Lakewood, CO Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Political sign category
- None: removed 2023
- Max sign face
- 6 sq ft
- Max total per property
- 18 sq ft
- Max height
- 4 feet
- Setback
- 2 ft from sidewalks
Summary
Lakewood's Zoning Ordinance dropped its old political-sign category to comply with Reed v. Gilbert; a political message is now sized and placed exactly like any other yard sign under Table 17.9.7.
Modifications to this Article were written to improve compliance with the Supreme Court case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 135 S. Ct. 2218 (2015), and to remove previous standards that were not content neutral. As a result, signs that were named and regulated by type of message, e.g. political, real estate, construction, have been removed and this Article, as amended, should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable State and Federal law.
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Ordinance's Translation Statement, added after Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 135 S. Ct. 2218 (2015), eliminated content-based sign categories: signs 'named and regulated by type of message, e.g. political, real estate, construction' no longer exist as separate types. A political message displayed on a residential lot is instead regulated the same as any other Yard Sign under Table 17.9.7: no more than 6 square feet per sign face, 18 square feet total per property, and 4 feet tall, set back at least 2 feet from sidewalks and kept out of the right-of-way and sight triangles.
Violations & Fines
Oversized or improperly placed yard signs, political or otherwise, can be ordered removed by Lakewood code enforcement, but the content itself cannot be restricted based on its political message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lakewood restrict a sign because its message is political?
How big can a political yard sign be in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado sign regulations overview
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