Signage is a powerful marketing tool that can be used to draw attention to your brand, to your business offer, to convey important information and directions, and to build awareness of the company and its presence.
But, before you start putting up a storefront or business sign, you should ask yourself – Do I need sign permits for them?
Key Takeaways
- In the majority of cases, your business sign does need a permit
- Sign permits are issued by local authorities, based on building code signage requirements
- Permit waiting times vary, but are usually around 1 month
- If you put up a sign without a permit, you are subject to fines and other legal consequences
What is a Sign Permit?
A sign permit is legal permission to post your business-related sign. In some jurisdictions, it is called a signage license.
The common rule is that sign permitting is the job of a local authority (city, county) that has special regulations related to how to get a sign permit, including the application procedure, requirements, and costs for their installation.
Do I Need a Permit for My Business Sign?
Business sign permit rules depend on the jurisdiction in which the sign should be placed. In most towns and city districts across the States, a sign permit is required.
Before you start putting up a sign, consider getting a piece of advice from your local zoning office.
Sign Permit Requirements
The requirements for obtaining the sign permit consist of several steps and each of them has to be completed before progressing to the next one.
The usual steps in the process are:
- Zoning department will review your signage design and plan
- When they give approval, you can fill out the application form
- With the application you need to submit 2 sets of site plans that show the proposed location of the sign
- You may have to submit your business license and occupancy certificate
- If the proposed sign has to have an electrical connection, you will need to obtain an electrical permit. This type of permit has a separate permit application and is usually filed by a licensed electrician
- After that, you will have to pay the fees and show the proof of payment
Sign Permit Applications
Sign permit applications contain the information required by a local authority department (permitting office) to approve or deny the signage. You should also be familiar with the city building codes, regulations, and guidelines that may apply to your case.
However, the rule of thumb is that the sign permit application can be submitted electronically by a special form (example) in which you have to provide some information about the signage you are preparing to install such as:
- General Information Sheet – Applicant’s personal information and basic data related to the application itself
- Sign type – New sign, altering existing sign, removal, replacement or relocation of an existing sign
- Sign Details – Size, type, used materials, other technical properties
- Planned Mounting Method – Fixed, portable, etc.
- Lighting Plan – Illuminated or not, means of illumination, light intensity
- Landscape Plan – How the sign fits into the existing surroundings
Local authorities and city departments usually publish extensive guides on sign permits application process on their website. However, going through them can be difficult and an inexperienced person may be at risk of doing something wrong.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Sign Permit?
Getting sign permits depends on a lot of factors. The time for receiving a sign permit can be shorter or longer, depending on what is involved in your project and what you need to do.
The longest lead times for permitting are in big city centers. In most cases outside the busiest urban centers in the USA, usual lead times are around 1 month.
Suppose your business is, for example, located in a densely populated city and you are applying for an on-premise sing permit. In that case, the waiting time may be longer because the city has to consider its impact on public safety and aesthetics.
On the other hand, if your business is located in an area where there are fewer regulations and you are applying for an off-premise signs permit (i.e., one that does not involve any building permit, electrical permits, billboard permits, or banner permit), this could take less time because there is no need for any additional approvals or permit inspections.
What If My Permit Application Is Denied?
Nothing prevents you from re-applying. But mind the fact you have been denied for some reason. If you do not change what was wrong, the outcome can be the same after resubmitting.
Sign Permit Cost
The costs of getting a sign permit vary, depending on many factors, such as:
- Sign Dimensions
- Sign Placement (wall, ground, windows, roof, etc.)
- Lighting
- Used Materials
- New Permit of Renewal
- The Need for Additional Inspections
- Building Permit (for complex signs that need building works)
The cost of a sign permit ranges from $50 to $350, and the average price in most jurisdictions is around $150.
What Happens If I Post a Sign Without Permit?
The consequences of posting a business sign without a proper permit can be serious. In every such instance, it is a violation of sign regulations. The penalties may include:
- Paying a Fine
- Taking Down the Sign at Your Own Cost
- Suspension of Business License
- Blacklisting of You and Your Business
Failure to comply with the signage regulations may result in issuance violations and the assessment of fines which are usually in the range of several hundred dollars, but in some US city districts may go up to 20-30,000$ per violation.
Some authorities impose an additional administrative fee when a Notice of Violation is issued if a sign has been put up without the required permit.
Any unpermitted work is a red flag for your clients and partners and can be devastating to your overall business reputation!
Sign permits FAQs
How much does it cost to make an outdoor sign?
The costs of making an outdoor sign depend on its physical and technical properties and related costs, such as administrative fees for permits. Although you may work your way with less money, be prepared to invest up to $1000 for this purpose.
What is the best way I can apply for a sign permit?
You can either decide to dive into the technical and legal matters and try to follow the application procedures by yourself or consult professionals who are well-versed in these issues. In the former case, local authorities usually publish online step-by-step instructions which you have to follow to the letter, which can be a problem if you have not had any previous relevant experience.
How much is a sign permit in NYC or Miami?
The average cost for a sign permit in these cities is between $50 and $350. Prices may vary depending on a sign type, In New York City, permits are not required for certain signs, including wall signs of not more than 6 square feet in surface area.
Secure your Sign Permit with Us
Our team of drafters will create your site plan for permits and deliver it to you in 24 hours. After that, you will be able to start your application process and get your sign permit.
Credits:
freepik photo 1, author: wayhomestudio (link)
