# Sign Regulations in Colchester, Vermont

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Colchester, Vermont (VT)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/vermont/colchester
- **Data last verified:** 2025-10-30
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://colchestervt.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11543/Development-Regulations-S48-09-30-2025-Adopted-Final#page=24)

## At a glance

Colchester, Vermont regulates 18 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding or Monument Sign (Lot <40,000 sf)s in the Other Non-Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 32 sf, with a Greater of 5 ft or total height from lot line or road ROW (2.18–F) setback (Sec. 2.18–I). Most commercial signs in Colchester require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 12 ft | 100 sf | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1 Residential One District, R-2 Residential Two District, R-3 Residential Three District, R-5 Residential Five District, R-10 Residential Ten District, Lakeshore Three District, Lakeshore Four District, Mobile Home Park District (MHP)) | 3 | 6 ft | 20 sf | — |
| Commercial District (COM) (located on West View Rd., Water Tower Circle, and Upper Mountain View Dr.) | 9 | 20 ft | 110 sf | — |
| Other Non-Residential Districts | 10 | 12 ft | 100 sf | — |
| GD-3 & GD-4 Districts (GD3 General Development Three/Severance Corners Form Based, GD4 General Development Four) | 11 | 12 ft | 100 sf | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 5 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot without Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 + 1 per additional principal business | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows; for principal business on multiple facades, on each facade | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Use Lot without Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 + 1 per additional principal business | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows; for principal business on multiple facades, on each facade | — | 2.18–J |
| Menu Board Sign (Drive-Through Restaurants) | — | 32 sf | — | — | 1 | For drive-through lane | — | 2.18–N.1 |
| Gas Station Pricing Sign (Electronic Changeable) | — | 5 sf | — | — | 1 per lot | On gas station sign | — | 2.18–C.8 and 2.18–N |
| Temporary A-Frame, Banner, or Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 10 sf | — | — | 1 | Outside business when open; 5 ft from sidewalk if building abuts sidewalk; not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.1 and 2.18–O.5 |
| Temporary Sign or Feather Sign (Short-Term) | 12 ft | 32 sf | — | — | 1 | Not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.2 and 2.18–O.5 |

### Other Non-Residential Districts

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Lot <40,000 sf) | 10 ft | 32 sf | — | Greater of 5 ft or total height from lot line or road ROW (2.18–F) | 1 per road access (entries not closer than 300 ft) | Close proximity to road entrances, visible to vehicles passing entrances | — | 2.18–I |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Lot >=40,000 sf) | 10 ft for <=32 sf, 12 ft for >32 sf | — | — | Greater of 5 ft or total height from lot line or road ROW (2.18–F) | 1 per road access (entries not closer than 300 ft) | Close proximity to road entrances, visible to vehicles passing entrances | — | 2.18–I |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot without Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 + 1 per additional principal business | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows; for principal business on multiple facades, on each facade | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Use Lot without Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 + 1 per additional principal business | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows; for principal business on multiple facades, on each facade | — | 2.18–J |
| Temporary A-Frame, Banner, or Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 10 sf | — | — | 1 | Outside business when open; 5 ft from sidewalk if building abuts sidewalk; not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.1 and 2.18–O.5 |
| Temporary Sign or Feather Sign (Short-Term) | 12 ft | 32 sf | — | — | 1 | Not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.2 and 2.18–O.5 |

### GD-3 & GD-4 Districts (GD3 General Development Three/Severance Corners Form Based, GD4 General Development Four)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Lot <40,000 sf) | 10 ft | 32 sf | — | Greater of 5 ft or total height from lot line or road ROW (2.18–F) | 1 per road access (entries not closer than 300 ft) | Close proximity to road entrances, visible to vehicles passing entrances | — | 2.18–I |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Lot >=40,000 sf) | 10 ft | 32 sf | — | Greater of 5 ft or total height from lot line or road ROW (2.18–F) | 1 per road access (entries not closer than 300 ft) | Close proximity to road entrances, visible to vehicles passing entrances | — | 2.18–I |
| Hanging or Projecting Sign | — | 8 sf or 32 sf if property dimensions prevent freestanding or wall sign | — | — | 1 per customer entrance | From building wall per customer entrance; lowest portion 8 ft above sidewalk or 6 ft above grade if no pedestrian access | — | 2.18–K |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Single-Use Lot without Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows | — | 2.18–J |
| Wall Sign (Multiple-Use Lot with Freestanding Sign) | — | 100 sf | — | — | 2 + 1 per additional principal business | On building wall in a manner that complements architecture; not above eaves; not blocking window or door; not obscuring architectural details; logically on facades such as above storefront windows; for principal business on multiple facades, on each facade | — | 2.18–J |
| Temporary A-Frame, Banner, or Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 10 sf | — | — | 1 | Outside business when open; 5 ft from sidewalk if building abuts sidewalk; not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.1 and 2.18–O.5 |
| Temporary Sign or Feather Sign (Short-Term) | 12 ft | 32 sf | — | — | 1 | Not in public ROW | — | 2.18–O.2 and 2.18–O.5 |

## Prohibited signs in Colchester

- Roof signs, except for signs erected on a parapet wall if such parapet is architecturally consistent with the entire building and is not erected solely to receive the sign. Any such sign shall not extend above the parapet wall.
- Wall signs that cover, wholly or partially, any window, door, or other wall opening or that projects beyond the ends or top of the wall to which they are attached.
- Signs located on a tree, upon a rock or other natural feature. (Exempt from this prohibition are up to three of the following properly displayed flags per business: town, state or country, Prisoners of War flag, open flag, corporate or seasonal flag. No lettering shall be permitted on a seasonal or corporate flag.)
- Billboards.
- Animated or action signs as defined in these regulations.
- Signs illuminated by or containing flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights.
- Electronic or changeable message signs, except for those on government and school-owned properties (use 5.100 in Table A-1), serving approved theaters, and as part of gas station pricing signs. Where allowed, the display shall be static and the duration of each message must not be less than five consecutive (5) minutes. Scrolling text, animation, video or other forms of continuously changing messages are prohibited. The size for such signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet in area, except for gas station pricing for which the changeable electronic portion shall not exceed five (5) square feet in total area, and comply with 2.18 N herein. Only the pricing portion of the sign may be electronic and changeable message. Not more than one (1) electronic or changeable message sign shall be located on a lot.
- Signs consisting of or employing string lighting.
- Signs intended to be primarily readable from a limited access roadway such as Interstate 89 or the Circumferential Highway.
- Signs constructed of paper, cardboard or similar material or signs that are temporary or non-permanent.
- Signs that contain obscene, indecent or lewd content as defined within 13 V.S.A. §2801.
- Pennants and balloons (excludes feather signs).

## Signs exempt from permit in Colchester

- Directional signs and sign plazas as defined in and erected pursuant to Chapter 21 of Title 10, Vermont Statutes Annotated.
- Entry signs, which contain the words 'enter' or 'exit' and/or related/similar wording, which are ground-mounted or post-mounted signs that do not exceed four (4) feet in height, and which do not exceed four (4) square feet in area. Included on these signs may be a reference to a business, office or building only where that business is not directly served by a curb-cut at the property itself and shares a curb-cut with another or multiple businesses or entities. These signs shall coordinate lettering and design with the overall signage for the property served.
- Historical markers, memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any stone or masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and not exceeding six (6) square feet in total area.
- One (1) residential name plate sign as defined herein.
- Traffic signs and legal notices.
- Signs for the Town of Colchester including but not excluding community directories and signs that advise the public of the location of facilities operated by the town.
- Directional signs.
- 'Warning', 'Danger', 'No Trespassing', or similar signs, in size and quantity as reasonably required to accomplish their intended purpose.
- No more than two (2) signs advising the public that the property on which the sign is displayed is available for sale, rent, or lease. Such signs shall not exceed a combined total of six (6) square feet in area in Residential and Mobile Home Park Districts or a combined total of 32 square feet in all other districts.
- Bona fide holiday decorations displayed during the holiday period. Logos, business names, and commercial messages shall be prohibited on holiday decorations.
- One (1) A-frame sign per lot permitted for open-air markets, horticultural sales or agricultural operations as defined in these regulations. Signs shall be restricted to a maximum of 16 square feet in size and six (6) feet in height. Signs shall be secured to the ground, shall be non-illuminated, and shall meet all the general sign requirements, design standards, and freestanding sign setbacks of this ordinance. Seasonal businesses shall remove their signs at the time of closure for the season and may restore their signs to the site at the reopening of seasonal businesses. Signs shall not restrict sight distance in any direction.
- Scoreboard signs shall not be restricted in size, height, or methods of illumination. Signs attached to scoreboards are also exempted provided: (a) The sign advertises only businesses or organizations that made a monetary contribution towards the scoreboard in question. (b) The sign includes the words 'This scoreboard donated by' or similar words to that effect. (c) The maximum size of the sign shall not exceed 21 square feet. (d) The area of the sign shall not exceed 24% of the area of the scoreboard and sign combined. (e) The maximum height of the sign shall be 10 feet, measured from the grade line at the base of the scoreboard to the highest portion of any part of the sign. (f) The sign shall not be illuminated.
- Signs for charitable or political purposes shall be exempted provided: (a) The sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in area; (b) The sign shall not exceed three (3) feet in height; (c) Signs shall be removed within five (5) days after the election or event publicized. (d) All signs shall comply with 13 V.S.A. § 3013 and 10 V.S.A. §§481-506 and §494(9) as amended from time to time.
- Signs on a duly permitted construction site advertising the contractor, designers, new use or business provided that the signs are erected after the issuance of a building permit and removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

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

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