PZC Packet 021820_______________________________________________________________________________
MEETING AGENDAS AND PACKETS ARE FOUND AT: WWW.AVON.ORG
AGENDAS ARE POSTED AT AVON TOWN HALL, AVON RECREATION CENTER, AVON ELEMENTARY AND AVON PUBLIC LIBRARY
IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION NEEDS, PLEASE, IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING,
CALL TOWN PLANNER DAVID MCWILLIAMS AT 970-748-4023 OR EMAIL CMCWILLIAMS@AVON.ORG WITH ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS.
1
AVON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020
MEETING BEGINS AT 5:00 PM
AVON TOWN HALL, 100 MIKAELA WAY, AVON, CO
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.1. WORK SESSION, DEFINING POLICY AND EXPECTATIONS FOR TWO (2) NEW LED SIGNS FOR PERMANENT
INSTALLATION ON THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD BRIDGE.
4.2. CONSENT AGENDA,
4.2.1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 4, 2020 PZC MEETING
4.2.2. RECORD OF DECISION FROM LCE20001, ERWSD EXPANSION
4.2.3. RECORD OF DECISION FROM SGN20001, AVON ROAD RAILROAD BRIDGE SIGN
5. ADJOURN
AVON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2020
AVON TOWN HALL, 100 MIKAELA WAY, AVON, CO
February 4, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
1. SITE TOUR
From 3:30pm to 4:30pm a site tour of the Avon Wastewater Treatment plant at 950 West Beaver
Creek Boulevard was conducted by Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD) Staff. Planning
Commission members present were Rebecca Smith, Marty Golembiewski, Jared Barnes, Lindsay
Hardy, and Alex Dammeyer. Also present was Town Planner David McWilliams and ERWSD staff.
No members of the public were present for the tour.
2. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairperson Lindsay Hardy called the regular meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. A roll call was taken,
and Planning Commission members present were Rebecca Smith, Marty Golembiewski, Jared
Barnes, Steve Nusbaum, and Alex Dammeyer. Also present were Town Planner David McWilliams
and Planning Director Matt Pielsticker.
3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Chairperson Lindsay Hardy and Commissioner Rebecca Smith disclosed a potential conflict of interest
with Item 5 due to their firm’s previous employment involvement with the applicant. Commissioner
Golembiewski moved to find no conflict of interest. Commissioner Barnes seconded and the
motioned carried unanimously with a 3 to 0 vote and Commissioners Hardy and Smith recusing from
the vote.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda it was approved as published.
5. LOCATION CHARACTER AND EXTENT – 950 WEST BEAVER CREEK BLVD – PUBLIC HEARING
File: LCE20001
Applicant: Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
Property: Tract N and O Block 3 Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision
Summary: Siri Roman, Jeffrey Schneider and Melissa Marts presented upgrades to meet Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) water quality regulations related to Nitrogen
and Phosphorous, and in-stream water quality standards. Several plant improvements are planned
as part of the project; all detailed within the application.
Public Hearing: No public comments.
Action: Commissioner Barnes motioned to approve the application with the following findings and
conditions:
Findings:
(1) The development application is complete;
(2) The development application provides sufficient information to allow PZC to determine that the
development application complies with the relevant review criteria;
(3) The development application complies with the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive
Plan including Goal G.1 and Policy G.1.4;
AVON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2020
AVON TOWN HALL, 100 MIKAELA WAY, AVON, CO
February 4, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
(4) The demand for public services or infrastructure exceeding current capacity is mitigated by the
development application; and
(5) The proposed application LCE20001 was reviewed pursuant to §7.16.150(d), Location, Character
and Extent, and was determined to be compliant with the review criteria.
Conditions:
(1) A Minor Subdivision Application is required to modify lot lines;
(2) Screening alternatives, color schemes, and architectural elements will be brought before PZC to
alleviate south and west elevations prior to completion of the project.
(3) A new landscape plan must be approved by PZC and installed prior to completion of the project.
The former barn area shall be planted with appropriate riverine trees to replace, at a 1:1 value
or better, any trees removed and not replanted on the adjacent property (Lot 9 Block 3
Benchmark at Beaver Creek) and to properly screen the Eagle Valley Trail;
(4) The fence design will be presented to Planning staff for approval before its construction; and
(5) All lighting on the property shall comply with Avon’s Dark Sky Ordinance before a final
Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.
Commissioner Smith seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with a 6 to 0 vote.
6. MINOR SIGN PLAN – AVON ROAD – PUBLIC HEARING
File: SGN20001
Applicant: Town of Avon
Property: Avon Road Railroad Bridge
Summary: David McWilliams presented two (2) new LED signs for permanent installation on the
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge.
Action: Commissioner Nusbaum motioned to deny the application with the following findings:
Public Hearing: No public comments.
Action: Commissioner Nusbaum moved to deny the application, based upon the following:
Finding:
(1) The sign does not meet the purposes, specifically:
a. Criteria 1 – signs do not protect against visual discord with similar devices.
b. Criteria 5 – signs could have negative visual impacts to adjacent properties.
Commissioner Golembiewski seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously with a 6 to 0 vote.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. JANUARY 21, 2020 Meeting Minutes
B. Record of Decision – MDR20001, Old Town Hall Demolition
AVON PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2020
AVON TOWN HALL, 100 MIKAELA WAY, AVON, CO
February 4, 2020 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
Action: Commissioner Barnes motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as drafted. Commissioner
Nusbaum Seconded the motion and it carried with a 5 to 0 vote with Commissioner Hardy abstaining
due to her absence from the meeting.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
Matt Pielsticker discussed updates with the Lot B Hotel, Wildwood Housing project, Nottingham Park
improvements and special events.
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business before the Commission, Commissioner Barnes moved to adjourn
the meeting. The time was 7:58 p.m.
These meeting minutes are only a summary of the proceedings of the meeting. They are not intended to be
comprehensive or to include each statement, person speaking or to portray with complete accuracy. The most
accurate records of the meeting are the audio of the meeting, which is housed in the Town Clerk' s office.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
David McWilliams, Town Planner
APPROVED:
Lindsay Hardy, Chairperson __________________________________
PZC Record of Decision: #LCE20001 Page 1 of 1
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECORD OF DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: February 4, 2020
TYPE OF APPLICATION: Location Character and Extent
PROPERTY LOCATION: Tract N and O Block 3 Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision
FILE NUMBER: LCE20001
APPLICANT: Eagle River Water and Sanitation District
This Record of Decision is made in accordance with the Avon Development Code (“Development
Code”) §7.16.150(b):
DECISION: Approval of the development plan with the following findings and condition:
FINDINGS:
(1) The development application is complete;
(2) The development application provides sufficient information to allow PZC to determine that
the development application complies with the relevant review criteria;
(3) The development application complies with the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive
Plan including Goal G.1 and Policy G.1.4;
(4) The demand for public services or infrastructure exceeding current capacity is mitigated by
the development application; and
(5) The proposed application LCE20001 was reviewed pursuant to §7.16.150(d), Location,
Character and Extent, and was determined to be compliant with the review criteria.
CONDITIONS:
(1) A Minor Subdivision Application is required to modify lot lines;
(2) Screening alternatives, color schemes, and architectural elements will be brought before PZC
to alleviate south and west elevations prior to completion of the project.
(3) A new landscape plan must be approved by PZC and installed prior to completion of the
project. The former barn area shall be planted with appropriate riverine trees to replace, at a
1:1 value or better, any trees removed and not replanted on the adjacent property (Lot 9 Block
3 Benchmark at Beaver Creek) and to properly screen the Eagle Valley Trail;
(4) The fence design will be presented to Planning staff for approval before its construction; and
(5) All lighting on the property shall comply with Avon’s Dark Sky Ordinance before a final
Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.
THESE FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECORD OF DECISION ARE HEREBY APPROVED:
BY:______________________________________ DATE: ___________________
PZC Chairperson
PZC Record of Decision: #SGN20001 Page 1 of 1
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECORD OF DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: February 4, 2020
TYPE OF APPLICATION: Minor Sign Plan
PROPERTY LOCATION: Avon Road Railroad Bridge/ Block 2 Benchmark at Beaver Creek Subdivision
FILE NUMBER: SGN20001
APPLICANT: Town of Avon
This Record of Decision is made in accordance with the Avon Development Code (“Development Code”) §7.16.160(c):
DECISION: Denial of the sign plan with the following findings and condition:
FINDINGS:
(1) The sign does not meet the purposes, specifically:
a. Criteria 1 – signs do not protect against visual discord with similar devices.
b. Criteria 5 – signs could have negative visual impacts to adjacent properties.
THESE FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECORD OF DECISION ARE HEREBY APPROVED:
BY:______________________________________ DATE: ___________________ PZC Chairperson
February 4, 2020 PZC Meeting – Railroad Bridge Sign
Staff Report – Sign Design - Public Hearing
February 4, 2020 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
Project Name: SGN20001
Zoning: Right of Way
Address: Rail Bridge Over Avon Road
Location: Prepared
By:
Benchmark at Beaver Creek
David McWilliams, Town Planer
Staff Report Overview
This staff report contains one application for consideration by the PZC: Sign Design for new
Embedded Messaging Center (EMC) Light Emitting Diode (LED) signs on the railroad bridge above
Avon Road.
Summary of Request
The Town of Avon is proposing to place new EMC signs in the location where event signs are
currently located from time to time. The current signs are located to face oncoming traffic from
above.
The new signs (Attachment A) are approximately as large as the current banners are allowed to be.
Current application criteria for the banners require a non-profit sponsor, allow signs for a maximum
of one (1) week, from Monday to Sunday, with a $150 fee to be displayed on each side of the bridge.
Further, no hand-drawn words (copy) are permitted, and sponsor names and logos may cover no
more than twenty percent (20%) of the total banner space.
There is no proposed limit to hours or brightness for the new signs. Avon Municipal Code requires,
“Such signs shall be equipped with automatic dimmers, which shall be programmed to not exceed
three tenths (.3) footcandles over ambient light levels.” A footcandle is the illuminance of one lumen
on a one-square foot surface with a uniform distribution. A standard 40-watt lightbulb produces puts
out 450 lumens. This is a standard adopted by several states and municipalities.
The time limit is proposed to change to be more flexible. For example, the board could read “Avon
LIVE! tonight” on Wednesdays and “Rodeo tonight” on Thursdays during the summer, instead of
having the weeklong time frame. Signs are not proposed to run simultaneously, and only one
message will be allowed at a time.
Southern facing sign location.
ATTACHMENT A
February 4, 2020 PZC Meeting – Railroad Bridge Sign
Northern facing sign location.
Review Criteria
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the following items in reviewing proposed
designs:
1. Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose of the Sign Code as specified in
Section 7.32(A) Sign Code Purposes;
Staff Response: The application strikes a balance for criterium (4): “Promote high quality and
weather resistant signs that are properly maintained over time and renovated when necessary.”
Taken in context as a replacement for temporary signs, the proposal saves time, labor and materials
over the long run, and is safer.
PZC should carefully weigh if the proposal meets (7): “Provide a reasonable balance between the
right of an individual to identify a business or express a message, and the right of the public to be
protected against the visual discord resulting from the unrestricted proliferation of signs and similar
devices.” Additional illuminated signs in this location may be viewed as visual clutter and PZC is
instructed to carefully determine if the proposal meets these purposes.
2. The suitability of the improvement, including materials with which the sign is to be
constructed and the site upon which it is to be located;
Staff Response: The material choice of the sign are stock choices meant to protect the display with
an iron frame. Planning staff is not aware where power will be drawn from or what the conduit will
look like.
3. The nature of adjacent and neighboring improvements;
Staff Response: Neighboring buildings include the Burger King, Christy Sports, and the White River
Center. The sign types are diverse but generally present a unified design of auto-centric internally
illuminated signs.
4. The quality of the materials to be utilized in any proposed improvement;
Staff Response: Staff anticipates a more uniform aesthetic with the LED panel compared to an array
of banner types.
5. The visual impact of any proposed improvement, as viewed from any adjacent or
neighboring property;
Staff Response: The visual impact should be carefully assessed by PZC.
6. The objective that no improvement will be so similar or dissimilar to other signs in the
vicinity that values, monetary or aesthetic, will be impaired;
ATTACHMENT A
February 4, 2020 PZC Meeting – Railroad Bridge Sign
Staff Response: Not applicable.
7. Whether the type, height, size and/or quantity of signs generally complies with the sign
code or sign program, and are appropriate for the project;
Staff Response: The application allows for individuality while maintaining consistency of size and
location.
8. Whether the sign is primarily oriented to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and whether
the sign is appropriate for the determined orientation.
Staff Response: PZC should carefully weigh if the LED application is appropriate for this location.
Staff Recommendation for Case #SGN20001
Staff recommends approving Case #SGN20001 with the following findings and condition:
Findings:
1. The application is complete;
2. The application provides sufficient information to allow the PZC to determine that the
application complies with the relevant review criteria;
3. The application was reviewed pursuant to §7.16.160(f), Sign Plan. The application meets the
sign standards established in the Avon Development Code;
4. The application complies with the goals and policies of the Avon Comprehensive Plan;
5. No extra demand for public services is made by the application;
6. The design relates the development to the character of the surrounding community; and
7. The application allows individuality and promotes the expectation of attractive sign
appearance.
Condition:
1. The signs shall have automatic dimmers programmed to not exceed three tenths (.3)
footcandles over ambient light levels.
Recommended Motion:
“I move to Approve Case #SGN20001, a Sign Design application for the railroad bridge over Avon
Road with the finding and condition as recommended by staff.
Attachment
A. Sign Design (Proposed)
B. Application Memo From Town Manager
ATTACHMENT A
ART SUPERIMPOSED ON PHOTO, SHOWN AT APPROXIMATE RELATIVE SIZE
FREEMAN SIGNS IS A UL LISTED
SIGN MANUFACTURER
NEW S/F 10 MM FULL COLOR EMC SCALE: 1/2" = 1'-0"
QUANTITY: 1 EA PER SIDE (2 TOTAL), MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLA
OF 1
TOWN OF AVON 100 Mikala Way.
AVON, CO.BENZIE MBENZIE@FREEMANSIGNS.NET
19-568
12/26/2019 1
7/15/19 -CHANGED COLOR OF FACES AND CABINET
X X X X X X
& ELECTRIC
13'-6 1/2"13'-6 1/2"3'-1 1/2"4’-0” (+/-)CONCRETE V.O.7"
2"
New S/F 10mm full color Freeman Digital EMC 416x96 matrix,
2” angle iron frame attached to existing concrete over pass, painted black.
SIDE VIEW
1
1
Attachment AATTACHMENT A
EMC Sign Work Session - February 18, 2020
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: David McWilliams, AICP, Town Planner RE: Rail Bridge Sign Design and Policy Work Session
DATE: February 14, 2020
SUMMARY: Staff presented an application for replacing the vinyl event banner signs above the railroad
bridge with new Embedded Messaging Center (EMC) Light Emitting Diode (LED) signs, and the application
was denied unanimously by PZC. Now, PZC is asked for feedback on proposed policy requirements and
best practices for this sign type because most of the discussion at the last meeting revolved around policy
and practices for the sign type. Certainly, Staff wants to address any design critiques or issues with the
criteria as well.
BACKGROUND: Town Council included these signs in its 2020 Capital Improvements Program and Staff
is referring it to PZC for recommendations on guidelines for usage. This is an exceptional sign for the
specific purpose of advertising events in a specific location. In an attempt to foster buy-in from the
governing boards of the Town, the Minor Sign Design application was presented to PZC. The outcome of
the sign application PZC decided on is non-binding in so much as governmental signs are exempt from the
application process, per Avon Municipal Code section 7.34(d)(7), which states:
(d)Permitted Signs Generally. The following signs are permitted subject to obtaining the required
sign plan approvals, unless it is specifically stated below that the sign is exempt from review
requirements:
(7)Government signs (exempt).
That is, while Staff wants to work with PZC to determine best practices and hash out any other sensitivities,
ultimately, the decision to install the signs is determined by Town Council. PZC is encouraged to work in
those parameters during this work session, and Staff will present a revised application for PZC review and
decision during a renewed Minor Sign Design public hearing on March 3. The review criteria for signs can
be found in the original Staff report, Attachment A and PZC should take these more as guidelines than
binding code.
Southern facing sign location.
EMC Sign Work Session - February 18, 2020
Northern facing sign location.
The only code language governing digital displays, 7.34(e)(8) is cited below:
(8)Digital Displays, Electronic Message Centers, and electronic changeable copy signs. Auto-
oriented electronic messages, images, and/or changeable copy signs are permitted along arterial
streets, provided that they meet the following criteria:
i. Such signs shall be equipped with automatic dimmers, which shall be programmed to not
exceed three tenths (.3) footcandles over ambient light levels.
ii. Signs shall not cause distractions to drivers with moving images or similar effects.
ANALYSIS: Staff will work to create a document governing sign design requirements for the Town and any
applicants desiring to have their message displayed. Below is a list of the proposed policy, requirements,
and best practices.
Policy
• Any single sign is required to be displayed for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 10 days
• Advertisement signs will be only be activated from the hours of 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Foot Candles emitted shall not exceed three tenths (.3) footcandles over ambient light levels. This
level may be adjusted down after dark.
• Only stationary slides without any animations are allowed
• Signs will go completely dormant between programmed signs
• Emergency signs – AASHTO and CDOT (road engineering) standards will dictate the display of
signs during emergency. Avon Police Dispatch personnel will be trained to update the signs as
needed.
Application Requirements
• White or off-white colors are only allowed on 20% of the sign area to reduce glare
• Only flat text is permitted (no 3D letters)
• Use Sans-Serif Fonts (i.e. Verdana or Tahoma)
• Alternatively, bold text interfaces (ie. Arial Black and Impact) is effective to bring the text out of the
background
• Using only one letter style in a single sign design is preferred
• UPPER-CASE only script is prohibited
• Only use high resolution graphics / images
EMC Sign Work Session - February 18, 2020
• Fill at least 1/4 of the screen with large text
• Use high contrast colors like dark green or yellow. If you need to use complimentary colors, make
sure to add a contrasting third color to bring definition.
• Overcrowded signs with too many visuals, texts, videos or words are not permitted
Best Practices
• Simplicity, creativity and freshness are the fundamental for creating LED design content
• Use short, meaningful and powerful words and copy for faster comprehension
• Make the letters BIG!
• Some best color matches are: black on yellow, black on white, yellow on black, yellow on blue, white
on blue, white on green and green on white
• Add border to bring focus directly to the center of the sign
• Try to follow these rules: Less is more; What does the audience need to know?; Avoid Date and Time
confusion
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Installation and wiring: The conduit will come from near the Christy Sports bus stop and run from behind the
façade of the bridge. No wiring will be visible.
Frame: The signs have minimally visible black frames made of anodized metal. Per code,
(3) Sign Materials. Signs shall use quality materials, including but not limited to natural stone,
anodized metal, routed or sandblasted wood, such as rough cedar or redwood; interior-lit,
individual Plexiglas-faced letters; or three-dimensional individual letters with or without indirect
lighting.
Alternatives: Members of PZC opined on different solutions including constructing a frame for the quick
placement of signs. This solution would involve Staff members on the bridge and would still result in lane
closures and the associated labor and material costs that the Town wants to avoid. This solution does not
solve many of the issues that the LED signs would.
Code Amendment: Staff is keenly aware of PZC’s interest in treating the Town like any other sign applicant.
In lieu of the fact that government signs are exempt from the requirements of the sign code, Staff is
contemplating requesting that Town Council initiate a review of the appropriateness of digital signs for
private property owners. The Town does not want to allow the business community to change the
character of Town through their proliferation. With any code amendment, Staff would still apply to PZC for
sign design approval of any new governmental digital sign.
GOING FORWARD: Staff encourages a robust conversation and is soliciting suggestions for consideration.
The resubmitted application will address as many concerns as possible.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. February 4, 2020 Land use application
LINKS
• https://www.adaptivedisplays.com/blog/the-golden-rules-of-digital-led-signage
EMC Sign Work Session - February 18, 2020
• https://www.adaptivedisplays.com/blog/bid/360442/Digital-Signage-Text-and-Visual-Design-
Guidelines
• https://segd.org/digital-font-pairing
• https://digitalsignage.ku.edu/digital-signage-basics
• https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/visual-design.html
Thank you,
David McWilliams
970-749-4023
cmcwilliams@avon.org