Boulder Candidates Urge Overhaul of Confusing Signage Rules

UPDATE: Boulder City Council candidates are calling for an urgent overhaul of the city’s complex signage regulations, contained within a staggering 17 pages of rules in Title 9 of the municipal code. This critical issue is being highlighted as voters prepare for the elections on November 7, 2023, with four council seats up for grabs.

Urgent Context: The convoluted signage rules reflect a broader frustration with Boulder’s land-use code, which candidates argue stifles creativity and development. Lauren Folkerts, a City Council incumbent, asserts that the section is “just a lot of regulation around something every business needs.” As businesses struggle to navigate these rules, the council candidates emphasize that reforming Title 9 could be key to addressing Boulder’s ongoing challenges with commercial vacancies and a housing shortage.

Details: The complexities of Title 9 have long been a barrier for businesses attempting to establish themselves in Boulder. With its vague language and extensive requirements, candidates like Max Lord liken the code to a “Jackson Pollack painting,” describing it as scattered and messy. Folkerts highlights that navigating the bureaucratic maze can take up to six months, forcing business owners to incur additional costs while waiting for necessary permits.

A key point of contention among candidates is the balance between reasonable regulation and excessive control. Rob Smoke advocates for allowing homeowners to choose who can live in their residences, while Nicole Speer believes reforming Title 9 won’t be feasible until the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is updated.

Next Steps: The urgency to address Title 9 is palpable, with candidates proposing various strategies to simplify the process. Rob Kaplan suggests implementing dedicated case managers to assist applicants through the permitting process. Meanwhile, Aaron Stone advocates for direct consultations with developers to identify practical changes.

As the election approaches, many candidates agree that reforming the land-use code should be a priority for the new council. The potential for easing regulations could also help fill the critical gap in missing middle housing, which includes duplexes and triplexes essential for addressing Boulder’s housing crisis.

Human Impact: The stakes are high for local businesses and prospective homeowners alike. Many candidates believe that simplifying the code could unleash creativity and innovation within the community, allowing Boulder to thrive as a hub for arts and commerce.

This evolving story is set to impact Boulder residents significantly as the city prepares for potential changes in governance. With the election just around the corner, the candidates’ proposals could reshape the future of business and housing in Boulder for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops!