Boulder Council Candidates Urge Overhaul of 17-Page Sign Code

UPDATE: Boulder City Council candidates are urgently calling for a complete overhaul of the city’s complex and cumbersome 17-page signage code as they gear up for the upcoming election on October 3, 2023. The current regulations are seen as a significant barrier for businesses and developers, creating an environment that many describe as overly restrictive and confusing.

New reports reveal that the city’s land-use code, known as Title 9, has become a patchwork of regulations that complicate the development process. Lauren Folkerts, an incumbent council member and architect, describes it as “a lot of regulation around something every business needs.” This sentiment is shared by numerous candidates vying for one of the four open council seats, who believe reforming Title 9 is essential to tackle Boulder’s ongoing challenges with commercial vacancy and housing shortages.

The candidates agree that the current regulations hinder creativity and innovation in development, with Folkerts noting, “We are a community that prides itself on our creativity in our arts scene, but we really don’t see that in our building.” The convoluted code can deter potential developers from pursuing new projects, leading to stagnation in a city known for its vibrant economy.

The Boulder City Council race has revealed stark divisions among the 11 candidates, but addressing Title 9 has emerged as a common goal for many progressives and moderates. Rob Smoke has long advocated for allowing property owners to determine who can live in their homes, while Nicole Speer argues that any changes to Title 9 must wait until the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is updated.

Max Lord, a candidate and owner of a local construction firm, likens the signage code to a “Jackson Pollock painting,” emphasizing the chaotic nature of existing regulations. He highlights the difficulty businesses face when attempting to convert spaces for new uses, stating, “If you want to turn an office space into a woodshop, you need a permit, and you might get crucified by the city for trying to go around it.”

Candidates like Jenny Robins, with a background in land acquisitions, stress that the lengthy permitting process can take up to six months, complicating projects further. “There’s by-right reviews, administrative reviews, and historic preservation reviews,” she explains, noting that this labyrinthine procedure makes it costly and unpredictable for even straightforward developments.

The urgency for reform is underscored by recent incidents, such as the opening of Voodoo Doughnuts in Boulder, which faced restrictions over its branding colors due to Title 9 regulations. Robins argues for modernization of the code to make it more user-friendly, stating, “I’ve been looking at codes for 25 years, and Boulder’s is the most complicated I’ve ever seen.”

On the residential front, easing regulations could lead to solutions for the city’s missing middle housing crisis, which refers to housing types that are larger than single-family homes but smaller than large apartment complexes. Candidates are discussing how to reform Title 9 to facilitate the development of duplexes and triplexes, essential for accommodating the growing population.

The council is expected to prioritize Title 9, directing city staff to recommend changes through proposed ordinances. However, candidates acknowledge that this is not a quick fix. Robins suggests hiring outside consultants to streamline the permit process, while Lord emphasizes the need for a unified council to effectively tackle the code’s overhaul.

As the election approaches, the focus on Title 9 highlights the pressing need for change in Boulder’s business landscape. Candidates are calling for a collaborative effort to simplify regulations, ultimately aiming to foster a more conducive environment for development and creativity.

Stay tuned for further updates as Boulder’s City Council election draws near and candidates outline their plans for transforming the city’s land-use code.