Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 7 (the “Unified Development Code” or “UDC”) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, as related to Signs.
(Legislative)
Related Files: CODE-25-0005
Located in All Council Districts
Presenter:
Kurt Schmitt, Program Administrator II, City Planning Department
Daniel Sexton, Land Use Review/Development Review Enterprises Planning Manager, City Planning Department
Kevin Walker, Planning Director, City Planning Department
Body
Summary:
Owner: City of Colorado Springs
Initiating Agency: City Planning Department
Location: City-wide
The City of Colorado Springs’ Sign Ordinance is part of the City’s efforts to update and modernize the local sign standards to reflect current technology, industry practices and federal requirements regarding content neutral sign regulations as well as the citywide strategic priorities of economic vitality and infrastructure to promote a thriving community. The City’s Sign Ordinance proposes updates to the relevant sign sections of the Unified Development Code (UDC) and is an opportunity to update and align with industry standards and promote our economic vitality and business community.
The City’s Planning Department initiated this Amendment to UDC Text application as part of an on-going effort to update and refine regulations established under the UDC.
Background:
The City of Colorado Springs last updated its sign regulations in March of 2012. Prior to 2012, the sign ordinance was regulated by zone districts, whereas under the current regulations, the regulation of signs is based on the “Use” of the property, such as Commercial, Industrial, Office, Civic, and Residential uses. Additional updates made in 2012 consisted of the implementation of Electronic Message Center (“EMC”) signs, digital displays with changing messages, which are limited to the Commercial use category. The Coordinated Sign Plan (“CSP”) application was added to facilitate flexibility for developments looking for signage allowances that varied from the codified dimensional standards for signs through creativity of sign design. Since the adoption of the current sign regulations in 2012, the industry has evolved resulting in advancements in sign technology and new sign products including lighting technology, materials and manufacturing processes and advancements in EMC display capabilities. Lastly, legal developments have clarified constitutional requirements for content neutrality and the focus of regulation for signs on time (time limits for signs being displayed), place (the location of where signage is permitted) and manner (material and category of sign) rather than message content (in which the sign is displayed).
The proposed Sign Ordinance is an extension of the broader UDC and is an opportunity to streamline the City’s sign regulations to better align with industry standards. The five noteworthy updated include the following:
• Reformatting and Re-organization;
• Coordinated Sign Plan Enhancement;
• Sign Classification Updates;
• Electronic Message Center Sign updates; and
• Nonconforming, Abandoned, Nuisance signs and Sign Maintenance Requirements Updates
Review Criteria:
The subject Amendment to UDC Text application was initiated by the City Planning Department at the request of industry partners and City leadership after the implementation date (June 5, 2023) of the City’s Unified Development Code. Per UDC Section 7.5.702 Amendment to UDC Text, this section establishes standards and provides a mechanism for the City to review and decide on an application to amend the text of this UDC.
An application for an Amendment to UDC Text shall be subject to the following criteria for approval:
1. The Colorado Springs Comprehensive Plan and other plans adopted by City Council.
2. The current conditions and character of current structures and uses in each zone district.
3. The most desirable use of land in each zone district.
4. The conservation of sensitive environmental features.
After evaluating the UDC Text Amendment application for the Sign Ordinance, City Planning Commission found that the application met the approval criteria as set forth under City Code Section 7.5.702.D (Approval Considerations).
Previous Council Action:
City Council adopted the current sign regulations on March 27, 2012 (Ordinance #12-15).
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
City Planning Commission, at their regularly scheduled meeting on December 10, 2025, recommended adoption of the ordinance amending portions of the UDC related to signs in Chapter 7. City Planning Commission voted unanimously 8-0-0 to recommend approval to City Council of the UDC Text Amendment application.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motions:
Should the City Council wish to approve the UDC Text Amendment application, the following motion is suggested:
Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, as related to signs, based upon the finding that the request complies with the criteria set forth in City Code Section 7.5.702.
Should the City Council wish to deny the UDC Text Amendment application, the following motion is suggested.
Deny an ordinance amending Chapter 7 (Unified Development Code) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, as related to signs, based upon the finding that the request does not comply with the criteria set forth in City Code Section 7.5.702.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An Ordinance amending Chapter 7 (the “Unified Development Code” or “UDC”) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, as related to signs.