Mesa County, CO Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Max brightness
- 0.3 footcandles over ambient
- Interactive signs
- Prohibited
- Dimming requirement
- Photocell technology, dusk to dawn
- Measurement timing
- 30 min after sunset/before sunrise
- Applies to
- All digital/electronic signs countywide
Summary
Mesa County caps digital and electronic sign brightness at 0.3 footcandles over ambient light, bans interactive displays, and requires photocell dimming technology, standards that apply to any electronic sign, including outdoor advertising displays.
The maximum brightness levels for signs shall not exceed three tenths (0.3) footcandles over ambient light levels. Measurements of light are based on the area of the sign versus measurement of the distance... 2. The measurement shall be conducted at least thirty (30) minutes after sunset or thirty (30) minutes before sunrise. 3. Interactive signs are prohibited. 4. All new electronic display signs shall have photocell technology that will be used to dim the displays for appropriate nighttime viewing from dusk to dawn or when ambient light conditions warrant such changes.
Full Breakdown
3) footcandles over ambient light levels, measured with a footcandle meter at a distance keyed to the sign's face area under Table 9-1, ranging from 30 feet for the smallest signs up to 150 feet for signs between 150 and 199 square feet. Measurements must be taken at least 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise, when ambient light is lowest and glare is easiest to detect. 3. Every new electronic display sign must include photocell technology that automatically dims the display for nighttime viewing from dusk to dawn or whenever ambient light conditions warrant a change, so a digital sign cannot be run at daytime brightness after dark. 11 in the C-2, I-1 and I-2 zoning districts. 05 layered on top when the display is digital.
Violations & Fines
A digital sign exceeding the 0.3 footcandle brightness standard, running an interactive display, or lacking required photocell dimming technology is a permit-standard violation under LDC Section 9.05, enforceable by the Director; combined with an unpermitted outdoor advertising sign it also triggers Section 11.02.A for erecting a sign without required approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a digital billboard be in Mesa County?
Are animated or touch-interactive digital signs allowed?
Do digital billboards need automatic dimming at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mesa County
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