Sign Regulations in Brighton, Colorado
Brighton, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Brighton, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Brighton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 8' | 32 s.f. | — |
| Site Sign | 8' | 32 s.f. | — |
| Swing Sign | 4' | 6 s.f. per sign; 50 s.f. max. for all | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BrightonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
19
- Awning Sign
- Marquee Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Monument Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Brighton
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
In Brighton, monument signs are limited to 8'. 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 Brighton, 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 Brighton, regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Marquee Sign, Projecting Sign, 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 Brighton 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 Brighton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Brighton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Brighton, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Brighton, Colorado regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 8' tall and 32 s.f. (Sec. Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31). Most commercial signs in Brighton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Brighton, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Brighton (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts | 7 | 8' | 32 s.f. | Yes |
| Non-residential Districts | 17 | No higher than roof or parapet line for wall banner; 20' for feather banner | 100 s.f. max for wall banner; 60 s.f. max for feather banner; 20 s.f. for fence/post banner | Yes |
| Planned Districts | 1 | — | — | Yes |
| Downtown Zone District | 3 | No higher than the wall (1-story) or bottom of second story window (2+ story); 8' minimum clearance | 40 s.f. per sign face | Yes |
| Commercial and Industrial Zone Districts | 3 | No higher than the wall (1-story) or bottom of second story window (2+ story); 8' minimum clearance | 40 s.f. per sign face | Yes |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | 50% of the sign face | Yes |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Brighton(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 8' | 32 s.f. | — | — | 2 per entrance or 1 per non-residential use | 2 per entrance to single residential subdivision, multi-family housing complex or manufactured home park; 1 per non-residential use | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Site Sign | 8' | 32 s.f. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Swing Sign | 4' | 6 s.f. per sign; 50 s.f. max. for all | — | — | Multiple, within maximum area | Multiple, within maximum area | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Wall Sign - Single Family or Two-Family Dwelling | No higher than the eave or parapet line | 2 s.f. | — | — | 1 per principal family or 2-family dwelling unit | 1 per principal family or 2-family dwelling unit | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Wall Sign - Multi-Family Building | — | 32 s.f. | — | — | 1 per principal 3+-family building, per street frontage | 1 per principal 3+-family building, per street frontage | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Wall Sign - Non-Residential Uses | — | — | — | — | Multiple for non-residential uses, within maximum area limits | Multiple for non-residential uses, within maximum area limits | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
| Yard Sign | 4' | 6 s.f. per sign; 50 s.f. max. for all yard signs | — | — | Multiple, within max. area requirements | Multiple, within max. area requirements | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-1: Standards for Residential Zoning Districts, Page 7 of 31 |
Non-residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banners | No higher than roof or parapet line for wall banner; 20' for feather banner | 100 s.f. max for wall banner; 60 s.f. max for feather banner; 20 s.f. for fence/post banner | — | — | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. area limits | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. area limits | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Canopy Sign | No higher than roof or parapet line; 14' minimum clearance | 32 s.f. | — | — | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. area limits | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. area limits | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Display Sign - Pedestrian Oriented | No higher than the eave or parapet line | 6 s.f. | — | — | 1 per non-residential site | 1 per non-residential site | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Display Sign - Vehicle Oriented | No higher than the eave or parapet line | 32 s.f. | — | — | 1 per non-residential site | 1 per non-residential site | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Inflatable Sign | See Section 9.07 | None | — | — | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. height limits | Multiple, non-residential only, within max. height limits | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Marquee Sign | No higher than roof or parapet line; 8' minimum clearance | 40 s.f. per sign face; maximum of 3 faces | — | — | 1 per non-residential building frontage | 1 per non-residential building frontage | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Monument Sign | See Table 9-3 | 32 s.f. | — | — | 2 per entrance or 1 per street frontage | 2 per entrance to single residential subdivision, multi-family housing complex or manufactured home park; 1 per street frontage of principal nonresidential building / access point | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
| Pole Sign | See Table 9-3 | See Table 9-3 | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage of principal | Yes | Unlock | Table 9-2, Page 8 of 31 |
Downtown Zone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | No higher than the wall from which the sign projects if attached to a single story building, or the height of the bottom of any second story window if attached to a multi-story building | — | — | — | — | Ground floor facade | Yes | Unlock | Section 9.06.B, Page 15 of 31 |
| Marquee Sign | Shall not extend above roof line or parapet | 40 s.f. per sign face | — | — | — | Ground floor facade of a building | Yes | Unlock | Section 9.06.F, Page 19 of 31 |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than the wall (1-story) or bottom of second story window (2+ story); 8' minimum clearance | 6 s.f. | — | — | — | Ground floor facade | Yes | Unlock | Section 9.06.I, Page 21 of 31 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Brighton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Brighton — start freeProhibited Signs in Brighton
- All signs not expressly permitted under this Article or exempt from a sign permit in accordance with 9.02.C.
- Signs on vehicles, when the vehicle is placed in a location for the primary purpose of displaying signage.
- Portable signs.
- Banners not firmly attached on at least all 4 corners and/or not stretched tightly to avoid movement in windy conditions.
- Signs located on utility or light poles, benches, trash receptacles, other street furniture or any other form of public property or within any public right-of-way, unless explicitly permitted by this Section.
- Signs which produce audible noise or sounds.
- Signs which emit visible smoke, vapor, or odors.
- Signs that appear to or are designed to move, rotate, revolve, spin, swing, wave or make any other motion whatsoever, except for certain exceptions.
- Signs that are animated with lights or illuminations which flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, vary in color or use intermittent electrical pulsation, with the exception of electronic message signs meeting the requirements of this Section.
- Signs that have a fountain, chaser or strobe, including searchlights.
- Strings of light bulbs with a bulb greater than 0.25 inch used in connection with commercial premises for commercial purposes (excluding traditional holiday decorations).
- Any sign painted, erected and/or constructed upon, above or over the roof or parapet of any building, except for temporary inflatable signs and tethered balloons.
- Any sign other than traffic control signs, that is erected, constructed or maintained within, over or upon a public right-of-way, except sidewalk signs in conformance with Section 9.07, or other temporary signs otherwise granted permission for such location by the City or the Colorado Department of Transportation.
- Any sign that impedes pedestrian or vehicular movement, or is erected in a location that causes visual obstruction or interference with motor vehicle traffic or traffic-control devices, including any sign that obstructs clear vision in any direction from any street intersection or driveway.
- Any sign that obstructs access to or impedes operation of any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building or structure as may be required by law.
- Any sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe, constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, abandonment, dilapidation or obsolescence and/or is not kept in good repair.
- Off-premises signs, except for bus bench and bus shelter signs subject to Section 9.06, and site signs subject to Section 9.07.
Exempt Signs in Brighton
- Signs erected by the City or by any federal, state or county government agency, including traffic control signs.
- Any public purpose/safety sign and any other notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or resolution, provided that the sign does not exceed 4 square feet in area.
- Signs displayed on motor vehicles which are being operated or stored in the normal course of a business, provided that the primary purpose of the vehicle is not for the display of signs and provided that they are parked or stored in areas appropriate to their use as vehicles.
- Scoreboards located adjacent to athletic fields are exempt and may be lighted, provided that scoreboards comply with the lighting requirements of this Article.
- Temporary decorations or displays may be of any type, number, area, height, location, illumination or animation, provided that decorations or displays are maintained and do not constitute a fire hazard and do not conflict with, interfere with or visually distract from traffic regulatory devices.
- Signs being carried by a person (handheld sign).
- Flags and pennants.
- Yard signs, subject to the standards in Sections 9.04 and 9.07.
- Swing signs, subject to the standards in Sections 9.04 and 9.07.
- Site signs, subject to the standards in Sections 9.04 and 9.07.
- Feather banners, subject to the standards in Sections 9.04 and 9.07.
- Sidewalk signs, subject to the standards in Sections 9.04 and 9.07.
- Tethered balloons attached or anchored to prevent dislocation, entanglement or encroachment onto adjacent properties or public streets, or undue hazard to motorists or pedestrians.
- Directional signs not exceeding 2 square feet in size.
- Window signs that are painted on, attached to or placed within 4 feet of the inside of a window, as long as they do not extend beyond the first story of the building on/in which they are located and are not animated, do not block any openings required for entrance or exit from the building, and do not cover over 25% of the total window area for the entire wall of the business.
- Incidental signs which do not exceed 2 square feet in sign area.
- Architectural features or permanent building decorations that are integral to the design of a building or provide an artistic accent, provided that they comply with building height limits and setback requirements applicable to the property on which they are located.
- Display signs, subject to the standards in Section 9.04.
Source: municode municipal code