HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance-1976-0214 - Sign OrdinanceCITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
SIGN CODE
ORDINANCE NO. 214
RECOMMENDED BY SIGN CODE REVISION COMMITTEE 6/2/76
RECOMMENDED BY PLANNING COMMISSION 7/1/76
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FIRST READING: 7/12/76
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL SECOND READING: 8/9170'
EFFECTIVE DATE
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
PAGE
PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS 2
ARTICLE 11 - LICENSE AND PERMITS 3
ARTICLE III - ENFORCEMENT 4
ARTICLE IV - PERMITTED SIGNS BY DISTRICT 5
ARTICLE V - SIGNS EXEMPT FROM APPLICATION 9
ARTICLE VI - PROHIBITED SIGNS 10
ARTICLE VII - GENERAL PROVISIONS 10
ARTICLE VIII - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 11
ARTICLE IX - SIGN CODE GOVERNS IN THE EVENT OF
CONFLICT 11
ARTICLE X - VALIDITY 11
ARTICLE XI - VIOLATION, PENALTY, REPEAL, PUBLICATION
AND EFFECTIVE DATE 12
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMAN MERKL
SIGN ORDINANCE 214
FOR THE
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCTION
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, JEFFERSON
COUNTY, COLORADO, PERTAINING TO THE ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, ALTERATION,
LOCATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS WITHIN THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE; PROVIDING FOR
THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND FEES THEREOF; INSPECTION AND FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF; AND REPEALING SECTION TWENTY-SIX (26) OF ORDINANCE
NO. 98 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY CODE AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
ORDINANCE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, JEFFERSON
COUNTY, COLORADO, THAT:
SHORT TITLE. This ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the "Sign Ordi-
nance."
A. PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate all exterior
signs so as to protect property values, to protect the character of various use
areas of the City, and to protect the health, safety and public welfare of the
citizens of the City of Wheat Ridge.
Any sign placed on land or on a building for the purpose of identification or
for advertising a use conducted therein or thereon shall be deemed to be accessory
and incidental to such land, building or use. It is intended that the display
of signs will be appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are ap-
purtenant and be adequate, but not excessive, for the intended purpose of identi-
fication or advertisement. With respect to signs advertising business uses, it
is specifically intended, among other things, to avoid clutter among sign displays
in their demand for public attention. It is further intended that in commercial
areas now in existence and more so in proposed commercial and industrial areas
that all signs within one complex be coordinated with the architecture in such a
manner that the overall appearance is harmonious in color, form and proportion.
It is also intended by this section that all temporary signs erected for directional
purposes, for public information or to call attention to special events shall be
confined to those that are of general public interest and that such signs shall
be limited to the giving of information.
1
ORDINANCE 214
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 ANIMATED SIGN - A moving sign that utilizes motion, implied or actual
in a horizontal or vertical plane or both, of the sign surface and
gives public information limited to time, date, temperature or weather
and traditional barber poles.
Section 1.02 ARCADE SIGN - Any sign projecting beneath and attached to the underside
of any balcony, canopy, awning and/or other structural overhang or
passageway.
Section 1.03 BILLBOARD - Any sign utilized to advertise a product or service that is
not produced or conducted on the same property as the sign.
Section 1.04 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 exterior wall containing the primary entrance to the building.
Section 1.05 BULLETIN BOARD - A sign resting upon the ground which announces
meeting times, special events or occupancy of the property on which
it is located.
Section 1.06 COURTESY BENCH SIGN - Any bench or seat located on public property for
the convenience of the public which may contain advertising matter.
Section 1.07 ERECT - Shall mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend,
affix, relocate or the reconstruction of any sign and/or supporting
structure.
Section 1.08 FLASHING SIGN - A sign that is illuminated with intermittent lighting
and/or with varying intensities of light including a moving light
or lights.
Section 1.09 FREE-STANDING SIGN - A free-standing sign that is permanent and self-
supporting being non-dependent for support from a building or other
structure.
Section 1.10 ILLUMINATED SIGN - A sign that is illuminated with constant intensities
of light of a non-varying nature.
Section 1.11 INDIRECT LIGHTING - Lighting source built into the structure and
fixtures and/or bulbs not visible.
Section 1.12 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.
Section 1.13 NON-CONFORMING SIGN - A sign that does not conform with these regula-
tions but which did meet the requirements of the existing regulations
at the date of its erection.
Section 1.14 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DEVICES - Including but not limited to placards
with maximum dimensions of 12 inches by 18 inches, banners, pendants
and streamers.
Section 1.15 PAINTED SIGNS - A sign that is painted directly on the exterior surface
of a building, wall or structure.
Section 1.16 MOVEABLE PROMOTIONAL SIGN - Any sign which is supported by one or more
uprights or braces upon the ground and is of portable design.
Section 1.17 PROJECTING SIGN - A sign which is affixed to any building, wall or
structure and extends beyond the building wall more than 15 inches.
Section 1.18 PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN -Signs giving only information about public
places owned and operated by federal, state or local government re-
lating to natural phenomena, historic sites, areas of natural scenic
beauty or naturally suited for outdoor recreation.
2
ORDINANCE 214
Section 1.19
PUBLIC SIGN - Official signs that are required by law or ordinance
or are necessary for public information.
Section 1.20
REVOLVING SIGN - A sign utilizing an axis point to pivot the sign
surface.
Section 1.21
ROOF SIGN - A sign erected, constructed and maintained above the
eaves and attached to the roof of a building.
Section 1.22
SEMI-PUBLIC SIGN - Signs giving information as to church location,
educational institutions and service club locations.
Section 1.23
SIGN - Any object or device or part thereof, situated outdoors or
indoors and as viewed from outdoors by the general public and which
object or device or the effect produced 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.
Section 1.24
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 and/or sign ordinance of the City of Wheat Ridge.
Section 1.25
SIGN STRUCTURE - Sign structure shall mean any supports, uprights,
braces and framework of the sign which does not include any portion
of the sign message.
Section 1.26
SURFACE AREA OF SIGN - Shall be computed on the basis of all that
area within the outside dimensions of the largest side(s) of the sign
containing advertising but shall not include the area necessary for
supporting structures and in the case where characters are attached
to a structure with no background other than the building to which they
are attached, the surface area shall be that area inside of the lines
drawn on the edge of the characters such that each word or portion of a
statement will be encompassed by one line.
Section 1.27
TEMPORARY SIGN - Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising
display or sign constructed of light fabric, cardboard, wallboard,
plywood, sheet metal, paper or other light materials, with or without
frames, intended or designed to be displayed for a limited period of
time.
Section 1.28 UNLAWFUL SIGN - Any sign and/or advertising structure erected in the
absence of a permit required by this ordinance, or in violation of any
of the limitations, prohibitions, or requirements of this ordinance.
Section 1.29 UNSAFE SIGN - Any sign and/or advertising structure found unsafe or
insecure or creating a hazard or menace to the public safety, health
and welfare as determined by the Building Inspector.
Section 1.30 WALL SIGN - A sign which is affixed to an exterior surface of any
building, wall or structure and which does not extend more than 15
inches beyond the building wall.
ARTICLE II - LICENSES, BONDS AND PERMITS
Section 2.01 LICENSES REQUIRED
(a) No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of
installing, altering or repairing any sign within the corporate
limits of the City of Wheat Ridge, unless he is the holder of a
sign license except for those signs exempt from permits.
(b) A license contractor's fee of $25.00 shall be paid at the office
of Community Development. All sign licenses shall expire on
December 31st of the year in which issued.
Section 2.02 REVOCATION FOR SUSPENSION OF LICENSE, GENERALLY - The Mayor shall have
the power to suspend or revoke the license of any holder of a sign
license pursuant to this Article, in accord with the provisions as set
forth in the Building Code of the City.
3
ORDINANCE 214
Section 2.03 PERMIT REQUIRED - No sign shall be displayed out-of-doors in the
city limits until a permit for same has been issued by the City
unless it is exempt from a permit in accordance with this ordinance.
Section 2.04 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT - An application accompanied by a scale drawing
for each separate sign permit shall be made to the Department of Com-
munity Development on a form supplied by the Department. Such appli-
cations shall set forth the name and address of the applicant, the
location where such sign is to be erected or located, the name 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 zone in which it is located, the
sign contractor's name and address and such other pertinent information
required or deemed necessary by the Department to determine the sign's
safety and conformity to this ordinance.
Section 2.05 FEES - Fees for the erection of signs shall be established by the
City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge.
ARTICLE III - ENFORCEMENT
Section 3.01
ENFORCEMENT - The Department of Community Development shall be
responsible for the enforcement and administration of this ordinance.
Section 3.02
All signs shall be maintained in such a manner so as not to be dis-
tracting, unattractive, or a public nuisance and shall be in good
repair and effectively serve the purpose for which it was intended.
Section 3.03
Na legally existing sign shall be rebuilt, enlarged, extended or
relocated except in conformance with the provisions of these regulations.
Section 3.04
When, in the opinion of the Chief Building Inspector, the safety of a
proposed or existing sign structure is questionable, the applicant
shall furnish a certificate from a registered civil, structural or
mechanical engineer certifying to its safety.
Section 3.05
The Code Enforcement Officer shall order the removal of any sign or
signs that are not erected or maintained in compliance with the
provisions of this ordinance.
Section 3.06
Notice of removal shall be given to the owner or user of such sign
to be removed or brought into compliance by registered mail; removal
shall be completed within ten (10) calendar days from the date of
notice.
4
ORDINANCE 214
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r;
ORDINANCE 214
Section 4.01 ANIMATED - (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Maximum sign surface area 150
Maximum height 25 feet unless
structure.
Maximum one (1) per site
Must be set back a minimum of
property line unless enclosed
Barber poles not to exceed 5
located above eave line
square feet.
enclosed in building
(e)
Section 4.02 ARCADE - (a)
(b)
10 feet from any
in building structure
feet in length or be
Non-residential uses, home occupations and multiple-
family uses only
Maximum height bottom of balcony, canopy, awning or
other structural overhang or passageway to which it
is attached
(c) Minimum height seven feet (7'0) above grade
(d) Maximum one (1) per building entrance
(e) Maximum area four (4) square feet
(f) Maximum dimension of any one side, 2 feet
Section 4.03 BILLBOARDS (A) For the purpose of this section, the City of Wheat
Ridge is divided into three billboard districts (B-1, B-2, B-3) as
shown on the OFFICIAL BILLBOARD ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
which is hereby made a part of this ordinance and is filed in the
Office of the City Clerk and on display in the Community Development
Department of the City.
(B) Billboard structures are allowed in the City of Wheat
Ridge per this section provided that any billboard proposed to be
located, relocated or rebuilt within 660 feet of the right-of-way line
of any State or Federal Highway is prior approved by the State of
Colorado in writing and said approval is made available to the Depart-
ment of Community Development.
1. B-1 DISTRICT
(a) Maximum number of structures equals 35, the number of structures
existing as of April 1, 1976
(b) The only locations allowed shall be those exact locations of
existing billboards on location as of April 1, 1976 except as
provided in item (d).
(c) Maximum size of each billboard equals the exact size of each bill-
board as of April 1, 1976 provided that existing billboards larger
than 300 square feet may be altered provided that the maximum size
after alteration is no larger than 300 square feet and provided
that a city permit is approved for said alteration
(d) No billboard may be relocated within the B-1 District, except those
billboards that are relocated within a C-1 or C-2 zoning district
provided said relocation takes place within one year of the effec-
tive date of this ordinance and provided the billboard is no lar-
ger than 300 square feet, located no closer that 600 feet to any
other billboard facing in the same direction on the same roadway
as defined by roadway name and/or number, the maximum height is
25 feet, the setback requirements are the same as principle struc-
tures for the district in which located and the length of these
billboards shall not exceed three and one-half (3k) times the
height, and roof billboards are not allowed. After the above
mentioned date, no billboard may be relocated.
(e) Existing billboards are to be maintained in a neat and safe con-
dition provided that no existing billboard may be rebuilt or
replaced except in conformance with item c of this section and
provided that when, in the opinion of the Building Inspector
the safety of an existing billboard is questionable, the billboard
owner shall either remove the billboard within 15 days of noti-
fication or shall furnish a certificate from a registered civil,
structural or mechanical engineer certifying to its safety. It
is the intent of this section that existing billboards that have
served their useful life as evidenced by their delapidation, unsafe
or outdated condition or construction will cease to exist, never
to be replaced in the B-1 District and, therefore, normal mainten-
ance such as painting will be allowed but replacement of structural
members will not be allowed unless it is shown that the structural
damage was caused by vandalism, windstorms in excess of 60 mph or
accidents outside of the control of the billboard owner.
6
ORDINANCE 214
2. B-2 DISTRICT
(a) Maximum number allowed is sixteen (16) provided that allowed
billboards located within the B-1 District may be relocated
to the B-2 District without regard for the maximum number
(b) Maximum size equals 750 square feet
(c) No new billboard may be located closer than 600 feet to any
other billboard facing in the same direction on the same
roadway as defined by roadway name and/or number
(d) Existing billboards, as of April 1, 1976, may be rebuilt or
replaced on their existing site provided they meet all other
requirements of this ordinance
3. B-3 DISTRICT
Same regulations as those defined in the B-2 District except
that the maximum number allowed is twenty (20) billboards provided
that allowed billboards located within B-1 District may be relocated
to the B-3 District without regard for the maximum number.
(C) Setbacks as required for principle structure in zoning
district
(D) Maximum height 32 feet, except in the B-1 District where
the maximum height is 25 feet
(E) Length shall not exceed three and one-half (3~) times
the height
(F) Roof billboards are not allowed
(0) All new billboards after April 1, 1976 shall be of the
pedestal type, unless prohibited by soil conditions as certified by
a professional engineer
Section 4.04 BULLETIN
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
BOARD - (a) Non-residential, non-agricultural and multiple-
family uses only
Maximum area, 32 square feet
Maximum height, 8 feet
Maximum one (1) per street frontage
Must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line
Section 4.05 FREE-STANDING
(a) Not allowed for single and/or two family uses
(b) Maximum sign 20 square feet; or 2 square feet for each
1,000 sq. ft. of lot area not to exceed 96 sq. ft. total sign
area per use with a maximum of 32 sq. ft. per any one sign.
(c) Maximum of one (1) per street frontage
(d) Maximum height in R-1, R-lA, R-1B, R-1C, A-1, A-2 and MH
district, 6 feet
(e) Maximum height in R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, H-1, H-2 and PRD
(without commercial uses), 12 feet
(f) Maximum height in PRD (with commercial uses and for commercial
uses only), 25 feet
(g) Must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line
Section 4.06 FREE-STANDING
(a) Maximum height 25 feet provided that signs within (4) one-
quarter mile of the Interstate Highway that are oriented to
the Interstate Highway may be higher than 25 feet provided the
height does not exceed the elevation of the Interstate plus
15 feet as measured at the center of the Interstate right-of-
way directly above the centerline of the nearest of the follow-
ing intersecting roadways: Harlan, Wadsworth, Carr, Kipling,
Ward Road, 44th Avenue and 32nd Avenue; in any event, no free-
standing sign shall exceed 50 feet in height.
(b) Maximum size sign for developments involving a single use:
1. 1500 sq. ft. of first floor building area and under
maximum sign size, 75 sq. ft.
7
ORPTNANCE ?14
2. 1500 sq. ft. of first floor building area and over 75
sq. ft. of sign area for first 1500 sq. ft. plus 1 sq.ft.
of sign area for each 40 sq. ft. of first floor building
area over 1500 sq. ft. to maximum of 150 sq. ft. of sign
area
(c) Maximum size sign for developments having two or more uses
(business, outlets, stores, etc.)
1. 1500 sq. ft. of first floor building(s) area and under
maximum sign size, 75 sq. ft.
2. 1500 sq. ft. to 4999 sq. ft. of first floor building area
maximum size sign equals 75 sq. ft. plus 1 sq. foot for
each 40 sq. ft. over 1500 sq. ft. up to a maximum allow-
able sign area of 150 sq. ft.
3. 5000 sq. ft. and over of first floor building area-maximum
sign area equals 150 sq. ft. plus 1 sq. foot of sign area
for each 400 sq. ft. of first floor building area over
5000 sq. ft. to a maximum allowable sign area of 500 sq. ft.
provided any one sign does not exceed 250 sq. ft.
(d) Maximum number of signs equals one per street frontage
(e) Must be set back a minimum of 10 ft. from any property line.
Section 4.07 ILLUMINATED - Indirect lighting source only
Section 4.08 ILLUMINATED
(a) Within 100 feet of a residential structure indirect lighting
only
(b) Over 100 feet from a residential structure any type of lighting
source is allowed (except search lights), provided it shall
be shaded, shielded, or directed such that the light shall not
adversely effect surrounding premises or effect safe vision on
public or private roadways including highways.
Section 4.09 PROJECTING
(a) Maximum height roof line
(b) Maximum projection 10 feet and in any event, not over the
property line
(c) Maximum size determined by formula in Section 4:06
(d) Projecting and wall sign not permissable on same wall
(e) Maximum number one (1) per street frontage
Section 4.10 OUTDOOR ADVERTISING - Shall only be permitted for a new office, business
or industry for a period of not more than thirty (30) days after the
opening of such new business and at no other time shall such devices
be permitted.
Section 4.11 PROMOTIONAL MOVEABLE
(a) "A" frame style only
(b) Maximum, 4 square feet
(c) One (1) per street frontage
(d) Must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line
(e) Must be anchored to the ground
Section 4.12 PUBLIC - Direction and other official signs or notices within the
right-of-way that are required or authorized by law only.
Section 4.13 SEMI-PUBLIC
(a) Maximum 6 square feet per sign
(b) Maximum number, 2 per activity
(c) Must be on private property
Section 4.14 TEMPORARY
(a) One per street frontage and back of property line
(b) Construction sign not to exceed 32 square feet
(c) Political campaign signs located in commercial and industrial
districts only are not to exceed 16 sq. ft. provided they are
located on private property and provided they are removed
within 10 days after the election
(d) For sale or lease signs not to be illuminated and no larger
than 9 sq. ft. for residential uses and no larger than 50
square feet for commercial or industrial uses.
8
ORDINANCE 214
Section 4.15 WALL OR PAINTED -
(a) Shall pertain to the nature of the business, service or
products within the building whereon it is located
(b) Maximum area to be no larger than two (2) square feet for
every linear foot of the side of the building to which it
is affixed
(c) Maximum number - one (1) per street frontage
(d) May not extend beyond the top of the wall nor the side of
the wall
(e) May not extend more than fifteen (15) inches beyond the
surface of the wall
(f) Commercial, Industrial, Multiple family, Public and Semi-
Public uses only
Section 4.16 PUBLIC INFORMATION - At the approval of the Director of Community
Development.
Section 4.17 NON-CONFORMING -
(a) The lawful use of a sign(s) existing at the effective date of this
ordinance may be continued, although such use does not conform
to the provision hereof, provided use of the sign is not sub-
ject to removal under the Beautification Act, upon payment
of compensation.
(b) Building, enlargement, relocation, extension, replacement and/
or reconstruction of a non-conforming sign is not permitted
unless the same is brought into conformance with this ordinance.
(c) In the event that the use of a non-conforming sign is dis-
continued for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, the
use of the same shall thereafter conform to the provisions of
the zoning district in which it is located.
(d) A non-conforming sign that is destroyed or damaged more than
fifty (50) percent of its net worth due to natural causes, may
not be reconstructed except in accordance with the provision
of this ordinance; however, any sign destroyed or damaged to
any extent by vandalism may be rebuilt to its original state
within six (6) months or in conformance with this ordinance.
ARTICLE V - SIGN EXEMPT FROM APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
Section 5.01 Any flag, badge, insignia, or similar device of any governmental agency
or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, political, fraternal or
similar non-profit organization may be displayed when it is located
on its own premises or displayed along a march of any parade or in
sockets along any street during a fund-raising drive.
Section 5.02 A sign may be erected by any governmental, fraternal, civic, religious
or service organization or club for the purpose of announcing its
presence and the time and place of its regular meetings or a special
event providing such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet of surface
area and it is not closer than 25 feet to a street intersection.
Section 5.03 Any sign required by regulation or statute of the Federal, State or
municipal government may be displayed.
Section 5.04 (a) Real estate signs in accordance with provisions of this ordinance
(b) A sign may be erected for the advertising of the perspective sale
or rental of property on which it is maintained when such signs
conform to this ordinance.
Section 5.05 A sign advertising individual rooms for rent within a rooming house
may be displayed if it does not exceed two square feet of display
surface and is not closer than 10 feet to any property line and 25
feet to any street intersection.
Section 5.06 A wall sign on a residence building stating the name and profession or
occupation of the occupant tberein providing the surface area does not
exceed one and one-half (12) square feet.
9
ORDINANCE 214
Section 5.07 Two temporary construction signs that advertise the proposed new use
of the premise and/or any number of signs that are necessary for safety
may be placed on the premises or on a temporary protective fence around
a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided
that the area of each sign does not exceed 32 square feet.
Section 5.08
Temporary signs attached to door or window areas announcing special
sales and features may be displayed for a period of two weeks in advance
and during such special sales and features provided the signs do not
exceed 50% of the window area.
Section 5.09
Any sign located inside of a building even though it is visible out-of
doors provided the signs do not obstruct more than 50% of the window
area and those signs that advertise temporary uses such as rummage
sales, garage sales, open houses provided such signs are located on
private property.
Section 5.10
Construction signs, political campaign signs and street banners and
produce sales, pennants, etc. when in accordance with this ordinance.
Section 5.11
House numbers.
ARTICLE VI -
PROHIBITED SIGNS - THE FOLLOWING SIGNS ARE PROHIBITED
Section 6.01
No signs shall be erected, established or maintained on a corner lot
within a triangular area bounded by the lot lines and a line connecting
points on each lot line twenty-five (25) feet from the intersection of
such lot lines except a sign within this area not exceeding forty-two
(42) inches in height as measured from the centerline elevation of the
street shall not be considered as an obstruction to vision. In addition,
sign projection or overhang across the above area shall be permitted only
when the bottom of the sign surface is a minimum of seven (7) feet
above ground level as measured at the intersection of the centerlines
of the streets.
Section 6.02 Any sign that is erected in such a location as to interfere with
motor vehicle traffic.
Section 6.03 Any sign employing a lighting or control mechanism which causes radio,
radar or television interference.
Section 6.04 Any sign so erected, constructed or maintained as to obstruct or be
attached to any fire escape, window, door or opening, used as a means
of egress or ingress, or for fire fighting purposes of placed as to
interfere with any opening required for light or ventilation.
Section 6.05 Flashing signs and search lights
Section 6.06 Revolving signs
Section 6.07 Unsafe signs
ARTICLE VII - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 7.01 No person, firm or corporation shall hang any flag or banner across
any public right-of-way, unless specifically granted a variance by the
City Council of the city of Wheat Ridge; any variance allowing such
display shall be limited to a five (5) day duration.
Section 7.02 Whenever a business, industry or service using an identification sign is
discontinued, the sign shall be removed or obscured by the person owning
the property within thirty (30) days after the discontinuance of said
business, industry or service.
Section 7.03 All signs that obstruct clear vision for a distance of 50 feet in any
direction from any street intersection or driveway; and all illuminated
10
ORDINANCE 214
signs that are erected in such a location that a traffic signal light
is in a direct line between the sign and oncoming traffic; and all
signs that employ a lighting or control mechanism which causes radio,
radar, or television interference; and any sign so erected, constructed
or maintained as to obstruct or be attached to any fire escape, window
door or opening, used as a means of egress or ingress or for fire
fighting purposes or placed as to interfere with any opening required
for light or ventilation; and all signs that are inoperable, unsafe,
dilapidated or not in use shall conform to the provisions of this
ordinance by either removal or reconstruction, whichever applies,
within 60 days after the owner of said sign is notified as to the
violation.
Section 7.04 All signs, except public signs and courtesy benches that are located
wholly or partially on public property, shall be removed within one
year of the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 7.05 All signs other than wall signs, or painted signs may be back-to-back
or v-shaped and each side may have a maximum dimension not to exceed
the maximum stated for each respective type sign in Article IV, pro-
vided that the requirements for billboards shall be as stated in
Article IV.
Section 7.06 All signs, except billboards, public signs, semi-public signs, courtesy
benches and public information signs, allowed per this ordinance, shall
be located on the lot for which they advertise.
Section 7.07 Attachment of any sign to utility poles or other poles or structures
within public right-of-way is prohibited.
Section 7.08 Courtesy Benches are allowed in all districts subject to location and
size approved by the Department of Community Development and provided
the applicant shall post and maintain a bond or policy of insurance
approved by the City Attorney. No bench with advertizing shall be
placed in a residential zone unless it is on an existing bus route.
Section 7.09 No use may utilize more than a total number of three (3) signs (arcade
signs are not counted toward the maximum,billboards are counted towards
maximum) per street frontage and provided no one use shall exceed a
maximum number of five (5) signs.
ARTICLE VIII - DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Section 8.01 Allowable stresses, materials and engineering standards - the design of
all members shall conform to the requirements of the City of Wheat Ridge
Building Code. 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 City of
Wheat Ridge Building Code. All signs and structures shall be designed
and constructed to meet the City of Wheat Ridge Building Code require-
ments.
ARTICLE IX - SIGN CODE GOVERNS IN THE EVENT OF CONFLICT
Section 9.01 The terms and provisions of this sign ordinance shall prevail in the
event of any conflict between the provisions hereof and any ordinance
of the City heretofore enacted.
ARTICLE X - VALIDITY
Section 10.01 If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance
is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance
in each part or parts thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one
11
ORDINANCE 214 -
part or parts be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ARTICLE XI - VIOLATION, PENALTY, REPEAL, PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE
Section 11.01 Penalties for violation. The following penalties herewith set
forth in full shall apply to the provisions herein adopted:
(a) it is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions
of this ordinance and any such violation shall be punished as is
hereinafter provided.
(b) every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this
ordinance shall be punished by a fine not exceeding three
hundred dollars ($300.00). Each day that such violation continues
shall constitute a separate offense and subject to fine.
Section 11.02 Section Twenty-Six (26) of Ordinance 98, series of 1971, City of
Wheat Ridge, Colorado Code is hereby repealed.
Section 11.03 Effective Date - This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days
after final publication.
INTRODUCED, READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED ON FIRST READING by a vote of 4-2
this 12th day of July, 1976.
INTRODUCED, READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED ON SECOND READING by a vote of 4-2
this 9th day of Aug. 1976.
SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, ON THE
DAY OF 1976.
an "Stites, Mayor - Pk9f_?,4w
ATTEST:
Elie -Brougham, ~Cfty Cloyk
12
CERTIFIC(-TE OF PUBL-15HING
I, E!_ISE BI?L)UGHaM HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ORDINANCE 214
WA-1 DULY PUBLISHED IN THE WHEAT RIDGE SENTINEL ON THE
22nd DAY OF Jul
, 1976.
I, FLISF OROUGHAM HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ORDINANCE 211.
BIAS DULY PUBLISHED IN THE b0EAT RIDGE SENTINEL ON THE
12th
DAY OF August , 1976.
"__SE BROUGHAM, CITY/ CLERK
ORDINANCE 214
SIGN CODE
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