Broomfield, CO Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

The Sign Code defines a billboard, in section 17-44-050(F), as any freestanding sign directly supported from the ground that exceeds 400 square feet and faces a public street, and section 17-44-060(C) lists billboards among the signs that are unlawful and prohibited in all zone districts. Digital signs are a separate category. Section 17-44-050(H) defines a digital sign as an illuminated sign with electronically activated changeable copy that can be programmed remotely by computer or handheld device, typically using LED or LCD lighting, and section 17-44-080(E)(1) allows digital signs on freestanding signs including ground and monument signs, display signs, and service island canopy signs for nonresidential uses in any zone district, while barring them entirely for solely residential uses.

Any digital sign must meet the technical standards in section 17-44-080(E)(3): it may change only through dissolve or fade transitions lasting no more than one second, with no flashing, scintillating, or optical illusion of movement; each message must hold for at least eight seconds; and it needs an automatic malfunction shutoff. Brightness is capped at 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light levels between dusk and dawn, measured from the sign face, with automatic dimmers or solar sensors required to control nighttime brightness, and the city may order lower light levels if the surrounding area calls for it.

A digital sign area must be fully integrated into the design of the freestanding sign it is part of, not bolted on as an add-on feature, and an existing nonconforming sign cannot be converted to a digital display. Drive-through display signs in commercial or mixed-use zones may use up to 100% digital area, but the display may change no more than three times in 24 hours.