Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1301 TITLE
7.4.1301: TITLE:
This part of the City of Colorado Springs Unified Development Code (UDC) is herein referred to as the "Sign Code". (Ord. 26-01)
SIGNS
Colorado Springs City Code ch. 7, art. 4, pt. 13
in effectColorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1302 PURPOSE
7.4.1302: PURPOSE:
The sign regulations in this part are not content based and regulate the secondary effects of signs, particularly the adverse impacts on aesthetics and safety. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1303 INTENT
7.4.1303: INTENT:
In order to preserve and promote the City of Colorado Springs as a desirable community in which to live, visit, play, and do business in a pleasing, visually attractive environment, safe for motorists and pedestrians, these regulations are intended to:
A. Promote an attractive built environment and healthy local economy while working to incorporate contemporary products, technology, and marketing practices and improve understanding, application, flexibility, and enforcement of sign regulations and standards.
B. Highlight the positive contributions signs can make to creating a sense of place in the community, and ensure that new sign design standards avoid visual clutter.
C. Support free speech and content-neutral sign regulation through careful attention to site-design and advertising, enhanced wayfinding, and compliance with the reasonable time, place, and manner regulations found in this part. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1304 APPLICABILITY
7.4.1304: APPLICABILITY:
A. General Provisions:
1. The provisions of this part shall apply to the display, construction, erection, alteration, use, location, and maintenance of all signs within the City, unless otherwise exempted in whole or in part. All signs should be consistent with the standards and design considerations set forth in this part.
2. If any provision of this part conflicts with any other adopted City code that regulates signs, the provisions in this part shall govern.
3. The Form Based Zoning or Planned Development Zoning (PDZ) regulations may provide alternate sign requirements for applicable regions.
4. Use Specific Considerations:
a. Sign code regulations are based on the use of the property, including but not limited to commercial, industrial, office, civic, and residential uses.
b. Residential uses, as referenced in this part, refer to three-family, four-family, and multi-family dwellings. These uses include dwelling multi-family, manufactured home park, tiny house community, long-term care facility, group cooperative living, group living residence (medium and large), and human service establishment (medium and large).
c. Single family residential uses are restricted to certain minor and temporary signs, as referenced in City Code § 7.4.1307. These uses include dwelling, single family detached, dwelling two-family (duplex), dwelling, single family attached, manufactured home, group cooperative living, group living residence (small), human service establishment (small).
5. Signs located in the public right-of-way require a revocable permit pursuant to section City Code § 3.2.201.
6. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has sign regulations that apply to the property and to ensure compliance with such regulations.
B. Exemptions: The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this part:
1. Works Of Art: A decorative or artistic painting, sculpture, poem, or other product of the creative arts, including architectural graphics and murals, that does not include a commercial message, is not symbolic of any commercial business or commercial activity taking place on the subject property, and contains no form of advertising.
2. Official governmental signs, including, but not limited to, traffic signs, signals, and devices; warning signs; street signs; and interpretive signs. To the extent practicable, governmental signs shall attempt to comply with the sign requirements for civic use types.
3. Official legal notices.
4. Signs displayed within the interior of a building that are at least two feet (2') away from exterior windows.
5. Displays, lights, and decorations that do not contain commercial messaging.
6. Human signs held by persons, so long as the signs are not set down or propped on objects for extended periods of time.
7. Street numbers or addresses.
8. De Minimis Signs: Signage not containing a commercial message and not symbolic of any commercial business or commercial activity taking place on the subject property, not containing advertising, not exceeding three (3) square feet per sign, and a maximum of three (3) signs per property.
9. Nongovernmental outdoor entertainment or recreational venues with inward facing advertising on playing fields, walls, fences, backstops, and scoreboards.
10. Signs oriented only to the internal property on which they are located, not substantially visible from the public right-of-way, and set back over fifteen feet (15') or not visible from the lot line.
11. Temporary sign covers only used for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, during which time a new permanent sign or sign component is being fabricated by the property owner.
12. Light Pole Banners: Vertical banners attached to existing light poles on private property not exceeding twenty-four (24) by forty-eight (48) inches and hung eight feet (8') above grade in pedestrian areas and fourteen feet (14') above grade in vehicular areas.
13. Face changes, re-paint, re-lamp, and general maintenance of previously permitted signage, so long as the sign is not raised, lowered, removed, or changed in a structural manner. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1305 SIGN PERMITS
7.4.1305: SIGN PERMITS:
A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide for the review of signs and their conformance with the sign regulations of this part to effectuate their purpose.
B. Applicability: A sign permit is required before erecting any sign identified in this part, unless specifically exempted by City Code § 7.4.1304. The Manager must review all sign permits prior to issuance of a related permit by the Building Official. Signs must comply with the requirements of the Regional Building Code as referenced in this UDC. The type of use requesting a sign permit must be legally established on the property prior to or concurrently with the signage being requested. Sign permits will not be approved for new signs on property where existing noncompliant signs exist.
C. Sign Permit Approval Process:
1. Application Submission:
a. In addition to the application submission requirements in City Code § 7.5.403, as may be amended, the following must be included in a sign permit application:
(1) A complete application form, in the form approved by the Manager, together with any applicable fees.
(2) A project statement identifying and demonstrating:
(A) All existing and proposed signage on the parcel; and
(B) How the requested application meets the sign permit review criteria.
(b) The sign permit shall contain any information deemed necessary by the Manager, including, but not limited to, the construction plan.
(c) If signage will be shared between two (2) or more parties, the applicant must submit an agreement evidencing ownership and management of the signage between the parties and the property owner's approval.
(d) When an Electronic Message Center ("EMC") sign is proposed, the applicant must execute a letter of compliance for EMC to verify compliance with all applicable EMC sign requirements set forth in this part.
D. Decision-Making Body: Except as otherwise noted in this part, all sign permits shall be reviewed and decided upon by the Manager based on the criteria in this section.
E. Sign Permit Review Criteria: The Manager shall review the sign permit application and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application based on the following criteria:
1. The decision-making criteria in City Code § 7.5.409, unless otherwise modified by this part;
2. The application complies with all applicable sign standards in this part;
3. Any light source intended to illuminate a sign will be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness does not adversely affect adjacent or facing premises or visibility for pedestrians or operators of vehicles;
4. The sign will not obstruct sight-visibility in any direction at a street intersection or within an alley or driveway. If a sign is placed at the intersection of two (2) rights-of-way, the sign must not interfere with sight-visibility as described in the Engineering Criteria; and
5. Anticipated, significant, off-site impacts resulting from the proposed signage are mitigated or offset to an acceptable extent.
F. Pre-Decision And Post-Decision Limitations:
1. Work Before Permit Issuance: In the event work has started or been performed prior to obtaining a permit, the contractor and property owner are jointly and severally liable, subject to enforcement, and additional fees may be due. The payment of such fees shall not relieve any person from full compliance with the requirements of this Code, nor from any penalties prescribed herein.
2. Issuance Of Building Permit: Sign plans will not be approved until a building permit for the principal use has been issued, and advanced construction, such as structural framing and access to all ground signage, is available, if applicable.
3. Sign Permit Expiration: A sign permit shall expire one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of issuance, unless stated otherwise in this Code. Prior to the expiration of a sign permit, the applicant may request, and the Building Official may authorize a courtesy extension of an additional one hundred and eighty (180) days. Any additional extension requests will require additional fees. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1306 COORDINATED SIGN PLANS
7.4.1306: COORDINATED SIGN PLANS:
A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide flexibility for signage and variation from the requirements of this Sign Code. A Coordinated Sign Plan ("CSP") is used to review compliance with the sign regulations in this part against a unique development approach, site-specific constraints, or significant features impacting signage, and to allow variations from this Sign Code while effectuating its purpose. Signage that advertises property located anywhere within the boundaries of the CSP area will be considered on premise signage.
B. Applicability:
1. CSP are not available for changing or establishing a use type to secure alternative sign type standards. A CSP may be considered only with the following types of developments or signage proposals:
a. Common Developments: A common development consisting of one or multiple parcels, which:
(1) Has a combined lot size greater than one (1) acre;
(2) Has minimum of one (1) frontage on a public or private right-of-way; and
(3) Contains three (3) or more independent civic, commercial, industrial, or office uses.
b. Condominium Developments: Any condominium development for any civic, commercial, or office uses.
c. Single Lot, Single Use: A lot containing a single use with at least one (1) of the following:
(1) Multiple points of access on separate frontages on public or private rights-of-way;
(2) Site grades at or exceeding fifteen percent (15%) that compromise signage visibility;
(3) A unique parcel configuration or layout not characteristic of nearby properties; or
(4) Frontage along a major arterial right-of-way or higher classification, as set forth in the Engineering Criteria.
2. If signage proposals do not meet the standards of this part, the applicant may still seek to modify any numerical sign regulation standard in this part by no more than fifteen percent (15%) or request alternative design considerations.
3. A CSP may modify the maximum number of allowed EMC signage for what is generally allowed for the applicable use.
C. CSP Approval Process:
1. Application Submission: In addition to the sign permit application requirements of City Code § 7.4.1305, the following items must be included in the application:
a. A project statement identifying and demonstrating:
(1) Which sign requirement of this part is to be modified;
(2) Inventory of all existing and proposed signage on the parcels; and
(3) How the requested application meets the CSP review criteria.
b. Any additional plans deemed necessary by the Manager, including but not limited to plan content.
D. Decision-Making Body: Except as otherwise noted in this part, all CSP shall be reviewed and decided upon by the Manager based on the criteria in this section.
E. CSP Standards:
1. Standards applicable to all CSP requests:
a. The two (2) longest frontages may be aggregated to allow for additional signs, sign area, and sign height.
b. The total permitted sign area and height for freestanding signs may be split into fewer smaller signs at the option of the property owner.
c. The fifteen percent (15%) administrative adjustment allowed under City Code § 7.5.524 may not be added to the modifications allowed through a CSP.
2. Common Developments And Condominium Developments:
a. When the total permitted sign area or height is aggregated, the size or height of any single sign shall not exceed the sign standard by more than thirty percent (30%).
b. When three (3) or more commercial, industrial, office, or civic uses are part of a CSP, the total permitted sign area and sign height will be governed by the most intensive sign use classification.
3. Single Lot, Single Use:
a. As an alternative means of calculation, the measurement of the lot frontage plus the lot depth will be used to determine the number of allowable signs, the sign area, and the sign height for parcels with unique characteristics not representative of nearby properties.
b. Parcels meeting City Code subsection B1c(4) are allowed a maximum sign height of forty feet (40').
F. CSP Review Criteria:
1. The decision-making body shall review the CSP application and approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application based on the following criteria:
a. The strict application of the applicable regulations is unreasonable and unnecessary given the unique development approach proposed by the applicant, or the extraordinary physical conditions of the site significantly impact the development of signage, do not generally exist on nearby properties, and do not allow the reasonable visibility of the use or signage on the property;
b. The intent of the applicable regulation is met;
c. The granting of the CSP will not result in an adverse impact on surrounding properties;
d. The granting of the CSP will not increase the nonconformity of existing signage on the property;
e. The requested signage is more compatible with the surrounding pattern of development than if it were constructed in accord with the established requirements; and
f. The requested signage incorporates enhanced architectural design and upgraded materials.
2. If the decision-making body finds that the application has not met the above criteria, the applicant may appeal that decision to the Downtown Review Board or Planning Commission, as applicable.
G. Pre-Decision And Post-Decision Limitations:
1. Work Before Permit Issuance: In the event work has started or is being performed prior to obtaining an approved CSP, the contractor and property owner are jointly and severally liable for correcting the same, subject to enforcement, and additional fees may be due. The payment of such fees shall not relieve any person from full compliance with the requirements of this Code, nor from any penalties described herein.
2. Issuance of Permit: Sign permits will not be approved for a property seeking approval of a CSP until the CSP is approved.
3. Expiration: A CSP shall not expire unless such expiration is made a condition of the approval. A CSP approved with a development plan shall run concurrently with that approval, shall expire, and shall terminate at the same time as the development plan. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1307 SIGN TYPES AND CRITERIA BY SIGN CATEGORY
7.4.1307: SIGN TYPES AND CRITERIA BY SIGN CATEGORY:
A. Major Sign Types:
1. General Standards: Unless otherwise exempted in this part, all major sign types require a sign permit prior to construction.
2. Walls Signs: Table 7.4.13-A provides dimensional standards for permitted wall signage.
Table 7.4.13-A
Wall Sign Dimensional Standards
Use | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Additional Standards
Table 7.4.13-A
Wall Sign Dimensional Standards
Use | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Additional Standards
Office and Civic | Yes | Canopy/Awn ing Signs: .5 sq. ft. x length of canopy/awni ng structure | No limit, but shall not exceed max. total sq. ft. per canopy, awning or building elevation for wall signs | See subsection 7.4.1307A3i | Illuminated signs shall be prohibited for office and civic uses that are adjacent to residential uses.
Wall Signs: 1 sq. ft. x building elevation length | See subsection 7.4.1307A3
Commercial and Industrial | Yes | Canopy/Awn ing Signs: .5 sq. ft. x length of canopy/awni ng structure | No limit, but shall not exceed max. total sq. ft. per canopy, awning or building elevation for wall signs | See subsection 7.4.1307A3i | See subsection 7.4.1307A3
Wall Signs:
1.5 sq. ft. x building elevation length
Wall Signs:
2 sq. ft. x building elevation length when set back >200 ft. from public ROW
Residential | Yes | Canopy/Awning Signs: | No limit, but shall not exceed max. total sq. ft. per Canopy / Awning elevation | See subsection 7.4.1307A3i |
.5 sq. ft. x length of canopy/awni ng structure | Max. 2 signs (may be placed on multiple buildings or different building elevations of the same building) |
Wall Signs:
50 sq. ft. per sign (May not be aggregated)
3. Additional Standards For Wall Signs:
a. For buildings with an elevation length less than sixteen and a half (16.5) linear feet, a minimum sign area of twenty-five (25) square feet shall be allowed.
b. Multiple wall signs per elevation may be allowed so long as the wall sign area does not exceed the total allowance established for each elevation.
c. Additional building signs are permitted under all use classifications for a building with five (5) or more floors, which is eligible for double the maximum size allotment and number for wall signage. The additional allotment must be placed at the fifth (5) floor level or higher. All other wall sign criteria apply.
d. A wall sign extending more than twelve (12) inches from the building shall be considered a projecting sign.
e. In multi-tenant buildings with commercial, industrial, civic, or office uses, tenants are permitted to share or borrow signage among the themselves. If a tenant wishes to have a larger sign than what is entitled based on their leased building frontage, the tenant signage may borrow from the balance of the multi-tenant building allotment upon the written consent of the owners. No tenant may use shared signage beyond one and one-half (1.5) times their allocation. Signage may not be transferred between elevations or buildings unless through an approved CSP.
f. Signs attached to or painted on the end or face of an awning or canopy extending from a building façade, as set forth in the figures below, may:
(1) Be allowed an additional sign area allocation of half (0.5) a square foot per linear foot of canopy/awning length; and
(2) May be backlit.
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
g. Signs that project over the sidewalk or other rights-of-way are permitted, as part of the allowance for wall signs, when designed and placed for the purpose of identifying the businesses for pedestrians.
(1) Signs projecting over a pedestrian area or under a canopy must have a minimum clearance of eight feet (8') above the sidewalk or average grade.
(2) A sign projecting over a vehicular area must be at least fourteen feet (14') above existing grade.
(3) A sign must not project more than six feet (6') from the wall of the building on which the sign is placed and shall not obstruct adjacent existing signage, as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
h. Temporary banners are permitted only for identificatio n purposes as a condition of approval for a sign permit or CSP while uses transition and before permanent signs are placed, subject to the following:
(1) Sixty (60) day limit and may not be permanent.
(2) The maximum allowable sign area for a temporary banner shall be limited to the permanent wall sign allocation.
i. The maximum sign height must comply with the following:
(1) When attached to a pitched roof, a sign shall not extend beyond the roof pitch or peak of roof as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
(2) When attached to the face of the wall or a low protective wall, such as a parapet, or attached to a flat roof, no more than fifty percent (50%) of the overall vertical height of the sign may extend beyond the roof line as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
(3) No sign, on its own or in conjunction with another structure, may exceed the maximum height permitted in the zone district in which it is located.
(4) Signs attached on top of flat roofs are prohibited.
(j) Static digital/LED components will count against the maximum allowable sign area and are not considered EMC signs. Similar signage includes, but is not limited to, fuel price signs, a digital sign that identifies pricing, time and temperature signs, and drive-thru lane identifying markers.
4. Freestanding Signs: Table 7.4.13-B provides dimensional standards for permitted freestanding signage.
Table 7.4.13-B
Freestanding Sign Dimensional Standards
Use | Permit Required | Linear Property Frontage | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Additional Criteria / Standards
Table 7.4.13-B
Freestanding Sign Dimensional Standards
Use | Permit Required | Linear Property Frontage | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Additional Criteria / Standards
Office and Civic | Yes | <160 ft. | 34 sq. ft. | 1 | 7 ft. | For property frontages 160 ft., the max. size of 100 sq. ft. for office uses and 64 sq. ft. for civic uses.
160 ft. | 0.25 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage | 1 | 0.06 ft. per linear foot of lot frontage with a max. 25 ft. for office uses and max. 15 ft. for civic uses | For civic uses, when adjacent to residential uses, lighting may be limited and reviewed through the sign permit.
1,000 ft. | 0.25 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage | 2, plus 1 additional sign for every additional 1,000 ft. of lot frontage
See subsection 7.4.1307A 5
Commercial and Industrial | Yes | <160 ft. | 42 sq. ft. | 1 | 7 ft. | For property frontages 160 ft., the max. size is 150 sq. ft.
160 ft. | 0.35 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage | 1 | 0.07 ft. per linear foot of lot frontage with a max. of 30 ft. | See subsection 7.4.1307A5
1,000 ft. | 0.35 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage | 2, plus 1 sign for every additional 1,000 ft. of lot frontage
1,500 ft. | 0.35 sq. ft. per linear foot of lot frontage | 2, plus 1 sign for every additional 1,000 ft. of lot frontage | 35 ft.
Residential | Yes | All | 32 sq. ft. | 1 | 7 ft. |
5. Additional Standards For Freestanding Signs:
a. Each property or parcel of land is allowed a minimum of one (1) freestanding sign in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part.
b. No portion of a freestanding sign shall be in or project over a right-of-way or obstruct a sight visibility triangle, as defined in the Engineering Criteria, unless a revocable permit is issued pursuant to City Code § 3.2.201 prior to issuance of the sign permit. No freestanding sign shall be placed within a public or private easement unless otherwise authorized.
c. Freestanding signage area is based on the lot frontage. Freestanding signs must be placed adjacent to the property frontage used to calculate the allowable sign area and height as set forth in the diagonal diagram below, except when multiple freestanding signs are permitted, in which case the freestanding sign shall be placed adjacent to any property boundary with public or private frontage.
[image omitted; see the official code]
d. For corner lots, one property boundary with frontage adjacent to a public or private right-of-way may be used for calculating the freestanding sign size and height. Property owners may choose accordingly.
e. Static digital/LED components shall count against the maximum allowable sign area and are not considered EMC signs. Similar signage includes, but is not limited to, fuel price signs, a digital sign that identifies pricing, time and temperature signs, and drive-thru lane identifying markers.
f. Freestanding/ground signs, including directional signs, may be at a zero (0) foot setback within property lines so long as they do not compromise line of sight for traffic.
6. EMC Signs: Table 7.4.13-C provides dimensional standards for permitted EMC signs.
Table 7.4.13-C
Electronic Message Center Sign Dimensional Standards
Use | Type | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Maximum Number | Message Hold Time | Additional Standards
Office and Civic | Freestanding Sign | ü | 50% of permitted sign area | 1 per property (regardless of freestanding or wall sign) | 10 seconds | See subsection on 7.4.1307A7
Wall Signs | ü | Not to exceed 32 sq. ft. or the max. Allowable sign area, whichever is less. | 10 seconds | See subsection on 7.4.1307A7
Commercial and Industrial | Freestanding Sign | ü | 50% of permitted sign area | 1 per property (regardless of freestanding or wall sign) | 10 seconds | See subsection on 7.4.1307A7
Wall Signs | ü | Not to exceed 32 sq. ft. or the max. Allowable sign area, whichever is less. | 10 seconds | See subsection on 7.4.1307A7
7. Additional Standards For EMC Signs:
a. EMCs shall not be a standalone sign and must be integrated into a major sign, such as freestanding or wall sign, as shown in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
b. EMCs are limited to static messages only. Allowable methods for visual transition shall be limited to fading or dissolving. Any method of visual transition shall not have movement or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, on any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial part of the sign, including the movement of any illumination or the flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity.
c. EMCs shall have automatic dimmer software or solar sensors to control brightness for nighttime viewing. The intensity of the light source shall not produce glare that constitutes a traffic hazard. Lighting shall not exceed five hundred (500) nits between dusk to dawn, as measured from the face of the sign.
d. Transition duration between messages shall not exceed one (1) second.
e. EMC Maintenance: The light/LED modules on an EMC must be repaired or replaced within thirty (30) days of being broken, burned out, or substantially dimmed.
f. Any property that wishes to add an EMC component to an existing sign must comply with current Sign Code standards before the EMC is approved.
g. Temporary signage, except for short term signs, shall be prohibited on any property that has an EMC.
h. EMC signs shall be limited to the commercial messaging of any commercial business or commercial activity taking place on the subject property where the sign is located.
i. The Manager may grant additional flexibility for the maximum number of allowed EMC signs according to an approved CSP.
j. A property may not have both an EMC wall sign and an EMC freestanding sign.
k. Any EMCs associated with office or civic uses that are adjacent to a residential use shall comply with the following use specific requirements:
(1) Signs shall be placed and oriented to maintain a separation distance of at least two hundred feet (200'), measured from the adjacent property line to the nearest sign element, except when separated by a right-of-way with a roadway classification of collector or higher, as defined in the Engineering Criteria.
(2) EMC components, which support the change or transition of messaging, may not be used from the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. through seven o'clock (7:00) A.M.
B. Minor Sign Types:
1. General Standards: Unless otherwise specified in this part, minor sign types do not need a sign permit prior to construction or use.
2. Table 7.4.13-D provides general criteria for permitted minor signage.
Table 7.4.13-D
Minor Sign Types- ü = Permit
Use | Type | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Setback | Additional Standards
Table 7.4.13-D
Minor Sign Types- ü = Permit
Use | Type | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Setback | Additional Standards
All | Building Plaque | No | 6 sq. ft. | 1 per building | 8 ft. attached to building | N/A | Built into or mounted flat against the façade. Lighting permitted .
All | Flags | No | Not to exceed 3 ft. x 5 ft. | 3 per lot with up to 5 additional flags (1 per 160 ft. of frontage) allowed in the front yard with a max. 8 flags per lot | See section 7.4.203 for additional information regarding dimensional standards for flagpoles
Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Office and Residential | Directional Signs | ü | 6 sq. ft. | 2 per entrance | 4 ft. | Within 15 ft. from ROW | Commercial messaging limited to 25% of sign content
Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Office and Residential | Directory (freestanding) | ü | 64 sq. ft. | 2 per entrance | 6 ft. | 15 ft. from ROW | Commercial messaging limited to 25% of sign content
Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Office and Residential | Historic Signs | ü | Sign and structure must comply with subsection 7.4.1307C1 below
All | Development/ Subdivision Monument Sign | ü | 100 sq. ft. | 2 per access or 1 per corner (adjacent to Arterial or Collector roadway) | 15 ft | None | See subsection 7.4.1307C3 below
All | Motor Vehicle Signs | No | Signs that are permanently painted or affixed to a vehicle for advertising purposes. See subsection D.3 below
All | Mural/Work of Art | No | Any portion of a mural/work of art that is considered a sign will deduct from the maximum size of the allowable signage type and requires permitting.
Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Office and Residential | Window Signs | No | 25% of the window(s) | None | N/A | N/A | Prohibited above ground level. Lighting permitted.
C. Additional Standards For Minor Sign Types:
1. Historic Signs: May be kept, used, maintained, and displayed, and not considered abandoned, when the following requirements are met:
a. Documentation is provided evidencing that the sign has been at its present location for a minimum of fifty (50) years prior to application for a sign permit and is representative of signage from the era.
b. The sign must be structurally safe, or be capable of being made structurally safe, without substantially altering its historic character.
c. Historic signs may be maintained on a property in addition to new permitted signs.
2. Motor Vehicle Signs: Signs may be placed on licensed motor vehicles provided:
a. Each sign must be permanently painted or affixed to the vehicle.
b. No sign shall project more than one foot (1') above the roofline of the vehicle to which it is attached.
c. The vehicle, trailer, or other movable device upon which the sign is affixed must be used for normal operation, regularly moved, and not primarily used to display freestanding signage.
d. The vehicle must be moved at least once every seventy-two (72) hours.
e. When not in use, the vehicle must be parked on the business's, operator's, or owner's premises.
f. The vehicle must be parked in a legal parking space.
g. The vehicle may not block any other legally permitted signs.
h. EMC signs on vehicles, trailers, or other movable devices are prohibited.
3. Development/Subdivision Monument Signs: Permanent signs that are incorporated into entryways from major arterials or collector streets:
a. Must only include the name of the subdivision or development.
b. Must be located at street entrances or corners of the subdivision or development adjacent to the arterial or collector roadway.
c. Must not be located in the public right-of-way unless a revocable permit is obtained pursuant to City Code § 3.2.201 prior to issuance of the sign permit.
d. Must be insured and maintained by the homeowners' association or other appropriate entity.
e. Must be constructed of masonry or other substantial materials.
f. May be placed on a subdivision wall, retaining wall, or other similar background, excluding fencing or a building façade, provided a sign permit is approved.
D. Temporary Signage Criteria: Unless otherwise stated in this part, and in addition to the permanent signage permitted in this part, temporary signs are allowed on each property. Table 7.4.13-E provides general criteria for permitted temporary signage.
Table 7.54.13-E
Temporary Signage Criteria
Use | Type | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Setback | Additional Standards
Table 7.54.13-E
Temporary Signage Criteria
Use | Type | Permit Required | Maximum Size | Number | Maximum Height | Setback | Additional Standards
Civic, Commercial, Industrial , Office and Residential | Banner | Yes | 48 sq. ft. per façade for single-st ory buildings. 96 sq. Ft. per façade for multi-story buildings . | | | | See subsection 7.4.1307E2 below
Single Family Residential | Short Term | No | One (1) acre = 6 sq. ft. One (1) acre = 32 sq. ft. | One (1) acre = 5 per lot. One (1) acre = 1 per street frontage | 10 feet for signs over 6 sf | 5 ft. from lot line | See subsection 7.4.1307E4 below
All Others | One (1) acre = 6 sq. ft. plus 32 sq. ft. One (1) acre 6 sq. ft. plus 64 sq. ft. | One (1) acre = 5 per lot. One (1) acre = 1 per street frontage
Non-Residential | Inflatable Displays | Yes | N/A | One (1) per tenant per event | Max. Height of the zone district | 1.5 times the height of the display | See subsection 7.4.1307E3 below
All | Fence Wraps/ Screens | Yes | Limited to the size of the fence that it is attached to. | Signage facing residential uses is prohibited | Timing: Removed no later than seven (7) days following the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or final building inspection. Maintained in good condition and properly secured.
Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Office and Residential | Pennants | No | N/A | N/A | Minimum travel way clearance of 8 ft above pedestrian and 14 ft above vehicle | | Commercial messaging prohibited
Non-Residential | Portable A-frame Sign | No | 4 ft. X. 2 ft. | 1 per tenant or building entrance | 4 ft. | Within 15 ft. of building entrance | Displayed only during business hours.
Not permitted within the public right-of- way unless a revocable permit has been granted in accordance with City Code 3.2.201 and 3.2.217.
Non-Residential | Temporary Use Permit Signage | Permitted as part of a Temporary Use Permit | 32 sq. ft. | 1 wall or free-standing | 7 ft. | 5 ft. from lot line | Timing: Limited to the duration of the approved Temporary Use permit.
Secured to a building or structure or mounted to posts in a ridged manner.
E. Additional Standards For Temporary Signs:
1. General Provisions: All temporary signage must:
a. Not be illuminated, animated, or constructed of reflective materials.
b. Be kept in good repair, without fraying, fading, or sagging and must remain firmly secured. Signs must not become or create an undue hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
c. Be removed at the owner's or permittee's expense upon expiration of the applicable period of display.
d. Not be attached to public or City owned infrastructure, facilities, utility poles, or signposts.
2. Banners:
a. May be displayed for a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) days per calendar year beginning January 1. Display time must be determined at the time of permitting and may be any combination of consecutive days or equal weekend periods, cumulative for all banners displayed on the property.
b. Banners hung between T-posts or vehicles and banners in landscaped areas are prohibited.
c. The number of banner signs is not limited as long as the maximum size allowed per building or structure façade is not exceeded, and multiple banners may be placed on fencing, retaining walls, or similar structures.
3. Inflatable Displays:
a. Inflatable displays are not permitted for residential uses.
b. Inflatable displays may be displayed for fourteen (14) days per event.
c. No more than two (2) permits for inflatable displays may be issued to a business, development, or property during a calendar year starting January 1.
d. Inflatable displays must not be attached to fences, landscaping, utility poles, or light poles.
e. Ground mounted inflatable displays must be set back from the property line one and one-half (1.5) times the height of the inflatable display.
f. Inflatable displays must not have a sound system.
g. Inflatable displays that wave, lightly or rapidly, in an irregular manner, and portable inflatable billboards, are prohibited in all zone districts.
4. Short Term Signs: These signs are intended to be displayed for a limited period of time, consist of temporary materials and are not permanently affixed to the ground or mounted to a building. These signs are frequently associated with activities or events such as properties under construction or development, election proceedings, or properties actively listed for sale or lease. In addition to allowances outlined in Table 7.4.13-E, the following standards apply to short term signs:
a. Placement: The placement of all short term signs must occur on private property.
b. Removal Parameters: Temporary signs will be removed upon the earliest of:
(1) Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy or final building inspection;
(2) The sale or lease contract has ended; or
(3) Seven (7) days following the event or activity. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1308 PROHIBITED SIGNS
7.4.1308: PROHIBITED SIGNS:
The following signs and sign types are prohibited:
A. Any sign erected or painted upon light poles, retaining walls, fences, rocks, trees, or natural features, unless the sign is otherwise permitted by this part.
B. Any rotating, pulsating, or oscillating beacon of light, searchlight, or HID strobe light, or any sign displaying flashing or intermittent lights or lights of varying intensity or projecting imagery, except as used by law enforcement or other governmental actors or agents performing official duties.
C. Any sign with a digital electronic message that changes in any manner, except those permitted by this part.
D. Any sign with direct or indirect lighting that causes glare into or upon any residential lot or tract adjacent to the lot or tract where the sign is located.
E. Any private sign that is an imitation of an official government street, protective, or warning sign and placed such that the sign may cause traffic or other hazards, including, but not limited to, signs that are copies of or likely to be confused with any official government street, protective, or warning sign.
F. The parking of any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailers, semi-trailers, portable storage units, or other movable devices in a manner that constitutes a freestanding or off premises sign.
G. Any sign attached directly to a flat roof.
H. Animated Sign: A sign with visibly moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement of any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic, or mechanical means, or signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective giving the illusion of motion or changeable copy, except for traditional barber poles and gauges and dials that may be animated to the extent necessary to display correct measurement.
I. Any sign that is structurally unsafe, is not maintained, is dilapidated, has a missing sign face, or otherwise constitutes a hazard to health or safety.
J. Feather, wave, blade, or sword banners and signs.
K. Pavement markings being used as anything other than traffic control, such as colored logos, lettering, or branding.
L. Signs on City property or public rights-of-way without an approved revocable permit.
M. Nonconforming, Abandoned, And Nuisance Signs:
1. Nonconforming Signs:
a. Any legally established sign in existence when this part is enacted, which does not conform with the standards or rules of this part, shall be considered legal-nonconforming and may remain in the same location so long as:
(1) The sign is not raised, lowered, removed, replaced, structurally altered, or abandoned.
(2) If fifty percent (50%) or more of the sign area of a legal-nonconforming sign is destroyed, regardless of fault, the nonconforming sign may not be repaired and shall be removed.
b. A legal-nonconforming sign may continue in existence and function only if the sign is maintained and kept in good condition. Should a legal-nonconforming sign not comply with this section, said sign will no longer be considered legal-nonconforming and must be brought into compliance with this part.
2. Abandoned Signs:
a. A sign is abandoned if it is no longer in use by the person or entity displaying it.
b. Signs that will be used by a new person or entity may remain in place, but the sign face must be replaced as applicable and be kept in good condition.
3. Nuisance Signs: Signs abandoned for a period of thirty (30) or more days are hereby declared a nuisance. The Building Official or Manager may require abandoned signs be replaced or removed by the property owner. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1309 SIGN MAINTENANCE
7.4.1309: SIGN MAINTENANCE:
A. Signs shall be of sound structure, maintained in good repair, without peeling paint or torn materials, and have a clean and neat appearance.
B. The property owner and sign owner must not allow any portion of any sign structure or face to become unsecured or otherwise unsafe. All sign structures shall be free of broken or bent elements, exposed light bulbs, or electrical components.
C. The Building Official or Manager may order a sign to be repaired or removed if it is not maintained as described in this section. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1310 OFF PREMISES ADVERTISING/BILLBOARDS
7.4.1310: OFF PREMISES ADVERTISING/BILLBOARDS:
All new billboards shall comply with the following:
A. Purposes And Intent:
1. The purpose of this section is to limit the impact of billboards on the community; to improve the appearance of the Interstate 25, Highway 24, Highway 24 bypass, and Municipal Airport entryway corridors; to enhance the urban design of the greater downtown area; to ensure compatibility between billboards and adjacent land uses; and to limit the impact that billboards have on sign clutter in the community. The City recognizes that billboards are a necessary and appropriate advertising medium, and that there are acceptable and viable locations for billboards within the community.
2. It is the intent of this section to address the following specific concerns regarding the impact of billboards upon the community:
a. The citizens of Colorado Springs and others visiting or traveling through the City are very concerned about the urban design and visual integrity of the City.
b. Billboards are often incongruous with the City's natural setting and features due to their large-scale figures, numbers, letters, and colors.
c. A billboard can dominate the view from vehicles and interfere with the occupants' enjoyment of the City's natural setting and features.
d. A high concentration of billboards may create traffic safety problems and distract attention away from public safety signs.
e. Billboards of excessive size or height should be downsized within a reasonable time period.
f. Billboards are incompatible with residential uses.
g. The Interstate 25, Highway 24, Highway 24 bypass, and Municipal Airport entryway corridors are major entryways to the City that are of particular importance in terms of urban design and public perception to citizens, visitors, and tourists.
h. The downtown planning area is an area in which urban design significantly influences the health and vitality of the total community.
B. Area, Height, And Face Standards: All billboards shall be constructed in accord with this part and shall conform to the following standards:
1. Sign Area: Billboard faces and supporting framework shall not exceed the following sign areas:
a. New billboards shall be a maximum of two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet.
b. Replacement Billboards: Existing billboards four hundred (400) square feet or larger in face area may be replaced at a size up to four hundred (400) square feet; billboards with face areas less than four hundred (400) square feet and greater than two hundred and forty-five (245) feet shall be replaced at a size of up to two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet. Existing billboards of less than two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet shall be restri cted to their curre nt size in the even t they are relocated.
2. Height: Billboards shall not exceed the maximum height permitted for freestanding signs in the zone district in which they are located.
3. Faces: There shall be no more than two (2) billboard faces per supporting structure.
C. Location Standards: All billboards shall be located in accord with the following standards:
1. Zones: After the effective date, billboards shall be allowed as conditional uses in the following zones: MX-L, LI, GI, and BP.
2. Conditional Uses: All new billboards shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit in accord with City Code § 7.5.601.
3. Location Standards:
a. Billboards shall be set back a minimum of ten feet (10') from property line.
b. No billboard shall be placed on the roof of any building or structure.
c. No billboard shall cantilever over any building or structure.
4. Spacing Standards:
a. No billboards shall be spaced less than one thousand feet (1,000') from the nearest billboard, except billboards in GI zones shall be spaced no less than four hundred feet (400') from the nearest billboard. In determining the physical spacing of billboards, the City will consider existing billboards and approved conditional use billboard locations.
b. Distances bet we en billboards shall be measured horizontally along the centerline of the street or highway to which the sign is directed as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
c. Only one billboard shall be placed within a radius of two hundred and fifty feet (250') from the center point of any street or highway intersection as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
d. No billboard shall be placed within five hundred feet (500') of any residential zone as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
5. Railroad Rights-Of-Way:
a. New billboards shall not be allowed to be placed within any railroad rights-of-way.
b. Existing billboards within a railroad right-of-way shall be grandfathered and allowed to remain in their current locations as legal-nonconforming uses.
D. Maintenance And Discontinuance:
1. Maintenance: All sign supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in good repair. Faces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. The City shall notify the sign owner or its agent of any sign that is not in a proper state of repair. If corrective action is not taken within thirty (30) days, the City official may order the repair or removal of the sign.
2. Discontinuance: The Manager may order the removal of any billboard, without compensation, upon which the message has been discontinued for more than sixty (60) continuous days. The billboard shall be removed by the owner within thirty (30) days of notification by the City.
E. Billboard Credit: Permits to erect new billboards shall only be issued to those persons possessing a "billboard credit."
1. Billboard Credit: Billboard credits shall be issued by the City to those billboard owners who have removed a previously existing, lawfully erected billboard after the effective date. It shall be the responsibility of the permit applicant to show the ownership, location, and date of removal of the billboard.
2. Credit Basis: Billboard credits shall be issued on a per face and per structure basis. One credit shall be issued for each billboard face removed and one credit for each structure removed. If a billboard is not located upon a separate supporting structure, the building or other structure to which the billboard is attached shall constitute a single structure for the purpose of receiving one credit.
a. No credit shall be granted for the partial removal of faces.
b. No credit shall be granted for the removal of billboard faces that are less than eighty-four (84) square feet.
3. Use Of Billboard Credits: A billboard credit may only be used in a location that meets all standards of this UDC.
4. Transfer Of Credits: Credits may be transferred between parties through legal means.
5. Size: Credits will allow billboards to be reconstructed in the following sizes:
a. A credit for a new four hundred (400) square foot billboard will be issued for billboards that are removed that are in excess of three hundred and ninety-nine (399) square feet.
b. A credit for a new two hundred and forty-five (245) square foot billboard will be issued for billboards that are removed that are between two hundred and forty-five (245) and three hundred and ninety-nine (399) square feet.
c. A credit will be issued for a new billboard of equal size for billboards that are removed that are less than two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet.
F. Downsizing:
1. Restricted Corridors: All existing billboards that are directed toward and visible from and within six hundred and sixty feet (660') of Interstate 25, Highway 24, Highway 24 bypass, and Municipal Airport entryway from the locations of Powers Boulevard between Fountain Boulevard and Milton E Proby Parkway, and Milton E Proby Parkway between Powers Boulevard and the airport terminal corridors shall be downsized as follows:
a. Billboards larger than four hundred (400) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet.
b. Billboards containing between two hundred and forty-five (245) and three hundred and ninety-nine (399) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet.
2. Billboards In The FBZ Zone District:
[image omitted; see the official code]
All existing billboards within the area of the FBZ district, as shown on the map below, on the effective date shall be downsized as follows:
a. Billboards larger than four hundred (400) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet.
b. Billboards containing at least two hundred and forty-five (245) but less than four hundred (400) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet as set forth in the figure below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
3. Nonrestricted Areas: All existing billboards, in areas other than the restricted corridors or FBZ Zone District, shall be downsized as follows:
a. Billboards larger than four hundred (400) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet.
b. Billboards containing between two hundred and forty-five (245) and four hundred (400) square feet in face area before December 31, 1996, shall not exceed two hundred and forty-five (245) square feet.
G. Cap On Number Of Billboards:
1. Restricted Corridors And FBZ Zone District: There shall be a cap on the number of billboards within the restricted corridors or Interstate 25, Highway 24, Highway 24 bypass, Municipal Airport entryway from the locations of Powers Boulevard between Fountain Boulevard and Milton E Proby Parkway, and Milton E Proby Parkway between Powers Boulevard and the airport terminal corridors as well as within the Form Based Zone District. No new billboards shall be allowed within these areas except with the removal of an existing billboard from the same corridor/area. Permits for new billboards within the restricted corridors or downtown planning area will only be issued to those persons possessing a "billboard credit" indicating they have removed a billboard from the same corridor or downtown planning area. All new billboards within restricted corridors or the downtown planning area shall comply with the design standards as set forth in this section.
2. Citywide Cap: There shall be a limit of two hundred and eight (208) total billboard locations within the corporate limits of the City.
H. General Provisions: All billboards are subject to the applicable provisions for signs set forth in this part, except City Code § 7.4.1311. All billboards are subject to the provisions set forth in City Code § 7.5.801 et seq., except that where any provision of this part imposes a more specific requirement than imposed by City Code § 7.5.801 et seq., then that specific requirement shall govern. (Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1311 SIGN MEASUREMENT AND ORIENTATION
7.4.1311: SIGN MEASUREMENT AND ORIENTATION:
A. General Provisions:
1. Clearance for projecting signs shall be measured by the smallest vertical distance between existing grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
2. All sides of a sign that are visible from any one vantage point shall be measured in determining the area of a sign, except that only one (1) side of a sign shall be measured if the two (2) sides are back-to-back or separated by an angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less, as set forth in the figure below. If the two (2) sides are not of equal size, the larger side shall be measured.
[image omitted; see the official code]
B. Methods For Calculating Sign Area:
1. Wall Sign Area: Includes the entire face of the sign, frame, and artwork incidental to its decoration and includes any spacing between letters, figures, and designs, but does not include any architectural, bracing, or structural features that are part of the building, as set forth in the figure below. When the sign consists only of letters, designs, or figures, the total area of the sign shall be calculated by using no more than three (3) standard geometric shapes, regardless of orientation, within which all of the fixed lettering, spacing between letters, or artwork is inscribed. Standard geometric shapes include the square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, and half-circle. Proper font tails of lowercase letters will not be included in the sign area calculation. Customized or extended tails are included.
[image omitted; see the official code]
a. Measurement by one (1) geometric shape, as set forth in the figure below:
[image omitted; see the official code]
b. Measurement by two (2) geometric shapes, as set forth in the figure below:
[image omitted; see the official code]
c. Measurement by three (3) geometric shapes, as set forth in the figure below:
[image omitted; see the official code]
2. Freestanding Sign Area:
a. Freestanding Sign Area Elements: Freestanding sign area includes the frame, if any, but does not include:
(1) A pole or other structural support unless the pole or structural support is internally illuminated or otherwise designed to constitute a display device or part of a display device.
(2) Architectural features that are part of a freestanding structure and not an integral part of the sign, and which may consist of landscaping or structural forms complementing the site in general.
b. Calculation of freestanding sign area as set forth in the figures below:
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
C. Method For Calculating Sign Height: The height of any sign shall be determined by the distance between the topmost portion of the sign structure and the ground elevation at the base of the sign as set forth in the figure below. The grade may not be artificially changed to affect the sign height measurement. Signs on a slope are measured at the midpoint of the sign.
[image omitted; see the official code]
(Ord. 26-01)
Colorado Springs City Code § 7.4.1312 SIGN ALLOCATION
7.4.1312: SIGN ALLOCATION:
A. Sign Allocation For Irregularly Shaped Buildings:
1. Sign allocation is based on the use of the property and linear frontage of exterior walls as set forth in the figure below. Signs must be placed on the frontage from which they draw their allocation, unless otherwise approved by a CSP. For the purpose of this part, all walls of a building shall be designated either north, south, east, or west.
[image omitted; see the official code]
2. Walls at a forty-five (45) degree angle must be designated as one (1) of two (2) directions. The signs allocated to the angle wall may be placed anywhere on the wall to which it is designated.
3. If a wall is not visible from a specific elevation, it does not contribute any sign allocation to that elevation, as set forth in the figures below.
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
(Ord. 26-01)
Source: City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-53472Fetched: 11/1/2026