Sign Permit in Berthoud, Colorado

When you need this permit

• A sign permit is required to erect, move, alter, reconstruct, or repair any permanent or temporary sign, except signs exempt under Section 30-7-103 (Section 30-7-102); 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 nature or create a violation
• Multi-tenant buildings require a SEPARATE sign permit for each individual business entity's sign(s)
• Permanent signs require a Town of Berthoud Sign Contractor license registered through CommunityCore — per the Town's own guidance: 'You must be a licensed sign contractor registered with the Town of Berthoud to install a new sign in the Town of Berthoud.' This is a distinct $300,000-general-liability-insurance contractor license class under Ordinance No. 1376 (Series 2026), alongside General Contractor D and Trade Contractor Contractor
• Sign type and size are governed by a zoning-based allowance formula: 1 linear foot of building frontage = 2 sq ft of sign allowance; applicants must verify the proposed sign type (Monument, Projecting, Wall, Canopy, Awning, or Window) is allowed in both the underlying zone district and any applicable overlay district
• A certification by a Colorado-registered professional structural engineer may be required by staff for a freestanding or projecting sign
• Complete applications must include: legible site plans showing the sign's specific location and setbacks to adjacent property lines/buildings; a detailed drawing of dimensions, materials, and colors; a graphic or photograph of the proposed sign; a letter of permission from the property owner if the building is not owned by the tenant; and, for an off-premises sign, a lease of permission from the property owner of the site where the sign will be located
• Staff review the application against eight approval criteria (including safety, aesthetic impact, and zoning compliance) and may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the permit; denials or conditional approvals may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment
• Sidewalk Sign permits are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed each December for the following year; sidewalk signs may only be placed on the business's own property or on an adjacent sidewalk that preserves unobstructed pedestrian circulation, must be anchored or weighted against wind, must be removed at the close of business each day, and are capped at 24 in. x 48 in.
• Banner permits are valid for 15 days, are limited to special events or sales only, may be applied for once per quarter, must be taken down within five days after the event, and are capped at 60 sq ft
• Payment is due upon approval and may be made by check or credit card