Temporary Signs

Banners, sidewalk signs and similar temporary sign displays may be allowed only as temporary signs and only upon approval of a Temporary Sign Permit.

All temporary signs are reviewed under Article 6, Division 5, Temporary Signs of the Land Development Code. While there are no fees for temporary signs, a permit is required.

To apply for a permit, please use the online Self-Service Portal. Permits are processed in approximately five business days.

For questions on temporary signs, please call the Planning and Zoning Hotline at 303-754-3308 to speak with a planner.

Attached Signs

Banner Signs

Banners are permitted in the AC, BP, CG, EC, ED, I, OSR and UC zone districts, subject to the following:

  • One banner per tenant, per building is allowed at a time
  • The banner must be attached to the principal building or accessory structure, and cannot be placed on a prohibited sign location
  • Banner size is limited to the maximum size allowed for a permanent wall sign for the same building. Contact the Community Development Department with any questions
  • Banners may not be displayed for more than 30 days per year
  • In ED and OSR districts:
    • Cloth, canvas or similar material banners may be displayed for up to 14 days per year
    • Vinyl or comparable materials banners may be displayed for up to 90 days per year

Banner Sign Example

Banner sign example

Window Signs

Temporary window signs are permitted in the AC, BP, CG, EC, ED, I, OSR and UC zone districts, subject to the following:

  • Minimum window transparency in CG, EC-MU, I and UC zone districts is 50% (50% covered)
  • Minimum window transparency in AC, BP, EC-N, EC-LI, ED and OSR zone districts is 80% (20% covered)
  • Interior window signs (all materials) have no duration restrictions
  • Exterior window signs (all materials) must be removed within 15 days of placement 

Temporary Window Sign Example

Window sign example - says book your session now with a QR code

Detached Signs

Sidewalk Signs

Sidewalk signs are permitted in the AC, CG, EC-MU and UC zone districts, subject to the following:

  • Limited to 8 square feet per side (maximum two sides)
  • One sign per ground floor tenant bay is allowed
  • Signs must be removed from the sidewalk at the close of business each day
  • Signs must maintain at least 4 feet of clear sidewalk width for pedestrian use, may not be placed on sidewalks adjacent to arterial or collector rights-of-way, and must remain outside the primary pedestrian travel path

Sidewalk Sign Example

Sidewalk Sign Example - blue sign with white text

Yard Signs

Yard signs are permitted in the AG, ED, NC, NI, OSR, RA, RS and RU zone districts, subject to the following:

  • Residential maximum size:
    • Up to 4 feet in height and 6 square feet per side, with a maximum of 24 square feet total (Example: 3 square feet signs, eight signs total).
  • AG zone district:
    • Up to a 5 feet in height and 36 square feet total (Example: 3x1 signs, 12 signs total)
  • ED and OSR zone districts:
    • Up to 4 feet in height and 6 square feet per side, up to two signs are permitted per ingress or egress on parcels proposed for development

Yard Sign Example

Yard Sign Example

Temporary Site Signs

Temporary site signs (including detached banners and new development signs) are permitted in all zone districts, subject to the following:

Location: Must be placed on non-residential private property, not within the public right-of-way, and be at least 5 feet from all property lines  

Amount: One sign is allowed per street frontage, per parcel

Size:

  • AC, BP, CG, EC-MU, EC-N, EC-LI, ED, I, OSR and UC: Up to 8 feet in height and 32 square feet per side
  • AG, NC, NI, RA, RS and RU: up to 5 feet in height and 12 square feet per side.

Duration: 

  • Vinyl – Up to 30 days per year; 
  • Corrugated Plastic – Up to 6 months per year; 
  • Plywood – Up to 10 months per year; 
  • Metal or Plywood with bonded aluminum sign face – Up to 10 months per year or 14 months over 2 years

Temporary Site Sign Example

Sight Sign example - Attention Hard Hat Area

Misc. Signs

Temporary Sock Signs

Temporary sock signs are permitted in the AC, BP, CG, EC, ED, I, OSR and UC zone districts, subject to the following:

  • May be installed only after a permanent detached sign permit has been issued
  • Must be vinyl or other comparable material
  • Must be removed within 60 days after the permanent sign permit is issued

Sock Sign Example

Example of a Sock Sign

Swing Signs

Swing signs are permitted in the AG, NC, NI, RA, RS and RU zone districts, subject to the following:

  • One sign per lot is allowed (AG zone district allowed one per frontage)
  • Maximum size is 6 feet in height and 5 square feet (including up to two riders)
  • Signs may be placed for up to 9 months per year when made of wood, corrugated plastic, or metal sign face and finished wood or metal structure

Swing Sign Example

Swing Sign example - For sale sign with contact information

Permit Process

Temporary sign permits can be obtained online through the City of Centennial’s Self-Service Portal.

When applying, please include:

  • One site plan or survey showing the location of the temporary signage. Aerial photos may be used if the sign location is clearly marked.
  • One conceptual drawing of the sign(s) including the size and materials.
  • Verified distances from property lines, rights-of-way and easements.
  • Submit the Temporary Sign Permit application online through the Self-Service Portal.
  • Once processed and approved, your permit will be available in the portal.

**Site Plan Example. Please clearly mark location of sign(s) as well as distance from property line for detached signs**

Site plan showing a central building within red dashed property lines, a driveway on the right, two red stars labeled “X'” and “Property Line,” and a north arrow at bottom left indicating orientation and layout context

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a permit for a temporary sign?

A: Yes. The City of Centennial requires a permit for most temporary signs over 6 square feet, including banners, site signs and sidewalk signs. Contact the Community Development Department at centennialplanning@centennialco.gov or 303-754-3308 with any questions.

Q: Where can I get a permit application?

A: Permit applications are available through the City's Self-Service Portal.

Q: Are there any fees associated with a temporary sign permit?

A: No. Temporary sign permits are free.

Q: How do I check my zoning district?

A: You find your zoning district by using the Property Search tool.

Q: How long can I have a temporary sign?

A: Display duration varies by zoning district, sign type and material used. For specifics, contact the Community Development Department at centennialplanning@centennialco.gov or 303-754-3308.

Q: Where can I find specific regulations for all types of temporary signage?

A: Temporary signage regulations can be found in the Centennial Municipal Code Section 12-6-501. Additional information about the Land Development Code can be found here.

Q: Do sign twirlers need a permit?

A: No. If the sign is carried, the City does not require a permit.

Q: What type of signs are prohibited within the City of Centennial?

A: Generally, signs that are animated, designed to move in the wind or are portable are prohibited. Examples include certain banners, flags used as signs (flags on flagpoles are allowed) and vehicle signs. For specific regulations, contact the Community Development Department at centennialplanning@centennialco.gov or 303-754-3308.

Q: Who should I call to ask specific questions about a temporary sign?

A: The City’s Community Development Department zoning hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to answer questions. The zoning hotline number is 303-754-3308. You can also email the Community Development Department at centennialplanning@centennialco.gov.

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