Sign Regulations in Alma, Colorado
Alma, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 33 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Bulletin Board, Community Event Poster, Flag (≤15 sq ft). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Alma, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Alma
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — |
| Church Sign - Wall Sign Option | Letters max 12 inches in height | — | — |
| Church Sign - Detached Sign Option | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
33
- Bulletin Board
- Community Event Poster
- Flag (≤15 sq ft)
- Monument Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Alma
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
In Alma, wall signs can be up to Letters max 12 inches in height. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Alma, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Alma, regulated sign types include Bulletin Board, Community Event Poster, Flag (≤15 sq ft), Monument Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Alma vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Alma are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Alma has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Alma, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Alma, Colorado regulates 33 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Temporary Political Signs in the Residential (R) District zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 6 sq ft per face, with a ≥3 ft from property or street line, not w/in 15-ft triangle at corners setback (Sec. Sec. 16-15-50(9)(a), Sec. 16-15-80(l)). Most commercial signs in Alma require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Alma, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Alma (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (R) District | 13 | 25 ft | 15 sq ft per flag | — |
| Mixed Use (MU) District | 23 | 25 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Commercial (C) District, Light Industrial (LI) District | 23 | 25 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Planned Unit Development (PUD) District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Alma(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential (R) District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | — | Premises of public, religious, or charitable institution | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(a)(1), Sec. 16-15-80(p) |
| Church Sign - Wall Sign Option | Letters max 12 inches in height | — | — | — | 1 wall sign | On wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(a)(2), Sec. 16-15-80(q)(1), (q)(2) |
| Church Sign - Detached Sign Option | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 detached sign | Detached (ground) | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(a)(2), Sec. 16-15-80(q)(1), (q)(2) |
| Community Event Poster | — | — | — | — | 1 per event per property | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(b)(1), Sec. 16-15-80(a) |
| Flag (≤15 sq ft) | 25 ft | 15 sq ft per flag | — | — | max as above | Flown in conjunction with US/State flag | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(b)(2), Sec. 16-15-80(b) |
| Subdivision Sign | 8 ft | — | — | — | — | At entrance to subdivision, landscaped, not blocking sight | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(b)(8), Sec. 16-15-80(k) |
| Temporary Political Sign | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft from property or street line, not w/in 15-ft triangle at corners | 2 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(9)(a), Sec. 16-15-80(l) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | 8 ft (if detached) | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Wall or detached. If wall: not above roof (1-story) or above 2nd floor window (multi-story) | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-50(9)(b), Sec. 16-15-80(m) |
Mixed Use (MU) District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Complex Identification Sign | 6 ft | 16 sq ft per face (double-sided) or 32 sq ft (single-sided) | — | ≥5 ft from public ROW | 1 per street frontage | Detached, landscaped, 1 per street frontage, not within 15 ft of sight triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(a)(1), Sec. 16-15-80(n) |
| Church Sign - Detached Sign Option | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 detached sign | Detached | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(a)(3), Sec. 16-15-80(q) |
| Flag (>15 sq ft) | 25 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 3 per property | Flown with US/State flag, fraternal/religious/civic/corporate orgs | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(a)(4), Sec. 16-15-80(s) |
| Projecting Object Sign | 4 ft | — | 4 ft | — | 1 per storefront | First-story businesses with building frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(a)(5), Sec. 16-15-80(u) |
| Flag (≤15 sq ft) | 25 ft | 15 sq ft per flag | — | — | per frontage | Flown with US/State flag, fraternal/religious/orgs | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(b)(2), Sec. 16-15-80(b) |
| Instructional Sign | 6 ft | 2 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per message | Wall, projecting, window, or detached | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(b)(4), Sec. 16-15-80(d) |
| Parking or Private Traffic Directional Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from property line | — | ≥5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(b)(6), Sec. 16-15-80(g) |
| Temporary Political Sign | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft from front/side property, not within 15-ft triangle | 2 per street | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-60(b)(7), Sec. 16-15-80(l) |
Commercial (C) District, Light Industrial (LI) District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | — | On premises of public, religious, or charitable institution | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(a)(1), Sec. 16-15-80(p) |
| Flag (>15 sq ft) | 25 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 3 per property | Flown with US/State flags; orgs | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(a)(2), Sec. 16-15-80(s) |
| Individual Detached Sign | 15 ft or height of building (whichever is less) | 25 sq ft per face, 50 sq ft total. Can exceed up to 25% (max 62.5 sq ft) for low-profile planter w/Board approval | — | ≥5 ft from ROW. ≥25 ft from other detached signs. | 1 per business | ≥5 ft from ROW. Not closer to another detached sign than 25 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(a)(3), Sec. 16-15-80(y) |
| Projecting Object Sign | 4 ft | — | 4 ft | — | 1 per distinguishable storefront | First-story businesses with building frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(a)(5), Sec. 16-15-80(u) |
| Temporary Banner | 16 ft above grade | 32 sq ft per property or use | — | — | 1 per property | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(a)(6)a, Sec. 16-15-80(v) |
| Instructional Sign | 6 ft | 2 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per message | Wall, projecting, window or detached | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(b)(3), Sec. 16-15-80(d) |
| Parking or Private Traffic Directional Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from property line | — | ≥5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(b)(7), Sec. 16-15-80(g) |
| Temporary Political Sign | 8 ft | 6 sq ft per face | — | ≥3 ft from line, not in 15-ft triangle | 2 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 16-15-70(b)(8), Sec. 16-15-80(l) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Alma — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Alma — start freeProhibited Signs in Alma
- No sign shall be erected or continued unless it is in full compliance with this Chapter and all applicable laws of the Town and the State.
- It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, construct, reconstruct or remove any sign without first obtaining a permit from the Town, unless specifically permitted by another section of this Article.
- Signs are prohibited and shall not be erected or maintained if they are animated or mechanically agitated or designed to move or make any motion.
- Signs exhibiting changing light effects or moving/changing copy are prohibited, except scoreboards, time and temperature signs, and theater signs and marquees (limited to info directly related to current theater performances).
- Signs which exhibit changing color effects are prohibited, except barber poles or other nostalgic signs approved by the Building Inspector.
- Signs that by their light or focus cause a nuisance by disturbing surrounding property uses or causing a traffic hazard are prohibited.
- Signs using any sound- or noise-making or transmitting device separately for advertising purposes beyond the confines of a building or lot are prohibited.
- Signs that block any window, doorway or opening required for ventilation, light or exit as per the building code are prohibited.
- Signs or posters on or projecting into any public right-of-way are prohibited, except public signs.
- Balloons exceeding three cubic feet of air, pennants, or wind-powered devices are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Searchlights are prohibited.
- Strings of light bulbs, other than traditional holiday decorations, are prohibited.
- Signs with the optical illusion of movement via reversible perspective are prohibited.
- Signs which project from the corners of buildings are prohibited.
- Off-premises advertising signs or billboards are prohibited.
- Internally lit signs are prohibited.
- Signs that are not permitted by this Article are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Alma
- Flags of any fraternal, religious, corporate or civic organization, if flown with the American and State flags, and limited to fifteen square feet per flag and twenty-five feet in height, are not considered signs.
- Merchandise, pictures or models of products or services in a window display are not considered signs.
- Governmental, religious, fraternal or civic logos or crests are not considered signs.
- Works of art which in no way identify a product, service or business are not considered signs.
- Scoreboards located on athletic fields which do not identify a product, service or business are not considered signs.
- Temporary decoration or displays customarily associated with national, local or religious celebration, and not exceeding sixty-four square feet, are not considered signs.
- Small temporary placards in or affixed to windows announcing events of nonprofit groups are not considered signs.
- Public signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by the Town or statute may be of any type, number, area, height, location or illumination as authorized.
- Maintenance of a sign (repairing, repainting, basic care) does not require a new permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Alma
- A sign permit is required for installation, display, alteration, reconstruction or removal of any sign, unless the sign is specifically allowed without a permit by the ordinance.
- Permit applications must be submitted with plans including address, contractor name, building elevation and dimensions, proposed sign location, size and type, content, wording, colors, and artwork.
- Subdivision signs must be approved by the Board of Trustees as part of the comprehensive sign plan during the site plan review process for the project.
- Signs within PUD Districts are subject to review along with the entire PUD plan.
- Variances to sign regulations may be granted by the Board of Adjustment (BOA) based on specific criteria, but variances for off-premises signs or billboards are not allowed.
- Wall art must be approved by the Board of Trustees prior to installation.
- If the use of property with nonconforming signs changes or expands by 25% or more, all signs must be brought into conformance with the ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code