Denver sign permit requirements
What the Denver sign code and sign ordinance allow, summarised from Denver Zoning Code, Article 10, Division 10.10 Signs. Every figure below shows the ordinance's own wording, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.
Is a permit required?
Sec. 10.10.3.2Yes — a zoning permit from the zoning administrator is required. Some signs are exempt and others are allowed once a permit is issued.
“Upon application to and issuance of a zoning permit, the following signs may be erected and maintained in all zone districts.”
Wall sign — maximum area
Sec. 10.10.11.2Multi-tenant lots: 1.5 sq ft of sign area per linear foot of the building frontage that tenant occupies, for the first 200 ft, then 1 sq ft per linear foot beyond.
“For each use by right, 1.5 square feet of sign area for each linear foot of that portion of building frontage occupied by the use by right, for the first 200' of building frontage, then 1 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage thereafter.”
Freestanding sign — maximum area
Sec. 10.10.11.2No single sign may exceed 200 sq ft, and total sign area for any one use may not exceed 600 sq ft.
“provided, however, that no sign shall exceed 200 square feet in area nor shall the total sign area of any use exceed 600 square feet”
Freestanding sign — maximum height
Sec. 10.10.11.2Ground signs 32 ft; arcade signs 20 ft; wall and window signs up to the roof line.
“Arcade signs: 20'. Ground signs: 32'. Wall or window signs: The roof line of the building to which the sign is attached.”
Freestanding sign — setback
Sec. 10.10.11.2At least 5 ft from every boundary line of the zone lot, in districts that require structural setbacks.
“Shall be set in at least 5' from every boundary line of the zone lot in zone districts requiring structural setbacks”
Projecting sign — clearance
Sec. 10.10.11.2Bottom at least 8 ft above the sidewalk or street-level floor; top no higher than 15 ft. May project no more than 5 ft from the building.
“The bottom of any projecting sign must be at least 8' above the sidewalk or Street Level finished floor level, whichever is higher.”
Illumination
Sec. 10.10.11.2Signs may be illuminated, but direct illumination may not exceed 25 watts per bulb. Flashing signs are prohibited.
“May be illuminated and all direct illumination shall not exceed 25 watts per bulb.”
Prohibited sign types
Sec. 10.10.3Portable signs are not allowed anywhere. Flashing and animated signs are prohibited.
“All portable signs regardless of location are specifically not allowed.”
Which zoning district this describes
Sec. 10.10.11.1Mixed Use Commercial zone districts, Tier 1 (S-MX, E-MX, U-MX, C-MX, M-MX and related). Denver's sign rules vary substantially by zone district — check yours.
“The sign standards contained within this Section apply to the following zone districts:”
Not covered in the sign chapter we read: wall sign — % of facade, projecting sign — maximum area, window signs — maximum coverage, digital / electronic message centres, temporary signs and banners. That doesn't mean the city has no rule — it may sit elsewhere in the code.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us — corrections from local sign shops are how this stays accurate.
Common questions
- Do you need a permit for a sign in Denver, CO?
- Yes — a zoning permit from the zoning administrator is required. Some signs are exempt and others are allowed once a permit is issued.
- How big can a wall sign be in Denver, CO?
- Multi-tenant lots: 1.5 sq ft of sign area per linear foot of the building frontage that tenant occupies, for the first 200 ft, then 1 sq ft per linear foot beyond.
- How big can a freestanding sign be in Denver, CO?
- No single sign may exceed 200 sq ft, and total sign area for any one use may not exceed 600 sq ft.
- How tall can a freestanding sign be in Denver, CO?
- Ground signs 32 ft; arcade signs 20 ft; wall and window signs up to the roof line.
- How far back from the road must a sign sit in Denver, CO?
- At least 5 ft from every boundary line of the zone lot, in districts that require structural setbacks.
- How much clearance does a projecting sign need in Denver, CO?
- Bottom at least 8 ft above the sidewalk or street-level floor; top no higher than 15 ft. May project no more than 5 ft from the building.
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