# Sign Regulations in Eaton, Colorado

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Eaton, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/eaton
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CO/Eaton/codes/Municipal_Code?nodeId=CHVIIPLZORE_SXSIOULI)

## At a glance

Eaton, Colorado regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding or Ground Signs in the Commercial Zoning Districts (C), Industrial Zoning Districts (I) zoning district are capped at 50 ft above ground tall and 125 sq ft per sign face; additional cabinets on same structure not to exceed 32 sq ft each per cabinet (up to 4 cabinets) (Sec. Sec. 7-10-4(a)(1)-(7)). Most commercial signs in Eaton require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Commercial Zoning Districts (C), Industrial Zoning Districts (I) | 8 | 50 ft above ground | 125 sq ft per sign face; additional cabinets on same structure not to exceed 32 sq ft each per cabinet (up to 4 cabinets) | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (R), Residential zoning districts | 5 | — | 20 sq ft (includes all faces) | — |
| Planned Unit Development Zoning Districts (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Nonresidential and public zoning districts | 1 | 30 ft from the ground for pole-mounted fixtures; building-mounted fixtures no higher than the structure | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | — | 100 sq ft (no limit for US flag) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### Commercial Zoning Districts (C), Industrial Zoning Districts (I)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding or Ground Sign | 50 ft above ground | 125 sq ft per sign face; additional cabinets on same structure not to exceed 32 sq ft each per cabinet (up to 4 cabinets) | — | — | 1 per property, exceptions for larger/multiple frontages | On-premises; one freestanding or ground sign per property, except as allowed for multi-frontage or >150 ft lots | — | Sec. 7-10-4(a)(1)-(7) |
| Wall Sign | — | 125 sq ft per sign face | — | — | Limited by total area formula and maximum wall coverage | Mounted to exterior face of building; area as defined in 'wall' definition | — | Sec. 7-10-4(a)(1)-(7); Sec. 7-10-3 'Wall' |
| Window Sign - Temporary | — | 50% of window area | — | — | Limited by window area | Within 12 inches of exterior window | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Window signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(20) |
| Window Sign - Permanent | — | 50% of window area | — | — | Limited by window area | Within 12 inches of exterior window | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Window signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(20) |
| Special Sign (Includes sandwich boards, counter balance, A frames, similar devices) | — | 16 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On private property only; not allowed on public right-of-way | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Special signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(18) |
| Temporary Sign (Including banners, pennants, balloons) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Temporary signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(19) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 32 sq ft per face for commercial and industrial property | — | — | — | On the offered property | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Real estate sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(15) |
| Contractor Sign | — | 32 sq ft (unless additional required by federal or state law) | — | — | — | On property where construction takes place | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Contractor sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(5) |

### Residential Zoning Districts (R), Residential zoning districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Home Occupation Identification Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | 1 | On property of home occupation in existence at time of ordinance | — | Sec. 7-10-4(b)(2), (6) |
| Commercial Sign - Residential Zone | — | — | — | — | — | Within residentially zoned property | — | Sec. 7-10-4(b)(3), 7-10-3 'Commercial sign - residential zone' |
| Community Facility Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within residentially zoned district for use facilitating community service | — | Sec. 7-10-4(b)(4), 7-10-3 'Community facility sign' |
| Quasi-Commercial Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within residentially zoned property | — | Sec. 7-10-4(b)(5), 7-10-3 'Quasi-commercial sign' |
| Residential Complex/Subdivision Identification Sign | — | 20 sq ft (includes all faces) | — | — | 2 per driveway/roadway | On-site; 2 per driveway/roadway providing public access | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Residential complex or subdivision identification sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(17) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | — | 2 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per dwelling or business per street front | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Address signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(1) |
| Commemorative Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Commemorative sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(2) |
| Community Event Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Attached to permanent structures | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Community event sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(3) |
| Directional On-Site Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Directional on-site sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(6) |
| Flag, Pennant or Insignia | — | 100 sq ft (no limit for US flag) | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Flag, pennant or insignia'; Sec. 7-10-6(7) |
| Political Sign | — | 32 sq ft per face | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Political sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(11) |
| Public Phone Sign | — | 3 sq ft per face, max 2 faces | — | — | Maximum 2 faces per sign | — | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Public phone sign'; Sec. 7-10-6(13) |
| Incidental Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Attached to permanent structure | — | Sec. 7-10-3 'Incidental signs'; Sec. 7-10-6(9) |

## Prohibited signs in Eaton

- It shall be unlawful to erect a sign without a permit as provided.
- Signs shall not be located less than six (6) feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors energized in excess of 750 volts.
- Signs or sign structures shall not be erected in such a manner that their surface or supports will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe.
- Signs shall not obstruct openings to the extent that light or ventilation is reduced below the required minimum.
- Signs or sign structures shall not project into public rights-of-way or alleys.
- Signs shall not project within two (2) feet of the curb line.
- Signs shall not project over driveways, parking lots, or similar areas of vehicular travel below a height of fourteen (14) feet above grade.
- Signs shall not project over pedestrian ways below a height of eight (8) feet above grade.
- Freestanding or ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting code; other signs must be constructed of noncombustible materials except for non-electric wall signs where permitted.
- Combustible materials other than approved plastics shall not be used in electric sign construction.
- Roof signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Mechanical or electrical appurtenances such as 'revolving beacons' designed solely to compel attention are prohibited.
- Flashing red, green, or amber signs located within 100 feet of an intersection are prohibited.
- Any sign located so as to conflict with the clear and obvious appearance of public devices controlling traffic is prohibited.
- Any sign or portion of a sign using an exposed incandescent or high-intensity lamp (except neon) projecting light directly onto adjoining property or a right-of-way is prohibited.
- Stationary off-premises advertising devices (except kiosk/plaza signs) are prohibited.
- Any vehicle displaying signage which is not connected with the vehicular use of the vehicle is prohibited, except for written special event permits for up to 10 days, service/delivery vehicles properly parked, or limited 'For Sale' signs as described.
- It is unlawful for any person to allow a sign or portion of a sign to exist that is dilapidated or hazardous.

## Signs exempt from permit in Eaton

- Address signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Commemorative signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Community event signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Community facility signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Contractor signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Directional on-site signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia are exempt from permit requirements.
- Holiday decorations are exempt from permit requirements.
- Incidental signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Kiosk/plaza signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Political signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Prohibited activities signs (e.g., 'no hunting') are exempt from permit requirements.
- Public phone signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Public signs (required or authorized by law) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Real estate signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Religious or ideological signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Residential complex or subdivision identification signs are exempt from permit requirements.
- Special signs (e.g., sandwich boards) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Temporary signs (such as banners, pennants, etc.) are exempt from permit requirements.
- Window signs are exempt from permit requirements.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Special permits (variances for exceptions to size, height, location, quantity, or for special/temporary signs) require a written request and a hearing before the Town Board, with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation, as outlined in Section 7-10-8.
- Signs in Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning districts are subject to review as required in Section 7-10-8; signs reviewed in conjunction with the PUD final plan review are considered as having complied.
- Exceptions for additional signage on properties with multiple street frontages or frontage over 150 feet may be approved as provided in Section 7-10-8.
- If a hearing is requested (regarding sign violations or permits), the Town Board acts upon the application/request after receiving a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

## 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 5 zoning districts in Eaton — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Eaton+CO&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-eaton

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