09/03/2025
Electronic Billboard Proposal On Highway 24 Across from Entrance to Red Rock Canyon
The Board of Directors of the Friends of Red Rock Canyon have learned of a proposal before El Paso County Commissioners to allow the current static billboard on the westbound lanes of Highway 24 to become electronic. We are against this proposal for many reasons, including not fitting into the recreational experiences Red Rock Canyon offers. The meeting of the County Commissioners to decide this issue is Thursday, September 11th at 9am.
We have included facts and points about the effect of an electronic billboard below. Main points include: The electronic billboard will be seen by those using the Open Space. The property is in unincorporated El Paso County, completely surrounded by the cities of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Both cities do NOT allow electronic billboards. When Red Rock Canyon was purchased by the City of Colorado Springs over 20 years ago, leases on two existing billboard at the Highway 24 entrance were left to expire. The City of Colorado Springs then took down the billboards. Electronic signs will distract drivers turning left into Red Rock Canyon
Please voice your concerns to the County Commissioners as this decision lies with them.
The email below from the County describes how people can voice comments to the El Paso County Commissioners. You use the email link below. We encourage you to voice your thoughts NOW, as the Commissioners ruling will be tough to oppose at a later date. You are welcome to cut and paste any of the information in this email and then use it in your comments to the Commissioners. Act now!
Email with LINK: In preparation for the BOCC hearing on September 11, 2025, please send all public comment emails to [email protected]. Any requests to be called in to speak remotely during the hearing will also need to be directed to this email. All public comment emails provided at least 24 hours in advance will be printed and handed to the Commissioners prior to the hearing. All emails will also be uploaded to the project file in EDARP as part of the public record. (EDARP link: AL252)
Yes, please include the PCD file number AL252 in the subject line of the email! I am including the specific Land Development Code criteria for Special Use applications below. This is what the Commissioners will be considering.
(C) Criteria. In approving a special use, the following criteria may be considered:
• The special use is generally consistent with the applicable Master Plan;
• The special use will be in harmony with the character of the neighborhood, and will generally be compatible with the existing and allowable land uses in the surrounding area;
• The impact of the special use does not overburden or exceed the capacity of public facilities and services, or, in the alternative, the special use application demonstrates that it will provide adequate public facilities in a timely and efficient manner;
• The special use will not create unmitigated traffic congestion or traffic hazards in the surrounding area, and has adequate, legal access;
• The special use will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding air, water, light, or noise pollution;
• The special use will not otherwise be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare of the present or future residents of El Paso County; and/or
• The special use conforms or will conform to all other applicable County rules, regulations or ordinances.
Proposed Electronic Billboard on Highway 24 westbound side, across from Red Rock Canyon, Points and Facts:
El Paso County document AL 252
The existing billboard is on the westside of Ridge Road across from Red Rock Canyon, on Highway 24 westbound lanes.
The existing billboard is 378sf. New billboards are limited to 245sf, unless “credits” are used by the billboard company. The existing billboard, established in 1992, is “static” whereas the proposed change would make the billboard electronic, Electronic Message Display. No other changes made to height, size or location, thus the existing electronic billboard is bigger.
The Planning Commission has given the okay for this billboard to become an electronic billboard, along with another electronic billboard up by Cascade off Highway 24. The two billboards are separate proposals with the County. This proposal is identified as AL 252.
When Red Rock Canyon was purchased by the City for Open Space, at least 2 existing billboard leases by the entrance to Red Rock Canyon were purchased by the City. After the existing leases for advertisements expired, the City took the billboards down.
The electronic billboard, though across from the entrance, will be seen from people using Red Rock Canyon Open Space doing outdoor activities. The lighted, flashy billboard will be noticed.
Lamar is the company doing the billboards. 143 Mellville Columbia SC LLC, based out of 3010 E Bonanza Rd, Gilbert, AZ, owns and leases the land to Lamar for the billboard. The billboard is on the Timber Lodge property which has access off Colorado Avenue.
Both Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs do not allow electronic billboards. The billboard is on El Paso County property, completely surrounded by both cities which do not allow electronic billboards. Teller County, going up Highway 24, also does not allow electronic billboards.
A billboard which distracts attention would make more animal-vehicle collisions. Many deer, racoon, bears, mountain lions, foxes and more, cross Highway 24 to get water from Fountain Creek. It will also distract drivers turning left into Red Rock Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon entrance marks an important transition from urban areas to the “wild and natural areas” many people use. People enjoying Red Rock Canyon will see the new electronic display billboard. Electronic display billboards are made to be noticed advertisements. The electronic billboard does not fit into a “wild and natural area” to enjoy for recreation.
