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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 ski yard signage 092710MEMORANDUM TO: Planning and Environmental Commission FROM: Community Development Department DATE: September 27, 2010 SUBJECT: A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council on prescribed regulation amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 11-3-3, Prescribed Regulations Amendment, Vail Town Code, to establish regulations for ski yard base area signage, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC100041) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Rachel Friede I. SUMMARY The applicant, the Town of Vail, is requesting a recommendation to the Vail Town Council for prescribed regulations amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, to establish regulations for ski yard base area signage. Based upon Staff’s review of the criteria outlined in Section V of this memorandum and the evidence and testimony presented, the Community Development Department recommends the Commission forwards a recommendation of approval, subject to the findings noted in Section VI of this memorandum. Photographs of existing ski yard signage have been attached for reference (Attachment A). II. DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST The following are proposed text amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, that establish regulations for review of a seasonal sign program for ski yard signage: 11-2-1: DEFINITIONS ENUMERATED: Sign, Electronic: Any sign with electronic components such as video screens, electronic changeable copy, etc. Sign, Portable: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, including, but not limited to, A-frame and sandwich board signs. Sign, Ski Yard: Any sign within a ski yard area, as determined by the Administrator, that serve to inform skiers of grooming conditions, meeting areas, open trails, special events and other mountain information and activities. 11-7-15: Ski Yard Signage A. Description: Ski Yard Signage regulations apply to all signage within the designated ski yard areas, as determined by the Design Review Board during review of seasonal ski yard sign programs. 1. Number: Subject to design review. 2. Area: Subject to design review. 3. Height: Projecting and awning signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet (8') above pedestrianways and a minimum clearance of fifteen feet (15') above vehicularways. No part of any ski yard signage shall extend more than twenty five feet (25') above grade. 4. Location: Subject to design review. Signs may be permitted in the town's right of way, subject to Subsection 11-5-3I, "Placement On Public Property", of this title. 5. Type: Awning, freestanding, portable, projecting or wall mounted. A-frame and sandwich board style portable signs are prohibited. 6. Lighting: Subject to design review. 7. Landscaping: Subject to design review. 8. Special Provisions: a. Changeable copy may be allowed to identify on mountain conditions. b. Electronic signs may be permitted, and are subject to design review. c. Design Review: Ski yard signage shall be provided in a seasonal sign program package, to be submitted, reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board on a seasonal basis. d. Content: Ski yard signage may advertise on-mountain activities located outside the Town of Vail, but shall not include advertisement for any restaurants not located within the Town of Vail. 11-9-2: PROHIBITED SIGNS: The following signs are prohibited within the town of Vail: O. Portable signs, except government signs and ski yard signs. III. BACKGROUND Ski yard signage generally refers to signage within and adjacent to the on-snow base area for Vail Mountain. These signs are typically freestanding, portable or attached to lift and gondola buildings. The signs serve to inform skiers of grooming conditions, meeting areas, open trails, special events and other mountain information. Currently, Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, does not address ski yard/ base area signage because until recently, the base areas of Vail Mountain were not located within the Town of Vail. In order to develop Golden Peak and Mountain Plaza, additional ski yard was annexed into the Town of Vail. Signage associated with ticket booths is also not addressed within Title 11, Sign Regulations. To date, the Town has worked with Vail Resorts to come up with signage that meets the intent of the Sign Regulations, but technically, there were no regulations for this type of signage. The Town has requested that Vail Resorts not advertise businesses not located within the Town of Vail (i.e. Eagle’s Nest restaurants) but has allowed signage for ticket offices, maps, and skier services such as lesson meeting areas. While Staff has been working with Vail Resorts to allow signage in the ski yard, a codified regulation on this type of signage will provide clear legitimacy to this signage and provide additional direction for design review. The PEC held a work session on ski yard signage at the September 13, 2010 hearing. Jeff Babb, Resort Operations Direct, Vail Resorts Inc., presented a summary of ski operations signage needs. He expressed their desire to install permanent appearing, but mobile, signs that are consistent with the architectural style and color themes of the individual ski mountain base areas. He noted their desire to allow signage for on mountain businesses and activities in the ski yards. Jeff Babb indicated that Vail Resorts is researching video signage. He indicated that these new technology signs are being used inside the gondola building, but they do not have a current plan to install these signs outdoors. Commissioner Pratt recommended the proposed text amendments allow flexibility for such new technologies. Commissioner Pierce recommended that a sign program be required for each ski base instead of drafting extensive sign regulations. He believes the ski yard bases are of a different nature than other businesses. He recommended guidelines requiring consistency with the theme of the base area, exempt sign regulated by state law or other requirements, and to allow signage for on-mountain activities. Commissioner Rediker stated some locations would be appropriate for year-round permanent signs, and other location may only be appropriate for seasonal signs. Commissioner Kurz recommended reviewing signs on a seasonal basis. He noted that the signs have historically been done in good taste. He recommended not allowing a-frame signs due to pedestrian conflicts and poor quality materials. He noted that “less is more” in signs communicating information. He agreed with providing information about on-mountain activities but it could affect Town tax revenue. He acknowledged the challenge in balancing signage matching building architecture and signage matching the corporate branding of Vail. Commissioner Pratt agreed with Commissioner Pierce that a sign program should be reviewed each summer and winter. He recommended flexibility in the standards, but did not support a-frame signs. He recommended mountain activities should be advertised, but competing businesses (such as on-mountain restaurants) should not be given advantage over base area businesses. He recommended installing fixed electronic signs. Commissioner Scheidmann agreed with the other commissioners. He noted the need to allow flexibility. For example, ski school signage needs will fluctuate daily or weekly. Commissioner Rediker noted that electronic signs may be appropriate in winter, but may not be appropriate in the summer. IV. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS Staff believes the following documents are relevant to the review of this proposal: TITLE 11: SIGN REGULATIONS (in part) 11-1-2: PURPOSE: General Purpose: These regulations are enacted for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the town of Vail and to promote the coordinated and harmonious design and placement of signs in the town in a manner that will conserve and enhance its natural environment and its established character as a resort and residential community of the highest quality. Specific Purpose: These regulations are intended to achieve the following specific purposes: To describe and enable the fair and consistent enforcement of signs in the town of Vail. To encourage the establishment of well designed, creative signs that enhance the unique character of Vail's village atmosphere. To preserve a successful and high quality business environment that is aided by signs that identify, direct, and inform. To aid in providing for the growth of an orderly, safe, beautiful, and viable community. 11-5-2: DESIGN GUIDELINES: Any sign erected within the town of Vail should: Be consistent with the scale and architecture already present in the town: Sign location, configuration, design, and size should be aesthetically harmonious with the mountain setting and the alpine village atmosphere of the town. Be compatible with the placement of surrounding signs: Similar signs should not be placed within close proximity of each other, but should instead incorporate variety and visual interest within the "view corridor" that they are placed. The staff shall review all proposed signs in the context of adjacent signage to verify that the sign is appropriately placed. Be composed of predominately natural materials which may include, but are not limited to, painted, stained, solid, or carved wood; brick; stone; wrought iron or metals such as copper or brass that have been treated to prevent reflective glare; nonreflective glass and stained glass; other naturally textured building materials. Plastic and other synthetic materials that are not naturally textured, such as sign foam, vinyl or Plexiglas®, are discouraged. Use natural colors: 1. Earth tones: Full spectrum of soil, clay, and metallic colors; 2. Neutrals: Off whites to deep brown and black; 3. Bright colors should be used only as accents. Use creative graphics and lettering: The creative use of depth, relief, shading, three-dimensional projections and other pleasing textural qualities is generally encouraged. The guidelines that apply to general sign colors likewise apply to graphics and lettering. Three-dimensional projections shall not be calculated as part of total sign area, but the size, placement, and style of the projections shall be subject to design review. Be surrounded by landscaping: Landscaping, when appropriate, should be designed in harmony with surrounding natural landforms and native plants (Xeriscaping). Use inconspicuous lighting: Lighting should be integrated into the overall design of the sign, both in color and placement, and should be of no greater illumination than is necessary to make the sign visible at night. Recessed and indirect light sources are encouraged. 11-5-3: DESIGN STANDARDS: Any sign erected within the town of Vail shall conform to the following standards: Compatibility: Signs shall be visually compatible with the size of surrounding structures and other signage and shall not visually dominate the structure or business to which they belong. The staff shall review all proposed signs in the context of adjacent signage to verify that the sign is appropriately sized. Colors: Fluorescent, Day-Glo® and neon colors are prohibited. Reflective Surfaces: Sign surfaces that reflect light are prohibited and shall instead be comprised of matte or flat finishes. Lighting Fixtures: Lighting shall be white in color. Lights shall not shine or reflect onto adjacent properties. Internal illumination and fluorescent/neon light sources are prohibited. All lighting shall be subject to design review. Sign Maintenance: All signs, including their support structures and related fixtures, shall be kept in good repair; this includes replacement of lighting, repainting when appropriate, and other actions that contribute to attractive signage. The display surfaces and hardware of all signs shall be properly painted, finished, or posted at all times. The glass surfaces on which window signs are affixed shall be well maintained. Electrical Wiring: Electrical wiring shall be concealed. In addition, all signs that contain electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the adopted electrical code of the town and the electrical components shall bear the label of an approved testing agency. Wind Pressure And Dead Load Requirements: Any "sign", as defined throughout this title, shall be designed to withstand wind pressures and shall support dead loads as required by the most recent building code (IBC) at the time of construction, as adopted by the town of Vail and determined by the chief building official. Moving Parts: Signs that have, or appear to have, moving parts (aside from natural wind induced movement) are prohibited. Placement On Public Property: Signs shall be constructed on private property outside of the town right of way and shall not project onto the town right of way except when permitted under a licensing agreement or a revocable right of way permit issued from the town of Vail. Sign Inspection: Each sign for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the staff. V. REVIEW CRITERIA The extent to which the text amendment furthers the general and specific purposes of the sign regulations; and Staff believes the text amendments further the general and specific purposes of the sign regulations because they “encourage the establishment of well designed, creative signs that enhance the unique character of Vail's village atmosphere.” The regulations also seek to “preserve a successful and high quality business environment that is aided by signs that identify, direct, and inform.” The proposed regulations allow ski yard signage to be reviewed on a seasonal basis and provide flexibility for Vail Mountain to inform the public on a variety of subject matter. The Town’s Sign Regulations currently allow unique signage opportunities for unique land uses. For example, in addition to the standard 6 sq. ft. business identification signs, restaurants are allowed to erect a “menu box sign” and a “specials board signs”. Similarly, real estate offices and movie theaters are allowed to erect “display box signs”. Movie theaters and movie/media rental businesses are also allowed to erect “entertainment signs”. The Town’s Sign Regulations do not currently grant opportunities for ski yard signage. Staff believes ski yards and ski mountains have unique land use characteristics and should have unique consideration for signage. From a community-wide guest service perspective, Staff sees value in distinguishing land uses like the ski mountain and the ski yard, as it is a unique yet essential land use for this community. The extent to which the text amendment would better implement and better achieve the applicable elements of the adopted goals, objectives, and policies outlined in the Vail Comprehensive Plan and is compatible with the development objectives of the Town; and As described above, Staff believes the ski yard has unique land use characteristics and should have unique consideration for signage. Staff sees value in distinguishing this land use because of its importance to the community and to the public. Staff believes allowing signage unique to the ski yard is consistent with the Town’s development objectives to provide a better guest experience. Staff also believes the proposed regulations better implement numerous goals, objectives and policies of the Vail Village Master Plan and the Lionshead Redevelopment Plan that outline the importance of Vail Mountain and interface with the villages. Specifically, the Vail Village Master Plan calls for a strengthened tourist economy and the recognition of Vail Village as a portal for tourism activity. The text amendments also further the objective outlined In the Lionshead Redevelopment Master Plan that calls for enhancement of the “guest experience and community interaction through expanded and additional activities and amenities.” The extent to which the text amendment demonstrates how conditions have substantially changed since the adoption of the subject regulation and how the existing regulation is no longer appropriate or is inapplicable; and Staff believes the text amendments demonstrate changing conditions, as all portions of the ski yard were not previously within the Town’s jurisdiction. Since the annexation of ski yard areas to the Town of Vail, regulations have been absent for ski yard signage. These regulations reflect the need for change after annexation of these ski yard areas. The extent to which the text amendment provides a harmonious, convenient, workable relationship among land use regulations consistent with municipal development objectives, and Staff believes the proposed text amendments help to provide a harmonious relationship between the ski yard and the rest of the town. As a ski town, Vail’s regulations need to reflect the changing dynamic of the ski yard and its interaction with the rest of the town. The proposed regulations will provide an improved guest experience, which is a major goal of the Town of Vail. Such other factors and criteria the Commission and/or Council deem applicable to the proposed text amendment. VI. STAFF RECOMMENDATION The Community Development Department recommends the Planning and Environmental Commission forwards a recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council on prescribed regulation amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 11-3-3, Prescribed Regulation Amendment, Vail Town Code, to establish regulations for ski yard base area signage, and setting forth details in regard thereto. Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to forward a recommendation of approval of this request, the Community Development Department recommends the Commission pass the following motion: “Based upon a review of Section V of the Staff’s September 27, 2010, memorandum to the Planning and Environmental Commission and the evidence and testimony presented, the Planning and Environmental Commission forwards a recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council on prescribed regulation amendments to Title 11, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 11-3-3, Prescribed Regulation Amendment, Vail Town Code, to establish regulations for ski yard base area signage, and setting forth details in regard thereto.” Should the Planning and Environmental Commission choose to forward a recommendation of approval to the Vail Town Council for the proposed text amendment, the Community Development Department recommends the Commission makes the following findings: “Based upon the review of the criteria outlined in Section V of Staff’s September 27, 2010, memorandum and the evidence and testimony presented, the Planning and Environmental Commission finds: 1. That the amendment is consistent with the applicable elements of the adopted goals, objectives and policies outlined in the Vail comprehensive plan and is compatible with the development objectives of the town; and 2. That the amendment furthers the general and specific purposes of the sign regulations; and 3. That the amendment promotes the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the town and promotes the coordinated and harmonious development of the town in a manner that conserves and enhances its natural environment and its established character as a resort and residential community of the highest quality.”