New Sign Code

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NEW SIGN CODE ADOPTED

After a year of comprehensive research and study, a new sign code was adopted by the Arvada City Council, on June 6, 2011. The old code had been in effect since 1976. In the meantime, new signage techniques had been established by the sign industry that were not addressed in the old code. A summary of the new code includes the following:

  • A chart with alphabetical listings of land uses and their permitted signage.
  • An increase in wall signage to one (1) square foot of sign for every one (1) foot of building frontage, with no limit for the maximum.
  • An increase in the number of wall signs for buildings 50,000 square feet or over in size to one (1) signs for every 100 foot of building frontage. A building with 400 foot of frontage could have four (4) signs.
  • All freestanding buildings in a shopping center that are located 100 feet or less from the public right-of-way may have a freestanding monument sign that is thirty-two (32) square feet in size, setback ten (10) feet from the property and no more than six (6) feet in height.
  • Other signs included in the code are: Murals with Wall Signs, Digital Electronic Message Signs, Window Signs, and Projecting Signs with Wall Signs.
  • The Code includes an Alternative Sign Program for business owners that desire signage that does not conform to the new sign code, yet is creative in design. These Sign Programs must be approved at a public hearing by the Planning Commission.

NEW TO THE CODE –

A-FRAMES ON THE PUBLIC SIDEWALK

Businesses that place an A-frame on the public sidewalk must obtain a permit from the City of Arvada.  Included with that permit shall be evidence that the applicant has secured insurance that names the City as an additional insured. These signs are only available to businesses that are built up to the right-of-way or property line, such as in Olde Town Arvada.

A-FRAMES AND FLUTTER FLAGS

In addition, for a two (2) year period the City Council suspended the provision in the Sign Code prohibiting A-Frames and Flutter Flags adjacent to the street. A separate ordinance was adopted that allows these signs as follows:

  • These signs must be on private property and shall not be located on the City's right-of-way (this includes sidewalks and the area between the curb and sidewalk)
  • The signs may be installed for a maximum of ten (10) days.
  • The applicant may be granted up to, but no more than six (6) permits in a calendar year.  These signs must be at least fifty (50) feet apart and no closer than fifty (50) feet to an existing permanent sign.
  • Sign permits are required.  The applicant must provide information on the location of the A-Frame or Flutter Flag.  If the sign is to be located on shopping center-owned property, the applicant must receive written consent of the owner or management company for the center.  Signs proposed to be placed in front of another business in a center must obtain written consent from the business or property owner.

For more detailed information, please refer to the related link titled "New Sign Code".

If you have any questions, please call the Community Development Department at 720-898-7435.

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