Denver regulates signs through the Denver Zoning Code (DZC) Article 10, Division 10.10. Political signs on private residential property are broadly protected under the First Amendment and Colorado law. Denver's sign code exempts certain non-commercial signs from permit requirements, including political campaign signs within size limits.
Political signs on residential property do not require a permit and are generally exempt from the sign code as long as they comply with size limits (typically 6 square feet per sign in residential zones). Signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic control devices. Denver may restrict the timing of political signs in the right-of-way but cannot ban them on private property. Signs must not obstruct visibility at intersections. Colorado state law (C.R.S. §1-13-722) prohibits local governments from banning political signs on private property during election periods.
Signs placed in the public right-of-way may be removed by Denver. Oversized signs may receive a notice of violation from Denver zoning enforcement. Fines are minimal for residential sign violations, typically starting with a warning and correction notice. Signs that create traffic safety hazards face immediate removal.
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