# Sign Regulations in Walsenburg, Colorado

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Walsenburg, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/walsenburg
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-09
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CO/Walsenburg/codes/Municipal_Code?nodeId=COOR_CH16ZO_ART7SIRE)

## At a glance

Walsenburg, Colorado regulates 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Under 35 mph speed limit)s in the Commercial District (C-1, C-2), Industrial District (H-I, L-I) zoning district are capped at Not to exceed roof line tall and Depends on Figure 16-7(4). Typically up to 0.4 sq. ft. per 1 sq. ft. building frontage (verify exact value from table). (Sec. Sec. 16-7-230, Fig. 16-7(4)). Most commercial signs in Walsenburg require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential District | 6 | — | Aggregate area of all window signs not to exceed 50% of window area | — |
| Commercial District (C-1, C-2), Industrial District (H-I, L-I) | 17 | Up to 15 ft. above roofline | 50 sq. ft. | — |
| Agricultural District (A-O) | 4 | 15 ft. above maximum roof height | 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Highway District (C-1, L-I, H-I area within 600 feet of highway right-of-way) | 1 | 150 ft. | 600 sq. ft. (per sign); 2,000 sq. ft. combined faces per structure | — |
| Northlands General Improvement District | 1 | 150 ft. | — | — |
| Southern Gateway | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | Max size for business identification freestanding signs | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### Residential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Each street frontage | — | Sec. 16-7-220, Table 16-7-1 |
| Freestanding Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Each street frontage (Single-family residence, multi-family complex, or nonresidential building) | — | Sec. 16-7-230, Table 16-7-1 |
| Directional Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | Not more than 2 exterior per street entrance | Per street entrance and within the lot | — | Sec. 16-7-240 |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | — | — | — | 2 | On lot being sold/leased | — | Sec. 16-7-260 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per lot, 1 per subdivision entrance | On lot or subdivision entrance | — | Sec. 16-7-270 |
| Window Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | Aggregate area of all window signs not to exceed 50% of window area | — | — | — | On windows of nonresidential buildings | — | Sec. 16-7-380 |

### Commercial District (C-1, C-2), Industrial District (H-I, L-I)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Under 35 mph speed limit) | Not to exceed roof line | Depends on Figure 16-7(4). Typically up to 0.4 sq. ft. per 1 sq. ft. building frontage (verify exact value from table). | — | — | — | Each street frontage, at posted limit under 35 mph | — | Sec. 16-7-230, Fig. 16-7(4) |
| Freestanding Sign (35-55 mph speed limit) | Not to exceed roof line | See Fig. 16-7(5) for total area standards. | — | — | — | Each street frontage, at posted speed 35-55 mph | — | Sec. 16-7-230, Fig. 16-7(5) |
| Freestanding Sign (Above 55 mph speed limit) | Not to exceed roof line | See Fig. 16-7(6) for total area standards. | — | — | — | Each street frontage, at posted speed above 55 mph | — | Sec. 16-7-230, Fig. 16-7(6) |
| Directional Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | Max 2 per street entrance | Per street entrance and within lot | — | Sec. 16-7-240 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | Up to 50 sq. ft. per sign | — | — | 1 per street front | On project site | — | Sec. 16-7-270 |
| Portable Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | On private property | — | Sec. 16-7-300 |
| Sidewalk Sign | 4 ft. | — | 3 ft. (base dimension), may not exceed the base width | — | — | Sidewalk | — | Sec. 16-7-310 |
| Projecting Sign | May not exceed the facade/roof or parapet height of building | — | — | — | 1 per occupancy per street frontage | Attached to building; in lieu of freestanding sign | — | Sec. 16-7-360 |

### Agricultural District (A-O)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | See wall sign requirements for nonresidential uses | — | Sec. 16-7-220; Table 16-7-1 |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Each street frontage | — | Sec. 16-7-230 |
| Directional Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 2 per entrance | Per street entrance | — | Sec. 16-7-240 |
| Roof Sign | 15 ft. above maximum roof height | — | — | — | — | Buildings fronting streets/highways with speed ≥40 mph | — | Sec. 16-7-370 |

## Prohibited signs in Walsenburg

- No sign other than an official traffic sign or similar sign shall be erected within two feet of the lines of any street or within any public way, unless specifically authorized by ordinance or written authorization.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
- Animated signs, except as allowed in specific sections, are not permitted outside commercial and industrial zones.
- Signs projecting over public walkways must maintain at least eight feet clearance from grade level to the bottom of the sign.
- Signs, architectural projections, or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the city.
- Every sign must be kept in good condition and repair.
- Obsolete sign copy (that no longer advertises or identifies a use on the property) must be removed or covered within 80 days of written notification.
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic are prohibited.
- Signs encroaching upon or overhanging the public right-of-way are prohibited except as provided elsewhere; no sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree, or any other public facility in the public right-of-way.
- Signs which blink, flash, or are animated by lighting in a manner that causes them to appear as traffic safety signs/lights or municipal vehicle warnings are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as allowed for temporary signs.
- Signs attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property are prohibited unless specific conditions are met (vehicle is not primarily for sign display, sign does not break the silhouette, vehicle is registered and in use, not used as static display/storage).
- Balloons, streamers, or pinwheels are prohibited except when temporarily displayed as part of a special event, sale, or promotion (maximum 20 days/year).
- Mechanical or electrical appurtenances designed to compel attention are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Off-premises advertising signs or signs not pertinent and incidental to the permitted use on the property are prohibited, except for temporary subdivision directional signs and political signs.
- Any sign that obstructs free passage from or blocks any fire escape, downspout, window, door, stairway, ladder, or opening intended as a means of ingress, egress, or provision of light/air is prohibited.
- Any sign intentionally denying adjoining property owner's visual access to an existing sign is prohibited.
- Rotating signs are prohibited.
- Searchlights are prohibited.
- Signs with optical illusions of movement or reversible perspective are prohibited.
- Inflatable freestanding signs or tethered balloons are prohibited.
- Fabric signs, flags, pennants, or banners used for commercial advertising purposes are prohibited except as permitted as exempt signs.
- Wind signs are prohibited.
- Any sign advertising an activity, business, product, or service no longer on the premises, if premises have been vacated for 90 days or more, is prohibited (with possible extension or exception for seasonal businesses).
- Any sign or supporting structure which is structurally unsafe, constitutes a hazard by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, is not kept in good repair, or is capable of causing electrical shocks is prohibited.
- Any sign or structure which, in any way, obstructs the view of, may be confused with, or purports to be an official traffic sign, uses dangerous or distracting symbols or language, or creates an unsafe distraction for motor vehicle operators or obstructs view of operators entering a public roadway is prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Walsenburg

- Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official.
- Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal, state or municipal governments.
- Memorial plaques and building cornerstones when cut or carved into masonry or made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building/structure.
- The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
- Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
- Works of fine art displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise, provided there is no direct commercial gain and the works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts or lights.
- Signs not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel or from any public thoroughfare or right-of-way are exempt except they must comply with safety regulations of the International Building Code and National Electrical Code.
- Non-illuminated address signs not exceeding two square feet that identify the address or occupants.
- Integral decorative or architectural building features without letters, trademarks, moving parts or lights.
- Banners for grand openings or special sales, not exceeding 30 days per event, not more than two times per calendar year per establishment, one banner per street frontage, securely attached to private property structures.
- Non-illuminated metal or masonry building identification or historical marker signs permanently affixed to buildings or structures, as approved.
- Bulletin board signs not exceeding 15 square feet accessory to a church, school, public or nonprofit institution.
- Temporary construction signs.
- Street address signs and combination nameplate and street address signs containing no advertising and not exceeding six square feet.
- All exempt signs (except for government signs) must be outside a street right-of-way and must not violate Section 16-7-40(d) (traffic visibility obstructions). Evidence of owner's permission may be required.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master sign plan is required for all landlord or single-owner controlled multiple-occupancy development complexes on parcels exceeding eight acres, where a PUD plan is submitted. The master sign plan must be submitted as part of the PUD plan and approved during the PUD approval process.
- All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex must comply with the approved master sign plan.

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

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