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Douglas County, CO Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Max size
50 sq ft (25/side)
Signs per parcel
One
Operating hours
7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Min message hold time
10-20 seconds
Spacing between signs
1,500 feet minimum
Max transition time
0.5 second

Summary

Douglas County allows electronic message signs only in place of a freestanding sign, one per parcel, capped at 50 square feet. Messages can change no faster than every 10-20 seconds, must run 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and signs must sit at least 1,500 feet apart.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 1-2914. Electronic Message Signs. Electronic message signs are permitted as follows: 1. Electronic Message Signs in the A-1, LRR, RR, ER, and SR Districts: ... B. Maximum sign area: Shall not exceed 50 square feet in area, at the rate of 25 square feet per side maximum. C. Maximum number of signs: One per parcel. ... (2) Minimum message hold time: Displayed messages shall not change more frequently than once per 20 seconds in areas with posted speed limits up to 35 mph or once per 10 seconds in areas with posted speed limits greater than 35 mph; and must be one complete message per transition. (3) Signs shall only be in operation between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ... (9) The distance between any two electronic message signs shall be a minimum of 1,500 feet measured in a straight line...

Full Breakdown

Section 1-2914 permits electronic message signs in the A-1, LRR, RR, ER, and SR districts, and separately in residential or non-urban areas of Planned Developments, only as a substitute for, or part of, a freestanding sign tied to a Site Improvement Plan, Use by Special Review, or Location and Extent approval. Each parcel is limited to one electronic message sign, capped at 50 square feet total (25 square feet per side). Content is restricted to a maximum of three different messages per day, and message hold time cannot be shorter than once per 20 seconds where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less, or once per 10 seconds where it exceeds 35 mph, with each transition showing one complete message.

Transitions must be an instant, static-to-static change taking no more than one-half second, with no animation, movement, or color variation. , and the applicant must verify at permit stage that the lighting can be controlled. 3 footcandles above ambient light, and displays must default to black or shut off automatically on malfunction. Two electronic message signs must be at least 1,500 feet apart in a straight line. B.

Violations & Fines

An electronic message sign that runs outside the 7 a.m.-9 p.m. window, changes messages faster than the required hold time, uses animation or fade transitions, or is installed without the required manufacturer compliance specs is a zoning violation under § 1-113. Penalties under § 1-114 include a $100 civil infraction per violation, a $500-$1,000 civil penalty plus up to $100 per day the violation continues, and injunctive or abatement action, with each day treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are digital/electronic billboards allowed in unincorporated Douglas County?
Only as an electronic message sign under § 1-2914, and only in place of or as part of a freestanding sign tied to an approved Site Improvement Plan, Use by Special Review, or Location and Extent approval. Standalone digital billboards are not permitted, since billboards themselves are banned under § 1-2904.
How fast can the message change on an electronic sign in Douglas County?
No faster than once every 20 seconds where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or under, or once every 10 seconds where it is above 35 mph, per § 1-2914, Subsection 1.E(2), and the transition itself cannot take longer than half a second.
What hours can an electronic message sign run in Douglas County?
Only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. under § 1-2914, Subsection 1.E(3), and the applicant must show the lighting can be controlled as part of the sign permit application.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Douglas County

All Douglas County rules

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