Centennial Sign and Advertising Enforcement Guide

Signs and Advertising Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Centennial, Colorado residents and businesses must follow city sign and advertising rules that limit where, when, and how signs may be displayed. This guide summarizes how Centennial enforces prohibitions on certain advertising and unauthorized signs, the departments that handle complaints, common violations, and practical steps to apply for permits, report violations, and appeal enforcement actions.

Overview of Prohibited Advertising and Signs

The municipal code and City planning rules prohibit certain temporary, off-premise, and hazardous signs, signs in the public right-of-way, and some attention-getting devices without a permit. Specific categories, permitted exceptions, and measurement rules are defined in the city code and planning regulations. For controlling text and definitions, consult the city code and Community Development sign guidance pages Municipal Code - Centennial[1] and Community Development - Planning & Zoning[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Centennial through Community Development and Code Enforcement staff; violations may also be referred to the municipal court or administrative hearing processes. The municipal code and department pages specify enforcement authority and complaint procedures, but specific monetary amounts and escalation rules are not listed verbatim on the cited pages and are therefore summarized as "not specified on the cited page" where indicated below.[1][2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the referenced municipal code and enforcement pages for any listed civil penalties.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-use orders, administrative abatement, and referral to municipal court are possible remedies under the city enforcement framework; exact procedures are in the municipal code and department rules.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Community Development - Code Enforcement accepts complaints and inspects reported signs; use the Community Development contact and complaint pages for submission.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; appeals may involve administrative review or municipal court depending on the enforcement instrument.[1]
If a specific fine or deadline is required for your case, request the exact code citation or file number from Community Development before payment or removal.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Signs in the public right-of-way without permit — potential removal order and enforcement action.
  • Unpermitted commercial banners or temporary signs — possible notice to remove and civil penalties.
  • Oversized or structurally unsafe signs — inspection, required mitigation, and possible abatement.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes sign permit requirements and application procedures through Community Development. The sign permit application name and fee schedule are available from the department; if a specific form number or fee is needed for your submission, request it from the Planning & Zoning office because specific fee figures may be "not specified on the cited page."[2]

Always document the sign with photos and the exact location before filing a complaint.

How enforcement works in practice

Typical enforcement flow: inspection following a complaint or proactive survey, issuance of a notice of violation or order to remove, opportunity to correct or apply for a permit/variance, and referral to municipal court or administrative abatement if unresolved. Time limits for compliance and appeal dates are provided on notices or in the code; where those dates are not published online, the notice will state the deadlines.

FAQ

Can I put a temporary banner on city-owned property?
No, temporary banners on city right-of-way or city-owned property typically require explicit permission and are often prohibited without a permit; consult Community Development for exceptions.
How do I report an illegal or dangerous sign?
Report signs to Community Development - Code Enforcement using the department complaint form or contact details on the city's Planning & Zoning page. Provide photos, address, and sign description.
Is there a fast-track process for sign variances for special events?
Variances or temporary approvals may be available through the Planning Division; submit a permit request to the Community Development office and ask about expedited review.

How-To

  1. Document the sign: take dated photos, note the exact address, and describe why it appears to violate the code.
  2. Check permit requirements on the Community Development sign pages and gather any property-owner permissions you can provide.
  3. File a complaint with Community Development - Code Enforcement using the department contact form or phone line and attach your evidence.
  4. Track the case number, respond to any notice of violation, and if necessary request appeal or an administrative hearing within the time stated on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Permits matter: many temporary and commercial signs need prior approval.
  • Report violations with photos and exact locations to speed enforcement.
  • When in doubt, contact Community Development for permit and appeal guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - Centennial
  2. [2] Community Development - Planning & Zoning

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