How Longmont Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide
Longmont maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Longmont falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Holiday Displays
Longmont's sign code flatly prohibits inflatable signs -- balloons, inflatable figures, and similar fluttering or revolving devices -- with no seasonal or temporary-permit exception, unlike pennants and windsocks.
Key details: Rule: inflatable signs prohibited outright. Covers: balloons, inflatable figures. Temporary-permit exception: none (unlike pennants/windsocks). Code section: § 15.06.030.B.2.
Displaying a prohibited inflatable sign is a sign code violation; the city can require its removal and pursue enforcement under the development code's general violation and remedy provisions.
This is one of the stricter rules in Longmont's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Window Signs
Longmont exempts window signs from a sign permit, but caps them at 25% of a window opening, or 50% of any single panel if the window is divided into multiple panels.
Key details: Permit required: no, if within coverage limit. Single-panel window cap: 25% of window opening. Multi-panel window cap: 50% of one panel. Code section: § 15.06.020.D.
Window signage that exceeds the 25%/50% coverage cap loses its permit exemption; displaying it without obtaining a sign permit is a code violation.
The rules around window signs in Longmont lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Digital Billboards
Longmont allows digital/electronic message signs only as part of a freestanding monument sign in specific mixed-use and industrial zoning districts, capped at half the sign area, static messages only, held at least 15 seconds.
Key details: Allowed only as: part of a freestanding monument sign. Eligible zones: MU-N, MU-C, MU-E, MU-R, N-PE, N-PF. Max digital area: 50% of monument sign area. Message hold time: 15 seconds minimum. Code section: § 15.06.050.L.
A sign exceeding these limits or displaying scrolling or animated content isn't an allowed electronic message sign; installing one anyway is a sign code violation subject to removal.
This is one of the stricter rules in Longmont's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Longmont is tougher than many cities when it comes to sign regulations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Longmont, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Longmont's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.