# Sign Regulations in Milliken, Colorado

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Milliken, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/milliken
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CO/Milliken/codes/Municipal_Code?nodeId=CH16LAUSCO_ARTIIIGESTAPALDI_DIV6SI)

## At a glance

Milliken, Colorado regulates 22 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Project Entry Monument Signs in the Nonresidential Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1, I-2, I-3) zoning district are capped at 12 ft. tall and 90 sq. ft., with a Refer to setback chart in Sec. 16-3-655(d) setback (Sec. Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table).

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Zones (A, AE, CD, E-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-M, R-MH) | 9 | 8 ft. | 35 sq. ft. per face | — |
| Nonresidential Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1, I-2, I-3) | 7 | 18 ft. | Per formula; 150 sq. ft. max total per business | — |
| Mixed-Use District | 8 | 18 ft. | Max 150 sq. ft. per business | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 5 ft. | 12 sq. ft. per side | — |

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

### Residential Zones (A, AE, CD, E-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-M, R-MH)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Identification Sign (Single-Family, Two-Family, Mobile Home) | — | 2 sq. ft. per face | — | — | 1 per dwelling | Freestanding or wall sign, on property | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Identification Sign (Multi-Family) | — | 20 sq. ft. per face | — | — | 1 per development | Freestanding or wall sign, on property | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Identification Sign (Public or Semipublic Use) | 8 ft. | 35 sq. ft. per face | — | — | 1 per use | Freestanding or wall sign | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (Monument or Wall Sign) | 6 ft. | 35 sq. ft. per face | — | — | 1 per subdivision entrance | At subdivision entrance | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Identification Sign (Childcare Center) | — | 10 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per childcare center | On site | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Home Occupation Sign | 5 ft. | 4 sq. ft. per face | — | — | 1 per licensed home occupation | On site | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Bed and Breakfast Sign | Below edge of roof, 4 ft. freestanding | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage, on site | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |
| Commercial Use Sign (Legal Use, Wall or Freestanding) | 6 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per tenant space | On site, wall or freestanding | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a), Table: Residential Zone Sign Standards |

### Nonresidential Zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1, I-2, I-3)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Project Entry Monument Sign | 12 ft. | 90 sq. ft. | — | Refer to setback chart in Sec. 16-3-655(d) | 1 per entrance | 1 per entrance, at project entry | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |
| Arterial Street Freestanding Sign | 18 ft. | 90 sq. ft. | — | Refer to setback chart in Sec. 16-3-655(c) | 1 every 1,500 ft. of street frontage | 1 every 1,500 ft. of street frontage; arterial streets only | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |
| Wall Sign | — | Per formula; 150 sq. ft. max total per business | — | — | 1 per individual tenant building frontage (max 2 if suspended from front porch) | 1 per tenant building frontage; at eave line or below 25 ft. above grade | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table; Sec. 16-3-650(f) |
| Canopy or Awning Sign | — | See wall sign for max area | — | — | 1 per individual tenant (max 2 if conditions are met) | On canopy or awning; must be minimum 8ft above finished grade | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table; Sec. 16-3-650(a) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window or door area; cannot exceed 25% of total allowable sign area for premises | — | — | Unlimited, see area limit | On or in window/door at ground level | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table; Sec. 16-3-650(g) |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than first story of building | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per tenant (max 2) | On ground floor façade | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table; Sec. 16-3-650(e) |
| Information Sign | 6 ft. | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | — | At rear and loading door entrances | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |

### Mixed-Use District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Project Entry Monument Sign | 12 ft. | 90 sq. ft. | — | As per setback charts for nonresidential | 1 per entrance | 1 per entrance at project entry | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |
| Arterial Street Freestanding Sign | 18 ft. | 90 sq. ft. | — | As per setback charts for nonresidential | 1 every 1,500 ft. | 1 every 1,500 ft. of arterial frontage | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |
| Wall Sign | — | Max 150 sq. ft. per business | — | — | 1 per tenant (or 2 if suspended from porch) | On tenant building at ground level or first/second story (see restrictions) | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table; Sec. 16-3-650(f) |
| Canopy or Awning Sign | — | See wall sign area | — | — | 1 per tenant (2 if perpendicular sides) | On canopy or awning, min 8 ft. above grade | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b); Sec. 16-3-650(a) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window/door area; not exceeding 25% of total sign area for premises | — | — | Unlimited, area control only | On or in window/door | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b); Sec. 16-3-650(g) |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than first story | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per tenant (2 max) | On ground floor façade | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b); Sec. 16-3-650(e) |
| Information Sign | 6 ft. | 5 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Rear and loading door entrances | — | Sec. 16-3-655(b), Nonresidential Zone Sign Standards Table |
| Residential Use Sign (if residential use is within MU) | — | See residential sign table | — | — | — | — | — | Sec. 16-3-655(a) |

## Prohibited signs in Milliken

- Flashing, rotating, blinking, or moving signs, animated signs, or signs with moving, rotating, or flashing lights, or signs that create the illusion of movement are prohibited.
- Signs with optical illusions of movement by means of a design that presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective, giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy are prohibited.
- Signs with mechanical or electrical appurtenances, such as revolving beacons and portable spotlights, are prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Searchlights are prohibited.
- Electronic message boards, except for government signs and school signs, are prohibited.
- Roof signs and all other signs that project above the main roofline of a building are prohibited.
- Any sign that is erected in such a location as to cause visual obstruction or interference with motor vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, or traffic-control devices is prohibited.
- Any sign located in such a way as to substantially deny an adjoining property owner visual access to an existing sign is prohibited.
- Any sign, other than traffic control devices, erected, constructed, or maintained within, over or upon the right-of-way of any public road, street, or highway, except in the case of a sign for which a permit has been issued in accordance with the requirements of this Article, is prohibited.
- Off-premises signs (off-site signs), except as specifically permitted in the Article, are prohibited.
- Any sign which interferes with free passage from or obstructs any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder, or opening intended as a means of ingress or egress, or providing light or air, is prohibited.
- Any sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe, constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation, is not kept in good repair, is not designed or constructed in a professional manner, is capable of causing electrical shocks to persons likely to come in contact with it, or presents a danger to health, safety, or welfare of the Town or its citizens is prohibited.
- Portable signs or signs not permanently affixed or attached to the ground or to any structure, except for permitted real estate signs, window signs, and temporary barriers as permitted, are prohibited.
- Vehicle-mounted commercial signs, including signs painted or attached to semi-trailers or cargo containers, are prohibited when exhibited on private property adjacent to public right-of-way and advertising business or services offered on the property, except during special events.
- Inflatable freestanding signs or tethered balloons are prohibited, except during property sales or special events for up to five (5) days per month.
- Signs advertising discontinued commercial uses must be removed or obscured within ninety (90) days after discontinuance of such use.
- Billboards, as defined, are prohibited.
- Blinking, flashing, or changing intensity lights, other than for temporary holiday displays or FAA-required lighting, are prohibited.
- Monument and freestanding signs that obstruct intersection sight distance or are located within the required site distance triangle are prohibited.
- No sign shall be erected within the road right-of-way or near intersections so as to obstruct free and clear vision for motorists or pedestrians or to be confused with official traffic signs.

## Signs exempt from permit in Milliken

- Non-illuminated identification signs (address) not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings that do not contain moving parts or lights.
- Works of art including murals that do not contain moving parts or lights and have approved design by the Planning Commission.
- Banners displayed for up to thirty (30) days in any ninety (90) day period or no more than two times per calendar year per lot/parcel, subject to mounting requirements.
- Government signs identifying buildings or historical markers.
- Temporary construction signs (per face size and duration limits) on lots with active construction, so long as not illuminated and removed within seven days of completion.
- Non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated courtesy signs, limited to one per use and size limits.
- Directional and instructional private signs not exceeding six (6) square feet per face.
- Signs affixed to doors not exceeding two (2) square feet per door.
- Temporary signs advertising farm products for sale, under specified location, size, and illumination restrictions.
- Flags and flagpoles.
- Signs for garage, estate, yard sale, or farm auction (size and duration limits, not in right-of-way).
- Hazard warning signs erected by Town, public utility companies, oil/gas companies, construction companies, or others (public safety/hazard).
- Noncommercial plaques or markers incorporated into a building or paving surface, not exceeding ten (10) square feet.
- Merchandise, pictures or models of products/services as part of window display.
- Pedestal flags/feather banners, provided not a traffic/pedestrian hazard and properly anchored.
- Election season signs for ballot issues/candidates on private property (size, number, and duration limits).
- Signs on motor vehicles offered for sale (one per vehicle, size limit).
- Signs on regularly operated trucks, buses, trailers, or other vehicles, provided primary use is not for display of commercial sign.
- Signs on vending machines, limited to product vended and not extending beyond machine surfaces.
- Temporary real estate signs for parcels currently offered for sale/lease/rent (with area, number, illumination, and right-of-way placement limits).
- Sandwich board signs (A-frame, sidewalk, notice, portable human signs) meeting size, height, separation, location, and anchoring standards and only during hours of operation.
- Athletic field signs not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet and oriented to athletes/spectators.
- Temporary signs and banners for noncommercial special events (area, illumination, and right-of-way placement; duration limits).
- No permit is required for text/copy changes on conforming or legal nonconforming signs designed to permit such changes, provided no structural changes are made.
- Traffic control devices and government signs (non-regulatory).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, except for those specified as exempt in Section 16-3-620.
- A separate permit is required for each business entity's sign in multiple-occupant buildings.
- Separate building and electrical permits may be required for signs.
- Sign permit applications require detailed site plans showing the proposed location, dimensions, materials, and related details of the proposed sign.
- Neither servicing and maintenance of existing signs nor changing or replacing the copy on an existing legal sign requires a permit.
- Installation and maintenance of landscaping, buffers, and screening as part of site plan approval may incorporate signage and may be included in review.
- For changes to nonconforming signs, compliance may be required as a condition of approval for rezoning, variance, or land use action.
- Master or comprehensive sign plans are not explicitly referenced, but sign permit and detailed site plan reviews are required for most sign types not explicitly exempted.
- Structural engineer certification may be required for freestanding or projecting signs as part of the sign permit application.
- For new development or changes requiring a site plan, the sign plan and sign permit processes are required to ensure compliance with all sign-related standards.

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

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