Aurora Political Sign Rules - Time & Placement

Signs and Advertising Colorado 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado residents and campaign teams must follow local rules on political signs placed on private and public property. This guide summarizes where signs are allowed, typical time limits, placement and size rules, who enforces the rules, and practical steps to apply for exceptions or report violations. It references official City of Aurora sources so you can confirm requirements and find forms or contacts.

Where and when political signs are allowed

Political signs are generally treated as temporary signs under Aurora planning rules and are permitted in many residential and commercial zones when located on private property with the owners consent. Placement on public right-of-way, medians, traffic control devices, or utility poles is commonly restricted. For authoritative details on permitted locations and sign classes consult the City of Aurora sign guidance and municipal code. [1]

Check property-owner permission before installing signs.

Common limitations

  • Time limits: many jurisdictions limit display before and after an election; exact pre- and post-election days are set by local code or administrative rule and may vary by race.
  • Size and type: temporary political signs are often subject to maximum area and height limits and may be classified differently than permanent signs.
  • Prohibited locations: public rights-of-way, medians, traffic signs and signal equipment, and on parked vehicles intended as signs are commonly prohibited.
  • Identification: some rules require name and address of the person or organization responsible for the sign to be displayed.

For the Citys technical definitions and administration of sign regulations consult the municipal code and sign guidance pages. [3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Aurora Code Compliance or the Planning/Development office depending on the violation. Official enforcement contact information and complaint submission instructions are available from the City of Aurora enforcement pages. [2]

  • Fines: specific fine amounts for political sign violations are not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Escalation: whether penalties escalate for repeat or continuing offenses is not specified on the cited city pages.
  • Non-monetary remedies: city officials may issue removal orders, seize unlawful signs, or seek abatement; court action is a possible follow-up where authorized.
  • How to report: file a code complaint or request for enforcement via the City of Aurora Code Compliance portal or by phone on the official contact page.
  • Appeals: appeal or review routes and time limits for contesting an enforcement action must be initiated through the department issuing the notice; precise appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited city pages.
Keep records and photos when you place or remove campaign signs.

Applications & Forms

The City of Aurora publishes sign permit information and any required applications on its planning and development pages; if no specific political-sign permit is required, temporary sign rules still apply and larger or permanent signs may need a permit. [1] If an official form number is required for a permit it will be posted on the Planning & Development signs page or the municipal code reference.

Action steps for campaigns and residents

  • Before placing signs, review the City of Aurora sign guidance and municipal code to confirm allowed locations and size limits.
  • Obtain written permission from private property owners where signs will be placed.
  • If a sign is removed or cited, contact Code Compliance promptly to learn the remedy and appeal options.
  • Document compliance with photos and a log of placement dates to show adherence to time limits and removal deadlines.

FAQ

Are political signs allowed on public property?
Generally no; signs on public rights-of-way, traffic devices, and medians are restricted and often prohibited under city rules, but check the municipal guidance for specific locations and exceptions.
How long before an election can I put up a political sign?
Time limits vary by local rule; consult the City of Aurora sign guidance or contact Planning & Development for current pre- and post-election display periods.
Who enforces sign rules and how do I report a violation?
Enforcement is handled by Aurora Code Compliance or Planning/Development; report violations through the official City of Aurora code enforcement portal.

How-To

  1. Confirm placement: review the City of Aurora sign guidance and municipal code for permitted zones and prohibited locations.[1]
  2. Get permission: obtain written consent from any private property owner where you will place signs.
  3. Install safely: keep signs off public rights-of-way, away from traffic control devices, and secure them to avoid hazards.
  4. Remove on time: take down signs at any required removal deadline after the election or when consent ends.
  5. If cited, respond: contact Code Compliance to learn how to correct the violation and how to appeal if needed.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Always check Auroras official sign guidance before placing political signs.
  • Obtain property-owner permission for private property placement.
  • Report violations and seek clarification through Aurora Code Compliance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora - Planning & Development: Signs
  2. [2] City of Aurora - Code Compliance (report a violation)
  3. [3] Aurora Municipal Code (official code repository)

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