Holiday Displays: Boulder vs Longmont
How do holiday displays rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder generally permits holiday decorations and displays on residential property with minimal restrictions. Displays should not create traffic hazards, excessive noise, or fire risks. HOA rules may add limits.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Longmont does not impose a calendar-based limit on residential holiday lights or seasonal decorations. They are exempt from sign-permit requirements under LMC Chapter 15.06 so long as they are not used as commercial signage, do not obstruct driver sightlines, and do not create a glare or nuisance complaint. Excessive brightness or off-premise placement can still trigger LMC nuisance provisions.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | Not required | - |
| Duration | 30 to 45 days typical | - |
| Safety | Outdoor-rated electrical | - |
| Topic | Holiday Displays | - |
| Permit Required | - | No — exempt from LMC Chapter 15.06 sign permitting |
| Calendar Limit | - | No fixed take-down date in city code |
| Right-of-Way | - | Decorations may not encroach |
| Glare | - | May not aim lights at neighbors or motorists |
| Noise/Audio | - | Subject to LMC 10.20 quiet hours (10 p.m. - 7 a.m.) |
| HOA Rules | - | May impose additional aesthetic limits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
How early can I put up holiday decorations?
Most jurisdictions don't restrict timing for private property displays. Some HOAs allow decorations starting 30 to 45 days before the holiday. Check your HOA rules if applicable.
Can my HOA tell me to take down decorations?
HOAs can enforce reasonable rules about display duration, size, and type. However, they generally cannot prohibit holiday displays entirely. Check your CC&Rs and state HOA laws.
Longmont FAQ
Does Longmont require me to take down holiday lights by a certain date?
No. The Longmont Municipal Code does not set a calendar-based take-down date for residential holiday lights or seasonal decorations. They are exempt from the sign permit rules in LMC Chapter 15.06 as long as they remain non-commercial and don't create a nuisance, glare, or right-of-way obstruction. HOAs may set their own deadlines.
Can my neighbor's loud or bright holiday display be cited?
Possibly. Audio from inflatables or speakers that is audible 25 feet from the source after 10 p.m. violates LMC 10.20.100 (quiet hours). Lights that aim directly into a neighbor's bedroom window or create driver glare can be cited as a nuisance, with civil penalties starting at $100.
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