# Sign Regulations in Westminster, Colorado

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Westminster, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/westminster
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-09
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/CO/Westminster/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TITXILADEGRPR_CH11SIRE)

## At a glance

Westminster, Colorado regulates 19 sign types across 12 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the Office Transition Commercial (OTC) (associated with T1, B1) zoning district are capped at 6 ft (<32 sf), 8 ft (32–60 sf), 25 ft (>60 sf) tall and 60 sf (<2 ac), 100 sf (2–10 ac), 150 sf (>10 ac), with a 10 ft or 25 ft setback (Sec. Table 11-11-9-1). Most commercial signs in Westminster require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (12 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Low Intensity (RLI) (associated with O1, RE, R1, RA, R2, R5) | 10 | 25 ft pole height | 60 sf | — |
| Residential Medium Intensity (RMI) (associated with R3, R4) | 10 | 25 ft | 80 sf | — |
| Office Transition Commercial (OTC) (associated with T1, B1) | 11 | 30 ft | 120 sf | — |
| Commercial (COM) (associated with C1) | 11 | 35 ft | 150 sf | — |
| Mixed-Use and Specific Plan Districts (MSP) (associated with SPD, Downtown Specific Plan (D), Westminster Station Specific Plan (WS)) | 12 | 35 ft | 240 sf | — |
| Employment / R&D (ERD) | 10 | 35 ft | 300 sf | — |
| Industrial Flex (IFA) (associated with M1) | 10 | 35 ft | 300 or 400 sf (by wall size) | — |
| Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Specific Plan Districts (SPDs) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Specific Plan (D) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Westminster Station Specific Plan (WS) | 1 | — | — | — |

_1 additional zoning district is covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 12 zones)

### Office Transition Commercial (OTC) (associated with T1, B1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (<32 sf), 8 ft (32–60 sf), 25 ft (>60 sf) | 60 sf (<2 ac), 100 sf (2–10 ac), 150 sf (>10 ac) | — | 10 ft or 25 ft | 1 per frontage (2 for dev w/ multiple frontages over 10 ac) | 10 ft setback for <8 ft/60 sf, 25 ft setback >8 ft/60 sf | — | Table 11-11-9-1 |
| Post Sign | 8 ft | 32 sf | — | 5 ft | 1 (2 for multi-frontage lots) | 5 ft setback | — | Table 11-11-9-2 |
| Wall Sign (Panel/Box) | — | 30–150 sf | 75% of building frontage | Z | 1 per elevation/tenant/single entry, 4 total per building | On building wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Wall Sign (Channel Letters/Painted) | — | 30–300/400 sf | 75% of building frontage | Z | Same as panel/box wall sign | On wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee/Over- and Under-Canopy Signs | 2 ft awning/canopy, 3 ft marquee | 100 sf | — | Z | 1 per tenant, 3 per building | On structure | — | Table 11-11-10-3 |
| Skyline Sign | 5 ft, +1 ft/story above 3 | 120 sf | — | Z | 1 per frontage, 2 total | Above highest floor windows, bldg 3+ stories/36 ft+ | — | Table 11-11-10-7 |
| Flag | 30 ft | 40 sf | — | 5 ft | 3 per lot | 5 ft setback | — | Table 11-11-11-1 |
| Incidental and Temporary Signs | 7 ft | Temporary freestanding: 65 sf; wall mounted: 40 sf; Permanent freestanding: 6 sf (10–15 ft from prop line), 40 sf (>15'), Permanent wall: 80 sf | — | 10 ft | 2 per lot (incidental), 1 banner per 100 linear ft frontage | 10 ft setback for freestanding/wall | — | Tables 11-11-11-2, 11-11-11-3 |

### Commercial (COM) (associated with C1)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (<32 sf), 8 ft (32–60 sf), 25 ft (>60 sf) | 60 sf (<2 ac), 100 sf (2–10 ac), 150 sf (>10 ac) | — | 10 or 15 ft | 1 per frontage | 10 ft setback for <8 ft/60 sf, 15 ft for >8 ft or 60 sf | — | Table 11-11-9-1 |
| Wall Sign (Panel/Box) | — | 30–150 sf | 75% of building frontage/storefront | Z | 1 per elevation/tenant, 2 for single/multi-occupant with single entry, 4 per bldg | On building wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Wall Sign (Channel Letters/Painted) | — | 30–300/400 sf (by wall size) | 75% of building frontage | Z | As above | On wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee/Over- and Under-Canopy Signs | 6 ft awning/canopy, 5 ft marquee | 150 sf | — | Z | 1 per tenant, 3 per building | On structure | — | Table 11-11-10-3 |
| Skyline Sign | 6 ft (+1 ft/story above 3) | 120 sf | — | Z | 1 per frontage, 2 total | Above highest floor windows, 3+ stories/36+ ft | — | Table 11-11-10-7 |
| Flag | 35 ft | 60 sf | — | 5 ft | 3 per lot | 5 ft setback | — | Table 11-11-11-1 |
| Sandwich Board | 3 ft | 6 sf | 30 inches | — | 1 per ground floor public entry | On sidewalk; 5 ft min sidewalk clearance, 25 ft between other sandwich boards | — | Table 11-11-9-3 |
| Incidental and Temporary Signs | 7 ft | Temp freestanding: 65 sf; wall: 40 sf; perm freestanding: 6 sf (10–15 ft), 40 sf (>15 ft); perm wall: 80 sf | — | 10 ft | 1 per 100 ft frontage (banner) | 10 ft setback for freestanding/wall | — | Table 11-11-11-2, 11-11-11-3 |

### Mixed-Use and Specific Plan Districts (MSP) (associated with SPD, Downtown Specific Plan (D), Westminster Station Specific Plan (WS))

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft (<32 sf), 8 ft (32-60 sf), 25 ft (>60 sf) | 60 sf (<2 ac), 100 sf (2-10 ac), 150 sf (>10 ac) | — | 10 ft or 15 ft | 1 per frontage | 10 ft setback <8 ft/60 sf, 15 ft >8 ft or 60 sf | — | Table 11-11-9-1 |
| Wall Sign (Panel/Box) | — | Up to 100 sf (Downtown/WS), 150 sf elsewhere | 75% of building/storefront | Z | 1 per elevation/tenant, 2 per single/multi-occupant with single entry, 4 per bldg | On wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Wall Sign (Channel Letters/Painted) | — | Max 100 sf (D/WS), 150 sf elsewhere | 75% of building/storefront | Z | As above | On wall | — | Table 11-11-10-1 |
| Awning/Canopy/Marquee/Over- and Under-Canopy Signs | 2 ft awning/canopy, 5 ft marquee | 100 sf | — | Z | As above | On structure | — | Table 11-11-10-3 |
| Skyline Sign | 6 ft (+1 ft/story above 3) | 240 sf | — | Z | 1 per frontage, 2 per building | Above windows of top floor (if 3+ stories or 36+ ft) | — | Table 11-11-10-7 |
| Sandwich Board | 3 ft | 6 sf | 30 inches | — | 1 per eligible entry | Sidewalk; 5 ft min sidewalk clearance, 25 ft between boards; see location restrictions | — | Table 11-11-9-3 |
| Incidental and Temporary Signs | 7 ft | Temp/perm freestanding: 65 sf; wall mounted: 40 sf (temp), 80 sf (perm) | — | 10 ft | 1 per 100 linear ft (banner) | 10 ft setback for freestanding | — | Table 11-11-11-2, 11-11-11-3 |
| Internal Sign | 8 ft | 6 sf | — | 5 ft | 1 per 300 ft | Internal to development, 5 ft from perimeter | — | Table 11-11-11-4 |

## Prohibited signs in Westminster

- It is unlawful for any person to erect, operate, or otherwise use any sign that is prohibited by this Chapter.
- It is unlawful for any person to erect, operate, or otherwise use any sign at a time, place, or manner that is prohibited by this Chapter.
- Any sign not specifically permitted by this Chapter.
- Any sign on or over any public property (right-of-way), except for public signs such as traffic control or hazard/warning signs.
- Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical movement, or any description or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or mechanical means. This does not apply to marquees in the Downtown and Station Area.
- Signs that are animated with lights or illuminations that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in intensity, vary in color, or use intermittent electrical pulsations.
- Attention-getting devices including wind signs (feather signs, pennants, streamers, balloons), strings of light bulbs (except as provided in 11-11-7(D)), or inflatable objects/materials (except as provided for temporary signs in 11-11-11(B)).
- Signs that are a copy of, or are likely to be confused with, any government-approved official signs, e.g., those shown in the Uniform Traffic Code.
- Any attached sign (other than a window sign) that obstructs any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended for light, air, ingress, or egress, as required by the building code.
- Vehicle signs (other than bumper stickers) displayed on a vehicle or trailer used primarily to display the sign are prohibited. Exceptions only if vehicle remains in one visible place less than 24 hours, is actually used as transport or for service, and is registered and insured for use in Colorado.
- Billboards.
- Pole signs.
- Snipe signs.
- Any sign that causes direct glare—i.e., a brightness level exceeding limits specified in Section 11-11-7(B)(5) (light trespass).
- A sign (including structure) that is abandoned (no longer used/business closed/property vacant for 90 days/no owner). Declared a public nuisance and illegal sign (except certain seasonal businesses and public signs).
- Any sign whose illumination includes animation, moving video, flashing, scrolling, intermittent, moving lights, rotating beams or beacons.
- Digital signs that operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as described in Section 11-11-7(B)(5).
- Digital signs without required automatic dimming, light sensing device, required certifications, or malfunction provision.
- Fluorescent tubular lighting (generating white light) exposed as a sign element is not permitted.
- Neon or tubular lighting may not be used to outline architectural features of locally designated historic buildings or buildings in a designated landmark/district.
- String lights outside of allowed areas or uses.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained that obstructs the vision of motorists, as determined by the City's traffic engineer.
- It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the provisions of this chapter; violations constitute a public nuisance.

## Signs exempt from permit in Westminster

- Signs located entirely within the interior of a building or structure and not visible from outside of the building (except as otherwise provided).
- Any public notice or warning posted or required by valid federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance, including street addresses. Street addresses not exceeding four square feet are also not counted toward wall sign allocation.
- A sign carried or worn by a person.
- A sign affixed to a vehicle, except as provided in Section 11-11-5(G) (regulations on vehicle signs).
- Public signs (defined as a sign erected by a governmental entity/agency for active governmental purposes).
- Up to five temporary signs or banners of six square feet or less each for 100 feet of frontage or less, and one additional sign of up to six square feet for each additional 20 feet of frontage over 100 feet.
- Bumper stickers.
- Any sign authorized in this Chapter may contain any non-commercial copy in lieu of any other copy (content/message neutrality).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A master sign plan is required for any development or redevelopment of at least three (3) acres (except Downtown and Westminster Station SPDs).
- Master sign plan must be included in a required Official Development Plan (ODP) and contain standards for design, lighting, color, materials, and method of construction for all signs in the development.
- Sign-related ODP amendments or administrative sign variances allow for some modifications (up to 20% deviation) to sign standards, but not for prohibited signs or master sign plans or for an overall sign program for a PUD set in a PDP.
- Sign variances exceeding 20% deviation require approval by the Planning Commission, which may hold a variance meeting.
- An application for a sign permit must include a plot plan, sign elevations, details of color/finish/materials, and other information as required. A permit is generally required, except for signs expressly identified as exempt (incidental, temporary, banners, flags, etc.), though building permits may still be needed (Section 11-11-6(A)).

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

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