Historic Sign Review Rules - Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado requires historic-preservation review for new signs placed in designated historic districts and on landmark properties. This guide explains who reviews sign proposals, the steps to apply, typical requirements for design and materials, and where to find official forms and contacts. It is written for business owners, sign contractors, property owners, and applicants preparing a submittal to the Historic Preservation Office and the Planning & Development Department.
What governs historic sign review
The City’s Land Development Code and the Historic Preservation program set standards for signs affecting historic resources; applicants should consult the Land Development Code and the Historic Preservation Office before preparing final artwork and structural plans. Land Development Code (sign rules)[1]
Review process and timeline
Typical steps: pre-application advice, submission to the Historic Preservation Office, staff review or referral to the Historic Preservation Commission, and issuance or denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness or permit. Processing time varies by scope and whether a formal hearing is required.
- Pre-application meeting recommended with Planning & Development or Historic Preservation Office.
- Submit sign drawings, materials list, mounting details, and photos of existing conditions.
- Staff determines if application is administrative or requires Commission review.
- If structural work is involved, building permit and engineered plans may be required.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes application instructions and submittal checklists through Planning & Development and Building Permits; applicants should use the Historic Preservation application packet if provided by the city. For how to submit and to find current forms, contact the Historic Preservation Office or Building Permits & Inspections. Historic Preservation Office[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the Planning & Development Department and the Historic Preservation Office; penalties, permit-stop orders, or removal orders may apply for unpermitted signs or alterations to designated historic resources.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: details for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal or restoration orders, and court enforcement are used as remedies per city enforcement procedures.
- Enforcer and inspections: Planning & Development Department and Historic Preservation Office perform inspections and accept complaints; see official contacts for filing a complaint. Building Permits & Inspections[3]
- Appeals & review: the city code or administrative procedures set appeal routes and time limits; exact time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
Common violations and typical outcomes:
- Installing a sign without a historic review or required permit — may trigger a stop-work or removal order.
- Altering a protected façade for sign mounting without approval — subject to enforcement and potential restoration orders.
- Using prohibited illumination or materials in a historic district — may require change or removal.
Applications & Forms
Official application forms and fee schedules are published by Planning & Development and Building Permits & Inspections; if a form is not published online, contact the Historic Preservation Office to request the packet. Specific fee amounts, form numbers, and deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.
Action steps
- Contact the Historic Preservation Office for a pre-application consultation.
- Prepare and submit complete sign drawings and material specifications.
- Obtain building permits if structural or electrical work is required.
- If denied, follow the city appeal procedure within the time limit shown on the decision notice.
FAQ
- Do all signs in historic districts need a preservation review?
- Most new signs or changes affecting historic façades require review; limited exceptions may exist for like-for-like maintenance.
- How long does review take?
- Timing depends on whether staff can administratively approve or the case must go to the Historic Preservation Commission; typical timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
- Who do I contact for help with applications?
- Contact the Historic Preservation Office or Planning & Development for guidance and to obtain current application materials.
How-To
- Request a pre-application meeting with the Historic Preservation Office to review concept plans.
- Prepare scaled sign drawings, site photos, mounting details, and a materials and illumination description.
- Submit the application packet and pay applicable fees to Planning & Development or Building Permits & Inspections.
- Respond to staff comments and, if required, present to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness or permit and keep approvals on site during installation.
- If enforcement action occurs, follow the city notice instructions and file an appeal within the posted deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Early consultation with Historic Preservation avoids delays.
- Structural or electrical work usually requires separate building permits.
- Enforcement can include stop-work and restoration orders beyond fines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Historic Preservation Office - City of Colorado Springs
- Planning & Development Department - City of Colorado Springs
- Building Permits & Inspections - City of Colorado Springs