Brighton moves forward with gateway and wayfinding sign code changes

The Brighton City Council on July 1 voted 6–0 to approve on first reading amendments to Article 9 of the City’s Land Use and Development Code to allow specified gateway, trail gateway, wayfinding and artistic signage in the public right of way.

Senior planner Emma Lane told council the amendments implement the community identity design plan developed with Dig Studio and Michael Baker International. “The signs have the same idea that when they are placed around town, you'll know you're in Brighton,” Lane said, describing three sizes of gateway signs with standards for location, size and lighting and new language to permit the signs in rights of way while keeping the code content‑neutral.

Lane said the changes add design and permitting criteria for gateway signage, trail gateway and wayfinding signs, and artistic elements. The draft ordinance specifies where sign types may be located, the three sign size categories, and lighting limitations; staff emphasized that the code will remain content‑neutral by defining permitted sign types rather than allowing or prohibiting specific messages.

Staff and the Development Review Committee recommended approval, and Lane said no formal public comments were received prior to the meeting. Councilmember Snyder moved approval of the code amendments on first reading and Mayor Pro Tem Padilla seconded; the council voted 6–0 (two absent) to adopt the ordinance on first reading.

The amendment proceeds through required readings and administrative steps before it becomes final. At implementation, the city will permit only the specified gateway, trail gateway, wayfinding and artistic elements in the right of way as described in the community identity design plan.