Sign Regulations in Colorado Springs, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Colorado Springs or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Colorado Springs has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Political Signs

Colorado Springs allows political signs on private property without a permit under the Unified Development Code sign regulations. Political signs are considered noncommercial speech and are protected under both the First Amendment and Colorado state law. Signs in residential zones are typically subject to the same size limits as other temporary signs (generally 6 square feet per sign face). Signs must be removed within 7 days after the election. Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on city property.

Key details: Permit Required: No permit required for political signs. Size Limit: Generally 6 sq ft per sign face in residential zones. Removal Deadline: Within 7 days after the election. Right-of-Way: Not permitted in public ROW or on city property. Protection: First Amendment and Colorado state law.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Colorado Springs gives residents more flexibility on political signs.

Garage Sale Signs

Colorado Springs regulates temporary garage sale signs under the Unified Development Code. Garage sale directional signs are permitted on private property during the sale period but must not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, or city property. Signs placed in the ROW are subject to removal by the city. Garage sales themselves are limited to two per calendar year per property, lasting no more than two consecutive days, and signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Key details: ROW Placement: Prohibited — no signs in public right-of-way. Private Property: Permitted during sale period only. Sale Frequency: Maximum 2 garage sales per year per property. Sale Duration: No more than 2 consecutive days. Removal: Signs must be removed after sale ends.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Colorado Springs generally permits seasonal and holiday displays on residential property without a permit. Decorative holiday lighting and displays are considered temporary and are allowed during the holiday season. Displays should not create traffic hazards, obstruct visibility at intersections, or extend into the public right-of-way. Holiday lights are typically expected to be removed within a reasonable time after the holiday period (generally within 30 days). Inflatable displays and structures may need to comply with setback requirements if they are large.

Key details: Permit Required: No permit for standard holiday displays. Duration: Seasonal — remove within 30 days after holiday. Safety: Must not obstruct visibility or create traffic hazards. ROW: Displays must stay on private property. Electrical: Outdoor circuits should be GFCI-protected.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Colorado Springs gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Colorado Springs gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Colorado Springs's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.