Arvada Sign Permits - Size, Height, Materials, Wraps
In Arvada, Colorado, signs, banners, and vehicle wraps are regulated through the city development and sign-permit process. This guide summarizes how size, height, materials, and vehicle graphics are treated under Arvada rules, who enforces them, and how to apply for permits or appeal decisions. Use the official code and planning pages linked below to confirm requirements for a specific property or sign type.
What the code controls
The municipal sign rules regulate placement, maximum dimensions, mounting height, materials and maintenance requirements for permanent and temporary signs, as well as rules that may apply to vehicle graphics when a vehicle is used primarily as a stationary sign or part of a display. For detailed text, consult the official sign code and planning permit pages listed below.Arvada Municipal Code - Signs[1]
Types of signs and common standards
- Wall signs: location, aggregate area limits and placement rules apply depending on zoning.
- Freestanding signs: height limits and setback requirements regulate where poles and monuments may be placed.
- Temporary signs: duration and size limits for banners, A-frames and event signs.
- Vehicle wraps and mobile advertising: standard vehicle graphics are normally allowed, but vehicles used as fixed signs or parked for advertising in public view may be regulated by the sign code.
Permits and when they are required
Most permanent signs require a sign permit application and review by the Planning Division; many temporary signs require a permit or written authorization. For application forms, filing instructions, submittal checklists and fee schedules consult the city permit pages and sign application forms.Arvada Planning Division - Permits & Forms[2]
Applications & Forms
The city publishes a Sign Permit Application and checklist that lists required drawings, site plans, and fees. If an official form is not available on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page. Refer to the planning division links above for the current sign permit PDF and submittal procedure.
Materials, engineering and installation
Materials must meet safety and durability standards identified by the code and the Building Division. Electrical signs require separate building or electrical permits and may require structural calculations for mounting and wind loads.
Vehicle wraps and mobile signage
Standard vehicle wraps applied to a privately owned vehicle used primarily for transport are generally treated differently from stationary or display vehicles. If a vehicle is parked and used as a fixed advertisement or display, the sign code and parking/land-use rules may apply; check with Planning and Code Enforcement before installing wrap-only advertising intended to act as a permanent on-site sign.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the City of Arvada Code Enforcement and the Community Development or Building divisions; violations may also be referred to Municipal Court for adjudication. Specific monetary fines, escalation amounts, and daily penalties are not specified on the cited planning pages and must be confirmed in the ordinance text or by contacting the enforcement office.Arvada Code Enforcement[3]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code enforcement sections for exact amounts or schedule.
- Escalation: whether first, repeat or continuing offences carry different fines is not specified on the cited planning pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, abatement, civil enforcement and referral to Municipal Court are described as enforcement tools; check the enforcement page for procedures.
- Enforcer and complaints: Code Enforcement and Community Development; complaints can be submitted via the department contact page linked below.
- Appeals: appeal routes usually include administrative review and Municipal Court; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited planning pages and should be confirmed with the City or in the municipal code.
- Defences and variances: permits, variances, or special sign exceptions may be available through the Planning Division; seek pre-application guidance for discretionary relief.
Applications & Forms
The Sign Permit Application, site plan requirements, and fee schedule are published by the Planning Division; if a form or fee is missing from the official page, it is not specified on the cited page. Submit completed applications per the Planning Division instructions.
How-To
- Determine sign type and zoning rules for your property using the municipal code and zoning maps.
- Collect required materials: scaled drawings, site plan, structural calculations (if applicable) and photos of the proposed location.
- Complete the Sign Permit Application, pay the required fee, and submit to the Planning Division as instructed on the official permit page.
- Respond to review comments and obtain any required Building or electrical permits before installation.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, contact Code Enforcement immediately to request review or file an appeal within the stated time limit.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for a vehicle wrap?
- Ordinary vehicle wraps on vehicles used primarily for transport usually do not require a sign permit, but if a vehicle is used as a fixed advertisement or parked to function as a sign, the sign code may apply; confirm with Planning.
- Where can I find the sign permit application?
- The sign permit application and checklist are available from the Planning Division permit pages; if a form is not present on the official page it is not specified on that page.
- Who enforces sign rules and how do I report a violation?
- Code Enforcement and Community Development enforce sign rules; use the Code Enforcement contact page to submit complaints or reports.
Key Takeaways
- Most permanent signs require a Planning Division sign permit and may also require Building or electrical permits.
- Vehicle wraps acting as fixed advertising can be treated as signs—confirm before installing.