During the recent Lake County Planning Commission Work Session, significant discussions centered around the regulations governing signage, particularly concerning a variance granted to a local business. The Board of Adjustments previously approved a variance for a sign that has raised concerns about its potential impact on the community.

Commission members expressed apprehension about the implications of such high-impact signage. They noted that while the current sign is legally nonconforming due to the variance, any future modifications would require compliance with new regulations. This means that if the business were to change the sign or if ownership were to transfer, the new signage would need to adhere to updated standards.

The conversation highlighted the challenges of assessing the impact of signage until it is operational. Despite concerns raised, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) did not provide substantial support for objections to the sign's brightness and size, complicating the commission's ability to enforce stricter regulations.

As the commission moves forward, they are considering stricter guidelines to prevent similar variances from being granted in the future. This proactive approach aims to ensure that any new signage aligns with community standards and minimizes potential negative impacts. The discussions underscore the ongoing efforts of the Planning Commission to balance business interests with community welfare as they navigate the complexities of local regulations.