Aurora Sign Variance & Hearing Guide

Signs and Advertising Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado property and business owners sometimes need a variance when a proposed sign does not meet city sign regulations. This guide explains the process to request a sign variance, how hearings are scheduled, what departments enforce sign rules, and practical steps to prepare a complete application and present evidence at a hearing. It refers to Aurora Planning and the municipal sign regulations so you can find forms, submission instructions, and the official standard of review. Use this as a procedural checklist; for legal interpretation consult the city directly.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign rules in Aurora is handled by the Planning and Development Services and the Building Division; administrative reviews and variance appeals are decided by the Board of Adjustment or similar hearing body. For official enforcement authority and code language, consult the city planning pages and the municipal code cited below[1][2].

  • Fines and civil penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions can include stop-work or removal orders, permit suspension, and civil enforcement actions; specific remedies are referenced in the municipal code or department orders.
  • To report an alleged violation or request inspection, contact Aurora Planning and Development Services; see the Resources section below for official contact pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeals typically proceed to the Board of Adjustment or as specified in the municipal code; exact time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited page.
Appeals have strict time limits—confirm the deadline with Planning before you miss it.

Applications & Forms

Most sign variance requests start with a written variance application or a sign permit application plus a variance request form submitted to Planning or the Building Division. The city publishes application instructions and may provide downloadable forms or an online permit portal; fees and exact form names are not specified on the cited page. Contact Planning for the current application packet and permit fee schedule[1].

  • Common documents: site plan, sign elevations, photos, legal description, and letter of hardship or rationale.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; check the Planning or Building permit fee schedule.
  • Deadlines: submission deadlines for hearing agendas vary; confirm with Planning when you submit.
  • Submission methods: in-person drop-off, mail, or online portal as directed by Planning or Building.
Start with a pre-application meeting with Planning to reduce delays.

How hearings work

After a complete application is accepted, Planning schedules the request for public notice and a hearing before the Board of Adjustment or designated hearing officer. The city posts notices to property owners and publishes hearing dates per the municipal procedures. At the hearing you may present exhibits, call witnesses, and respond to questions; the board issues a decision that becomes an order or permit condition.

Action steps

  • Confirm applicable sign rules in the municipal code and request a pre-application meeting.
  • Assemble required documents: plans, photos, and a written justification for the variance.
  • Submit the application and required fee to Planning or the Building Division.
  • Monitor hearing notices and prepare testimony; bring printed exhibits to the hearing.
  • If denied, review appeal procedures and file within the code’s time limit or seek a rehearing if available.

FAQ

How long does a sign variance take?
Timing varies by case and hearing schedules; typical processing and hearing placement timelines are not specified on the cited page—contact Planning for an estimate.[1]
Can I install a sign while an appeal or variance is pending?
Generally you should not install until approval is granted; enforcement can require removal or corrective action if installed without approval.
What standards does the Board use to grant a variance?
The board considers criteria in the municipal code such as practical difficulty, unique circumstances, and compatibility; consult the code for exact criteria.[2]

How-To

  1. Check Aurora sign regulations and note which standard your sign would violate.[2]
  2. Request a pre-application meeting with Planning to review submission requirements.[1]
  3. Prepare drawings, photos, site plan, and a written justification for the variance.
  4. Submit the variance application and pay applicable fees to Planning or Building.
  5. Attend the public hearing, present evidence, and answer questions.
  6. If denied, file an appeal within the code’s specified time limit or pursue administrative review.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with a pre-application meeting to clarify requirements.
  • Complete and accurate exhibits improve hearing outcomes.
  • Contact Planning early for deadlines, forms, and fee info.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora Planning - Sign permits
  2. [2] Aurora Municipal Code - Signs

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