Sign Regulations in Sterling, Colorado
Sterling, Colorado has specific sign regulations covering 9 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Flat Wall Sign, Under Canopy Sign. Height restrictions apply. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: March 6, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Sterling, Colorado
Sample Sign Requirements in Sterling
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | 2 ft |
| Flat Wall Sign | Top of wall | 25 sq ft | — |
| Under Canopy Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
9
- Freestanding Sign
- Flat Wall Sign
- Under Canopy Sign
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
2
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Sterling
Other Cities in Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
In Sterling, wall signs can be up to Top of wall and monument signs are limited to 6 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 Sterling, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Sterling, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Flat Wall Sign, Under Canopy Sign, Awning Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Sterling, monument signs typically require a 2 ft setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Sterling are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sterling has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Sterling Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Sterling, Colorado sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Sterling, Colorado Sign Rules at a Glance
Sterling, Colorado regulates 9 sign types across 2 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Residential District (R1, R2, R3, MH) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 25 sq ft, with a 2 ft setback (Sec. Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1).
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sterling, Colorado
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sterling (2 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District (R1, R2, R3, MH) | 8 | 10 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | 30 ft | 320 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sterling
Residential District (R1, R2, R3, MH)
| 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 | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | 2 ft | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Flat Wall Sign | Top of wall | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Under Canopy Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Awning Sign | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Portable Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | Property line | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Banner Sign | 10 ft | 25 sq ft | — | 5 ft | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
| Projecting Wall Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Table 10.1, Sec. 1006.1 |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 30 ft | 320 sq ft | — | 35 ft | — | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 1005.8 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Sterling are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Sterling
- Abandoned signs that are a blight or nuisance
- Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals
- Snipe signs attached to trees, telephone poles, street lights, or placed on any public property or public right-of-way
- Signs placed on vehicles or semi-trailers which are parked or located for the primary purpose of advertising a service or product other than said vehicle or semi-trailer
Exempt Signs in Sterling
- Construction signs of 32 square feet or less
- Directional/informational signs of 5 square feet or less
- Nameplates and identification signs of 3 square feet or less
- Political signs
- Public signs or notices, or any sign relating to an emergency
- Real estate signs of 16 square feet or less
- Window signs
- Incidental signs
- Point of purchase display signs
- Subdivision identification signs of 32 square feet or less
- Any sign which is located completely within an enclosed building and which is not visible from outside the building, and any sign which is so located that it is not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel on which it is located or from any public thoroughfare
- Any grave marker, headstone, memorial statue, or other similar remembrances that are noncommercial in nature
- Names and addresses on postal boxes
- Residential address numbers
- Names of newspapers and similar publications on their delivery boxes
- The posting of privately owned land and/or buildings or structures against trespass, hunting, fishing, swimming or any other activity, and/or the warning of any person against any danger, hazard or condition pertaining to such land and/or buildings and structures
- Cornerstones, memorial tablets, and similar markers made of masonry, bronze and other incombustible and durable material and used to indicate, without advertising matter, information relating to the development of the facility on which they are located such as those involved in planning, financing and construction of buildings
- Historical signs and markers designating places of historical significance
- City entry identification signs designating entry points to the City of Sterling
- City park identification signs designating City parks and recreation areas
- Flags, pennants or insignia of nations or an organization of nations, states or cities, except when such flags are used in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device
- Window displays incorporating placards, pennants, merchandise, pictures or models of products or services
- Works of fine art which in no way identify a product or business and which are not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise, which enterprise may benefit or realize direct commercial gain from such display
- Temporary decorations or displays clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with national, local or religious holiday celebrations or special events
- Traffic and other official signs of any public or governmental agency
- Signs over gas pumps which indicate gas prices, provided that such signs shall be limited to one (1) per pump island and shall be no larger than four (4) square feet per face
- Bus benches and/or shelters within any City rights-of-way displaying advertisements pursuant to an agreement between the City and the owner, provided that such agreement regulates the size, content, placement, design and materials used for construction of said bus bench and/or shelter sign
- Bus benches and/or shelters on private property displaying advertisements, upon approval of the Board of Adjustment
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sterling
- A variance may be granted by the Board of Adjustment, which requires a public hearing and consideration of specific conditions.
- All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the administrator or designee.
- A denial of a permit under this Chapter or an order issued under this Chapter may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.
Source: municode municipal code