Denver, CO Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- No, for residential lots
- Max size
- 15 sq ft per sign
- Ground sign height
- 6 ft (25 ft if pole-mounted)
- Illumination
- Prohibited
- Flashing/animated
- Prohibited
Summary
Denver treats political signs as noncommercial signs: no permit needed on residential lots, but they're capped at 15 square feet and can't be illuminated.
I. Noncommercial Signs on Residential Zone Lots Noncommercial signs on residential zone lots shall meet the following conditions... 1. Noncommercial signs may be erected on any residential zone lot. 2. Noncommercial signs shall be limited to the following types: a. Wall signs; b. Window signs; and c. Ground signs not more than 6 feet above grade, unless mounted to a single pole no taller than 25 feet. 3. The size of each noncommercial sign erected on any zone lot shall not exceed the area of 15 square feet. 4. Noncommercial signs shall meet the following conditions: a. Shall be maintained in a clean, orderly, and sightly condition; b. Shall not be illuminated; c. Flashing signs are prohibited; and d. Animated signs are prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Zoning Code Sec. 10.10.3.1.I lets any residential zone lot display noncommercial signs, which the code separately defines to include political signs supporting or opposing a candidate, party, or ballot issue, without a zoning permit. Each sign is capped at 15 square feet, limited to wall, window, or ground signs (ground signs no more than 6 feet high unless pole-mounted up to 25 feet), must stay clean and orderly, and cannot be illuminated, flashing, or animated. No election-cycle time window is specified in the zoning code.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Administrator enforcement for oversized, illuminated, flashing, or animated signs, or signs not in a permitted category (wall, window, ground); remedies run through the standard zoning-code enforcement and permit-review process rather than a listed fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Denver?
How big can a political sign be in Denver?
Is there a time limit tied to elections for political signs in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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