Colorado Springs Sign Permits & Fees Guide
In Colorado Springs, Colorado, signs and outdoor advertising are regulated by the city to protect public safety and neighborhood character. This guide explains who enforces sign rules, how to apply for permits, typical fees and timelines, common violations, and how to appeal or report noncompliance. Use the steps below to prepare applications, pay fees, and follow inspection and appeals procedures in Colorado Springs.
Overview of Sign Permits
Most permanent and many temporary signs require a permit from the city planning and building division. Permit requirements and zoning restrictions are set out in the municipal code and the city permit pages; applicants should confirm sign type, size, and placement before installing any sign. For the controlling ordinance text, consult the city code on the municipal code publisher and the city sign-permit guidance pages listed in Resources. Municipal Code[1] For application steps and local permit intake, see the city planning and development sign permit page. Sign permits[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
The city enforces sign rules through inspections, notices to comply, fines, and removal orders administered by the Planning and Development or Code Enforcement offices. Exact monetary fines and escalation steps vary by violation and are set in ordinance or administrative fee schedules where published; where a specific dollar amount or escalation schedule is not stated on the official pages, this guide notes that fact below.
- Enforcing department: City of Colorado Springs Planning & Development and Code Enforcement, which handle inspections, notices, and removal orders.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited city permit pages or municipal-code overview; consult the ordinance or fee schedule for current fines and civil penalties.
- Escalation: first-offense warning, civil penalties, and continuing violation daily assessments may apply; specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary orders: removal or alteration orders, stop-work orders, and legal abatement through municipal court or civil action.
- Inspection and complaint pathway: complaints and inspection requests are handled by Code Enforcement and Planning & Development; contact details are in Resources.
- Appeals and review: appeal rights and time limits (for administrative decisions or removal orders) are set by ordinance or administrative rules; specific appeal periods are not specified on the cited pages and applicants should review the municipal code or contact the department immediately.
Applications & Forms
Sign permit applications, required supporting materials (site plan, elevations, zoning verification), and fee payment instructions are published by the city's permit intake. If a specific form number or consolidated PDF is not published on the city's sign-permit page, applicants must submit the materials listed on the intake portal or in person as directed by Planning & Development.
- Application: city sign-permit application (see the Planning & Development sign permit page for the current form and checklist).
- Fees: variable by sign type and project; refer to the city's permit fee schedule or contact permit intake for exact fees.
- Submission: online permit portal or in-person submission at the permit counter per the city's instructions.
- Deadlines: permits should be obtained before installation; temporary sign timelines are defined by ordinance or administrative guidance.
Common Violations
- Unpermitted permanent signs or storefront signage without a permit.
- Temporary signs displayed beyond allowed timeframes.
- Signs exceeding maximum size, height, or illumination standards in a zoning district.
Action Steps
- Identify sign type and verify zoning requirements before application.
- Assemble required materials: site plan, elevations, photographs, and property owner authorization.
- Submit application via the city permit portal or at the planning counter; pay applicable fees.
- If you receive a notice, follow appeal instructions or request a review promptly to avoid escalation.
FAQ
- Do I always need a permit for a sign?
- Many permanent signs and some temporary signs require permits; exemptions vary by sign type and zoning. Check the municipal code and the city sign-permit guidance for specific exemptions.
- What happens if I put up a sign without a permit?
- City Code Enforcement may issue a notice to comply, fines, or an order to remove or alter the sign. Specific penalties are in ordinance or fee schedules where published.
- How long does a sign permit take?
- Processing times depend on application completeness, zoning review, and workload; consult the permit intake office for current timelines.
How-To
- Determine whether your sign is temporary or permanent and check zoning restrictions for your property.
- Prepare required documents: site plan, elevations, photos, and owner authorization.
- Complete the city sign-permit application and upload or deliver all supporting materials to the permit intake portal or office.
- Pay the permit fee and respond promptly to any review comments from staff.
- Schedule inspections if required and retain the approved permit during installation and for future reference.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify permit requirements before installing signs in Colorado Springs.
- Fees and penalties are defined by ordinance or fee schedules; check official sources for current amounts.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Colorado Springs Planning & Development
- Colorado Springs Municipal Code (Municode)
- City Permits & Inspections