Chapter 21.10 Sign Standards

Contain an obscene statement, word, or picture describing or depicting sexual activities or sexual anatomical areas;

Contain, or are an imitation of, an official traffic sign or signal or contain the words: "STOP,""GO SLOW,""CAUTION,""DANGER,""WARNING," or similar words;

Are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be confused with, or construed as, a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal;

Contain or consist of portable signs, tent signs, or strings of light bulbs not permanently mounted on a rigid background, except that one portable sign per business will be allowed next to the building in shopping areas where pedestrians circulate, so long as such portable sign is not placed in a parking lot or in any median, does not visually or physically obstruct vehicular or pedestrian circulation, and does not exceed 12 square feet in size and three feet in width;

Are erected after adoption of this Code and do not comply with the provisions of this regulation;

(f)

Do not comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Colorado as now or hereafter enacted and/or amended. See § 43-1-401 C.R.S., et seq.;

(g)

Create a hazard for, or impede safe or efficient movement of, motorists or pedestrians;

(h)

Are placed in whole or in part in, on or over any part of a public right-of-way, except where the sign is placed by a governmental entity. The Director has the authority to remove and dispose of any sign placed in or on or protruding into, onto or over any part of a public right-of-way without compensation to any person or entity; or

§ 21.10.030 Signs that do not require a permit.

Are interactive signs that are readable with normal vision from the public right-of-way. Interactive signs readable from the public right-of-way are prohibited because they distract drivers and pedestrians so as to constitute a significant safety risk.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

The following signs are allowed on a lot/parcel in any zone district:

One sign that is integral to or flush-mounted on a building or structure that is no greater than four square feet in area.

A sign that is not illuminated, not digital or electronic, and not permanent in nature; for example, one that is planted into the ground or affixed to an object or structure by temporary means, does not have a foundation, is made of lightweight and thin materials such as a single sheet of plastic, thin metal, plywood or paper, except for wind driven signs and banners which are regulated separately in GJMC § 21.10.040, and except for prohibited signs discussed in GJMC § 21.10.020, with the following limitation:

On a parcel of less than one acre, up to six such signs are allowed, so long as each sign is not greater than six square feet in area, except in that one of these signs may be up to 32 square feet in area when construction is occurring on a parcel or a subdivision of land is being developed.

§ 21.10.040 Wind driven signs and banners.

On a parcel of one acre or larger, up to six such signs per acre are allowed, so long as each sign is not greater than six square feet in area, except that one sign per acre can be up to 32 square feet in area.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

A banner permit shall be required prior to any use of wind driven signs or banners.

Banners and wind driven signs shall meet all standards set forth in GJMC § 21.10.070.

Banners and wind driven signs may be displayed for a up to 30 consecutive days up to four times in a twelve-month calendar year. Permit periods may run consecutively.

All banners must be secured directly to the structure, fence, or post that is permanently affixed to the ground.

All wind driven signs must be professionally made, must be in good repair and appearance, and must also be so located and installed so as not to pose a safety hazard for motorists or pedestrians. Such signs shall not be attached to any object located in the public right-of-way.

(f)

In addition to other available penalties, failure to comply with the terms of a permit issued under this section shall result in the loss of a permit.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.10.050 Nonconforming signs.

All signage on site shall be brought into conformance with this Code prior to approval of any new Sign Permit on the property.

Any nonconforming sign that has been damaged in excess of 50% of its replacement cost by fire, wind or other cause except vandalism shall not be restored without conformance with the provisions of this regulation.

§ 21.10.060 Digital or electronic sign standards.

Sign face changes are allowed without a permit, including converting from static display to digital/electronic display, if no other changes are made to the sign size, height, or structure. Digital and electronic signs must comply with regulations governing such.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

Purpose and Intent.

Advancements in technology permit signs to change copy electronically, utilizing LED, LCD, and other technologies. The impacts of these may disrupt the peace and quiet enjoyment of other properties in the area and create traffic hazards. Limitations on brightness is necessary in order to mitigate these impacts, protect public health and safety, and preserve the character of areas, especially residential neighborhoods.

Brightness.

The maximum brightness levels for signs shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over ambient light levels. Measurements of light are based on the area of the sign versus measurement of the distance. Using a footcandle meter, brightness shall be in conformance with the following distance table:

Table 21.10-1: Measurement of Distance by Sign Area
Area of Sign (square feet)	Measurement of Distance (feet from sign)
0-10	30
10-24	45
25-49	55
50-99	90
100-149	110
150-199	135
200-300	150

The measurement shall be conducted at least 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise. Certification must be provided to the City upon installation that the sign has been preset to automatically adjust the brightness to these levels or lower. Re-inspection and recalibration may be periodically required by the City at the permitee's expense, to ensure that the specified brightness levels are maintained at all times.

Interactive signs are prohibited.

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.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.10.070 General requirements.

All Zone Districts.

The following requirements shall apply to all signs in all zone districts unless otherwise indicated:

A permit is required for placement or display of any new sign, except where otherwise stated or where specifically exempted by the provisions of this section.

Touching up, repainting, or changing existing letters, text, symbols, graphics, or other content is considered maintenance and repair and does not require a permit.

Only a licensed sign contractor can obtain a Sign Permit.

All signs shall be permanent in nature except for those nonpermanent signs allowed under GJMC § 21.10.030.

All exterior signs shall be engineered to withstand a minimum wind load of 30 pounds per square foot.

No sign shall be placed on any curb, sidewalk, post, pole, hydrant, bridge, tree, or other surface located on public property including the posting of handbills except as expressly authorized by this section.

Regardless of sign allowances by zone district, no single sign shall exceed 300 square feet in area.

Sign Measurement.

The total surface area of one sign face of freestanding signs and projecting wall signs shall be counted as part of the maximum total surface area allowance. Sign enhancement features such as bases, pillars, and other decorative elements as part of monument signs shall not be counted as part of the maximum square footage of the sign, provided such features do not exceed the size of the sign face.

The total surface area of all sign faces of roof signs shall be counted as part of the maximum total surface area allowance.

For measurement of different shapes of signs, see the graphics below.

The total surface area of three-dimensional figures shall be counted as part of the maximum sign allowance.

The area of flush wall signs with backing or a background that is part of the overall sign display or when backed by a surface which is architecturally a part of the building shall be measured by determining the sum of the area of each square, rectangle, triangle, portion of a circle or any combination thereof which creates the smallest single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of each word, written representation (including any series of letters), logo or figure including all frames, face plates, nonstructural trim or other component parts not otherwise used for support.

The area of a I sign shall be determined to be the sum of the area of each of the smallest perimeter enclosing the limits of each work and written or graphic representation, including letter, number, character, and/or logo used for advertising, offering, or merchandising a product, or for service identification. The area of a mural painted on a wall shall not be included in the sign area calculation.

Figure 10.07-1

Sign Area Measurement

Only one display face is measured if the sign faces are parallel or form an interior angle of less than or equal to 60° provided that the signs are mounted on the same structure. If the faces are of unequal area, then sign area is equal to the area of the larger face.

Figure 10.07-2

Sign Face Area Measurement

Sign Illumination.

No illumination of a sign is permitted unless the following criteria are met:

The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded and directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not be objectionable to surrounding areas.

Neither the direct or reflected light from a light source shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares or approaches to public thoroughfares.

No exposed reflective type bulb or incandescent lamp, which exceeds 40 watts, shall be used on the exterior surface of a sign to expose the face of the bulb, light or lamp to any public street or adjacent property.

Electrical service provided to illuminated signs may require an electrical permit from the Building Department.

Identification and Marking.

Each sign requiring a permit shall bear an identification plate stating the following information:

Date the sign was erected; and

Name of person, firm, or entity responsible for its construction and erection.

§ 21.10.080 Sign standards by zone district.

Temporary Use Signs.

Sign(s) placed in connection with a temporary use that requires a Temporary Use Permit shall conform to the requirements, conditions, and terms of the Temporary Use Permit.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

The following restrictions and requirements apply to permanent signs in the given zone districts.

All Zone Districts.

Any property containing a nonresidential use that abuts an arterial street may be permitted to have one monument style sign on one such frontage that meets the requirements of Subsection (d) of this section.

Residential Zone Districts.

One permanent sign per residential lot not exceeding six square feet in area is allowed, subject to the standards below.

One permanent monument sign up to 32 square feet in area is allowed at a multi-unit apartment/condominium building/complex and on each common area parcel that abuts a public right-of-way; for purposes of this subsection, "common area parcel" means a parcel that is owned by a homeowners' association for the benefit of all lot owners in a planned community, common interest community or condominium.

For a nonresidential use in a Residential zone district, one sign not to exceed 24 square feet in area is allowed per street frontage.

Location. Permitted signs may be anywhere on the property. If freestanding, the top shall not be over eight feet above the ground. If building-mounted, the sign shall be flush-mounted and shall not be mounted on a roof of the building or project above the roof line.

Illumination. Indirect or internal illumination only shall be utilized for letter faces and/or logos.

MU-1 District.

General.

The MU-1 zone district provides a transition from residential to commercial development. Those properties within the MU-1 zone district which have an underlying land use designation including "Residential" in the title are frequently developed with existing residences or are adjacent to residences and require more restrictive sign regulations to maintain compatibility. The standards within this subsection apply only to properties within the MU-1 zone district with a land use designation with "Residential" in the title. For standards applicable to properties within the MU-1 zone district with a Mixed Use, Commercial, or other land use designation, refer to GJMC § 21.10.080(d).

Types Allowed.

Flush wall signs and monument signs shall be the only sign types allowed.

Location and Size.

Signs shall be located at least 10 feet behind the front property line. Total sign area shall not exceed 25 square feet per street frontage. The sign allowance for one street frontage may be transferred to a side of a building that has no street frontage, but cannot be transferred to another street frontage. Monument signs shall not exceed eight feet in height.

Illumination.

Signs may be externally illuminated; no other illumination of signs is allowed. All lights used for illumination of signs shall be arranged so as to confine direct light beams to the lighted sign and away from adjacent residential properties and out of the direct vision of motorists passing on adjacent streets. Illumination of signs shall comply with GJMC Chapter 21.11 and shall be limited to authorized business hours.

Sign Area.

The area of flush wall signs and monument signs shall be calculated as per the graphics shown under GJMC § 21.10.070(b).

All Other Mixed-Use and Industrial Zone Districts.

General.

This section shall apply to the MU-2, MU-3, P-2, CG, I-OR, I-1, and I-2 zone districts.

Types Allowed.

Signs in the Mixed-Use and Industrial zone districts may include facade signs, flush wall signs, freestanding signs, projecting signs and roof signs. All signs allowed in Residential zone districts are also allowed in Mixed-Use and Industrial zone districts.

Location and Size.

Permitted signs may be anywhere on the premises except as specifically restricted in this subsection (see specific sign type and pertinent zoning regulation). The total amount of signage to be allowed on any property shall not exceed the sign allowance as calculated in accordance with Subsection (d)(5)(ii) or (d)(7)(ii) of this section, whichever is greater. No single sign may be larger than 300 square feet. No projecting sign may exceed the allowances in Subsection (d)(6) of this section.

Illumination.

Unless specifically prohibited, all of the following signs may be illuminated within the limits allowed under GJMC § 21.10.070(c) and GJMC Chapter 21.11.

Facade Signs, Flush Wall Signs and Roof Signs.

The sign allowance shall be calculated on the basis of the area of the one building facade that is most nearly parallel to the street that it faces. Each building facade which faces a dedicated public street shall have its own separate and distinct sign allowance. The sign allowance for facade signs and flush wall signs on buildings located on interior lots (lots not on a corner) which are oriented perpendicular to the street shall be based on the longer building facade. The total sign allowance, or any percentage thereof, of one frontage may be transferred to a building facade that has no frontage on a dedicated public street, provided the transferred amount does not exceed two square feet of sign area per linear foot of the facade on which it is being placed.

Two square feet of sign area shall be allowed for each linear foot of building facade for facade signs, flush wall signs and roof signs. The measurement of a roof sign shall be based on the square footage of each sign face. Flush wall signs may extend up to 12 inches from the face of the building if the base of the sign is at least eight feet above ground level. (Show window signs in a window display of merchandise when incorporated with such display will not be considered part of the total sign allowance.)

(iii)

On any building which allows facade signs, flush wall signs, roof signs, or projecting signs, a maximum of two of these types may be used. If a flush wall sign and roof sign are used, the sign allowance of two square feet per linear foot of building may be divided between the two types of signs. If either a flush wall sign or roof sign and a projecting sign are used, the allowance for the projecting sign shall be subtracted from the flush wall sign or roof sign allowance.

(iv)

Roof signs shall be manufactured such that no guy wires, braces, or secondary supports shall be visible. Maximum height for roof signs shall be such that height of the structure and the sign together do not exceed the maximum height for the zone district.

(v)

One sign that is flush-mounted on the rear facade of a structure that is no more than 16 square feet in area is allowed, which sign does not count toward the total sign allowance for the parcel or building (if there is more than one such sign, the other(s) shall count toward the total sign allowance).

Projecting Signs.

Signs may project up to 72 inches from the face of the building if located eight feet or more above grade. They shall not project beyond the back of curb, nor within two feet of the edge of the roadway if there is no curb. Total area per sign face shall not exceed one-half square foot per linear foot of building facade. If the projecting sign is the only sign mounted on the building, the minimum sign allowance shall be 12 square feet.

Freestanding Signs.

Freestanding signs shall comply with the following requirements:

No more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted for any parcel for each street frontage. The sign allowance per frontage can only be used on that frontage and shall not be transferred to any other frontage, except where otherwise provided.

Maximum sign allowance shall be calculated by the linear front foot of property on a public street right-of-way in conformance with the following:

(A)

Two traffic lanes: Maximum area of sign per face per front foot of property, three-quarters square foot; maximum height, 25 feet.

(B)

Four or more traffic lanes: Maximum area of sign per face per front foot of property, one and one-half square feet; maximum height, 40 feet.

(iii)

Signs may be installed at street right-of-way line. The sign face may project up to 72 inches into the right-of-way, if located 14 feet or more above grade, but shall not project closer than 24 inches to the back of the curb. If the existing street right-of-way width is less than that required in this Code, the distance shall be measured from the line of such right-of-way as required by this Code rather than from the existing right-of-way line. Ute and Pitkin Avenues shall be calculated using four lanes.

(iv)

On a corner lot, a freestanding sign shall not be placed within the sight distance triangle, as defined in TEDS (GJMC Title 29), unless free air space is maintained as provided in TEDS (GJMC Title 29). A single pipe support with no sign structure or copy shall not be considered a violation of the free air space requirement.

(v)

In addition to freestanding signs as allowed above, up to two additional freestanding signs per street frontage, not greater than three square feet in area and no more than 30 inches in height, are allowed.

(vi)

When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs, all such electrical service shall be underground.

(vii)

All freestanding signs shall require a building permit in addition to a sign clearance.

(8)

Flush wall or freestanding sign(s) with text so small as to not be readable with normal eyesight from a public right-of-way are allowed, so long as such sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area. Such signs shall not count toward the total sign allowance or the maximum freestanding sign allowance.

Outdoor Advertising Signs.

Outdoor advertising signs erected on ground or wall locations (and roof locations done within the regulations and limitations of roof signs) shall only be permitted in the C-2 (general commercial) and I-1 and I-2 (industrial) zone districts, subject to the following conditions, limitations, and restrictions:

Height Limitations.

No outdoor advertising sign shall be erected higher than 40 feet above the level of the street or road upon which the sign faces, or above the adjoining ground level if such ground level is above the street or road level. No outdoor advertising sign shall have a surface or face area exceeding 300 square feet in area or containing less than 15 square feet in area.

Distance.

For each square foot of surface or facing of the sign, two feet of space from adjacent outdoor advertising signs shall be maintained. Such distances shall be determined by using the largest sign as criterion. For example, no sign can be erected closer than 600 feet to an existing 300-square-foot sign. A maximum of one outdoor advertising sign shall be allowed per lot or parcel of land.

Location.

A sketch, drawn to scale, depicting the size and location of the proposed billboard shall be provided. The sketch shall be prepared by a licensed surveyor and shall indicate dimensions from the proposed billboard to the closest adjacent aliquot section line and shall include coordinates. The sketch shall also include the location of the proposed billboard to the nearest adjacent right-of-way line, if applicable. The sketch shall be signed and sealed by the surveyor.

Outdoor advertising signs shall not be located within 600 feet from the centerline of the Riverside Parkway as depicted below.

Illumination.

Outdoor advertising signs that are illuminated by indirect or external illumination shall use only downward facing, downcast light to confine direct light beams to the sign and out of the direct vision.

§ 21.10.090 Removal and disposition of signs.

Prohibited Signs.

Prohibited signs are signs that do not comply with the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Colorado as now or hereafter enacted or amended. See § 43-1-401 C.R.S., et seq.

(f)

P-1 and P-2 Districts.

Signage on a property zoned P-1 or P-2 shall be limited to signage allowed in the surrounding zone districts.

(g)

Planned Developments.

No sign other than those permitted in any zone district in GJMC § 21.10.030 shall be allowed on properties in a planned development zone unless the sign has been approved as part of the development plan. Variance of the maximum total surface area of signs shall not be permitted, but the maximum sign allowance for the entire development or use may be aggregated and the total allowance redistributed.

(h)

Sign Packages.

A site or sites that consist of more than one developed parcel of land that are abutting and function as one through the sharing of vehicular access through, across, over, entrance onto, and/or exit from the site and/or parking (such as a shopping center) may be considered for a sign package through a sign package permit. Variance of the maximum total sign allowance shall not be permitted, but the maximum sign allowance for the entire site or sites may be aggregated and the total allowance redistributed for the same type of sign. For example, freestanding sign allowance may be redistributed among freestanding signs, but a freestanding sign allowance may not be redistributed for a facade sign. See GJMC § 21.02.040(i).

(Ord. 5267, 7/16/2025; Ord. No. 5260, 5/7/2025; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

Maintenance and Repair.

No person shall allow, on any premises owned or controlled by him, any sign that is in a dangerous or defective condition.

The Director shall require the owner of the sign and/or the owner of the premises upon which it is located to remove or repair any such sign. In cases of immediate danger to the public due to the defective nature of a sign, the Director may have the sign removed and assess the costs of the removal against the property. Such assessment shall constitute a first and prior lien on the property, equivalent to ad valorem taxes, and shall be collected in the same manner as the real estate taxes on the property.

All signs shall be safe and maintained in good appearance as well as safety including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and other acts required for proper maintenance. Failure to properly maintain a sign shall be a violation of this Code.

Abandoned Signs.

Signs are allowed on otherwise vacant property so long as a permit is obtained (unless a permit is otherwise expressly not required) and so long as the sign allowance for the zone district is adhered to. However, a sign structure that has no content or is "blank" and has fallen into disrepair and which is located on property which is unoccupied for a period of 12 consecutive months or more shall be deemed abandoned.

§ 21.10.100 Regulated cannabis business signage and advertising.

An abandoned sign is prohibited; the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises shall remove the sign and supporting structure. An abandoned sign which is not removed in a timely manner may be removed by the Director under the provisions of this section.

(Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

General.

All signs and advertising for regulated cannabis stores shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Colorado Marijuana Code, any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the provisions of this chapter and of Chapter 5.13 GJMC, and the City's ordinances and regulations regarding signs and advertising.

No sign shall use the terms "pharmacy,""pharmacist,""pharmaceutical,""rx," or any other similar variation of such terms as its corporate, business, or "doing business as" name, so as to prevent a reasonable person from concluding such business is involved in the practice of pharmacy, as regulated by Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacists, C.R.S. Article 22 of Chapter 12.[1] Additionally, no regulated cannabis stores may use any of the above terms or any similar variation thereof in any of its signs, placards, promotional, or advertising materials. Additionally, no signs that mimic or allude to pharmacy or medical related symbols, including but not limited to medical style crosses regardless of proportions or colors, shall be used or displayed in nonmedical regulated cannabis stores.

[1]

Editor's Note: C.R.S. Article 22 of Title 12 §§ 12-22-101 to 12-22-806 was repealed.

No sign shall include advertising material that is misleading, deceptive, or false or that, as evidenced by the content of the advertising material or by the medium or the manner in which the advertising material is disseminated, is designed to appeal to persons under 21 years of age.

Maximum Sign Dimensions.

For properties that lie within an existing overlay district regulated by GJMC Title 22, 24, 25, 26, or 27 the specific regulations within the overlay shall apply.

For all other properties within the City, only flush wall mounted signs or monument signs shall be allowed. Maximum sign allowances shall be calculated according to the provisions of this chapter and subject to the following limitations:

Maximum height: 20 feet; and

Maximum area: 150 square feet per sign face.

Signs Not Requiring a Permit.

Signs and advertising not requiring a permit include:

Sign-wavers or other natural persons standing in the public. No regulated cannabis stores shall advertise with sign-wavers or other natural persons within the buffering distances from specified land uses as provided in GJMC § 21.04.030(d)(8)(iii).

Any advertisement contained within a newspaper, magazine, or other periodical of general circulation within the City or on the internet, which may include coupons.

Any nonconsumable merchandise or accessories.

A booth at an adult event or job fair where the only items distributed are company or educational materials and no other items are distributed, shown, or sold.

Business cards within the business or handed directly to an individual who is over the age of 21.

Showing a government-issued verification of age or military status, or registration for a charitable event, or similar item the showing of which, without providing a separate printing to the business, entititles the holder to a discount for a particular product or service.