a. For all nonresidential uses: limit of one (1) per business.
b. For all residential uses: no limit.
3. Maximum size: shall not exceed four (4) square feet in size per sign.
4. Location: shall not be placed within city right-of-way or municipally owned property.
I. Yard—Large.
1. Definition: a temporary, ground-mounted, portable sign constructed of paper, vinyl, plastic, wood,
metal or other comparable material, and designed or intended to be displayed for a limited period of
time.
2. Maximum number: one (1) per street frontage or major interior drive, not to exceed two (2).
3. Maximum size:
a. For low density residential uses and multi-unit dwellings (three—nine units): nine (9) square feet.
b. For multi-unit dwellings (ten (10) plus units): thirty-two (32) square feet.
c. For nonresidential uses: thirty-two 32 square feet.
4. Minimum setback: five (5) feet.
5. Maximum height: shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height.
6. Location: allowed only on properties with active listings for sale or for rent, or on properties with active
building permits. Also allowed for urban gardens.
(Ord. No. 1641, § 10, 4-23-18; Ord. No. 1683, § 34, 1-27-20; Ord. No. 1744, § 25(Exh. 1), 7-11-22)
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 1641, § 10, adopted April 23, 2018, added a new § 26-711, renumbering the old § 26-
711 as 26-712. The historic notation remains with the affected provisions.
Sec. 26-712. Billboards; specifications and regulations.
A. General provisions.
1. Intent. The intent of this section is as follows:
a. To prohibit new billboards within the city;
b. To honor the rights of existing billboard owners;
c. To provide minimum standards and a process for maintenance and replacement; and
d. To provide a process for abandoning billboards.
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2. Billboard district. For the purpose of this section, the city has one (1) billboard district, as shown on the
official billboard zoning map of the city and incorporated herein, as shown below as the shaded area.
Official Billboard Zoning Map
3. State approval required. Billboard structures are allowed in the city as provided by this section;
provided that any billboard proposed to be rebuilt or replaced within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the
right-of-way line of any state or federal highway requires approval by the state in writing and that such
written approval is made available to the department of community development.
4. No existing billboard may be rebuilt or replaced except in conformance with these regulations.
B. Maximum number of billboards permitted.
1. On and after December 13, 2023, the maximum number of allowed billboards within the city is fifteen
(15).
2. When a billboard is fully abandoned, as described in subsection F., below, the maximum number of
billboards within the city shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
C. Design standards.
1. Roof-mounted billboards are not allowed.
2. Changeable copy billboard signs are not allowed.
3. Billboards shall be located within two hundred and fifty (250) feet of a highway, excluding on- and off-
ramps, as measured radially from the leading edge of the billboard to the closest edge of the highway
right-of-way line.
4. Structure setbacks shall be as required for a principal structure in the zoning district where the
billboard is located and shall be measured perpendicularly from the property line to the leading edge
of the billboard or structure, whichever is closest.
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5. All replacement billboards shall be of the pedestal type, unless prohibited by soil conditions as certified
by a professional engineer. As used herein, "pedestal" type signs are freestanding signs supported by
one (1) or more columns, poles, or support structures.
6. The maximum sign face size for a single-sided, two-sided, or V-shaped sign with an angle of less than
sixty (60) degrees shall not exceed seven hundred fifty (750) square feet per sign face. For V-shaped
signs with greater than a 60-degree angle, the combined size of both sign faces shall not exceed seven
hundred fifty (750) square feet, and the total length of both sign faces shall not exceed six (6) times the
height of the sign face.
7. The maximum height to the highest point of the billboard shall not exceed thirty-two (32) feet.
D. Maintenance.
1. Billboards shall be maintained in a neat and safe condition.
2. When, in the opinion of the chief building official, the safety of an existing billboard is questionable, the
billboard owner shall, within thirty (30) days of notification of the same from the chief building official,
either remove the billboard or furnish a certificate from a Colorado-registered professional engineer
with a specialization in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering certifying to its safety.
3. In the event the requested certificate is provided and approved by the chief building official, no further
action is necessary.
4. In the event the certificate is not provided, or if provided, is deemed by the chief building official to be
insufficient, the billboard owner shall have an additional thirty (30) days to provide a revised certificate
or remove the billboard.
5. In the event the certificate is not amended to the satisfaction of the chief building official, or the
billboard is not removed, the billboard shall be deemed abandoned, and the city may proceed with
administrative enforcement under article V of chapter 2 of the Code of Laws and/or prosecution in the
municipal court under sections 1-5 and 1-6 of the Code of Laws.
E. Temporary removal and replacement.
1. A billboard may be temporarily removed and replaced under the following conditions:
a. The owner of the billboard or the property upon which it is located has filed written notice of its
intent to temporarily remove the billboard with the community development director, which
notice shall include the purpose for the temporary removal and a projected timeline to replace
the billboard;
b. The billboard is proposed to be removed to perform structural upgrades or modifications or for a
similar purpose approved by the community development director;
c. The billboard will be relocated on the same property in substantially the same location, as
determined by the community development director in their sole discretion;
d. The time the billboard is removed shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) days;
e. The community development director has issued written approval of the temporary removal; and
f. All required building permits, licenses, or other approvals necessary to lawfully remove the
billboard have been obtained prior to removal.
2. Failure to comply with any of the conditions under which temporary removal is permitted under
subsection E.1., above, shall be considered abandonment.
F. Abandonment.
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1. A billboard may be deemed fully abandoned if one (1) of the following occurs:
a. The owner of the billboard or the property owner upon which the sign is located files written
notice of its intent to abandon the billboard with the community development director. It shall
be unlawful for an owner to fail to remove a billboard as specified in a notice of intent to
abandon filed hereunder. A billboard existing after the date of its abandonment shall be and is
hereby declared a nuisance, as defined by section 15-4 of this Code, and shall be subject to the
abatement and other enforcement remedies and penalties set forth under article II of chapter 15
of this Code;
b. Following notice from the city based on failure of the billboard owner to adequately maintain the
sign pursuant to subsection D., above; or
c. Removal without following the temporary removal and replacement process outlined in
subsection E., above.
(Ord. No. 2001-1215, § 1, 2-26-01; Ord. No. 1288, §§ 1, 2, 5-12-03; Ord. No. 1610, § 1, 10-10-16; Ord. No. 1641, §
11, 4-23-18; Ord. No. 1780, § 1, 11-27-23)
Editor's note(s)—See note to § 26-711.
Secs. 26-713—26-800. Reserved.
CITY BILLBOARD/OFF-PREMISE ADVERTISING
STATUS EXISTING DIGITAL BILLBOARDS DIGITAL BILLBOARD REGULATIONS
Arvada
No new billboards are allowed. Allows
changes to existing billboards through
Alternative Sign Program, which requires
public notice and planning commission
review.
One two-sided, fully digital billboard at
8041 N I-70 Frontage Rd; one one-sided
fully digital billboard at 5340 Gray Ct; one
one-sided fully digital billboard at 5320
Gray Ct. All were approved through the
Alternative Sign Program. (See Attachment
2 – Arvada Digital Billboards Photos)
EMC billboards are permitted in MX, C,
and I zone districts. One sign per
property. Must appear as an integrated
part of a permanent sign and limited to
a maximum of 40% of the sign face.
Illumination regulated.
Brighton
Does not allow digital billboards.
Recognizes nonconforming signs
(including billboards).
None N/A
Denver
Zoning permit required to create a new
billboard, renew an existing billboard, or
move a billboard more than one foot from
its current location. Zoning permits for
billboards are renewed annually.
New billboards are allowed in the following
Denver Zoning Code zone districts: CMP-
NWC (National Western Center), D-TD
(Downtown Theater District), UO-2
billboard overlay use district (only allows
ground or wall billboard types), Peña
Station Next Design Overlay District (DO-6),
or
with permission from the Manager of
Aviation on land with Denver International
Airport (DIA) zoning.
Removal credits must be used from a
previously removed billboards to apply for
a new billboard.
Minimum spacing requirements between
billboards. Limitations on placement near
parks, historic structures, dwelling units,
and certain roadways. (See Attachment 4 -
Denver Spacing Regulations)
Yes, several. New billboards are only
allowed if an existing billboard is removed.
No new billboards can be digital.
There is a Billboard Use Overlay zone
district which allows lighting onto
billboards but does not allow message
surfaces made entirely or partly of light
emitting diodes (LEDs). Any billboard
with one or more LED message
surfaces that was permitted prior to
3/1/2010, is considered a
nonconforming outdoor general
advertising device and is allowed to
continue in operation as long as
properly maintained. The LEDs on any
such device may not flash, blink or
fluctuate, or change in any manner
more frequently than once per hour,
must be dimmed at dusk, and may not
be lit between the hours of 1:00 a.m.
and 6 a.m.
ATTACHMENT 2
Edgewater No mention of billboards in sign code. None N/A
Englewood No mention of billboards in sign code. None N/A
Golden Requires Planning Commission special use
approval for any billboard lighting. None
Digital billboards are not permitted
within 300 feet of any state or federal
highway, including I-70.
Lafayette Prohibits off-premise advertising including
billboards. None N/A
Lakewood
Billboards are considered nonconforming
signs. There are two in the city, neither
digital. No more may be added.
None N/A
Louisville Prohibits off-premise advertising including
billboards. None N/A
Northglenn
Allows billboards and EMCs as billboards
in select highway locations (C-5, I-1, and I-2
Zones adjacent to I-25).
Three, possibly four digital billboards. No
more digital or static billboards can be
added.
EMC may be incorporated into off-
premise signs (including billboards) in
the defined highway zones, subject to
specific restrictions (e.g., max 60ft
height, 672 sq ft area, 2,000ft
separation).
Westminster Billboards are prohibited. None N/A
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ATTACHMENT 3
Denver Billboard Requirements
ATTACHMENT 4
A. No outdoor general advertising device with a message surface exceeding 79 square feet
shall be located within 500 feet of another outdoor general advertising device with a
message surface exceeding 79 square feet, whether on the same or opposite side of the
street to which the message is oriented.
B. No outdoor general advertising device with a message surface less than 80 square feet
shall be located within 300 feet of another outdoor general advertising device with a
message surface less than 80 square feet, whether on the same or opposite side of the
street to which the message is oriented. Furthermore, no such device shall be located
within 200 feet of an outdoor general advertising device with a message surface exceeding
79 square feet, whether on the same or opposite side of the street to which the message is
oriented.
C. In addition to the provisions of Subsections 10.10.21.7.A and 10.10.21.7.B, no outdoor
general advertising device oriented to an elevated street or viaduct shall be located within
500 feet of another outdoor general advertising device, whether on the same or opposite
side of the elevated street or viaduct to which the message is oriented.
D. No outdoor general advertising device shall be erected within 400 feet of any public
park, measured from the inner curb line of the street bounding the park or from the
property line of the park, whichever is closer to the advertising device.
E. No outdoor general advertising device shall be erected within 400 feet of any Historic
Structure.
F. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 125 feet of a residential
district or a single or multiple unit dwelling.
G. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Speer Boulevard from Grove Street to I-25.
H. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Speer Boulevard/Cherry Creek Channel from I-25 to Wazee Street.
I. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Speer Boulevard/Cherry Creek Channel from Wazee Street to Colorado
Boulevard.
J. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Park Avenue/23rd Street from Colfax Avenue to Welton Street.
K. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Park Avenue/23rd Street from Welton Street to Blake Street.
Denver Billboard Requirements
ATTACHMENT 4
L. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of 23rd Street/Fox Street from Blake Street to I-25.
M. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of 22nd Street from its intersection with Delgany Street to Blake Street.
N. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of 22nd Street from Blake Street to Glenarm Place.
O. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of 20th Street from Broadway Street to the center line of vacated Wewatta
Street.
P. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of 21st Street from Broadway Street to Blake Street.
Q. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of West Colfax Avenue from Federal Boulevard to Osage Street.
R. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of West and East Colfax Avenue from Osage Street to Park Avenue.
S. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 660 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Walnut Street Viaduct and Auraria Parkway from Colfax Avenue to Speer
Boulevard.
T. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Lincoln Street from Speer Boulevard to Colfax Avenue.
U. No outdoor general advertising device shall be located within 100 feet of the edge of the
right-of-way of Alameda Parkway from Knox Court to Sheridan Boulevard.
V. Outdoor general advertising devices shall be oriented to only one specific street or
highway, with the construction of one or more message surfaces aligned at a perpendicular
angle to that street or highway. Outdoor general advertising devices shall not be oriented to
local streets with an average daily traffic volume of less than 3,000 vehicles, parking lots,
frontage roadways, or access ramps to limited access highways.
Item No. 3
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Cole Haselip, Senior Management Analyst
DATE : February 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Draft 2026 Resident Survey
ISSUE:
The enclosed survey is the ninth iteration of the City’s resident survey.
PRIOR ACTION:
The most recent resident survey was conducted in 2023. The planned 2025 iteration was
postponed one year due to concerns about survey fatigue, particularly in light of other
2025 planning and engagement efforts, such as the City Plan, Prosperity Plan, Parks
Pathway, and other major city initiatives.
• February 13, 2023: Draft 2023 Resident Survey
• June 12, 2023: 2023 Resident Survey Findings
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This is the final survey procured as part of a three-survey contract with the selected
vendor, Polco. The cost of this survey is included in the 2026 Budget at $42,900.
BACKGROUND:
The resident survey serves as the City’s “consumer report card,” providing insight into
how residents perceive the community and the services the City delivers. The survey is
designed to:
• Assess resident satisfaction with community characteristics and amenities
• Evaluate City government services and employee performance
• Identify resident priorities related to government services in Wheat Ridge
The survey is administered by Polco, an online civic engagement platform. In March, a
pre-survey notification letter and postcard will be mailed to 4,500 randomly selected
households citywide. The survey will then be mailed to each selected household, followed
by a second reminder postcard. As in prior years, residents may choose to complete the
survey online instead of returning the mailed paper version. To prevent duplicate
responses, each household will receive a unique access code for online participation. In
Study Session Memo - Draft 2026 Resident Survey
February 2, 2026
Page 2
2023, 27% of respondents opted to complete the survey online rather than by mail.
Notably, for the second consecutive resident survey, respondents will also have the
option to complete the survey online in Spanish.
To achieve statistical validity with a 5% margin of error, the survey must reach a 15%
response rate. Historically, Wheat Ridge has exceeded this threshold, with a 19%
response rate in 2023. For similar surveys conducted in the Front Range during the same
period, response rates ranged from 14% to 25%. While Wheat Ridge’s response rate has
traditionally been closer to 25%, overall survey participation in the United States was
notably lower in 2023 for reasons that are not fully understood.
By mailing surveys to 4,500 households, the City can reasonably expect between 800 and
1,200 completed responses. This mailing volume is consistent with the 2018, 2021, and
2023 surveys and represents an increase of 1,500 surveys compared to earlier years.
Approximately 1,100 completed responses would yield a margin of error of ±3%,
consistent with the 2023 survey. Many survey questions are intentionally repeated in each
survey cycle to allow for comparisons to national and Front Range benchmark data
provided by Polco (excluding policy-specific questions). This consistency enables trend
analysis and benchmarking over time.
The Polco survey was among the first scientifically valid surveys to measure resident
opinions across a broad range of community issues and has been used by more than 300
communities in 45 states. The survey tool is endorsed by both the International
City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Following data analysis and report development, City Council can expect a staff
presentation on the resident survey results at a study session in the summer of 2026.
Staff also plans to share a summary of key findings in a future edition of the Connections
newsletter.
Policy Questions
Traditionally, the resident survey includes a limited number of “policy questions” that vary
with each iteration, while the majority of the survey remains consistent to allow for
longitudinal performance measurement.
This year, staff proposes policy questions designed to gauge public sentiment regarding
potential funding measures to support ongoing capital needs for the City of Wheat Ridge.
Introduction
The City of Wheat Ridge has several identified infrastructure needs related
to maintaining existing service levels for a growing population, improving community
services, and addressing deferred maintenance and aging buildings. These needs include
facility-related projects (estimated at $218 million), Anderson Pool (estimated at $40
Study Session Memo - Draft 2026 Resident Survey
February 2, 2026
Page 3
million), and additional future investments to support mobility, accessibility, and
recreational infrastructure.
At present, the City does not have a dedicated funding source for capital projects. As a
result, funding for these needs must be considered alongside other ongoing priorities,
such as public safety services, emergency infrastructure repairs, and the delivery of daily
services. This can make it challenging to fund capital projects within existing resources.
Question 1
If future capital needs cannot be funded through existing revenues, which may result in
impacts to existing service delivery, how likely would you be to support a voter-approved
funding measure to address those needs?
• Very likely
• Somewhat likely
• Neither likely nor unlikely
• Somewhat unlikely
• Very unlikely
• Don’t know / not sure
Question 2.
Which types of capital projects should be the highest priorities for long-term
funding? (Select up to three/each one 1-10/prioritize.)
• Streets and roadways
• Sidewalks
• Bike lanes
• ADA accessibility improvements
• Parks and open space
• Recreational facilities (e.g., Anderson Pool, Recreation Center)
• City facilities (e.g., City Hall, Public Safety, Public Works)
• Other (please specify): __________
• None of the above
• Don’t know / not sure
Additional Resident Surveys
At no additional cost, the City has the option to increase the number of residents surveyed
from 4,500 to 5,000. Given the City’s high response rate, this increase would not
meaningfully affect the survey’s margin of error or overall accuracy. If the City elects to
expand the survey to 5,000 residents, this sample size would become the baseline for
future resident surveys, which could impact the overall price.
Study Session Memo - Draft 2026 Resident Survey
February 2, 2026
Page 4
REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff requests feedback and direction on the following items:
• The proposed policy questions related to funding measures and priorities
• Distributing an additional 500 resident surveys, which would bring the total to
5,000
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft 2026 Resident Survey
2026 Wheat Ridge Resident Survey
COMMUNITY AND SERVICES-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Wheat Ridge.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Wheat Ridge as a place to live ...................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Your neighborhood as a place to live .........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to raise children ...................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to work .................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge as a place to retire ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
The physical attractiveness of Wheat Ridge as a whole ............................................1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of life in Wheat Ridge ........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
2.Do you think the quality of life in Wheat Ridge is likely to improve, stay the same or decline over the next 5 years?
Improve a lot Improve slightly Stay the same Decline slightly Decline a lot
3.What are your reasons for living in Wheat Ridge? (Please select all that apply.)
❑I feel safe here
❑I like the school my children attend
❑My job is here
❑I like my neighborhood
❑I like the location in general
❑I like the access to dining and entertainment
❑Housing and rental rates are affordable
❑I’ve always lived here
❑I have friends and family in the area
❑Small town feel
❑Cost of living is affordable
❑I like that the community is forward- thinking
❑The growing and diverse community
❑None of these
4.Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Wheat Ridge as a whole:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Sense of community ...................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds ..............1 2 3 4 5
Cleanliness of Wheat Ridge ........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of new development in Wheat Ridge ................................................1 2 3 4 5
Variety of housing options .........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Wheat Ridge ...................1 2 3 4 5
Shopping opportunities..............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to attend cultural activities/events ....................................................1 2 3 4 5
Recreational opportunities ........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Employment opportunities ........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Educational opportunities ..........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities .......................................1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to volunteer ........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Opportunities to participate in civic matters .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of parks ....................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of dog parks .............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of paths and walking trails .......................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of bike paths & bike lanes .......................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality housing ..................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality child care ...............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality health care .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of affordable quality food........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Availability of preventive health services ..................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Air quality ...................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Quality of overall natural environment in Wheat Ridge ............................................1 2 3 4 5
Overall image or reputation of Wheat Ridge .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s
year of birth does not matter. Your responses are confidential and will be reported in group form only. Thank you.
ATTACHMENT 1
5. Please rate your community on each of the following:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Making all residents feel welcome.............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Helping new residents feel connected and integrated .............................................1 2 3 4 5
Attracting people from diverse backgrounds ...........................................................1 2 3 4 5
Valuing residents from diverse backgrounds .............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Demonstrating respect for residents of different cultures and belief systems .........1 2 3 4 5
Treating all residents fairly .........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Providing a safe and secure environment for residents of all backgrounds ..............1 2 3 4 5
Respecting individual cultural beliefs and values ......................................................1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal employment opportunities to residents of all backgrounds ...........1 2 3 4 5
Providing equal access to housing for residents of all backgrounds .........................1 2 3 4 5
Making all residents feel welcome in business establishments .................................1 2 3 4 5
Welcoming residents from all backgrounds to participate in local government
and community decision-making ..........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
6. Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
likely likely unlikely unlikely know
Recommend living in Wheat Ridge to someone who asks........... 1 2 3 4 5
Remain in Wheat Ridge for the next five years ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
7. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members participated in the following
activities in Wheat Ridge 1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
Used Wheat Ridge Recreation Center ........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a recreation program or activity ........................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge park or trail ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Wheat Ridge outdoor pool at Anderson Park .........................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Anderson Building for a reason not related to the outdoor pool ............1 2 3 4 5
Used a Wheat Ridge bike/pedestrian path .................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Used Clear Creek Trail .................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a virtual or in-person meeting of local city officials or other local public meeting .....1 2 3 4 5
Watched a meeting of local city officials (on cable television, YouTube, etc.) ..........1 2 3 4 5
Participated in a senior program ................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Visited the Active Adult Center ..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Dined at a Wheat Ridge restaurant (other than fast food) ........................................1 2 3 4 5
Used the Wheat Ridge Library ....................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Attended a Wheat Ridge festival or special event .....................................................1 2 3 4 5
Rode an RTD bus .........................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Rode the G-Line from the Wheat Ridge-Ward station ...............................................1 2 3 4 5
8. Please rate the following aspects of transportation within the City of Wheat Ridge:
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Condition of city streets .............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Condition of sidewalks ...............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Access to mass transit ................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ease of car travel in Wheat Ridge ..............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bus travel in Wheat Ridge .............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ease of commuter rail travel in Wheat Ridge ............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ease of walking in Wheat Ridge .................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Ease of bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge ........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Traffic flow on major streets ......................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
9. The following are services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge. For each service, please first rate the quality of each
service and next rate the importance of each service.
Excellent Good
Quality
Fair
Poor
Don’t
know
Essential
Very
important
Importance
Somewhat
important
Not at all
important
Don’t
know
Snow removal .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Street repair and maintenance ....................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Street sweeping ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Stormwater drainage ...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Traffic enforcement ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles,
weedcontrol, trash, outside storage) ............ 1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Animal control ................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Land use, planning and zoning ........................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building permits .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Building inspections ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of existing city parks .................. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Maintenance of open space and trails ............ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Recreation programs ....................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
City-sponsored special events ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Recreation facilities ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community/public art ..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for youth ........................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Services/programs for seniors ......................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Municipal court ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Public information services ................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Community engagement by City staff ............. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Addressing homelessness throughout city ...... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Policing services............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Police response time to emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ............... 1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Police response time to non-emergency
police calls (not code enforcement) ............... 1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers,
neighborhood watch, citizen police academy)…….1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Relationship-based policing ............................ 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
10. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by the City of Wheat Ridge?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
CITY GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYEES----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. How would you rate the overall performance of the Wheat Ridge city government?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
12. Please rate the following aspects of Wheat Ridge city government performance.
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
The extent to which Wheat Ridge elected officials act in the best interest
of the community at large .......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of work performed by City of Wheat Ridge employees ............................. 1 2 3 4 5
The quality of experience interacting with a Wheat Ridge police officer ..................... 1 2 3 4 5
The value of services for the taxes paid to Wheat Ridge .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The overall direction that Wheat Ridge is taking .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge does at informing residents on major issues within the community ...... 1 2 3 4 5
The job Wheat Ridge government does at welcoming resident involvement .............. 1 2 3 4 5
13. In the last 12 months, have you had any in-person, phone or email contact with a City of Wheat Ridge employee(s)?
Yes (go to question 14) No (go to question 15)
14. What was your impression of the City of Wheat Ridge employee(s) overall? (Rate each characteristic below.)
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Knowledge ..................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Responsiveness ............................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Courtesy ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Making you feel valued ................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Overall impression ....................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
15. Please rate how safe you feel in the following areas in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Neither safe Somewhat Very Don’t
safe safe nor safe unsafe unsafe know
Parks and playgrounds ........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Recreation facilities ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your neighborhood ............................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
In your home .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
On the trail system ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
On roadways .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Retail/commercial areas ........................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6
16. Please indicate whether or not each of the following has applied to you in the last 12 months.
No Yes
Household member was a victim of a crime in Wheat Ridge ............................................................................ 1 2
Reported a crime to the police in Wheat Ridge ................................................................................................. 1 2
17. How important, if at all, is it for the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department to prioritize resources in each of the following
areas in the next 12 months?
Very Somewhat Somewhat Don’t
Essential important important important know
Solving violent crimes .......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Solving property crimes ....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal activities committed by youth ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Reducing illegal drug activity ............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Enforcement of traffic laws .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Code enforcement (junk vehicles, weed control, trash, etc.) .............................. 1 2 3 4 5
Crime prevention (School Resource Officers, neighborhood watch, citizen police academy) ... 1 2 3 4 5
18. How much of a priority, if at all, should the City of Wheat Ridge Police Department place on each of the following in the
next two years?
High Medium Low Not a Don’t
priority priority priority priority know
Better connection with the community (i.e., community forums, events) ......... 1 2 3 4 5
Increased visibility of police ................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Additional City resources directed towards crime-related mental
health issues in the community ........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Greater accessibility to police and police-related information ........................... 1 2 3 4 5
More relationship-based policing officers (problem solving at a
community-level such as neighborhood problems) .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Adding officers in public schools .......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Adding surveillance cameras in high crime area .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. When you shop outside of Wheat Ridge, why do you shop outside of Wheat Ridge? (Check all that apply.)
❑ Don’t shop outside of Wheat Ridge
❑ It is convenient; on my way to or from work or near my home
❑ I like the range of quality goods and services
❑ Desired item is not available in Wheat Ridge
❑ It is more affordable
❑ Visit a mall or other major retailers
❑ I shop online
❑ Other
20. For each type of shopping, please estimate how frequently you make purchases in Wheat Ridge:
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
Never infrequently infrequently frequently frequently know
Grocery shopping ................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Health services ....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Meals and entertainment ...................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Household items .................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
Computers and electronics .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6
General retail (shoes, drug stores, clothing, etc.) .................. 1 2 3 4 5 6
21. How much do you agree or disagree that the City of Wheat Ridge should do each of the following?
Strongly Somewhat Neither agree Somewhat Strongly Don’t
agree agree nor disagree disagree disagree know
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s housing areas .........1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize Wheat Ridge’s business areas ........1 2 3 4 5 6
Strengthen Wheat Ridge’s community image and identity ..........1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract and recruit new types of retail
businesses to Wheat Ridge ........................................................1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to revitalize business corridors such as 38th
Avenue, 44th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling St ....1 2 3 4 5 6
Promote efforts to attract new jobs .............................................1 2 3 4 5 6
POLICY TOPICS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The City of Wheat Ridge has several identified infrastructure needs related to maintaining existing service levels for a grow ing
population, improving community services, and addressing deferred maintenance and aging buildings. These needs include
facility-related projects (estimated at $218 million), Anderson Pool (estimated at $40 million), and additional future
investments to support mobility, accessibility, and recreational infrastructure.
At present, the City does not have a dedicated funding source for capital projects. As a result, funding for these needs must be
considered alongside other ongoing priorities, such as public safety services, emergency infrastructure repairs, and the
delivery of daily services. This can make it challenging to fund capital projects within existing resources.
22. If future capital needs cannot be funded through existing revenues, which may result in impacts to existing service
delivery, how likely or unlikely would you be to support a voter-approved funding measure to address those needs?
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Neither likely nor unlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Very unlikely
Don’t know / not sure
23. Which types of capital projects should be the highest priorities for long-term funding? (Select up to three)
❑ Streets and roadways
❑ Sidewalks
❑ Bike lanes
❑ ADA accessibility improvements
❑ Parks and open space
❑ Recreational facilities (e.g., Anderson Pool, Recreation Center)
❑ City facilities (e.g., City Hall, Public Safety, Public Works)
❑ Other (please specify): ________________________________
❑ None of the above
❑ Don’t know / not sure
INFORMATION SOURCES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or other household members used the following sources
of information for news about Wheat Ridge?
1-2 3-12 13-26 More than
Never times times times 26 times
City Quarterly “Connections” Newsletter 1 2 3 4 5
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide 1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post 1 2 3 4 5
Denver Post YourHub 1 2 3 4 5
Jeffco Transcript 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood Gazette 1 2 3 4 5
Radio news 1 2 3 4 5
Television news 1 2 3 4 5
WRTV8 (Government Access Channel) 1 2 3 4 5
City live/on-demand videostreaming, including City Council meetings 1 2 3 4 5
City’s website: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us 1 2 3 4 5
City website automatic notifications (e.g., community events, calendar listing) 1 2 3 4 5
City of Wheat Ridge social media sites (Facebook, X) 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Speaks 1 2 3 4 5
What’s Up Wheat Ridge 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Police Department social media sites (Facebook, X, Instagram) 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center’s Facebook/Instagram page 1 2 3 4 5
Community-created Facebook groups/pages about Wheat Ridge 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood websites (e.g., NextDoor, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5
Word of mouth 1 2 3 4 5
25. In a typical month, about how many times, if ever, do you use each of the following social media sites?
1-3 times Once Multiple times
Never a month a week a week Daily
Facebook ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
X/Twitter .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
YouTube ..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
LinkedIn .................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
NextDoor ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Instagram .............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
TikTok ................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
DEMOGRAPHICS QUESTIONS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our last questions are about you and your household. All of your responses are completely confidential.
D1. About how long have you lived in Wheat Ridge?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
D2. In what city do you work? (If you work in more than one city, check the box for the city in which you most often work.)
Arvada
Aurora
Boulder
Broomfield
Denver
Englewood
Golden
Lakewood
Littleton
Louisville
Northglenn
Thornton
Westminster
Wheat Ridge
Other
Do not work (student homemaker, retired, etc.)
D3. Please check the appropriate box indicating the type of housing unit in which you live.
Detached single-unit home
Condominium or townhouse
Duplex
Apartment
D4. Do you live in senior housing such as an assisted -living or senior living community?
Yes No
D5. Do you own or rent your residence?
Own Rent
D6. How many people (including yourself) live in your household? people
D7. How many of these household members are 17 or younger? people
D8. Please indicate the number of dogs and cats in your household. (Please write “0” if none.)
A. Number of dogs
B. Number of cats ______
D9. How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in
your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)
Less than $15,000
$15,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $124,999
$125,000 to $149,999
$150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 or more
D10. What is your age?
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-74
75+
D11. What is your race? (Please check all that apply.)
White
Black or African American
Asian or Pacific Islander
American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut
Other
Prefer not to say
D12. Are you Hispanic/Spanish/Latino?
Yes No
D13. What is your gender?
Female
Male
Prefer to self-describe:
Prefer not to say
D14. Did you vote in the last election?
Yes No
Thank you!
Please return the completed survey in the postage-paid envelope to:
National Research Center. PO Box 14050. Houston, TX 77221-9904
Staff Report
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director
FROM: Scott Cutler, Senior Planner
Shannon Terrell, Senior Housing Planner
Jana Easley, Planning Manager
DATE: February 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Housing-Related Code Amendments
ISSUE:
The purpose of this staff report is to notify Council of proposed amendments to the
Wheat Ridge Zoning and Development Code. These amendments are recommended to
ensure compliance with state housing laws and state-level directives that condition
funding eligibility on local compliance.
This memorandum is organized in two parts. The first focuses on the setback for
attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in three specific zone districts. The second
focuses on administrative site plan approval for qualifying affordable housing projects.
Both are directly related to compliance with state regulations.
PRIOR ACTION:
Over the past few years, City Council has approved several zoning code amendments
related to housing and ADUs to achieve local policy goals and to comply with state law.
The ADU regulations were most recently updated in May 2025 to better align with state
requirements, including removing owner occupancy requirements and revising ADU size
restrictions.
In 2022, Colorado voters enacted Proposition 123 creating a statewide affordable
housing fund, and in September 2023 Council approved a resolution committing to
increasing the city’s housing supply. This commitment made the city and all affordable
housing projects within Wheat Ridge eligible for Prop 123 funds.
As a follow-up to the Prop 123 commitment, Council approved a resolution of support in
October 2025 to establish an expedited review policy for qualifying affordable housing
Staff Report – Housing-Related Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 2
projects. The resolution allowed staff to prepare internal policies and procedures
approved by the Community Development Director and formally approved by the
Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of these code amendments will allow Wheat Ridge to remain competitive for
grant funding, particularly for two grant applications the city is actively pursuing totaling
over $10 million. See additional information below.
BACKGROUND:
Over the years, the state legislature has passed a series of state housing laws and
funding opportunities to support affordable housing, strategic growth, and housing near
transit. In August 2025, Governor Polis signed Executive Order (EO) 2025-011 directing
the prioritization of funding for local governments based on a local government’s
compliance with the state housing laws.
State agencies such as the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Colorado
Energy Office (CEO) use compliance determinations when scoring or awarding
competitive funding programs. Jurisdictions that are not compliant, or not
demonstrating good-faith progress toward compliance, risk being deprioritized or
deemed ineligible for these funds. As a result, failure to update Wheat Ridge’s ADU
regulations to meet state requirements could materially affect the City’s
competitiveness for state funding.
Wheat Ridge has applied to multiple state grant programs, including DOLA’s Transit-
Oriented Communities Infrastructure (TOCI) grant and the Colorado Energy Office’s
Local Accelerator Grant Program, which together could bring approximately $6–$11
million in funding to the city. These funds are critical to supporting public infrastructure
investments and soft costs that advance affordable housing, ADU fee waivers, and
other development fee waivers near transit. Moving forward with these code
amendments ensures Wheat Ridge remains eligible for these funding opportunities,
demonstrates compliance with state law and the Executive Order, and protects the city’s
ability to leverage significant external resources to advance housing affordability and
strategic growth objectives.
Accessory Dwelling Units
The city began regulating ADUs in 2022, and those regulations are contained within
Section 26-646 and the development standards tables in Article II of Chapter 26.
In May 2025, Council approved three code amendments to comply with HB24-1152,
specifically removing owner occupancy requirements, adjusting the allowable size of
ADUs, and allowing ADUs retroactively in Planned Developments.
Staff Report – Housing-Related Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 3
In June 2025, the city submitted an ADU compliance report to DOLA, demonstrating the
city’s position that its ADU regulations were compliant with state law. On September 26,
2025, DOLA determined that the city was not fully in compliance with state law and
required one additional minor amendment to achieve full compliance. As all other
provisions were in compliance with the state law and the changes were perceived to be
minor, DOLA gave the city a “Compliance-In-Progress” status and some time to make
the changes in order to achieve a Compliant status.
This required amendment relates to the rear setbacks for attached ADUs in three zone
districts: Residential-One A (R-1A), Agricultural-One (A-1), and Agricultural-Two (A-2).
DOLA’s interpretation of the state law is that attached and detached ADUs in each zone
district need to have the same setback, or five (5) feet, whichever is greater. These three
zone districts had differing setback requirements for attached and detached ADUs,
where the detached setback was lesser; therefore, the setback for attached ADUs
needed to be decreased to five (5) feet.
Proposed ADU Amendment
To achieve compliance, a footnote will need to be added to the rear setback
requirement in the development standards charts in R-1A, A-1, and A-2 to state:
“Portions of single detached dwellings containing an attached accessory dwelling unit
(ADU) as defined in Section 26-123 are permitted to have a five (5) foot setback.” This
will ensure that only portions of the primary structure containing the ADU can have a 5-
foot setback, not the entire house.
Staff have no concerns about the impact of this code amendment. It is a minor change
and will impact a very small number of parcels in the city; as shown in the table below,
the A-1, A-2 and R-1A zone districts comprise less than 12% of all residential land by
area and by parcel count. Attached ADUs are also much less common than detached
ADUs, which are simpler to construct from a building code perspective. The result will
be that both attached and detached ADUs may be built within five feet of the rear
property line.
Table 1. Distribution of Residential Zone Districts
Zone District By Land Area By Parcel Count
Planned Residential Development (PRD) 5 % 4 %
Agricultural-One (A-1) 3 % 2 %
Agricultural-Two (A-2) 1 % 0.4 %
Residential-One (R-1) 22 % 14 %
Residential-One A (R-1A) 7 % 9 %
Residential-One B (R-1B) 1 % 2 %
Residential-One C (R-1C) 6 % 11 %
Residential-Two (R-2) 42 % 47 %
Staff Report – Housing-Related Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 4
Residential-Two A (R-2A) 0.3 % 0.2 %
Residential-Three (R-3) 11 % 11%
Residential-Three (R-3A) 0.1 % 0.1 %
Total 100 % 100%
Administrative Site Plan Review
To retain funding eligibility, Proposition 123 requires participating jurisdictions to
implement an expedited review (or fast track) process for qualifying affordable housing
projects. In fall 2025, Council approved a resolution of support authorizing staff to
establish an expedited review policy consistent with state requirements. Since adopting
the internal policy, staff conducted a review of the zoning code and identified one minor
code amendment necessary to ensure that all site plans for qualifying affordable
projects can be reviewed within the expedited timelines and administrative approval
process.
The city currently reviews site plans under three application names: (1) Site Plans, (2)
Specific Development Plans (SDPs), and (3) Planned Building Groups (PBGs). Each is
comprised of the same content (site plan, landscape plan, and architecture), but the
underlying zoning determines which application type is utilized. In all three cases, the
appropriate zoning must already be in place, such that the proposed development is
already a permitted use or “use by right.” Table 2 summarizes the differences:
Table 2. Comparison of Site Plan Types
Application Type Where Used When Used Review Authority
Site Plan Mixed use and
commercial zones
After zoning is in
place Administrative
Specific Development
Plan (SDP)
Planned development
zones
After zoning (Outline
Development Plan) is
in place
Planning Commission
Planned Building
Group (PBG)
Residential and ag zones
with multiple buildings on
a single parcel
After zoning is in
place
Admin or Planning
Commission depending
on the zone and number
of buildings
Proposed Amendment
State law requires that site plan review (under any name) for qualifying affordable
housing projects be an administrative approval. This ensures that once a use is
permitted by zoning, project approval focuses on objective code compliance rather than
discretionary review, thereby providing predictability and timeliness for affordable
housing delivery.
While most affordable housing projects will be located in mixed use zones based on
their locations and densities, it is possible that an SDP or PBG may be necessary. A few
code changes will be required to ensure that SDPs and PBGs can be expedited and
Staff Report – Housing-Related Code Amendments
February 2, 2026
Page 5
approved administratively for qualifying projects:
• Define “qualifying affordable housing project” to match DOLA’s definition, which
includes projects with 50% or more affordable units defined as 60% of Area
Median Income (AMI) for rentals or 100% AMI for ownership units
• Revise PD regulations to exempt SDPs containing qualifying affordable housing
projects from the planning commission hearing requirement
• Revise PBG regulations to remove the requirement for planning commission
approval on sites with more than four buildings, if the PBG is a qualifying
affordable housing project
• Update review process charts (§26-106) accordingly
Staff have no concerns about the impact of this code amendment. Site plan review is
already an administrative review for most projects in the city. An affordable housing
project within a PD or PBG will be rare, and the code retains public hearings for the zone
change process.
NEXT STEPS:
Staff will take the proposed code amendment to Planning Commission on February 19,
2026, and to City Council on February 9 and February 23, 2026, for first and second
readings.