Sign Permit Fees & Refunds - Colorado Springs

Signs and Advertising Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado requires permits for many temporary and permanent signs. This guide explains typical payment methods, when refunds may be available, who enforces sign rules, and how to apply or appeal under city law. Use the links below for the municipal code and the city permit center for forms and current processing instructions.

Permit fees, payment methods, and refunds

Permit fees for signs are set by city fee schedules and the municipal code; exact amounts vary by sign type, size, and zoning. The city accepts online payments, credit/debit, and in-person payment at the permits office where available. Refund rules for cancelled or withdrawn sign permits are governed by the enabling fee policy or department procedure; specific refund amounts and conditions are not specified on the cited page.[1][2]

  • Typical fees: set by fee schedule and plan review; amounts not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Payment methods: online portal, permit counter, or as listed on the permit application.[2]
  • Refund timing: dependent on processing and administrative review; specific deadlines not specified on the cited page.[2]
Ask the permits office about fee refunds before cancelling a job.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign regulations is carried out by the city enforcement division and planning or building inspectors; civil penalties, removal orders, and permit suspension or stop-work actions are typical enforcement tools. Exact monetary fines and escalation schedules for sign violations are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page and require review of the municipal code or enforcement orders.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check municipal code or fee schedule.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences may be treated increasingly; ranges not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary remedies: removal orders, stop-work, permit suspension, or seizure of unpermitted signs.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Code Compliance or Planning and Development handle inspections and complaints; contact the city permits or code compliance office to report violations.[2]
  • Appeals: appeals or administrative reviews follow procedures in the municipal code or department rules; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the permits office.[1]

Applications & Forms

Most sign permits require a completed application, a site plan, elevation drawings, and payment of review fees. The official permit application and specific submittal checklist are available from the city permits center; the published application form name or number is not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Common forms: Sign Permit Application and associated plan review forms; check the permits portal for the current PDF or online form.[2]
  • Deadlines: apply before installation and allow review time; expedited review options may be available on request.
  • Fees: payable at application; see fee schedule or contact the permits office for exact amounts.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the sign type and zoning requirements for your property.
  2. Prepare required plans: site plan, elevations, and structural details if applicable.
  3. Submit the sign permit application and pay fees through the city permits portal or at the permits counter.[2]
  4. If denied or cited, follow appeal instructions in the denial notice and contact Code Compliance for inspection details.
  5. Request a refund in writing if you believe fees were paid in error; include permit number and proof of payment and follow the permits office refund procedure.

FAQ

How do I pay for a sign permit?
The city accepts online payments and in-person payments at the permits counter; check the permits portal for current payment options.[2]
Can I get a refund for a sign permit?
Refunds are handled by the permits office according to the city fee policy; specific refund rules are not specified on the cited page, so contact the permits office for requirements.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Always check zoning rules before applying for a sign permit.
  • Submit full plans and pay fees at application to avoid delays.
  • Contact the permits office or Code Compliance for enforcement or refund questions.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs Municipal Code (library.municode.com)
  2. [2] City of Colorado Springs Permits & Licensing

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