Sign Regulations in New Castle, Colorado
New Castle, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Suspended Sign, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for New Castle, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in New Castle
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Sign | 5 ft | 64 sq ft (sign face only) | — |
| Projecting Sign | 6 ft or no higher than eave line of principal building | 6 sq ft | — |
| Suspended Sign | 6 ft or no higher than eave line of principal building | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for New CastleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
20
- Projecting Sign
- Suspended Sign
- Wall Sign
- Temporary Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for New Castle
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
In New Castle, monument signs are limited to 5 ft. 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 New Castle, 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 New Castle, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Suspended Sign, Wall Sign, Temporary 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 New Castle 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 New Castle are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. New Castle has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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New Castle, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
New Castle, Colorado regulates 20 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Pole Signs in the Gateway District zoning district are capped at 25 ft tall and 128 sq ft, with a No closer than 8 ft from any curbline, nor closer than 4 ft to any building, nor less than 25 ft from property line adjacent to residential district setback (Sec. 17.18.110(C), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134). Most commercial signs in New Castle require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for New Castle, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in New Castle (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District | 7 | 6 ft or no higher than eave line of principal building | 64 sq ft (sign face only) | — |
| Gateway District | 16 | No higher than eave/25 ft | Up to 150 sq ft, but not more than 5% wall area | — |
| Downtown and Mixed-Use District | 14 | No higher than eave or 25 ft | 25% of window/door area at ground floor, and no more than 25% of total sign area allowed for premises | — |
| Industrial District | 14 | No higher than eave/25 ft | Up to 150 sq ft, no more than 5% of wall area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 42 in / 3.5 ft | 24 sq ft total per property | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in New Castle(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Gateway 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | No higher than eave line or first floor per wall sign standard | Up to 150 sq ft, but not more than 5% wall area | — | — | One (1) per tenant/building | First and second-story building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way. No projection above/below/face of awning. | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(A), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Banner | No higher than eave line | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Securely attached on private property as per 17.18.040(B); not in ROW | — | Unlock | 17.18.040(B), 17.18.050, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Canopy Sign | No higher than eave line or no higher than top of canopy | Up to 150 sq ft, but not more than 5% wall area | — | — | One (1) per tenant/building | Permanently affixed to canopy; no projection above top of canopy. | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(B), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Marquee Sign | No higher than eave or first floor level (per wall sign rules) | See Wall Sign ('5% of wall area, max 150 sq ft') | — | — | One per building tenant | Attached to, supported by and projecting from a building, typically above entrance | — | Unlock | 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.110(C), 17.18.134 |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft | 128 sq ft | — | No closer than 8 ft from any curbline, nor closer than 4 ft to any building, nor less than 25 ft from property line adjacent to residential district | — | Freestanding, on property with street frontage | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(C), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134 |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On private property, in front of business; not to block accessibility; must be removed after business hours | — | Unlock | 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134, 17.18.050(B)(10) |
| Projecting Sign | See (b): No higher than eave of single-story, 15 ft above grade, or height of bottom of second story window on multi-story building; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | One per business | Placed on ground floor facade except businesses above ground with exterior pedestrian access | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(E), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134 |
| Suspended Sign | See (b): No higher than eave of single-story, 15 ft above grade, or height of bottom of second story window on multi-story; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per tenant building frontage | Suspended from building | — | Unlock | 17.18.110, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134 |
Downtown and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | No higher than eave line/first floor | 10 sq ft (main sign); 4 sq ft (auxiliary) | — | — | — | First and second-story building frontages; same as Gateway Awning | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(A), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134 |
| Banner | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage per business | Private property—attached to structure or freestanding sign/poles | — | Unlock | 17.18.040(B), 17.18.050, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133 |
| Creative Sign | 4 ft | 10 sq ft (main sign); 4 sq ft (auxiliary) | — | — | — | As approved in creative sign process | — | Unlock | 17.18.120, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Marquee Sign | No higher than eave/first floor level | See Wall Sign (6 sq ft per tenant max, but must be within 5% of wall area) | — | — | One per building tenant | Attached/projecting from building, typically above entrance | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(C), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.133, 17.18.134 |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft | 4 sq ft | 18 inches | — | 1 per business | Placed in front of business during business hours; not to interfere with accessibility or visibility; removed after hours. | — | Unlock | 17.18.050(B)(10), 17.18.131, 17.18.132 |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than eave/15 ft above grade, or bottom of second story window on multi-story; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | One per tenant/building frontage | Ground floor facade; minimum 8 ft above sidewalk | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(E), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Suspended Sign | See Projecting Sign; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per tenant/building frontage | Suspended from building or architectural element | — | Unlock | 17.18.110, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Wall Sign | No higher than 25 ft or eave, first floor only for retail use | 6 sq ft per tenant; all wall signs per wall: 5% of wall area max | — | — | One per tenant/frontage | First floor level only for retail use; not above eave | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(G), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Sign | No higher than eave line | Up to 150 sq ft, no more than 5% of wall area | — | — | One per tenant/building | First and second-story wall, as per wall sign standard | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(A), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Creative Sign | 4 ft | Up to 150 sq ft, no more than 5% of wall area | — | — | — | As approved in creative sign process | — | Unlock | 17.18.120, 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft | 120 sq ft | — | — | — | Along site frontage on public street | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(D), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134, 17.18.133 |
| Painted Wall Sign | No higher than eave/25 ft | Up to 150 sq ft, 5% of wall area | — | — | One per tenant building frontage | — | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(G), 17.18.131, 17.18.132 |
| Pole Sign | 25 ft | 128 sq ft | — | No closer than 8 ft from curbline, or 4 ft to building; no less than 25 ft from property line adjacent to residential district | — | Freestanding | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(C), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
| Projecting Sign | No higher than the eave on one-story, or 15 ft min above grade, or bottom of second story window in multi-story; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | 3 ft | — | One per tenant frontage | Placed on ground floor facade; minimum 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(E), 17.18.131, 17.18.132 |
| Suspended Sign | Same as Projecting Sign; min 8 ft above sidewalk/grade | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per tenant frontage | Suspended from building or architectural element | — | Unlock | 17.18.110, 17.18.131, 17.18.132 |
| Wall Sign | No higher than 25 ft or eave of principal building; first floor for retail use | Up to 150 sq ft, 5% of wall area | — | — | One per tenant building frontage | First floor for retail uses; not above eave | — | Unlock | 17.18.110(G), 17.18.131, 17.18.132, 17.18.134 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in New Castle — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for New Castle — start freeProhibited Signs in New Castle
- Signs located in the public right-of-way subject to the exemptions in Section 17.18.050.
- Animated signs or signs that flash, rotate, blink or moving signs, signs with moving, rotating or flashing lights or signs that create the illusion of movement, except for time and temperature devices.
- Any sign that is erected in such a location as to cause visual obstruction or interference with motor vehicle traffic, or traffic-control devices, including any sign that obstructs clear vision in any direction from any street intersection or driveway.
- Mechanical or electrical appurtenances, such as "revolving beacons," that are designed to attract attention.
- Off-premises signs.
- Any sign that 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.
- Any sign located in such a way as to intentionally deny an adjoining property owner visual access to an existing sign.
- Vehicle-mounted signs, including but not limited to, signs painted on or attached to semi-trailers or cargo containers when exhibited on private property adjacent to public right-of-way for the purpose of advertising the business or services offered on the property, except vehicles used in connection with a special event for up to 72 hours.
- Portable signs or signs not permanently affixed or attached to the ground or to any structure, except as permitted by this chapter.
- Searchlights.
- Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design which presents a pattern capable of reversible perspective, giving the illusion of motion or changing of copy.
- Inflatable freestanding signs or tethered balloons or other inflatable figures or devices installed with the primary purpose of attracting attention.
- Stationery or portable electronic message boards, except governmental signs.
- Wind signs designed or installed to be activated by movement of the atmosphere.
- Any sign or sign structure that is structurally unsafe.
- Any sign or sign structure that constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation.
- Any sign or sign structure that is not kept in good repair.
- Any sign or sign structure that is capable of causing electrical shocks.
- Any sign or sign structure that obstructs the view of, may be confused with, or purports to be an official traffic sign, signal, or device or any other official sign.
- Any sign or sign structure that uses any words, phrases, symbols or characters implying the existence of danger or the need for stopping or maneuvering a motor vehicle.
- Any sign or sign structure that creates in any other way an unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators or obstructs the view of motor vehicle operators entering a public roadway from any parking area, service drive, private driveway, alley or other thoroughfare.
Exempt Signs in New Castle
- Signs of any type installed or posted, or required to be installed or posted, by the Town of New Castle, Garfield County, State of Colorado, Federal Government, or a school district, including signs posted in town open space.
- Required signs, posted in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
- Address signs: Nonilluminated signs not to exceed two square feet in area that identify the address and/or occupants of a building.
- Building Identification and Historical Markers: Nonilluminated signs not exceeding four square feet, constructed of metal, wood or masonry, permanently affixed to buildings or structures for identification or historical information as approved by town staff.
- Bumper stickers on vehicles.
- Carried Signs: Signs carried by people or service animals recognized under the ADA, provided such signs are not set down or propped on objects.
- Temporary Site Signs: Signs installed in association with active building permits and removed upon issuance of certificate of occupancy or permit expiration, subject to size, orientation, illumination, location, and removal timing provisions.
- On-premises directional and instructional signs not exceeding four square feet in area apiece.
- Flags: Flags not exceeding thirty square feet, affixed to permanent flagpoles or flagpoles mounted to buildings (temporary or permanent).
- Holiday or seasonal decorations.
- Private Property Signs: Signs on private property not exceeding two square feet per face or four square feet total, limited to four such signs per use or building (whichever is greater).
- "Sandwich Board" Signs: Single, temporary, portable sign not exceeding four square feet per face, no more than eighteen inches wide, placed in front of the business only during business hours, and in a manner that does not present a safety, accessibility, or visibility risk.
- Scoreboards for athletic fields.
- Signs with De Minimus Area: Signs affixed to a building or structure not exceeding one square foot in area (one per elevation visible from public right-of-way or neighboring properties); and signs less than three-fourths square foot affixed to machines, equipment, fences, gates, walls, gasoline pumps, public telephones, or utility cabinets.
- Displays of string lights, provided they are steady burning, clear, noncolored (no blinking/flashing), not over five watts, not outlining signs/sign supports/awnings/canopies, not conveying messages or logos, not causing safety hazards, used only on private property, and maintained in working order.
- Temporary Yard Signs: Allowed per detailed requirements by district (quantity, size, height, location, and display duration restrictions specified for both residential and nonresidential districts).
- Text/copy changes on conforming or legal nonconforming signs designed to permit changes, provided there are no structural changes, area changes, illumination changes, or other modifications.
- Vehicular Signs: Signs on trucks, buses, trailers, or vehicles operated or stored in normal course of business, provided the primary purpose is not display, and vehicles are parked or stored appropriately and not over 30 days.
- Window signs affixed, painted on, or attached to door glass.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for New Castle
- A sign permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct or repair any permanent or temporary sign, unless the sign is specifically exempted in Section 17.18.050 (Exempt Signs).
- In multi-tenant buildings, a separate permit is required for each business entity's sign(s).
- Applications must include a legible accurately scaled plan and detailed drawing; a certification by a structural engineer may be required for freestanding or projecting signs.
- For creative signs, a sign permit application is required and is subject to approval by the planning commission.
- Variances for signs are processed pursuant to Chapter 17.12 of the New Castle Municipal Code.
- Changing or replacing the copy or graphics on an existing lawful sign does not require a permit, provided the change does not result in a violation of the ordinance.
- Appeals of sign permit decisions may be heard by the town council at a public meeting upon timely filing.
- A sign permit application for a creative sign must include all required information and filing fee and is reviewed under different approval authority than standard permits.
Source: municode municipal code