5-12(H)   ELECTRONIC SIGNS

5-12(H)(1)   Applicability

5-12(H)(1)(a)   The standards in this Subsection 14-16-5-12(H), in addition to any other applicable standards in this Section 14-16-5-12 (Signs), apply to electronic signs, a specific type of illuminated sign. In addition to a sign that is all electronic, the following also constitute an electronic sign:

   1.   An existing sign that is modified to be partly or wholly electronic.

   2.   Any expansion of the electronic area of an electronic sign.

5-12(H)(1)(b)   Unless specified otherwise in this IDO, the standards in this Subsection 14-16-5-12(H) apply to both on-premises and off-premises electronic signs.

5-12(H)(2)   Prohibited Areas

Electronic signs are prohibited in the following areas, as noted.

5-12(H)(2)(a)   Within any HPO zone or State or nationally registered historic district.

5-12(H)(2)(b)   In residential development in any Residential zone district. For other types of development in any Residential zone district, electronic signs are limited to 25 percent of the total sign area.

5-12(H)(2)(c)   Within 660 feet of the outer edge of the public right-of-way of the following streets:

   1.   Alameda Boulevard.

   2.   Griegos Road.

   3.   Rio Grande Boulevard.

   4.   Tramway Boulevard.

   5.   Unser Boulevard.

5-12(H)(2)(d)   Within 660 feet of the outer edge of the public right-of-way of Coors Boulevard along the following 2 segments:

   1.   Between Calabacillas Arroyo and Saint Joseph Drive.

   2.   Between Central Avenue and the southern City limit.

5-12(H)(2)(e)   Within 1,320 feet (¼ mile) in any direction of Major Public Open Space.

5-12(H)(2)(f)   In the following small areas as noted.

   1.   Downtown Neighborhood Area - CPO-3

Electronic signs are prohibited in the R-ML, MX-T, MX-L, and MX-M zone districts in the Downtown Neighborhood Area - CPO-3.

   2.   East Gateway Small Area

Electronic signs are prohibited in Mixed-use zone districts in the following mapped small area.

   3.   North 4th Corridor - CPO-9

Electronic wall signs are prohibited in the following mapped area.

   4.   Sawmill/Wells Park - CPO-12

Electronic signs are prohibited on any lot abutting Mountain Road in the Sawmill/Wells Park - CPO-12.

   5.   Volcano Mesa - CPO-13

Electronic signs are prohibited in Volcano Mesa - CPO-13, except within the Volcano Heights Urban Center as mapped in the ABC Comp Plan, as amended, where they are allowed.

5-12(H)(3)   Type and Maximum Number of Electronic Signs

5-12(H)(3)(a)   On-premises Signs

   1.   If a premises meets the requirements for an electronic sign in this Subsection 14-16-5-12(H), the premises shall not have more than 1 electronic sign.

   2.   The type of electronic sign is limited to a freestanding, wall, or canopy sign and is also subject to provisions in Table 5-12-1, Table 5-12-2, and Table 5-12-4.

5-12(H)(3)(b)   Off-premises Signs

   1.   The modification of an existing off-premises sign that makes the sign an electronic sign shall constitute a new electronic sign. However, such modification shall not cause an existing off-premises sign located in 1 of the following areas to forfeit its status as a nonconforming sign only with respect to its location along an interstate highway:

      a.   Within 660 feet of Interstate Highway 25.

      b.   Within 660 feet of Interstate Highway 40.

   2.   A new off-premises electronic sign may be allowed if the applicant can demonstrate that existing off-premises signs and support structures containing at least 3 times the advertising area of the proposed electronic sign will be permanently removed.

   3.   The removed signs must be located on a property of equivalent or less intense zoning than the location of the proposed off-premises electronic sign, as determined by the Planning Director based on the maximum height and size of development allowed in each zone district.

   4.   Off-premises signs that have been removed and not replaced may count as removed advertising space for the purposes of permitting a new electronic off-premises sign.

   5.   Subsections 2, 3, and 4 above shall not apply to the improvement, upgrade, or replacement of an existing electronic sign so long as the advertising space is not increased by such improvement, upgrade, or replacement.

5-12(H)(4)   Illumination, Brightness, and Images

Electronic signs shall comply with all the following requirements, in addition to any applicable and more restrictive requirements in Subsection 14-16-5-12(E)(5) (Illumination and Motion).

5-12(H)(4)(a)   Electronic signs shall have automatic dimming controls, with either photocell (hardwired) or software settings.

5-12(H)(4)(b)   Electronic signs shall not exceed an illumination level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured from a distance specified 140 in Table 5-12-5 based on sign area, with the light meter held perpendicular to the sign and targeting the color white. 141

Table 5-12-5: Illumination Measurement Distance
Area of Sign (sq. ft.)[1]	Measurement Distance (ft.)	Area of Sign (cont.)[1]	Measurement Distance (cont.)
10	32	65	81
15	39	70	84
20	45	75	87
25	50	80	89
30	55	85	92
35	59	90	95
40	63	95	97
45	67	100	100
50	71	300	150
55	74	378	200
60	77	672	250
[1] For signs with an area other than those specifically listed in this table, the measurement distance may be calculated with the following formula: Measurement Distance (ft.) = square root of [Area of Electronic Sign (sq. ft.) x 100].

 

5-12(H)(4)(c)   The luminance level shall also comply with any regulations for illumination of on-premises or off-premises signs in Section 14-16-5-12 (Signs) as applicable.

5-12(H)(4)(d)   Electronic signs shall have only static messages and images.

5-12(H)(4)(e)   The message or image on an electronic sign shall not change more often than once each 8 seconds.

5-12(H)(4)(f)   Transition between messages or images on an electronic sign shall not exceed 1 second and shall not include any visual effects during that time.

 

Notes

140	140 IDO Annual Update 2023 – Citywide Text Amendments – EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #1. Revised editorially for clarity. “Indicate” in legal settings can connote a suggestion. [Spreadsheet Item #60]
141	141 IDO Annual Update 2023 – Citywide Text Amendments – EPC REVIEW. EPC Recommended Condition #1.