# Sign Regulations in Winter Park, Colorado

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Winter Park, Colorado (CO)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/colorado/winter-park
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-20

## At a glance

Winter Park, Colorado regulates 25 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Feather Flag/Teardrop Flag/Wind Flags in the Commercial District zoning district are capped at 12 ft from ground or snowpack tall, 24 sq ft combined per business., and 3 ft wide (Sec. 6-2-7-8B). Most commercial signs in Winter Park require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Commercial District | 11 | 18 ft max | 50% of display window on any business/building face. Permanent window signage to be calculated as part of 30 sq ft total. | — |
| R-1, R-2, Residential District | 3 | Freestanding: 18 ft above grade. | 30 sq ft sign copy; 45 sq ft total sign area. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 3 ft for sandwich board above ground or snowpack | 30 sq ft | — |
| Village at Winter Park | 11 | 12 ft max for commercial signage; building identification signs also 12 ft. | Not more than 25% of any window; not more than 15% total facade window area. | — |

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

### Commercial District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Not above the third story or above roofline. | 30 sq ft (total for all commercial signs per business) | — | — | Maximum number to stay within allowed aggregate area and max of 2 interior lit signs per business (counted towards total 30 sq ft). | Attached to building; not above roofline. | — | 6-2-7-7A, 6-2-7-7B, 6-2-7-7C, 6-2-7-7J |
| Freestanding Sign | 18 ft max | 18 sq ft (presumed, as freestanding sign is a component of 30 sq ft max); for multiple use facility see multiuse regulations | — | — | One per business, unless planning commission allows more. | On property of advertising business; must not obstruct other legal signs; in a landscaped area. | — | 6-2-7-7A, 6-2-7-7B, 6-2-7-7D, 6-2-7-7F |
| Projecting Sign | Not above 3rd story or roofline; minimum 7 ft ground clearance; may not project more than 6 ft from face of building. | Included in max total signage | — | — | To fit within aggregate sign area. | Perpendicular to face, from wall or canopy. | — | 6-2-7-7B, 6-2-7-7F |
| Permanent Window Sign | — | 50% of display window on any business/building face. Permanent window signage to be calculated as part of 30 sq ft total. | — | — | Aggregate coverage limit. | Within three feet of window on exterior, for viewing from outside. | — | 6-2-7-4B |
| Awning Sign | — | Counted towards max aggregate 30 sq ft. | — | — | To fit within 30 sq ft. | On awning/valance. | — | 6-2-2 Awning Sign, 6-2-7-7A |
| Marquee Sign | — | 30 sq ft max (total for business); subject to conditional use permit | — | — | As allowed by permit. | Attached to building. | — | 6-2-7-7G |
| Banner | — | 24 sq ft (if one banner and one flag, total must not exceed 24 sq ft) | — | — | Maximum two banners per business. | Wall mounted or attached to railings on private property. | — | 6-2-7-8A |
| Feather Flag/Teardrop Flag/Wind Flag | 12 ft from ground or snowpack | 24 sq ft combined per business. | 3 ft | — | 2 per business | On private property. | — | 6-2-7-8B |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Construction Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per construction site | On construction site; must be removed within 1 month of completion. | — | 6-2-7-1 |
| Attraction Board/Changeable Copy Sign/Sandwich Board Sign | 3 ft for sandwich board above ground or snowpack | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Private property; or until 10/31/21, also public sidewalks if not impeding traffic or snow removal. | — | 6-2-5A3 |
| Convenience Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | On-site, for viewing by pedestrian or on-site motorist. May also be affixed to doors/windows if within size allowances of 6-2-5A10/A11. | — | 6-2-5A10, 6-2-7-2 |
| Directional, Warning, Informational, Pedestrian Signs | — | — | — | — | — | On site or as required by law. | — | 6-2-5A4 |
| Real Estate Sign (Temporary/For Sale) | — | 3 sq ft (exempt), 16 sq ft (nonexempt for multifamily/commercial, needs permit) | — | — | One per lot or frontage; additional per lot length. | On private property only. | — | 6-2-7-11 |

### Village at Winter Park

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | Not above roofline; see below for story restrictions | 16 sq ft per sign; see formula below for aggregate per business | — | — | One wall sign per public entrance/facade, up to three sign types used per facade. | Attached to exterior wall of building, per entrance/facade. | — | 6-2A-3B1a,b, Table 1 |
| Canopy Sign | 8 ft minimum ground clearance. | 16 sq ft per sign; see aggregate sign area table. | — | — | One per public entrance. | On canopy at entrance. | — | 6-2A-3B1a, Table 1 |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft max for commercial signage; building identification signs also 12 ft. | 16 sq ft per sign; aggregate by table. | — | — | One per facade. | On property, at entrance, in landscaped area. | — | 6-2A-3B2a |
| Projecting Sign | Minimum 8 ft ground clearance; not above first story unless business is above; not above roofline; max projection 6 ft. | 16 sq ft max per sign | — | — | One per entrance/facade. | Perpendicular to wall at entrance. | — | 6-2A-3B2b |
| Awning Sign | At least 8 ft ground clearance. | 16 sq ft | — | — | One per awning. | On awning over window, display or entrance. | — | 6-2A-3B1a, 6-2A-3B2b |
| Building Directory | Wall mounted, no higher than adjacent doorway. | 4 sq ft | — | — | One per entrance. | Wall mounted at entrance. | — | 6-2A-3B2c |
| Marquee/Changeable Copy/Bulletin Sign | Not above first story unless business is above. | 16 sq ft (marquee), 4 sq ft (changeable/bulletin) | — | — | One marquee or changeable copy sign per business. | Affixed to building. | — | 6-2A-3B2e |
| Complex Identification Sign (Primary) | Freestanding: 12 ft max; wall: above first story if compatible, never above roofline. | Primary: 25 sq ft copy, 50 sq ft background | — | — | One per street access/vehicular entrance. | At building/complex entrance. | — | 6-2A-3B2a |

## Prohibited signs in Winter Park

- Any sign not specifically authorized or permitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter is prohibited.
- Animated or moving signs, including signs consisting of any moving, swinging, rotating, flashing, blinking, scintillating, fluctuating or otherwise animated light, unless specifically permitted as part of the allowable signage enumerated in this chapter and as part of a conditional use permit for an electronic message sign approved by the planning commission and town council.
- Advertising devices and advertising statuary, except as provided for identification of business nature with permit.
- Flags, pennants, balloons, inflatable signs used for advertising purposes, except as specifically allowed or with planning commission approval.
- Light bulb strings and exposed tubing including unshielded light bulbs, festoons, and strings of open bulbs, are prohibited except for specific decorative/holiday exceptions and by approval.
- Off premises signs or billboards, including any sign installed for advertising not related to the premises except approved community event signs with a special event permit.
- Signs which create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view of pedestrian, bicyclists and vehicular traffic.
- Signs imitating traffic signs or signals, or using words/symbols that confuse or mislead traffic.
- No sign shall be installed, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.
- No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape except those required by codes.
- No sign shall have less clearance from authorized communication or power lines than prescribed by law.
- Signs on public property or rights of way, including streets, medians (except as expressly allowed), sidewalks, traffic signposts, utility poles, and trees. Projection over/in public right of way is prohibited.
- Vehicle signs (signs on vehicles or trailers) advertising a use or activity not related to the vehicle's lawful use for deliveries, sales, or identification, except as otherwise specifically exempted.
- Roof signs, except those on mansard roofs.
- Signs that produce audible noise or sounds.
- Signs that emit visible smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.
- Snipe signs.
- Signs intended to swing or otherwise noticeably move due to wind or suspension.
- Lewd or immoral signage, as determined by community standards.
- Internally illuminated vending machines visible from the public right of way.
- Walking signs (signs carried or worn by people visible from public right of way or public area).
- All signs and banners must have colored backgrounds; white/light backgrounds appearing white from 50 feet away are prohibited.
- No sign shall be affixed to any living plant, tree, bush, shrub, or in a manner damaging any surface or fixture.
- "Free", or other numerals/language advertising product pricing, is prohibited on permanent commercial signage and banners, except for display cases, attraction boards, temporary window signs, or changeable copy signs presenting menus/specials.
- Backlit and interior lit signs, awnings, canopies, or valances that emit light through the background or cause a change in background/lettering colors between lighted and unlighted conditions.
- Signs constructed predominantly/entirely from lighted tubing or arrays of lights.
- Animated, flashing, moving, alternating, blinking, or automatically dimming/brightening lighting, unless specifically approved through conditional use permit.
- Exterior residential unit identification signs used to identify individual residences are prohibited.
- Temporary paper window signs, except printed posters advertising an approved community event or function.

## Signs exempt from permit in Winter Park

- Memorial tablets and plaques installed and authorized by a governmental agency or recognized historical society.
- Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, or officer in performance of public duty.
- Attraction boards, changeable copy signs, and sandwich boards placed on private property, limited to 6 square feet, in locations not causing annoyance/inconvenience or interfering with snow removal. Removal required if damaged.
- Directional, warning, informational, or pedestrian signs or structures required or authorized by law or by governmental authority. Illuminated versions require approval for size, color, material.
- Residential building identification signs (limited to 2 sq ft, content: resident name/address; freestanding max 5' height).
- Official flags of the US, Colorado, other states or counties, municipalities, foreign nations (permitted flag size restrictions and proper display).
- Real estate signs as defined/regulated by section 6-2-7-11.
- Prohibited activities signs posting property against trespassing or other forbidden activities; max 1 sq ft, spaced no closer than 50 feet apart.
- Interior signs not visible from outside under normal viewing conditions, and intended for persons within the subject building or structure.
- Door and window signs designating hours and "Open"/"Closed", limited to 4 sq ft and one of each per business entrance.
- "Vacancy" or "No Vacancy" signs, not to exceed 2 sq ft, and one of each per business.
- Temporary, noncommercial, seasonal decorations/displays associated with national, local, or religious celebrations, if maintained attractively and not a fire hazard. Holiday lighting/seasonal exceptions as detailed.
- Signage permanently or magnetically attached to motor vehicles or trailers used in normal business operations, provided the primary purpose is not for sign display and vehicles are appropriately parked/stored.
- Signs painted on trailers used on construction sites with an issued building permit, not stored so as to act as a sign.
- Window signs more than 3 feet back from the window, except illuminated signs arranged for viewing outside the premises (which require a permit and are counted in business total).
- Signs not visible beyond lot/parcel boundaries or from public ways or outdoor public areas.
- Display cases of up to 6 sq ft (no permit required to change display items).
- Political signs (issue/ballot/ candidate) per the specified limitations (timing, quantity, size, removal responsibility, materials, etc.) and not affixed to living plants.
- Individual construction signs by contractors (up to 6 sq ft), valid up to 6 months, removed prior to certificate of occupancy.
- On site directional signs.
- Ideological signs up to 4 sq ft on private property, not in right of way or on public property.
- Garage/yard sale signs on the lot on which sale occurs, with timing and removal requirements posted.
- Tourist oriented directional signs subject to referenced resolution.
- Historic plaques erected by the town or historic agencies.
- Bumper stickers or similar expressions of noncommercial speech affixed to motor vehicles.
- Picket signs lawful used during lawful picketing.
- Residential nameplates.
- Community event signs (banners, flags, etc.) on town-controlled property for points of interest or community events, with location specific exceptions.
- Temporary highway banners erected by town council.
- Changeable copy sign (when changing copy only) as defined, no permit required for copy changes.
- Credit card convenience signs, hours of operation signs, open/closed signs, vacancy/no vacancy signs, compliant in size and per allowable entrances.
- Holiday string or colored tree lights for decorative purposes during designated holiday season without permit.
- Motor vehicle signage displaying business name, address, phone, logo, slogan, or generic product identification (only when not the vehicle's primary purpose).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Permit applications require submittal of a site plan indicating all existing and proposed signs with dimensions, colors, materials, copy, and/or illumination for each sign.
- Building elevations with signs depicted are required with sign permit applications.
- For signs in multiple use facilities, the owner or authorized agent must provide a plan identifying the general sign theme for the facility and provide this to all tenants.
- Continuity and compatibility of design for signs in multiple use facilities or complexes is reviewed by the planning commission (or committee for specific areas).
- Decorative banners, special event, and temporary use signs require review and approval of design, color, material, theme, and placement as it relates to building mass and are subject to committee/planning commission approval.
- Conditional uses or certain prohibited sign types (such as electronic message signs, marquees, or illuminated/animated signs) require approval through a public hearing process before the planning commission and town council; subject to findings of fact related to general welfare, nuisance, and zoning consistency.
- Variances require formal application and are reviewed by the Board of Adjustment (or equivalent body), with findings on property hardship and not granting special privilege.
- Appeals to decisions on sign permits or plans may be taken to the planning commission or Master Association (as applicable).
- Master sign/theme plans may be required for complexes and must be distributed to tenants and be approved as part of overall signage for the site.

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

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