The Fruita Sign Code was the topic for Fruita Planning Commission on May 12, 2009. Fruita’s Council had continued the study of the code to give the Commission the opportunity of reviewing the comments made by Council.
Thirty-five foot tall signs would be permitted in the yellow zone, meaning all properties touching Highway 340 and Highway 6 and 50 as well as Plum Street, West Aspen and S. Willow. Businesses included are the Coop, Gofers, Munchies, the new tanning place and City Market
Other issues of concerns were the lighting of signs 500 feet from the State Park or residences.
Upon driving through the state Park at night, this reporter found that the only “light pollution” actually seen were the lights from Shell which shine down on the gas pumps, the lights which act as security for the relatively new mini mall at the far end of Kalispell along 340, the entrance door to Taco Bell, the lights from La Quinta and the pole lights which illuminate the areas around both sides of 340. Trees and a tall berm pretty much shelter the State Park from anything else. It is this reporter’s opinion that much is being made about nothing, concerning the few signs, which may be put around Kokopelli to pull business in from I 70. Perhaps some of the dissenters should make a midnight run.
Variances were discussed and recommended to go before Council for such, as necessary.
Mark Martin Williams, chamber and Alpine Bank, addressed the fact that he felt 200 square feet of sign on a 20 to 35 foot height was sufficient for Fruita. He also felt that if a big business came with the request for larger could be dealt with through a variance clause.
Thirty-five foot tall signs would be permitted in the yellow zone, meaning all properties touching Highway 340 and Highway 6 and 50 as well as Plum Street, West Aspen and S. Willow. Businesses included are the Coop, Gofers, Munchies, the new tanning place and City Market
Other issues of concerns were the lighting of signs 500 feet from the State Park or residences.
Upon driving through the state Park at night, this reporter found that the only “light pollution” actually seen were the lights from Shell which shine down on the gas pumps, the lights which act as security for the relatively new mini mall at the far end of Kalispell along 340, the entrance door to Taco Bell, the lights from La Quinta and the pole lights which illuminate the areas around both sides of 340. Trees and a tall berm pretty much shelter the State Park from anything else. It is this reporter’s opinion that much is being made about nothing, concerning the few signs, which may be put around Kokopelli to pull business in from I 70. Perhaps some of the dissenters should make a midnight run.
Variances were discussed and recommended to go before Council for such, as necessary.
Mark Martin Williams, chamber and Alpine Bank, addressed the fact that he felt 200 square feet of sign on a 20 to 35 foot height was sufficient for Fruita. He also felt that if a big business came with the request for larger could be dealt with through a variance clause.
Commissioner Bob Fuller remarked that roof signs were possibly four feet above the highest point of the roof and not more than 35 feet wide.
Williams had concerns about the 10 o’clock sign turn off, noting that businesses who normally stayed open until midnight.
With only one business affected, he felt it unreasonable to make them adhere to such a mandate. The Jacklope sign, which causes Taco Bell’s sign to be hidden, has made it necessary for Taco Bell to plan for a pole sign.
Fuller noted that if the sign were at an angle to the State park, then would it violate visual interference with State Park, which actually is questionable when one visits the park to see just which signs presently interfere.
Commissioner Mulder felt the recommendation for changing the size of signs from 300 square feet to 200 square feet was a good one.
“Taco Bell should have the opportunity to have a pole sign,” he said. “They are a business that can help bring in more business to the area if their sign is easily seen.”
Multiple color electronic signs were another issue.
Tim Grimsby felt that multi color pole signs technology is here. He felt that since the purpose of having signs is to garner business, therefore he felt such signs should be allowed. He pointed our signs he has seen designed by Bud’s Signs.
“If you see Bud’s signs, you might change your mind and allow multi color signs,” he said.
“Someone talked about these signs as seen in Las Vegas and other places,” he said. “They are prime examples of what Fruita does not need.”
In order to be sure the motion on the Sign Code was clear, the Planning Commission made separate motions for each point concerning the codes.
Williams had concerns about the 10 o’clock sign turn off, noting that businesses who normally stayed open until midnight.
With only one business affected, he felt it unreasonable to make them adhere to such a mandate. The Jacklope sign, which causes Taco Bell’s sign to be hidden, has made it necessary for Taco Bell to plan for a pole sign.
Fuller noted that if the sign were at an angle to the State park, then would it violate visual interference with State Park, which actually is questionable when one visits the park to see just which signs presently interfere.
Commissioner Mulder felt the recommendation for changing the size of signs from 300 square feet to 200 square feet was a good one.
“Taco Bell should have the opportunity to have a pole sign,” he said. “They are a business that can help bring in more business to the area if their sign is easily seen.”
Multiple color electronic signs were another issue.
Tim Grimsby felt that multi color pole signs technology is here. He felt that since the purpose of having signs is to garner business, therefore he felt such signs should be allowed. He pointed our signs he has seen designed by Bud’s Signs.
“If you see Bud’s signs, you might change your mind and allow multi color signs,” he said.
“Someone talked about these signs as seen in Las Vegas and other places,” he said. “They are prime examples of what Fruita does not need.”
In order to be sure the motion on the Sign Code was clear, the Planning Commission made separate motions for each point concerning the codes.
The voted to approve 200 square foot signs instead of 300 square feet, to allow 35 foot pole signs only in commercial areas as designated by a map available at City Hall. Signs in the Kokopelli business park would remain lightd during business hours, whatever those hours might be. These signs would face north and south, not directly at the state park. They voted to send their decisions onto the Council for the May 19 meeting.
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