Sign Permit in Rifle, Colorado

Rifle requires a sign permit for: A sign permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, except signs exempt under Sec. 16-8-70, per Sec. 16-8-30(a)(1); On properties with more than one primary use, a separate sign permit is required for each individual use, per Sec. 16-8-30(a)(2); Changing or replacing the copy on an existing lawful sign does not require a permit, provided the copy change does not alter the sign's size or create a code violation, per Sec. 16-8-30(a)(3); Application must include: street address of the proposed sign structure; names/addresses of the owner, sign contractor, and erector; a legible site plan showing sign location and setbacks to adjacent property lines/buildings; a detailed drawing of dimensions, materials, and colors (a structural engineer's certification may be required for freestanding or projecting signs); a graphic drawing or photograph of the sign copy; a description of lighting if applicable; written lease/permission if the sign is off the premises advertised; and the sign permit fee and plan check fee per the current fee schedule (Sec. 16-8-30(b)); City staff certifies the application complete or rejects it as incomplete with written notice of deficiencies; once complete, City staff reviews and may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the sign permit, per Sec. 16-8-30(b); Once issued, it is unlawful to change, modify, or deviate from the terms of an approved sign permit without City consent; Proof of public liability insurance is required for freestanding signs, projecting signs, and any sign located on or above public right-of-way, per Sec. 16-8-30(b)(d); Signs must be made by a professional sign company or other qualified entity as determined by the Planning Director, per Sec. 16-8-40(a); A permanent sign is defined as one intended to be displayed on a continuing/ongoing basis for more than ninety (90) days; Sign standards (number of signs, maximum area, maximum height, lighting restrictions) vary by zoning district, per the district-by-district table in Sec. 16-8-50 (e.g., in LDR/MDR/MDR-X/EZ districts, awning/canopy/wall signs are capped at 5% of building facade or 25 sq ft, whichever is less); Certain signs are exempt from the permit requirement under Sec. 16-8-70, including: building identification signs, incidental signs, landmark signs, addresses, vacancy/no-vacancy signs, no-trespassing signs (max 8 sq ft), time/temperature signs (max 10 sq ft), changeable-copy signs for churches/schools/civic uses/theaters, nonvisible signs, and various time-limited temporary signs (special-event banners, construction signs, holiday decorations, garage-sale signs, election signs, real-estate signs) each subject to its own size/duration limits spelled out in the ordinance; The Sign Application Form requires the authorized representative/sign contractor to provide their City of Rifle contractor license number, per Rifle Municipal Code Sec. 16-8-80(2) cited on the form itself. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Rifle Building Department (Community Development Department) at 970-665-6461 before starting work.

The City's Land Use Fee Sheet lists a $40.00 Sign Plan fee (Planning Department review). The ordinance itself also references a 'sign permit fee and plan check fee... as established by the current fee schedule' (Sec. 16-8-30(b)(9)) without stating a further dollar figure; confirm the full current total with Planning & Development (970-665-6491).

Rifle does not publish a plan-review timeline for this permit. Contact City of Rifle Building Department (Community Development Department) at 970-665-6461 for current turnaround.

You'll need: Sign Application Form (Department of Planning & Development); Sign Plan / Site Plan Drawings. Depending on your project, Rifle may also ask for: Sign Permit Application (Cloudpermit); Proof of Public Liability Insurance. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Apply through City of Rifle Building Department (Community Development Department) at 202 Railroad Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650 (Rifle City Hall, Level 1 - Community Development suite). Phone: 970-665-6461, email: jnihiser@rifleco.org. Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Permits can be picked up Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. Building Official John Nihiser, 970-665-6464; Building Inspector Jenna Lucas, 970-665-6494; Community Development Director Zach Higgins, 970-665-6499. Main City switchboard: 970-665-6400.. Official information: https://www.rifleco.org/72/Building.

Rifle, Colorado has adopted: 2015 International Codes (I-Codes), as locally amended — per the City's Building Department page ('The City of Rifle is under the 2015 International Codes'); 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — Energy Zone 5; 2003 ANSI A117.1 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities); Full Charter and Municipal Code, Chapter 18 (Building Regulations), hosted at library.municode.com/co/rifle. Chapter 18 is cited as the governing local code chapter by name; the specific adoption-ordinance number and full local-amendment text are as the City's own Building Department page and permit application forms directly state, not from a verbatim reading of the Municode-hosted chapter text.; Design criteria (Table R301.2(1)-equivalent, per the City's own Building Department page): Roof (snow) live load 40 psf; Ground snow load 47 psf; Basic wind speed 120 mph (Ultimate); Seismic Design Category C; Weathering Severe; Frost line depth 36 inches; Termite Slight/moderate; Decay Slight; Winter design temperature -2°F; Ice shield underlayment Required; Flood Hazard Yes (FIRM effective 10-15-85); Air freezing index 2,500; Mean annual temperature 48°F. Local amendments apply — see the Rifle overview page for the full list.

Yes, for most signs. A permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, per Rifle Municipal Code Sec. 16-8-30(a)(1), with specific exemptions listed in Sec. 16-8-70 (e.g., address signs, small no-trespassing signs, various short-duration temporary/event signs).