Loveland's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

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

Garage Sale Signs

Loveland prohibits placing any signs - including garage-sale, yard-sale, or estate-sale signs - in public rights-of-way or on public property under UDC Section 18.04.08. Signs may not be attached to street lamps, street signs, traffic signs or signals, hydrants, trees, shrubs, fences, or utility poles. Off-premise signs are subject to removal by Code Enforcement. Garage sales themselves are regulated under LMC Chapter 5.44.

Key details: Sign Code: LMC Section 18.04.08 (UDC Signs). Garage Sale Code: LMC Chapter 5.44. Public Right-of-Way: All signs prohibited. Attachment Ban: No utility poles, street signs, traffic signs, hydrants, trees, shrubs, fences. On-Premise Only: Sign must be on property where sale occurs.

Off-premise signs in the public right-of-way are removed by Code Enforcement under UDC 18.04.08. Sales operating outside the LMC Chapter 5.44 framework are also a code violation. Report at 970-962-2522.

Loveland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to garage sale signs. That said, there are still limits.

Political Signs

Under Loveland Municipal Code Section 18.04.08 (Unified Development Code - Sign Regulations), election signs are classified as temporary signs. Up to 12 election signs are permitted per residential lot, signs may not exceed 3 feet in height or 4 square feet per face, may not be illuminated, and may be displayed for a maximum of 100 consecutive days. Colorado state law (C.R.S. 1-45-117) and CCIOA (C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5) further regulate political signs and HOA restrictions.

Key details: Code Section: LMC Section 18.04.08 (UDC Sign Regulations). Max Signs per Residential Lot: 12. Max Height: 3 feet. Max Sign Face Area: 4 square feet. Max Display Period: 100 consecutive days.

Improperly placed or oversized election signs may be removed by Code Enforcement. UDC Section 18.04.08 violations enforced administratively by the Development Services Department. Report at 970-962-2522.

The rules around political signs in Loveland lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Holiday Displays

Loveland does not impose a calendar-based limit on residential holiday lights or seasonal decorations. Holiday lights and seasonal decorations are not regulated as 'signs' under UDC Section 18.04.08 when they convey only a seasonal message and do not advertise a business. Practical limits derive from glare, right-of-way, sight-triangle, and noise nuisance provisions. HOAs may impose their own deadlines.

Key details: Permit Required: No - exempt from UDC 18.04.08 sign permitting. Calendar Limit: No fixed take-down date in city code. Right-of-Way: Decorations may not encroach (LMC Chapter 12.24). Glare: May not aim lights at neighbors or motorists (LMC Title 16). Sight Triangle: Must remain clear at corner lots.

No automatic violation for residential holiday displays. Citations apply only when a display creates a nuisance, obstructs the right-of-way, blocks sight triangles, or violates noise limits. Enforced under LMC Title 16 (Nuisances). Report at 970-962-2522.

The rules around holiday displays in Loveland lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Loveland gives residents more room on sign regulations. 3 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.

Keep in mind that Loveland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.