Neighborhood Signage Program

Neighborhood signage includes signs within a community that convey information, offer directions, and enhance aesthetics. It encompasses entrance signs, directional and informational signs, contributing to community identity, safety, and overall cohesion within a residential area.
You can change the street signs and monuments in your neighborhood!
Check out the sections below to learn more!
CONO is the only way to submit an application.
CONO will help neighborhood leaders by making sure the application is complete with all needed items.
CONO will also make sure all specifications are correct according to the city requirements AND that fundraising has been completed. CONO will identify what information is still needed and make sure the neighborhood knows how to gather needed information.
Once all those items are in place, CONO will help the neighborhood officially submit the paperwork to the Traffic engineering team within the Public Works Department. The City will then submit the signage design to their shop.
CONO will help neighborhoods through the process however long it takes. CONO will reply within 48 business hours from submission.

Neighborhood Monuments

A monument is a great solution if your goal is to create identity, culture, and pride. Its location, design, and features can exhibit your creativity and sense of place. Monuments have very few limitations in terms of size.

If you do not have private land that can be used for a monument, consider constructing your signage in a street along with curbs and landings as part of a traffic calming measure. Traffic calming is when the monument is created in the middle of the street. This "Island" in the street causes traffic to slow and also provides pedestrians the ability to cross more safely. The picture to the right is an example of a monument that also includes traffic calming.

Monuments can be utilized as a traffic calming measure in the middle of a street, or at the corner of an intersection where higher levels of outside traffic are entering the neighborhood.

Steps to Add A Monument

Step #1 Determine the Location

This is best done in collaboration with a neighborhood group. Discuss and visit a few locations that the group believes would be appropriate for the monument.
CONO is happy to help identify some of these locations.
Once a few options are identified, research the owner of the land and contact that owner to discuss the plans. If the monument location is on a street, the land owner will be the City of Colorado Springs - Public Works Division.
Create a map describing where you want signs/monuments to be placed. CONO recommends using Google My Maps.
Step #2 Sketch the Design

The monument design can be a simple sketch on paper or a professional digital mockup. Include the materials that will be used to construct the monument such as flagstone, brick, or wood.
The design must be detailed enough to provide both CONO and the City with a good understanding of the details of the plan.
The design needs to be included with the application.
Step #3 Financing

Monuments will typically require fundraising as they will cost between $500-$5000+ depending upon their complexity.
Payments are accepted via check at the Public Works Office at the City Administration Building.
CONO is happy to help identify ways to fund the monument.
Step #4 Apply

Once all steps are completed, complete the application using the button below titled ‘Apply for Neighborhood Signage’ and fill it out.
The completed application form will be sent to CONO at information@cscono.org. We will be in touch within 48 business hours.

Neighborhood Street Signs

Street signs are more than just directional tools; they can be a way for communities to express their identity and uniqueness. Customized street signs offer neighbors the chance to improve the visual appeal of their neighborhoods by either complementing existing signs or replacing them entirely. These personalized signs serve as markers, representing the history or character of a neighborhood. From designating historical districts to symbolizing community spirit, these signs contribute to the overall look and feel of urban areas.

Applying for a custom street sign is a straightforward process. Applicants need to submit a form outlining the street sign design, financing, and preferred location. The neighborhood must be a recognized neighborhood organization or association as determined by CONO.

Garnering community support is a key step. CONO will provide detailed insights into each stage, helping applicants navigate the process of bringing their vision to life on the streets of their neighborhoods.

Steps to Add Street Signs

Step #1 Determine the Location

The City requires that signs be installed only at locations with existing street name signs. If you’re not sure, CONO is happy to help identify some of these locations.
Prepare a boundary map of the neighborhood showing individual blocks and intersections where you want signs to be placed. CONO recommends using Google My Maps.
Step #2 Sketch the Design

All signs installed under this policy shall be by the design provisions contained herein as approved by the City Traffic Engineer:
Approved colors include black, blue, red, brown, and green. If the neighborhood indicates no color preference, the background of the sign face shall be a silver-white reflective material with a green reflective legend.
The signs will be sized up to 12 inches x 24 inches. Uppercase letters must be 2.25 inches high and lowercase letters must be 1.69 inches high. Graphics can be up to 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches. Refer to the Street Sign Specifications Drawing above for a visual of these measurements.
Signs installed on existing sign poles will be 42 inches x 7 inches. Signs installed on traffic signal poles will be 72 inches x 16 inches.
The sign can have a simple insignia, logo, or icon for the neighborhood symbol.
When applying you will be asked for the name to be used on the sign and for the color scheme for letters. If more than the neighborhood name will be used, then you will need to provide an attached design. The design should be a high-resolution PDF. The design must be detailed enough to provide both CONO and the City with a good understanding of the details of the plan.
The design needs to be included with the application.
Step #3 Financing

Street signs can be cost-prohibitive since you will likely need to purchase a large number to address all streets in your boundaries.
Some ways that neighborhoods can raise money for street signs are events, grants, and single donors.
Signs attached to existing street names are $45 per sign. Signs attached to signal poles will cost more. Final costs will be developed by the City’s Sign Shop.
If there is City funding available, the City may not fund, partially fund, or fully fund the neighborhood identification nameplates. Neighborhoods are highly encouraged to raise funding.
Neighborhoods can apply for supplemental funding by sending an email to traffic engineering stating the case as to the need for funding as well as the amount of city funds needed as a portion of total neighborhood dollars committed to the project. Traffic Engineering retains the right to make all funding decisions based on internal priorities and budgets.
Step #4 Apply

Once all steps are completed, complete the application using the button below titled ‘Apply for Neighborhood Signage’ and fill it out.
The completed application form will be sent to CONO at information@cscono.org. We will be in touch within 48 business hours.
A representative will need to meet with sign shop staff and traffic engineering to develop and review the proposed design. The neighborhood organization must provide written approval of the design and provide payment. Payments are accepted via check at the Public Works Office at the City Administration Building.