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Longmont, CO Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing document
Downtown Sign Design Standards (Appendix A)
Applies within
Downtown Development Authority boundary
Extra requirement
compliance certificate before sign permit
Reviewed by
Downtown Design Board / DDA director

Summary

Inside Longmont's Downtown Development Authority area, the city-adopted Downtown Sign Design Standards (Appendix A) supplement the citywide sign code, and no sign permit issues there without a separate downtown design compliance certificate.

A.Downtown sign design standards adopted. The downtown sign design standards are hereby adopted and included as appendix A to this development code. Within the boundaries of the downtown development authority...its provisions shall supplement the provisions of this chapter 15.06....D.Downtown sign compliance certificate required. The city shall not issue a sign permit under chapter 15.06 for display within the DDA area unless it has received a certificate of compliance with the downtown sign design standards.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Longmont's downtown design guide is the Downtown Sign Design Standards, adopted by the city as Appendix A to the development code and administered by the Downtown Development Authority board sitting as the downtown design board. Inside the DDA boundary, these standards layer on top of the citywide sign code (chapter 15.06); if the two conflict, the downtown standards control. The city won't issue a sign permit there until the applicant has a downtown sign design compliance certificate, reviewed by the DDA's executive director or, on referral, the full board.

Violations & Fines

A sign displayed in the DDA area without a downtown compliance certificate lacks a valid sign permit and is subject to removal and the sign code's enforcement provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the citywide sign code still apply inside downtown Longmont?
Yes -- the Downtown Sign Design Standards supplement, not replace, chapter 15.06, and the more specific downtown rule controls if the two conflict.
Who reviews sign designs in downtown Longmont?
The Downtown Design Board -- the DDA board's voting members -- along with the DDA's executive director and an advisory design committee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Longmont

Density Bonus LawSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Longmont rules

Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado zoning overlays & bonuses overview

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