Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Centennial, CO Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Max brightness
0.3 foot-candles above ambient light
Minimum display time
8 seconds per message
Transition limit
under 1 second, no effects
Measurement point
175 feet from sign, right-of-way
Repair deadline
48 hours after notice

Summary

Centennial caps digital billboard brightness at 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, measured with a calibrated meter 175 feet from the sign 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise.

2.The illuminance of a Digital Billboard shall be measured with an illuminance meter set to measure foot-candles accurate to at least two (2) decimals.3.A Digital Billboard shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light as measured by the distance to the sign as set forth in this Section with an illuminance meter.4.The foot-candle measurement as required by this Section shall be conducted at least thirty (30) minutes after sunset or thirty (30) minutes before sunrise.

Full Breakdown

Centennial's Land Development Code regulates electronic billboards under LDC § 12-6-307. Illuminance may not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, measured with a two-decimal illuminance meter from a point in the right-of-way 175 feet from the sign, taken at least 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise. Displays must show static messages only, no animation, flashing, or video, for a minimum of eight seconds, with transitions under one second. Owners must certify factory-preset dimming and use automatic technology that adjusts brightness to ambient light, and repair malfunctioning displays within 48 hours of notice.

Violations & Fines

LDC violations are minor offenses; the City can issue cease-and-desist and stop-work orders, and municipal court may fine up to $2,650 per day of continuing violation (§§ 12-15-201, 12-15-302, 1-4-10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a digital billboard flash or scroll messages in Centennial?
No. LDC § 12-6-307(B) requires static messages only: animation, flashing, scrolling, and full-motion video are all prohibited, and each message must display for at least eight seconds.
How bright can a Centennial digital billboard be at night?
No more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light, measured with an illuminance meter 175 feet away, at least 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Centennial

All Centennial rules

Compare Centennial to another location·View the Colorado sign regulations overview

Get notified when Digital Billboards in Centennial, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Digital Billboards in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Arapahoe County handle digital billboards.

Aurora, CO
Some Restrictions