Sign Regulations in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 14 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window Sign. 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 Aspen, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Aspen
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | No single sign > 6 sq ft; see additional requirements for sign allotment based on tenant size | Not subject to zone setback. See 26.510.060(a) |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft or height of building, whichever is less | No single sign > 6 sq ft; counts toward tenant allotment | — |
| Projecting Sign (Hanging/Blade) | Not above eave/parapet wall; min 8 ft clearance above grade; max projection 4 ft | ≤6 sq ft per side (when perpendicular); otherwise counts against sign allotment | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AspenFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
14
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Window Sign
- Wall Sign / Freestanding Sign / Monument Sign (Option 1 - Residential Complex/Entrance)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Aspen
Frequently Asked Questions
In Aspen, monument signs are limited to 6 ft or height of building, whichever is less. 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 Aspen, 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 Aspen, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window Sign, Wall Sign / Freestanding Sign / Monument Sign (Option 1 - Residential Complex/Entrance), 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 Aspen 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 Aspen are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Aspen has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Aspen, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Aspen, Colorado regulates 14 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the Commercial Core (CC), Commercial-1 (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Service Commercial Industrial (SCI), Mixed Use (MU), Essential Public Facilities, A, P, PUB, T, GCS, SKI, EBO zoning district are capped at No single sign > 6 sq ft; see additional requirements for sign allotment based on tenant size, with a Not subject to zone setback. See 26.510.060(a) setback (Sec. 26.510.100(b)(1), 26.510.090(g), 26.510.050, 26.510.080, 26.510.070.). Most commercial signs in Aspen require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Aspen, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Aspen (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Core (CC), Commercial-1 (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Service Commercial Industrial (SCI), Mixed Use (MU), Essential Public Facilities, A, P, PUB, T, GCS, SKI, EBO | 5 | Not above eave/parapet wall; min 8 ft clearance above grade; max projection 4 ft | Up to 50% of each window area; text/logos ≯25% of that area; not counted toward sign allotment if within size limits | — |
| Lodge (L), Commercial Lodge (CL), Lodge Overlay (LP), Lodge Preservation Overlay (LO) | 5 | Not above eave/parapet; min clearance 8 ft above grade; projection ≤4 ft | 50% of window area (see details for logos/text) | — |
| Residential Zone District (R-6, R-15, R-15A, R-15B, R-30, RMF, RMFA, APHD, R-3, RR) | 3 | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| Affordable Housing (AH, AH-PD), R/MF, R/MFA, APHD | 2 | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Aspen(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Commercial Core (CC), Commercial-1 (C-1), Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Service Commercial Industrial (SCI), Mixed Use (MU), Essential Public Facilities, A, P, PUB, T, GCS, SKI, EBO
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | No single sign > 6 sq ft; see additional requirements for sign allotment based on tenant size | — | Not subject to zone setback. See 26.510.060(a) | No explicit quantity, but max total area per tenant as above | Wall, not above eave line or parapet, nor above second floor or 28 feet, whichever is less | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(b)(1), 26.510.090(g), 26.510.050, 26.510.080, 26.510.070. |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft or height of building, whichever is less | No single sign > 6 sq ft; counts toward tenant allotment | — | — | Within total sign area allotment; multi-tenant building may add 1 building sign up to 10 sq ft | On property; cannot project into public or pedestrian right-of-way | — | Unlock | 26.510.090(b), 26.510.100(a)(4), 26.510.050 |
| Projecting Sign (Hanging/Blade) | Not above eave/parapet wall; min 8 ft clearance above grade; max projection 4 ft | ≤6 sq ft per side (when perpendicular); otherwise counts against sign allotment | — | — | Not restricted by number, but by area and location | Mounted to building, min 8 ft above grade if over pedestrian area; not above eave/parapet | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(a)(2), 26.510.090(e) |
| Window Sign | — | Up to 50% of each window area; text/logos ≯25% of that area; not counted toward sign allotment if within size limits | — | — | Limited only by % window area | On windows; not above second floor/28 ft; not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(a)(5), 26.510.060(f) |
| Sign Box (for restaurants) | 4 ft from point of attachment | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | On or in front of restaurant building | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(n) |
Lodge (L), Commercial Lodge (CL), Lodge Overlay (LP), Lodge Preservation Overlay (LO)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | No single sign > 6 sq ft | — | — | Total sign area 12 sq ft per business; individual sign max 6 sq ft | Wall; not above second floor/28 ft | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(b)(3), 26.510.090 |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft or building height, whichever is less | No single sign > 6 sq ft | — | — | Total sign area 12 sq ft; individual sign max 6 sq ft | — | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(b)(3), 26.510.090(b) |
| Projecting Sign | Not above eave/parapet; min clearance 8 ft above grade; projection ≤4 ft | 6 sq ft/side if perpendicular; otherwise, as-signed allotment applies | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 26.510.090(e), 26.510.100(a)(2), 26.510.100(b)(3) |
| Window Sign | — | 50% of window area (see details for logos/text) | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | 26.510.100(a)(5), 26.510.100(b)(3) |
| Sign Box (for restaurants in lodge districts) | 4 ft from point of attachment | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per restaurant use | On or in front of restaurant building | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(n) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | Not specified, but one sign per property line facing street; size as per Building/Engineering specification | — | — | 1 per street-facing property line; up to 6 safety signs | During construction, along property lot lines facing street | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(b) |
| Temporary Announcement Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building/leasable space | Street-facing facade | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(e) |
| Temporary Additional Signs | — | Each ≤6 sq ft; up to 3 signs | — | — | Up to 3 | Not in areas prohibited for sign type; not above eave/second floor | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(f) |
| Yard Sign (Residential) | 4 ft | 4 sq ft; 3 sq ft for additional (for sale/rent); total up to 12 sq ft for multiple units | — | — | As specified per dwelling/unit | Yard, not in right-of-way | — | Unlock | 26.510.040(h) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Aspen — 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 Aspen — start freeProhibited Signs in Aspen
- "A" Frame, Sandwich Board and Sidewalk or Curb Signs except as allowed per Section 26.510.110
- Permanent Banners and Pennants except as approved by the Special Events Committee per Section 26.510.120
- Billboards and Other Off-Premises Signs, except as a temporary sign as provided for in Section 26.510.040(a)
- Flashing Signs (lights or illuminations which flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity or color, or use intermittent electrical pulsations), except as permitted per Section 26.575.150, Outdoor lighting
- Moving/Variable Message Signs (electronically controlled copy changes, or any other sign that moves or uses movement to emphasize text or images)
- Neon and Neon Appearing Signs (neon lights, similar gas-filled light tubes, lighting made to appear as neon, or technology that simulates neon through LED or other means) unless used for indirect illumination and not directly exposed to public view
- Portable and Wheeled Signs except as allowed per Section 26.510.110, Sandwich Board Signs
- Roof Signs (signs mounted on a roof)
- Search Lights or Beacons except as approved per Subsection 26.575.150(h)
- Signs Causing Direct Glare into or upon any public right-of-way, adjacent lot or building other than the building to which the sign may be accessory
- Signs Containing Unprotected Speech (advocates/incites imminent lawless action, obscenity, defamation, speech integral to criminal conduct, child pornography, threats to public health/safety/etc.)
- Signs Creating Optical Illusion of movement by means of design capable of reversible perspective, giving illusion of motion/changing/copy
- Signs Obstructing Egress (means of ingress/egress, prevents free passage, interferes with openings, or attached to or obstructs standpipe, fire escape, fire hydrant, or free movement of pedestrians)
- Signs on Parked Vehicles where purpose is to advertise, except if sign is incidental to primary use of vehicle for transportation
- Street Blimps (advertising display attached to vehicle/device/bicycle for the primary purpose of advertising)—exceptions apply
- All strings of light and strip lighting not complying with Chapter 26.512 - Outdoor lighting
- Unsafe Signs (structurally unsafe; hazard due to inadequate maintenance; not in good repair; capable of electrical shock; obstructs or is confused with official traffic signs/geared to create unsafe distraction; obstructs view for operators/pedestrians; located on trees, rocks, light/utility poles except as required by law; conflicts with devices placed for controlling traffic or obstructs clear view at intersections)
- Temporary Signs, except as otherwise provided for in Section 26.510.040 or Section 26.510.120
- Illumination of signs via internal, oscillating, flickering, rear (except permitted backlit), variable color, fluorescent, or neon/gas tube (unless used for indirect illumination and directed away from right-of-way)
- Lettering on any sign exceeding 12" in height, except first letter in each word up to 18"
- Logos exceeding 18" in height/length
- Signs placed above the second floor of the building, or 28 feet above street level, whichever is less (see Section 26.510.060(g))
- Display of sandwich board and similar free-standing, two-sided signs on public or private property after September 28, 2020, unless otherwise permitted (see Section 26.510.110)
- Use of signs and sign mounting hardware on historic buildings that undermines the integrity, character, or historic materials of the building
- Signs illuminating through means not allowed by Section 26.510.070(c)
Exempt Signs in Aspen
- Ordinary maintenance, including repainting, of a lawfully existing sign not involving a change of placement, size, lighting, height, or appearance
- Temporary Freestanding or Wall Signs During Construction, as specified for properties under active building permit
- Signs in designated public posting areas in the public right-of-way (such as public kiosks and designated areas of public buildings)
- Incidental signs not exceeding 2 sq ft individually or 10% of the front building façade (typical uses: wayfinding, facility info, accessibility, delivery, courtesy info, etc.)—no advertising allowed
- Temporary Announcement Signs (up to 30 days before/after a new tenant occupies space in eligible zones; max 6 sq ft)
- Additional Temporary Signs (up to 3 per property, 6 sq ft each; April 1–June 15 and October 1–November 15; see location/design restrictions)
- Flags displayed for noncommercial purposes
- Yard Signs (as specified by Section 26.510.040(h), including for-sale/rent, limited periods, and size/location restrictions)
- Government Signs (placed/erected by governmental agencies for regulatory/informational purposes, including variable message display)
- Historic Designation Signs placed/preserved by a public agency on/in front of a historic building/site, up to 6 sq ft as approved by Historic Preservation Officer
- Incidental Signs on Vehicles (signs affixed to vehicles/trailers that are not 'Street Blimp' and are incidental to transportation use)
- Interior Signs (fully within an enclosed lobby/courtyard, not visible from right-of-way or outside)
- Engraved Signs (plaques/tablets/markers/statuary with copy cut into masonry or bronze/other incombustible materials, up to 12 sq ft)
- Sign Boxes in specified zones, meeting criteria (one per use, up to 4 sq ft; for restaurants)
- Theater Signs (up to 30" x 42", and one digital marquee up to 32" visible from exterior, not mounted on exterior of building; must comply with Section 26.510.040(o))
- Machine Signs on vending machines/pumps/etc.; illuminated machine signs must be indoors or not visible from public right-of-way
- Television Signs, subject to setback/orientation/size/location restrictions (see Section 26.510.040(q))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Aspen
- A sign permit is required for the erection, placement, construction, reconstruction, or relocation of any sign that does not fall under the exemptions in Section 26.510.040.
- Application for a sign permit must include forms and information as specified by the Community Development Director, including location, material, net leasable calculation, and calculation information for permitted sign characteristics.
- If a sign permit application is incomplete, action is tolled until deficiencies are remedied.
- Sign permit applications are reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Community Development Director.
- Appeal of a sign permit decision is to the Administrative Hearing Officer under the appeals process in Chapter 26.316.
- A sign plan is required when applying for temporary signage on public rights-of-way or in City parks for events not requiring Special Events Committee review—such applications with a sign plan are reviewed by the Community Development Department (Section 26.510.120(b)(3), (d)(4)).
- Exceptions to requirements for signage on public property require City Council review and approval (Sections 26.510.120(b)(6), (f)(8)).
Source: municode municipal code