On a walkable street, most people see a business from the side, not head-on. That is the job of a projecting sign. Blade signs in Longmont, CO are especially useful along historic Main Street downtown, where storefronts sit shoulder to shoulder and shoppers walk the sidewalk looking up and down the block rather than straight at each facade. A good blade sign tells them where you are from half a block away.
Because a blade sign hangs over the sidewalk, it comes with a few more rules than a flat wall sign: clearance height, how far it projects, how the bracket is anchored, and how it handles wind. This guide covers each one.
Why Blade Signs Work on Longmont’s Main Street
Downtown Longmont has the classic layout that blade signs were made for: narrow storefronts, older brick buildings, wide sidewalks, and lots of foot traffic around events, restaurants, and shops. A wall sign above the door is easy to miss from an angle. A sign that projects perpendicular to the building is visible in both directions along the sidewalk and from cars approaching on Main Street.
Blade signs also fit the character of the area. Many historic downtowns had projecting signs a century ago, so a well-designed blade sign can look like it belongs on a Main Street brick building in a way that a large lit box often does not. The side streets off Main, such as 3rd and 4th Avenue, benefit too, since pedestrians turning the corner need a quick cue that there is a business ahead.
Design for the pedestrian. Someone on the sidewalk is usually 20 to 60 feet away and walking, so a blade sign does not need to be huge. It needs a short name, a simple logo, and strong contrast. A small, well-made sign often reads better than a crowded large one, and it is more likely to fit downtown size limits. If you already have a wall sign, the blade sign should repeat your main name rather than introduce new information.
Blade Signs in Longmont, CO: Rules to Plan Around
Every projecting sign needs a permit, and downtown signs may also be reviewed against design guidelines. Specific numbers can change and depend on location, so we confirm current requirements for your address. In general, expect these topics to come up:
Clearance height
The bottom of a blade sign must be high enough that people walking underneath will not hit it. Many codes call for at least 8 feet of clearance above the sidewalk, and some areas require more. The sign and bracket should also stay clear of tree branches, awnings, and street light poles.
Projection and size
Codes typically limit how far a sign can project from the building and how large its face area can be. Signs that extend over a public sidewalk may also need right-of-way approval and proof of insurance.
Placement on the facade
On historic buildings, reviewers often prefer that signs mount into mortar joints rather than brick faces, sit below second-floor windowsills, and avoid covering architectural details such as cornices or transom windows.
Lighting
Blade signs can be non-lit, lit by a small external fixture, or internally illuminated. Brightness and style may be reviewed, especially in a historic district.
Brackets and Wind Loads
A blade sign acts like a sail. Front Range wind events can produce strong gusts, so the bracket and anchoring matter more than most owners expect.
- Bracket design: decorative scroll brackets suit historic buildings, while straight steel or aluminum arms look more modern. Either way, the bracket must be sized for the sign’s area and weight.
- Anchoring into masonry: older brick can be soft or have weak mortar. Through-bolting with backing plates inside the wall, or epoxy anchors set to the right depth, spreads the load better than short surface anchors.
- Hanging method: signs can be rigidly fixed or hung from chains or eye bolts. Swinging signs look traditional but need hardware that resists wear and keeps movement under control in wind.
- Engineering: larger signs or unusual mounts may require stamped engineering for the permit.
Snow and ice add weight in winter, and freeze-thaw cycles can loosen anchors in deteriorated mortar. A quick inspection of the bracket each spring is a good habit.
Blade Sign Styles and Materials
- Flat aluminum panels: light, durable, and easy to print or paint. A practical everyday option.
- Dimensional panels: raised letters or logos on a panel for added depth.
- Carved HDU: a traditional look without wood’s rot and maintenance.
- Shaped or cut-out signs: a custom silhouette such as a coffee cup or bicycle that stands out on a busy block.
- Illuminated cabinets: double-sided lit boxes for businesses open after dark, where allowed.
- Halo-lit letters on a blade: a refined option for evening restaurants and bars.
Every blade sign is double-sided, so plan graphics that read correctly from both directions. Learn more on our blade signs page.
Cost Factors
- Size and shape: custom shapes and larger panels take more material and labor.
- Material: aluminum, HDU, or a fabricated cabinet.
- Bracket: stock bracket versus custom decorative ironwork.
- Illumination: non-lit, externally lit, or internally lit, plus electrical work.
- Wall condition: older brick may need extra anchoring work.
- Permits and approvals: sign permit, possible right-of-way approval, and design review.
- Engineering: required for some larger or heavier signs.
Our Blade Sign Process
- Site visit: we check the wall, measure clearance and sidewalk width, and look at sightlines from both directions.
- Design: you approve a two-sided proof plus a drawing of the bracket and mounting height.
- Permitting: our in-house team prepares the application and coordinates any right-of-way or design review.
- Fabrication: the sign and bracket are built in our shop on Delaware Place in Longmont.
- Installation: we anchor the bracket, hang and level the sign, and confirm clearance.
See examples on our work page.
Blade Sign Checklist
- Is the bottom of the sign high enough for clear sidewalk passage?
- Does the sign avoid trees, awnings, and light poles?
- Is your name readable from both directions?
- Does the bracket suit the building’s style?
- Has the wall been checked for solid mortar and anchoring?
- Do you have landlord approval for drilling into the facade?
- If lit, is power available near the mounting point?
Blade Signs in Longmont, CO: FAQ
Do blade signs need a permit in Longmont?
Yes. Projecting signs need a sign permit, and signs over the public sidewalk may need additional approval. We handle the paperwork.
How high does a blade sign need to be?
It must leave enough clearance for pedestrians. Many codes require at least 8 feet, but we confirm the exact requirement for your location.
Can I have a blade sign and a wall sign?
Often, yes. Many downtown businesses use both, within the total sign area allowed for their frontage.
Will a blade sign damage historic brick?
Proper anchoring into mortar joints limits damage and allows repair if the sign is removed.
Talk With a Local Sign Shop
We are based in Longmont and know the downtown streets well. Whether you want a carved sign on Main Street or a lit blade on a side street, we can design, permit, build, and install your blade sign in Longmont, CO. Explore storefront signs, call (888) 303-3936, or contact us. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.