Castle Rock has made some changes to its downtown sign code that officials hope will spur economic development in the business center of the town.
Town council recently approved changes to the sign code, which had restricted sign expressions, banning some types of signs that were common in the town’s early history.
Mary V. Shaw, zoning manager for Castle Rock, said the process started in January 2010 and adopted a downtown overlay district to try to improve business there, as well as aid in any needed improvements.
A team of community members, representatives from the Downtown Development Authority, Castle Rock Economic Development Council, Downtown Merchants Association, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, design review board and council liaison met from January 2011 to June 2012 to develop a new sign code for downtown Castle Rock.
The group worked to create a code that was appropriate for downtown and the town’s downtown master plan that was adopted in 2008, as well as one that acknowledged the historic nature of signs in Castle Rock.
“We were trying to further the town’s vision for downtown set forth in the town master plan, and the idea of a friendly, walkable downtown area was what we were going for with this code,” Shaw said.
The code, which goes into effect Sept. 20, will allow signs with visible, moving, rotating parts; signs with lights that flash, blink, rotate and flicker; and strings of light bulbs, all without approval from the town.
Roof signs and murals will be allowed in the overlay district, but only with approval from the design review board. She said roof signs and murals must get separate approval because they are usually large and can be too distracting.
Also allowed will be marquee signs similar to The Bluebird Theater’s in Denver, Shaw said.
Signs still not allowed under the new code include inflatable signs, including balloons; any sign created with aerosol except for mural signs; and portable roof signs that flash blink, fluctuate or are animated.
Shaw said the team determined most of the sign uses based on early 20th century photos of signs in downtown Castle Rock.
“We are hoping to encourage a vibrant, thriving commercial businesses sector with a distinct character downtown, and we hope businesses will take advantage of this code to implement new signage that’s unique to Castle Rock,” Shaw said.
Rick Stucy, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority and a general contractor and developer in Castle Rock, said he approves of the new sign code and thinks it will bring some “pizazz” to downtown. He also hopes the new changes will allow businesses to bring more character to the area.
“You want your sign to help light the street and create interest and have colors, and a good sign is a real work of art if you’re willing to spend the time,” Stucy said.
Clayton Woullard: 303-954-2671, cwoullard@denverpost.com
