There’s an interesting sign along the highway across from Bodo Industrial Park that says “Tourist Information,” and right below is a symbol for a septic dump station. Is this some sort of advisory about the quality of our local tourist information? – Just Curious
The signs in question fall in the category of unfortunate juxtaposition and not a truth-in-advertising disclosure.
Actually, these two roadside notices do more to embrace the arriving visitors than any fancy-shmancy edifice proclaiming “Welcome to Historic Durango, Incorporated 1881” or notifications about bike friendliness or tree-city status.
“You wouldn’t believe the power of those two signs,” said Jack Llewellyn, executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce and purveyor of tourist information.
The sign steers about 45,000 people into the chamber’s doors annually, mostly in summertime. At the chamber, visitors can pick up brochures and maps, have their questions answered and chat with hosts for the local lowdown. The chamber is a membership-driven private organization of businesses and individuals.
Meanwhile, the RV wayfarer can take advantage of the free pump station, which is on the other side of the chamber parking lot. The pump station is owned and maintained by the city of Durango.
Even though the signs are effective, Jack has been trying for years to have something different. He tells of the long history of red tape involving highway signage.
All roadside signs are the purview of the Colorado Department of Transportation, which has strict standards as to not clutter the highway. Signs have to be consistent as well.
“I’ve been wanting to have that sign say ‘Chamber of Commerce,’ but that’s not allowed,” Jack lamented. “According to the standards, ‘Tourist Information’ covers ‘Chamber of Commerce.’ And in our case, it has to share the pole with the universal symbol for RV dump.”
Jack then had a big laugh. “I see how one could draw an inaccurate conclusion, but trust me, brochures and sewage treatment are totally separate functions.”
I admit, I’m not up to snuff on my Durango sign code, but all the banners hanging from the beautiful churches on East Third Avenue don’t seem to fit in. Is the historical board OK with this? I also wonder about the extra signs at Nature’s Oasis that just sag and catch trash. Let’s ban tacky signs! Sign me as someone who donated food to the food bank last week. Thanks!
Action Line can’t grant indulgences, so your gift to the local pantry doesn’t win absolution for ratting out churches.
Nevertheless, the hungry in our community appreciate your generosity.
So, you’ve had your fill of temporary banners become permanent? Here’s the dish from the municipal code.
The city goes to great lengths – more than 7,800 words – in explaining what can and cannot be displayed.
In terms of banners, the city minces no words: Banners “shall not be displayed for more than seven days out of every 30 days.”
So that’s pretty much that.
As for the city’s Historic Preservation Board, its mission is to protect and preserve the city’s historic landmarks and districts “by appropriate regulations.” But it’s the job of the city’s code department to enforce the rules.
If the banners are bothersome, report them to 375-4930 as you would barking dogs, abandoned cars and junky yards.
That being said, allow Action Line to point out a potential loophole for houses of worship.
The City Code has this provision: “A banner and/or window sign associated with the deer, elk and combined hunting seasons. Such sign shall only be displayed during such seasons.”
Thus, it could be argued that the seven-day banner regulation doesn’t apply when the subject of the banner has a “season.”
Perhaps a cagey clergy could claim that it’s Vacation Bible School season and a banner will be displayed “during such seasons” as prescribed by law.
In addition, we know that many people hunt deer and elk religiously each year. So that’s another connection, right?
Or, we can follow the one-week rule.
After all, on the seventh day, we’re supposed to rest.
Maybe banners should, too.
Email questions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. You can request anonymity if you knew that the City Code allows “grand opening” signs to be in place for 14 days.
