Sign Code

The sign code regulates the sign displays in the city to ensure individual rights to commercial and noncommercial expression, maintain community aesthetic values and minimize effects on traffic safety.

The sign code requires that signs on a building have a sign permit. A licensed sign contractor must obtain and install the permit the sign. Sign permits can be obtained at:

City of Boulder Planning and Development Services,
1739 Broadway, Third Floor
P.O. Box 791,
Boulder, Colorado 80306-0791
  303-441-1880.

There are regulations regarding the size, number, type and locations of signs that can be displayed on a building. Some types of signs are not allowed under the code. Signs that cannot be displayed:

• Any sign installed without a permit
• Signs in the right of way including a-frame type sandwich board signs
• Signs over 25 feet in height or signs on a roof
• Certain types of window signs
• Wind signs with one exception. A banner is considered a wind sign. A person can obtain a no-fee permit for a banner that can be displayed for 30 days during the first year of operation of a business for any reason. The maximum size of this banner is 50 square feet.
• Signs that move, twinkle, rotate, pulsate or appear to have motion.
• Strings of lights
• Off premises signs
• Unsafe signs

The entire sign code can be reviewed here.

Please call 303-441-3346 if you have any questions about the City of Boulder sign code.

City of Boulder
Downtown University Hill Management Division / Parking Services
1500 Pearl Street, Suite 302
Boulder, CO 80302
303-413-7300

Last Updated on Friday, 29 June 2012 09:05