Aurora Sign Permit Rules - Size, Height and Lighting
This guide explains sign permit rules that apply in Aurora, Colorado, including how size, height and lighting are regulated, who enforces the rules, and how to apply or appeal. It summarizes official sources and typical permit steps; where a specific fee, fine, or numeric limit is not published on the cited pages we note that explicitly and point to the controlling municipal code or permit pages for details. Current as of February 2026.
Overview of Sign Regulations
Aurora regulates signs by zoning district, sign type (wall, freestanding, projecting, temporary, digital/illuminated) and placement relative to property lines and rights-of-way. Many numeric limits (maximum sign area, maximum height, required setbacks, and illumination hours) are set in the city zoning and sign chapters; review the municipal code and the city permit pages for zone-specific standards[1].
- Types covered: permanent commercial signs, temporary banners, electronic message centers.
- Typical controls: size caps by frontage, maximum pole or monument height, spacing between off-premise signs.
- Lighting rules: shielding, brightness limits, and automatic dimming often required for illuminated signs.
Permit Requirements and Process
Most permanent and many temporary signs require a sign permit or building permit plus a sign permit review. Typical steps:
- Confirm zoning and allowed sign types for the property.
- Prepare scaled drawings showing dimensions, height, materials and lighting, and submit an application to the Building/Permits office.
- Undergo plan review and inspections; receive permit approval before installation.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes sign permit application requirements and submission instructions on its permit pages; some jurisdictions combine a sign-specific application with a building permit for structural or electrical work. Exact form names, numbers and fee schedules are shown on the city permit page or the municipal code when available; if a specific form number or current fee is not visible on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the city departments responsible for permits and code compliance. The municipal code and permit pages govern penalties, inspection and appeal procedures; where a numeric fine or escalation schedule is not provided explicitly on the cited pages we state that it is not specified on the cited page and cite the controlling source[1][2].
- Typical fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary remedies: stop-work orders, removal orders, permit revocation, and civil court actions are authorized by the municipal code or enforcement policy.
- Enforcer: Building Permits/Inspections and Community Development/Planning staff; complaints, inspections and case intake are handled through the city permit and code compliance contacts[2].
- Appeals: the municipal code or administrative appeal procedures typically allow review to a hearing body; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the permit office.
Applications & Forms
For applications: check the city permit page for the sign permit application and any required building or electrical permit forms. If the permit portal does not list a specific downloadable form number, the current application process is described on the permit webpage; fees and submittal methods are listed there or through the permit portal[2].
Common Violations
- Installed without permit or before inspections are complete.
- Exceeding permitted size, height, or display area.
- Improper illumination or hours of operation violating shielding/dimming requirements.
FAQ
- Do temporary signs need a permit?
- It depends on sign type and location; many short-term banners and special event signs are regulated and may require a temporary sign permit—check the municipal code and permit page for exemptions.
- How long does approval take?
- Review times vary by plan complexity and workload; the permit page lists current processing guidance or estimated review times.
- Can I appeal a stop-work or removal order?
- Yes—appeal routes are provided by municipal code or administrative procedures, but specific filing deadlines and procedures should be confirmed with the permit office.
How-To
- Confirm zoning and permitted sign types for your property using the municipal code and zoning maps.
- Prepare drawings showing sign area, height, mounting details, electrical plans for illuminated signs, and any structural calculations.
- Submit the sign permit application and any required building or electrical permit forms through the city permit portal or office.
- Schedule required inspections during and after installation and obtain final sign approval before use.
- If cited for a violation, contact the permit office immediately to review options to appeal or seek a variance.
Key Takeaways
- Sign rules vary by zoning district—check the municipal code first.
- Most illuminated or structural signs also need building or electrical permits.
- Contact the City of Aurora permit office before installation to avoid fines or removal.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Aurora Community Development - Planning
- City of Aurora Permits & Inspections
- Aurora Municipal Code (Municode)