# Sign Regulations in Castle Rock, Colorado

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Castle Rock, Colorado, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Castle Rock, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/castle-rock
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/co/castle_rock/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT19SICORE_CH19.04SICORE)

## At a glance

Castle Rock, Colorado regulates 50 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Flags/Flagpoles (Model Home Sales Sites)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Flagpole ≤50 ft tall and United States flag ≤96 sq ft; corporate flag ≤15 sq ft, with a ≥5 ft from street property line setback (Sec. 19.04.047.G.). Most commercial signs in Castle Rock require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | Flagpole ≤50 ft | ≤150 sq ft per face | — |
| Residential Area (MH, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3) | 15 | ≤20 ft (wall sign may not exceed wall height) | ≤64 sq ft per sign | — |
| Business Area (B, I-1, I-2) | 16 | Flagpoles ≤35 ft | ≤100 sq ft per face | — |
| Downtown Overlay District (DOD) | 19 | Shall not exceed height of roofline by more than 25% of overall height of the sign | ≤100 sq ft per face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Exempt) | ≤6 ft | ≤2 sq ft per face (≤4 sq ft total) | — | — | 1 per use or per building | On the lot/premises of the use. | — | 19.04.041.A.1; 19.04.041.C; 19.04.045. |
| Cornerstone/Commemorative/Historic Sign (Exempt) | ≤6 ft | ≤4 sq ft per face | — | — | — | On the building/site. | — | 19.04.041.A.2; 19.04.041.C; 19.04.045. |
| Real Estate Sign (Exempt - Small) | ≤4 ft | ≤6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On the property being offered for sale/lease. | — | 19.04.041.A.3. |
| Construction Sign (Exempt - Small) | ≤4 ft | ≤6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On the property where construction/improvement is occurring. | — | 19.04.041.A.4. |
| Sandwich Board Sign (General - Exempt) | ≤4 ft (business area and DOD) | ≤8 sq ft per face (business area and DOD); general exemption does not specify size, but district standards apply where stated | — | — | See district-specific (e.g., 1 per occupant or 1 per building frontage). | Typically within public right-of-way adjacent to the lot (where allowed) or on private property; see district-specific placement rules. | — | 19.04.041.A.13; 19.04.052.B.8, D.7, I; 19.04.053.D.13, A.11, C (no permit). |
| Temporary Flags/Flagpoles (Model Home Sales Sites) | Flagpole ≤50 ft | United States flag ≤96 sq ft; corporate flag ≤15 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from street property line | 1 flagpole per model home cluster | On model home cluster site. | — | 19.04.047.G. |
| Neighborhood/Village Identification Sign (Highway-Oriented) | ≤20 ft | ≤150 sq ft per face | — | ≥25 ft from nearest street or highway ROW | — | Within 660 ft of nearest right-of-way of any State highway OR within 125 ft of any Town major arterial with ROW sufficient for six lanes; on-premises of neighborhood/village. | — | 19.04.055.A–I. |
| Neighborhood/Village Marketing Sign (Highway-Oriented) | ≤20 ft | ≤96 sq ft per face | — | ≥25 ft from nearest street or highway ROW | — | Same siting limits as identification signs (see above). | — | 19.04.055.B–H. |

### Business Area (B, I-1, I-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | ≤20 ft or height of appurtenant building, whichever is less | ≤50 sq ft per face (≤62.5 sq ft by special permit within a common sign plan) | — | From street: ≥1 ft of setback per foot of sign height, minimum 10 ft; from interior lot lines (non-street): ≥25 ft; ≥25 ft from any residential area | — | On-premises | — | 19.04.052.A.1, B.1, D.1, E.1–2, E.5; 19.04.056.C–G; 19.04.032.D–E. |
| Joint Identification Sign (Freestanding) | ≤20 ft | ≤100 sq ft per face | — | Same as freestanding signs, including ≥25 ft from any residential area | 1 per lot frontage | On-premises (serves multiple uses on same lot/premises) | — | 19.04.052.A.11, B.2, D.1; 19.04.022 (Joint identification sign definition). |
| Wall Sign | Not to exceed height of wall upon which mounted | ≤25% of the wall (area of the wall to which mounted) | — | — | — | On building wall. | — | 19.04.052.A.2, B.3, D.2; 19.04.022 (Wall sign definition). |
| Projecting Sign | Bottom ≥8 ft, top ≤13 ft above grade/sidewalk; may not project above roofline | ≤16 sq ft per sign | — | From interior lot lines (non-street): ≥12 ft; from residential areas: ≥25 ft | — | Attached to building; may encroach over Town ROW (not State ROW) with permit. | — | 19.04.052.A.12, B.4, D.3, F.2; 19.04.022 (Projecting sign); 19.04.033. |
| Suspended Sign | Bottom ≥8 ft, top ≤13 ft above grade/sidewalk | ≤6 sq ft per sign | — | From interior lot lines (non-street): ≥12 ft; from residential areas: ≥25 ft | — | Suspended from arcade, marquee, canopy or awning. | — | 19.04.052.A.13, B.5, D.4, F.3; 19.04.022 (Suspended sign); 19.04.033. |
| Flags and Flagpoles | Flagpoles ≤35 ft | Flags ≤60 sq ft (corporate flags counted in total site signage; government flags not counted) | — | Flagpoles ≥5 ft from property line | — | On site. | — | 19.04.052.A.10, B.7, D.6. |
| Joint Identification Sign (Directory component, if any) | Included in freestanding/joint id height limits | Included in joint identification sign limits | — | Same as freestanding/joint identification signs | 1 per lot frontage | On joint identification sign structure. | — | 19.04.022 (Joint identification sign). |
| Sandwich Board Sign | ≤4 ft | ≤8 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per occupant within any platted lot abutting a public ROW | Within the portion of the Town right-of-way adjacent to the platted lot that abuts a public right-of-way; one per occupant within any platted lot that abuts a public ROW; may be placed on public sidewalks or area between sidewalk and street within Town ROW. | — | 19.04.052.A.17, B.8, D.7, I; 19.04.041.A.13. |

### Downtown Overlay District (DOD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flags and Flagpoles | Flagpoles ≤20 ft | Flags ≤60 sq ft (government flags not counted in total site signage) | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 flagpole per building frontage | On site. | — | 19.04.053.A.3; 19.04.053.D.4; 19.04.053.E.3. |
| Freestanding Sign | ≤20 ft | ≤50 sq ft per face (except joint identification signs) | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage (or 1 joint ID sign instead) | On site. | — | 19.04.053.A.4; 19.04.053.D.5; 19.04.053.E.4; 19.04.052.C (site totals). |
| Identification Sign (Building Identification Wall Sign) | No taller than height of wall to which attached | ≤50 sq ft | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage | On building wall. | — | 19.04.053.A.5; 19.04.053.D.6; 19.04.053.E.5. |
| Joint Identification Sign (Freestanding) | ≤20 ft | ≤100 sq ft per face | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage (mutually exclusive with a freestanding sign) | On site. | — | 19.04.053.A.6; 19.04.053.D.7; 19.04.053.E.6. |
| Parapet Sign | No taller than height of parapet wall to which attached | ≤100 sq ft | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage (mutually exclusive with roof sign) | On parapet. | — | 19.04.053.A.9; 19.04.053.D.10; 19.04.053.E.7. |
| Roof Sign | Shall not exceed height of roofline by more than 25% of overall height of the sign | ≤100 sq ft | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage (mutually exclusive with parapet sign) | On roof; must be located parallel to and facing the right-of-way; prohibited on flat roofs. | — | 19.04.053.A.9; 19.04.053.E.9; 19.04.053.G.2; 19.04.053.H–I. |
| Projecting/Suspended Sign | Bottom ≥8 ft above grade/sidewalk; may be mounted no taller than height of wall to which attached | ≤8 sq ft per sign | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage | Attached to building; may encroach ROW with revocable permit per general code (subject to projection ≤4 ft and 8–13 ft height band). | — | 19.04.053.A.10; 19.04.053.D.11; 19.04.053.E.8; 19.04.022; 19.04.033. |
| Sandwich Board Sign | ≤4 ft (per general business standard) | ≤8 sq ft per face | — | May be 0 ft from property lines | 1 per building frontage | Within the ROW adjacent to building frontage or on private property adjacent to frontage, consistent with Town placement rules. | — | 19.04.053.A.11; 19.04.053.C (no permit); 19.04.053.D.13; 19.04.052.I (placement rules apply unless preempted). |

## Prohibited signs in Castle Rock

- Signs with visible moving, revolving or rotating parts, or apparent movement by electrical, electronic or mechanical means, or optical illusions of motion (except traditional barber poles and necessary gauges/dials).
- Flashing, blinking, scintillating, rotating, varying-intensity or varying-color illumination, or intermittent electrical pulsations (except electronic message signs complying with EMS standards).
- Strings of light bulbs on commercial premises for commercial purposes (except traditional holiday decorations and decorative landscape lighting).
- Wind signs (except as allowed as banners under temporary sign provisions).
- Signs that incorporate projected images; signs that emit sound intended to attract attention; or sign structures remaining when the sign no longer exists.
- Signs that advertise an activity/business/product no longer conducted on the premises 60+ days after vacancy (seasonal businesses excepted; extensions may be granted if covered or letters removed).
- Signs not permanently affixed or attached to the ground or a structure, except small real estate and construction signs, window signs, temporary barriers, signs carried by persons, and sandwich board signs allowed by code.
- Structurally unsafe, dilapidated or poorly maintained signs, or signs capable of causing electrical shock.
- Any sign in a public right-of-way, except signs expressly exempted or specifically allowed in the right-of-way by this Chapter.
- Any sign that obstructs, imitates, or may be confused with official traffic control devices or other official signs.
- Any sign using words/phrases/symbols implying false danger or a need for stopping or maneuvering a motor vehicle.
- Any sign that obstructs drivers’ view when entering a public roadway from a parking area, service drive, driveway, alley or similar access.
- Any sign that obstructs required ingress/egress (doors, windows, fire escapes or other required exits).
- Vehicle-mounted signs where the vehicle is parked in a location not normally associated with that vehicle type and used as a freestanding sign.
- Illegal nonconforming signs.
- Roof signs (except as permitted within the Downtown Overlay District).
- Off-premises advertising signs (except sign plaza signs, permitted neighborhood/village directional signs with restrictions, or neighborhood/village identification signs granted a special permit).
- Electric signs without an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label.
- Obscene signs (as determined by the Town Manager).
- No signs within intersection sight distance triangles, intersection safety triangles or stopping distance lines per the Transportation Design Criteria Manual, except official traffic control signs and sandwich board signs.
- Illumination constraints: unshielded lighting that directs beams off-premises or creates a traffic hazard is prohibited; illuminated signs in residential areas must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or one-half hour after the use closes, whichever is later, unless illumination is required for safety.

## Signs exempt from permit in Castle Rock

- Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot/parcel or from any public right-of-way (still must meet building and electrical codes).
- Official government notices and notices posted by government officers in the performance of their duties.
- Decorative lighting displays (e.g., holiday lights) that do not display a commercial message, if compliant with Chapter 17.58 lighting standards and displayed no longer than two consecutive months per year.
- Temporary or permanent utility/construction warning signs in the right-of-way or on private property (e.g., underground cable or gas line markers).
- Signs on motor vehicles operated or stored in the normal course of business (moving vans, delivery trucks, rental trucks/trailers) when parked/stored in areas appropriate to their use.
- Commercial signs carried by a person and not set on or affixed to the ground.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: small identification signs (≤2 sq ft/face or 4 sq ft total; ≤6 ft high; one per use/building);
- Permit not required Town-wide for: cornerstones, commemorative tablets and historical signs (≤4 sq ft/face; ≤6 ft high);
- Permit not required Town-wide for: small real estate signs in residential and business areas (≤6 sq ft/face; ≤4 ft high; one per street frontage; remove within 7 days after sale/rental).
- Permit not required Town-wide for: small construction signs (≤6 sq ft/face; ≤4 ft high; one per street frontage; remove upon completion).
- Permit not required Town-wide for: private traffic directional signs (≤3 sq ft/face; ≤8 ft high; no advertising; MUTCD-conforming private traffic control signs ≤7 sq ft/face).
- Permit not required Town-wide for: signs required or specifically authorized for a public purpose by law (subject to any legal limitations; placement in right-of-way only if authorized by law).
- Permit not required Town-wide for: nonilluminated window signs ≤4 sq ft each, provided total such window sign area ≤25% of window area on that façade and ≤25% of total allowable sign area for the premises.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated customer courtesy signs (e.g., credit cards accepted, menus/prices), one per use, ≤4 sq ft; may be attached, projecting, wall, suspended from canopy, or part of a freestanding sign.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: small on-premises informational/directional signs (e.g., rest room, no solicitors, vacancy) ≤3 sq ft.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: governmental flags.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: signs on vending machines.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: street address numerals/letters ≤18 inches high.
- Permit not required Town-wide for: sandwich board signs (subject to placement and safety limits elsewhere in the code).
- No permit required for copy changes on conforming bulletin boards/poster boards/display cases/marquees; for maintenance with no structural changes; or for copy changes on signs with interchangeable letters.
- Signs not requiring a permit are allowed in addition to other permitted signs and are not counted against total allowable sign area or number.
- Public purpose signs (police/sheriff, fire stations, federal/state/county/Town offices, schools, airports, post offices, libraries/museums, parks/recreation, hospitals/emergency facilities) may be authorized with a no-fee permit; no commercial identification; max 40 sq ft per face or district maximum (whichever is smaller); may be off-premises and do not count against host property’s signage.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Common sign plan (CSP) is available: applicant may apply, must submit plot plan, site features, total maximum allowable sign area calculation for included lots, a table allocating sign area to tenants/lots/pad sites, and elevations/materials/standards for signs and wall signage materials; Director of Development Services reviews; approved CSP is recorded; CSP standards supersede the code where stricter.
- CSP standards: maximum freestanding sign height 20 ft (or lower if CSP specifies); minimum setback from street-facing property line is 1 ft per ft of sign height (minimum 10 ft) unless CSP requires more or a lesser setback is granted by special permit; maximum freestanding sign area 50 sq ft per face unless CSP specifies smaller or a special permit increases to ≤62.5 sq ft; minimum horizontal separation between freestanding signs in a CSP is 150 ft.
- If an applicant within a CSP seeks a freestanding sign setback less than the CSP/Code minimum or a freestanding sign area over 50 sq ft per face, a separate special permit from Town Council is required for each such sign.
- Special permit (Town Council public hearing) required for: sign plaza signs; subdivision identification signs >32 sq ft; neighborhood/village identification signs >64 sq ft; and freestanding signs in a CSP with reduced setback or area >50 sq ft (cap 62.5 sq ft per face). Council may impose conditions, including added landscaping to mitigate visual impact, reduced height, or increased setback.
- Neighborhood/village identification signs along interstate, state highways, or major arterials: Town Council may vary/waive restrictions and may grant easements/leases over public rights-of-way by special permit if the public will benefit and the entry to the neighborhood/village is within a reasonable distance.
- The Town encourages development of overall sign programs for all developments (coordinated signage).
- Electronic message signs must also comply with any applicable common sign plan or a sign program approved as part of a planned development, in addition to EMS-specific standards.
- Downtown Overlay District: murals, roof signs, and canopy signs require a public hearing and approval by the Design Review Board (with appeal to Town Council).
- Revocable right-of-way encroachment permit required for awnings, canopies, suspended signs, or projecting signs that extend over or across a public right-of-way (not allowed over state highway right-of-way); proof of liability insurance required.
- Appeals and variances: appeals/variances are heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustment or Board of Building Appeals (as appropriate); must be filed within 30 days; variances require showing of practical difficulties/unnecessary hardship; certain increases to freestanding sign height or maximum sign area cannot be granted by variance without Town Council approval.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in Castle Rock — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Castle+Rock+CO&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-castle-rock

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