Sign Regulations in Broomfield, Colorado
Broomfield, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 63 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Permit-Exempt), Window Sign (Permit-Exempt), Awning or Canopy Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Broomfield, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Broomfield
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign (General Standards) | Not to exceed building height | No zone-wide max; see zone-specific tables | Vertical clearance: ≥8 ft over sidewalks; ≥14 ft over alleys. |
| Wall Sign (General Standards) | — | No zone-wide max; see zone-specific tables | — |
| Ground Sign (General Design Standards) | See zone-specific tables | See zone-specific tables | See zone-specific setbacks |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BroomfieldFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
63
- Directional Sign (Permit-Exempt)
- Window Sign (Permit-Exempt)
- Awning or Canopy Sign
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Broomfield
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Broomfield vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Broomfield, 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 Broomfield, regulated sign types include Directional Sign (Permit-Exempt), Window Sign (Permit-Exempt), Awning or Canopy Sign, Wall 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 Broomfield 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 Broomfield are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Broomfield has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Broomfield, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Broomfield, Colorado regulates 63 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Ground or Monument)s in the Low Density Residential (Nonresidential Uses within a Low Density Residential Zone District; OLPF, OS, A-1, A-1(J), A-1(A), A-2(J), A-2(A), A-3(A), E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1, R-1(J), R-1A(J), R-2(J), RC(J), RE(A), RR, RR(B)) zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and ≤100 sf per sign; no single face >50 sf, with a ≥15 ft from any property line; outside sight-distance area; not in right-of-way or easements. Must be in landscaped area ≥4 sf per 1 sf of sign area (water-wise). May be affixed to an existing retaining wall not in right-of-way; minimum setback does not apply to a sign affixed to such a retaining wall. setback (Sec. B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) (Nonresidential Uses within Low Density Residential Zone District)). Most commercial signs in Broomfield require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Broomfield, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Broomfield (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | Freestanding: ≤5 feet | Lot ≤10,000 sf: ≤24 sf per flag; 10,001 sf to 1 acre: ≤50 sf; >1 acre: ≤75 sf | — |
| Planned unit development zone districts (PUD, B-1-PUD, B-2-PUD, B-PUD, I-1-PUD, 1-2-PUD, P-D(J), R-1-PUD, R-3-PUD, R-5-PUD, R-PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Low Density Residential (Residential Uses; OLPF, OS, A-1, A-1(J), A-1(A), A-2(J), A-2(A), A-3(A), E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1, R-1(J), R-1A(J), R-2(J), RC(J), RE(A), RR, RR(B)) | 12 | 8 ft | 100 sf per entry; no single face >50 sf | — |
| Low Density Residential (Nonresidential Uses within a Low Density Residential Zone District; OLPF, OS, A-1, A-1(J), A-1(A), A-2(J), A-2(A), A-3(A), E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1, R-1(J), R-1A(J), R-2(J), RC(J), RE(A), RR, RR(B)) | 14 | Per 17-44-090(G) | 150 sf (total) | — |
| Medium density residential (Residential Uses; R-3) | 13 | Per 17-44-090(G) | 100 sf per entry; no single face >50 sf | — |
| Medium density residential (Nonresidential Uses within a Medium Density Residential Zone District; R-3) | 15 | Per 17-44-090(G) | 150 sf (total) | — |
| High density residential (Residential Uses; R-5) | 13 | Per 17-44-090(G) | 200 sf total, excluding freestanding signs | — |
| High density residential (Nonresidential Uses within a High Density Residential Zone District; R-5) | 8 | Per 17-44-090(G) | 200 sf (total) | — |
| Commercial (B-1, B-2, C-1(J), C-2(J), GA); Industrial (I-1, I-1(J), I-2, I-2(J), I-3, I-3(J), LI(B)); Mixed-use zone districts (MU-1, MU-2) | 18 | ≤20 ft | ≤200 sf; no single face >100 sf | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Broomfield(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
Low Density Residential (Nonresidential Uses within a Low Density Residential Zone District; OLPF, OS, A-1, A-1(J), A-1(A), A-2(J), A-2(A), A-3(A), E-1, E-2, E-3, R-1, R-1(J), R-1A(J), R-2(J), RC(J), RE(A), RR, RR(B))
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Ground or Monument) | 8 ft | ≤100 sf per sign; no single face >50 sf | — | ≥15 ft from any property line; outside sight-distance area; not in right-of-way or easements. Must be in landscaped area ≥4 sf per 1 sf of sign area (water-wise). May be affixed to an existing retaining wall not in right-of-way; minimum setback does not apply to a sign affixed to such a retaining wall. | 1 per property line adjacent to a roadway | One per property line adjacent to a roadway | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) (Nonresidential Uses within Low Density Residential Zone District) |
| A-Frame Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots < 10,000 sf) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(A) |
| A-Frame Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots > 10,000 sf) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(A) |
| Banner Sign (Nonresidential Uses – All lot sizes) | 8 ft (ground); ≤roofline (building-mounted) | ≤75 sf | — | If ground-mounted: ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per establishment | Securely fastened to a building or permanent structure on private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(B) |
| Feather Sign (Nonresidential Uses – All lot sizes) | 8 ft | ≤14 sf per face (28 sf total) | — | ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per establishment | On private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(C) |
| Site Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 8 ft | 32 sf per face (64 sf total per sign) | — | ≥10 ft from any street; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per property line abutting a roadway | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-120(D); 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts |
| Yard Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots < 10,000 sf) | 8 ft | ≤16 sf per face (32 sf total per sign); small election-period yard signs ≤6 sf per face | — | Prohibited in right-of-way and sight-distance area; set back at least a distance equal to sign height from adjacent property line. | 2 (year-round), plus election-period allowances | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses) |
| Yard Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots > 10,000 sf) | 8 ft | ≤16 sf per face (32 sf total per sign); small election-period yard signs ≤6 sf per face | — | Prohibited in right-of-way and sight-distance area; set back at least a distance equal to sign height from adjacent property line. | 3 (year-round), plus election-period allowances | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses) |
Medium density residential (Nonresidential Uses within a Medium Density Residential Zone District; R-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Ground or Monument) | 8 ft | ≤100 sf per sign; no single face >50 sf | — | ≥15 ft from any property line; outside sight-distance area; not in right-of-way/easement; landscaping area ≥4 sf per 1 sf of sign area; may be affixed to qualifying retaining wall as specified. | 1 per property line adjacent to a roadway | One per property line adjacent to a roadway | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) (Nonresidential Uses within Medium Density Residential Zone District) |
| Projecting Sign | Not to exceed building height | No maximum, but cumulative must not exceed maximum allowed signage for building | — | May encroach subject to clearances and safety. | 2 per building facade (corner signs count on both facades) | On building facades | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) (Nonresidential Uses within Medium Density Residential Zone District) |
| A-Frame Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots < 10,000 sf) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(A) |
| A-Frame Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots > 10,000 sf) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 1 per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs (Nonresidential Uses columns); 17-44-120(A) |
| Banner Sign (Nonresidential Uses – All lot sizes) | 8 ft (ground); ≤roofline (building-mounted) | ≤75 sf | — | If ground-mounted: ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per establishment | Securely fastened to a building or permanent structure on private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses); 17-44-120(B) |
| Feather Sign (Nonresidential Uses – All lot sizes) | 8 ft | ≤14 sf per face (28 sf total) | — | ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per establishment | On private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses); 17-44-120(C) |
| Site Sign (Nonresidential Uses) | 8 ft | 32 sf per face (64 sf total per sign) | — | ≥10 ft from any street; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per property line abutting a roadway | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-120(D); 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs |
| Yard Sign (Nonresidential Uses – Lots < 10,000 sf) | 8 ft | ≤16 sf per face (32 sf total per sign); small election-period yard signs ≤6 sf per face | — | Prohibited in right-of-way and sight-distance area; set back at least a distance equal to sign height from adjacent property line. | 2 (year-round), plus election-period allowances | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(A) Temporary Signs for Residential Zone Districts (Nonresidential Uses) |
Commercial (B-1, B-2, C-1(J), C-2(J), GA); Industrial (I-1, I-1(J), I-2, I-2(J), I-3, I-3(J), LI(B)); Mixed-use zone districts (MU-1, MU-2)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding – Monument Sign | ≤20 ft | ≤200 sf; no single face >100 sf | — | ≥10 ft from any street; not in sight-distance area; must be >25 ft from any residential zone district; not in right-of-way or easements. | 1 per property line adjacent to a roadway | One monument or ground sign per property line adjacent to a roadway | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) (Regulations by Sign Type – Freestanding Monument Sign) |
| Projecting Sign | Not to exceed building height | No maximum, but cumulative must not exceed maximum allowed signage for building | — | May encroach subject to clearances and safety. | 2 per building facade (corner signs count on both facades) | On building facades | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) (Regulations by Sign Type – Projecting Sign) |
| A-Frame Sign (35,000 sf or less building/tenant footprint) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total per sign) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 1 A-frame or feather sign per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs for Commercial, Industrial and Mixed-Use Zone Districts; 17-44-120(A) |
| A-Frame Sign (35,001–70,000 sf building/tenant footprint) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total per sign) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 2 A-frame or feather signs per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs; 17-44-120(A) |
| A-Frame Sign (Greater than 70,000 sf building/tenant footprint) | 3.5 ft | 7 sf per face (14 sf total per sign) | — | Maintain 4 ft sidewalk clearance | 3 A-frame or feather signs per establishment | On private property; maintain sidewalk clearance | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs; 17-44-120(A) |
| Banner Sign (All building/tenant footprints, including vacant properties) | 8 ft (ground); ≤roofline (building-mounted) | ≤75 sf per sign | — | If ground-mounted: ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | ≤35,000 sf: 1 per establishment; 35,001–70,000 sf: 2; >70,000 sf: 3; Vacant properties: 1 per street frontage (max 2) | On building or permanent structure on private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs – Banner |
| Feather Sign (Allowed for non-vacant properties) | 8 ft | ≤14 sf per face (28 sf total per sign) | — | ≥10 ft from property line; prohibited in sight-distance area | ≤35,000 sf: 1 per establishment; 35,001–70,000 sf: 2; >70,000 sf: 3; Vacant properties: Not allowed | On private property | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs – Feather |
| Site Sign (All building/tenant footprints, including vacant properties) | 8 ft | 32 sf per face (64 sf total per sign) | — | ≥10 ft from any street; prohibited in sight-distance area | 1 per property line abutting a roadway | On private property; permitted on fences | — | Unlock | B.M.C. 17-44-130(B) Temporary Signs – Site Sign; 17-44-120(D) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Broomfield — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Broomfield — start freeProhibited Signs in Broomfield
- Any sign not specifically permitted by the Sign Code or exempt from a permit (17-44-060(A))
- Abandoned signs (including signs no longer used, faces removed/broken and not refaced within 90 days, or deteriorated materials not repaired within 30 days after notice); declared a public nuisance (17-44-060(B))
- Billboards (17-44-060(C))
- Rotating or moving signs (except permitted digital changeable-copy signs) (17-44-060(D))
- Inflatable devices or balloon signs (17-44-060(E))
- Flashing signs/lights and beacon lighting (holiday/seasonal decorations excluded; digital signs allowed only per 17-44-080(E)) (17-44-060(F))
- Signs dangerous or confusing to motorists (e.g., resemble/conflict with official traffic control devices or impede traffic flow) (17-44-060(G))
- Signs in a sight distance triangle or within easements (e.g., utility or drainage), other than traffic control signs (17-44-060(H))
- Signs in, on, or over public property/right-of-way without government installation/permit or an approved encroachment (revocable) permit; governmental/regulatory signs are exempt (17-44-060(I))
- Signs impeding free ingress/egress from any door, window, or exit required by building and fire codes (17-44-060(J))
- Signs that emit smoke, vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, contain open flames, or involve live animals (17-44-060(K))
- Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors (17-44-060(L))
- Roof signs or roof-mounted signs (17-44-060(M))
- Vehicular or trailer signs parked so as to be visible from the public right-of-way when the primary purpose is sign display (vehicular signs used in the normal course of business are separately addressed) (17-44-060(N))
- Any banner or sign suspended across a public street without permission of both the property owner and the street owner (17-44-060(O))
- Signs attached to utility poles, traffic control devices, or trees on public or private property (17-44-060(P))
Exempt Signs in Broomfield
- Signs entirely inside a building or structure and not visible from outside (17-44-030(A)(1)(i))
- A sign carried or worn by a person (17-44-030(A)(1)(ii))
- Governmental and regulatory signs; signs required by law (e.g., legal notices); bus stop/shelter signs are treated as governmental and issued a separate revocable permit (17-44-030(A)(1)(iii), 17-44-090(A))
- Substitution clause: message/copy may be changed without approval or permit if size/structure are not altered; noncommercial copy may be substituted for commercial copy on any lawful sign (17-44-030(C))
- Holiday or seasonal decorations, displayed no more than 60 consecutive days (17-44-090(B))
- Display signs installed per 17-44-110(C) (permit-exempt) (17-44-090(C))
- Flags within limits (not in right-of-way; number/size based on lot size; flagpole height consistent with max building height in the zone) (17-44-090(D))
- Vehicular signs on vehicles used/parked in the normal course of business where the primary purpose is not sign display and parked/stored in customary areas (17-44-090(E))
- Incidental signs up to 4 sq ft in residential zones and up to 10 sq ft in commercial/industrial/mixed-use zones (or larger if required by law); permitted on fences (17-44-090(F))
- Directional signs meeting general limits (max 8 sq ft double-faced for freestanding; max 16 sq ft double-faced for wall/projecting; 5 ft max height for freestanding; illumination allowed per code) (17-44-090(G))
- Temporary signs (including A-frame, banner, feather, site, and yard signs) that comply with 17-44-120 are exempt from standard permit requirements (17-44-090(H), 17-44-120)
- Window signs installed per 17-44-110(I) (permit-exempt) (17-44-090(I))
- Art/murals without commercial messaging are exempt from sign regulations; any portion determined to be art is exempt, while commercial messaging within a mural counts toward sign area and is regulated (17-44-110(F))
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Broomfield
- PUD signage: All signs in planned unit development (PUD) zones must comply with the signage standards in the approved PUD plan or other site-specific development plan; if no specific sign standards exist, apply the comparable non-PUD zone standards (17-44-100(A)(2))
- Digital signs beyond generally allowed contexts require express authorization in the applicable zoning document (e.g., PUD plan); must meet 17-44-080(E) or include alternative standards demonstrating exceptional/unique circumstances (17-44-080(E)(2))
- Administrative adjustment: The city and county manager or designee may grant minor adjustments to sign standards (e.g., area/height modifications of about 10% or more if needed for minimum legibility) upon specified findings (17-44-160)
- Special exceptions (variance-like process): Permanent signs that do not meet the sign code may be approved via a public hearing—Neighborhood Board of Adjustment for sign-only cases, or Land Use Review Commission/City Council when combined with other land use cases; prohibited sign types cannot be approved; decision criteria and notice apply (17-44-170)
- Sign permit required: It is unlawful to erect, maintain, alter, or relocate any sign requiring a permit without city approval; additional permits (e.g., electrical, right-of-way revocable encroachment, special event, public-private improvement permit) may also be required depending on the sign (17-44-070)
- Encroachments/ROW: Projecting signs may extend into right-of-way only with required clearances; other encroachments into right-of-way require a revocable permit (17-44-080(C)(2), 17-44-060(I), 17-44-070(C)(2))
- Appeals: Sign permit decisions and nonconforming status determinations may be appealed to the Neighborhood Board of Adjustment within 30 days (17-44-070(C)(7), 17-44-040(B)(2))
- Nonconforming signs: Legal nonconforming signs may continue under limits; if not maintained, they must be brought into conformance or the owner may apply for an administrative adjustment or special exception (17-44-040(A)(3))
Source: municode municipal code