El Paso County, CO Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime brightness cap
- 500 NIT
- Brightness reduction range
- 5%-25% by resolution
- Adjustment trigger
- Ambient light conditions
- Proof required
- Manufacturer documentation
Summary
Electronic message billboards in unincorporated El Paso County must auto-dim to no more than 500 NIT at night, cutting brightness 5-25% depending on sign resolution under the Land Development Code's off-premise sign standards.
Brightness (to include auto dimming). Unless otherwise varied by the special use, all electronic message displays shall be equipped with technology that automatically dims the electronic message displays according to ambient light conditions to a luminance, or nighttime brightness level of up to 500 NIT, which will result in a reduction of display brightness between 5% and 25% depending on the resolution of the sign. Documentation shall be provided from the sign manufacturer which verifies compliance with auto dimming and brightness requirements.
(vii) Malfunction Default and Repair Status. All electronic message displays shall be equipped with the ability to be shut off within 24 hours that a malfunction occurs, including the demonstration of prohibited transition methods. Signs under repair shall also be shut off.
(4) Setbacks and Location Standards.
(a) Setbacks. Billboards shall maintain the minimum setbacks of the zoning district in which the billboard is located. Where a zero lot line setback is allowed for buildings, the setback
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
LDC §6.2.9(B)(3)(c) sets off-premise sign standards for Electronic Message Display (EMD) billboards in unincorporated El Paso County. Subsection (vi) requires every EMD billboard to carry auto-dimming technology that adjusts brightness to ambient light, capping nighttime luminance at 500 NIT and cutting display brightness 5 to 25 percent depending on sign resolution, unless the special use approval varies the standard. Applicants must submit manufacturer documentation proving the sign meets the auto-dimming and brightness specifications before the county will approve it.
Violations & Fines
An EMD billboard operating without functioning auto-dim technology, or exceeding the 500 NIT nighttime cap, fails LDC §6.2.9(B)(3)(c)(vi) and can be denied sign approval or ordered into compliance by PCD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do digital billboards have a lighting limit in El Paso County?
Does the county require proof of compliance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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