Sign Regulations in Dolores, Colorado
Dolores, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 8 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance 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 Dolores, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Dolores
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 6 square feet per dwelling unit | — |
| Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance Sign | 10 feet | 64 square feet | — |
| Monument Sign | 10 feet | 64 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
8
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance Sign
- Gas Canopy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
Official Resources for Dolores
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
In Dolores, monument signs are limited to 10 feet. 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 Dolores, 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 Dolores, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance Sign, Gas Canopy 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 Dolores 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 sign regulations in Dolores, Colorado typically include restrictions on brightness, animation, message duration, and hours of operation. Many jurisdictions require automatic dimming. Use PermitPal for exact requirements.
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Dolores, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Dolores, Colorado regulates 8 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance Signs in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 10 feet tall and 64 square feet (Sec. Section 11.4.A.2). Most commercial signs in Dolores require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dolores, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dolores (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts | 2 | 10 feet | 64 square feet | Yes |
| Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts | 2 | 10 feet | 64 square feet | Yes |
| Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Industrial Districts | 3 | Top of the sign shall not extend more than 25 feet above the sidewalk elevation | 24 square feet | Yes |
| CMU, Corridor Mixed-Use District | 2 | 20 feet or height of building, whichever is greater | 75 square feet | Yes |
| DMU, Downtown Mixed-Use District | 1 | — | — | Yes |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | 25 feet above grade | 32 square feet | Yes |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dolores(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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 6 square feet per dwelling unit | — | — | One per dwelling unit | — | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.A.1 |
| Neighborhood or Subdivision Entrance Sign | 10 feet | 64 square feet | — | — | One per vehicle entrance | Per vehicle entrance | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.A.2 |
Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Top of the sign shall not extend more than 25 feet above the sidewalk elevation | No size limit | — | — | Not specified | Affixed to the facade of the building | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.C.1 |
| Gas Canopy Sign | — | 16 square feet each | — | — | Two per gas canopy | Gas canopy | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.C.1 |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 square feet | 4 feet | — | One per business per street frontage | Mounted perpendicular to the building wall | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.C.3 |
CMU, Corridor Mixed-Use 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet or height of building, whichever is greater | 75 square feet | — | — | One per primary structure per public street frontage | Along an arterial or higher classification street | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.C.4 |
| Monument Sign | 8 feet | — | — | — | Not specified | — | Yes | Unlock | Section 11.4.C.4 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Dolores — 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 Dolores — start freeProhibited Signs in Dolores
- Signs and sign structures are prohibited in the right-of-way or on other public property without approval of the Town.
- Signs are prohibited if placed on private property without the consent of the owner or authorized agent.
- Signs are prohibited if located in or overhanging a utility easement.
- Signs are prohibited within a clear sight triangle.
- Signs are prohibited if attached to utility poles, other utility or public infrastructure structures or equipment, or wireless communication facilities.
- Signs are prohibited if attached to trees, rocks, or natural features.
- Signs shall not create conflict with traffic control signs, signals, or various private signs resulting in vehicular or pedestrian safety hazards.
- Signs shall not create a danger to the public during periods of inclement weather or high winds.
- Signs shall not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, abandonment, or other safety considerations.
- Signs shall not obstruct firefighting or fixed police surveillance via photographic or video technology.
- Signs are prohibited if improperly mounted or installed, such as attached to a standpipe, gutter drain, unbraced parapet wall, or fire escape, unless verified by a structural engineer.
- Electronic message centers are prohibited.
- Signs employing mercury vapor, low pressure and high pressure sodium, and metal halide lighting are prohibited.
- Signs with blinking, flashing or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color are prohibited.
- Signs that include flashing, high intensity lights, or that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or emergency vehicle are prohibited.
- Signs with a lighting or control mechanism that causes radio, radar, television, or other electronic signal interference are prohibited.
- Signs that move in any mechanical manner, have structural moving parts powered by a motor, or swing due to wind pressure or mechanically-driven apparatus are prohibited.
- Sign walkers are prohibited.
- Signs that cause odor or sound emission are prohibited.
- Signs that are light projecting or employ motion picture projection or video projection in conjunction with advertisements are prohibited.
- Moving billboard signs are prohibited.
- Wind signs (pennants, streamers, balloons, whirligigs or similar devices) or flutter flags are prohibited unless otherwise allowed.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited except as expressly permitted.
- Signs with text or graphics that is harmful to minors as defined by state or federal law are prohibited.
- Signs with text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats are prohibited.
- Signs with text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to potential confusion with traffic control signs are prohibited.
- Signs that provide false information related to public safety are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Dolores
- Changing of the advertising copy or message on an existing approved painted or printed sign, marquee, EMC, changeable copy, or a similar approved sign is exempt.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, repairing, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign not involving structural or electrical changes is exempt.
- Changes to window signs and temporary signs are exempt.
- Temporary signs are exempt.
- Internal and integral signs not intended for view or readily legible from the public right-of-way or adjacent residential, public, or civic districts or uses are exempt.
- Signs less than one square foot in area affixed to machines, equipment, fences, gates, walls, gasoline pumps, or utility cabinets are exempt.
- Signs or banners on fences and structures within an arena, town park, recreational complex, or athletic field facing inward are exempt.
- Video or digital displays with a screen area of less than one square foot on a permitted primary structure, accessory structure, or piece of equipment are exempt.
- Integral signs carved into stone or similar material integral to the building not exceeding 6 square feet in area are exempt.
- Signs less than two square feet in sign area displayed by local nonprofit organizations and community service clubs are exempt.
- Flags in mixed-use or non-residential districts affixed to a permanent ground or wall mounted flagpole are exempt.
- A maximum of three flags in residential districts not exceeding a combined area of 120 square feet are exempt.
- Official public signs approved by a governmental body are exempt.
- Signs and notices required to be displayed, maintained, or posted by law or by any court or governmental order, rule, or regulation are exempt.
- Seasonal displays located on private property associated with customary holidays or events are exempt.
Source: municode municipal code