Most sign projects require a permit, and you should follow a clear step-by-step process: verify local zoning and sign codes, prepare scaled design and engineering documents, submit an application with fees to the permitting office, respond to plan-review comments and revise as needed, obtain approvals and permits, schedule inspections during installation, and secure final sign-off before activating or occupying the sign.
Key Takeaways:
- Confirm local zoning and sign-code requirements to determine permitted sign types, size, height, setback, and placement restrictions.
- Obtain the municipal application and checklist from the planning/building department and review any design or historic-district guidelines.
- Assemble required documents: scaled site and elevation drawings, material/spec sheets, contractor info, property-owner consent, and structural/electrical calculations if applicable.
- Submit the completed application with supporting documents and fees; include landlord approval or neighborhood notifications if required.
- Respond to plan-review comments, obtain the permit, schedule required inspections during/after installation, and secure final sign-off before permanent use.
Understanding Sign Permits
Sign permits define the rules you must follow for placement, size, lighting, and structural support of signs; many cities require permits for permanent signs, illuminated displays, and any sign over about 6 sq ft. Typical processing takes 2-8 weeks with fees from $25 to $500, and you’ll often face plan review, structural checks for large signs, and at least one on-site inspection before final approval.
Definition of Sign Permits
Sign permits are formal approvals from your local building or planning department that authorize installation, alteration, or replacement of signage, including banners, wall signs, awnings, and freestanding monuments. You generally submit scaled drawings, mounting details, material specs, and electrical schematics; signs over roughly 50 sq ft or above 10 ft in height commonly require an engineer’s stamp and a separate electrical permit.
Importance of Sign Permits
Obtaining permits protects you from fines, forced removal, insurance disputes, and liability-municipal penalties frequently range from $100 to $1,000 per day for unpermitted signs. Permits also ensure signs meet wind-load and electrical safety standards, and that zoning and design guidelines are followed so your signage supports public safety and neighborhood aesthetics.
For example, municipalities often combine fines and removal costs that can exceed $8,000 for unpermitted installations. You can reduce risk and speed approvals by submitting stamped engineering drawings, clear photos of the proposed location, and proof of liability insurance; some jurisdictions offer expedited plan-checks in 3-5 business days for an additional fee.
Step 1: Research Local Regulations
Begin by pulling your municipal code, zoning map, and permit fee schedule; you want to identify allowed sign types, maximum sign area, height limits, setbacks, illumination rules, and any historic-district overlays. Many cities set commercial wall signs at roughly 32-64 sq ft and residential signs at 6-12 sq ft, with permit review timelines typically 7-30 days. Also check structural-engineer requirements for signs over 100-200 sq ft and whether variance or appeal pathways exist.
Zoning Laws
Consult your zoning district to learn frontage-based sizing (often 5-15% of facade or fixed 32-64 sq ft), setback and height rules (commonly 5-15 ft from property lines and 6-25 ft tall), and classifications that restrict illumination or moving elements. Temporary sign rules frequently limit display to 7-30 days and banners to 6-32 sq ft. Use parcel zoning lookup tools and GIS layers to confirm overlays like airport, scenic, or freeway corridors that impose stricter limits.
Community Guidelines
Check homeowner association bylaws, business improvement district standards, and historic‑preservation guidelines for design, color, material, and placement requirements; many associations require a design-review application with drawings, mounting details, and samples, typically reviewed within 14-30 days. You should verify whether illuminated or digital signs are banned, whether replacements must match an approved palette, and what fines or removal costs apply for noncompliance.
Dig deeper by requesting past approvals or a list of previously approved sign designs from the association or historic commission-this reveals what actually passes review. For example, an HOA might allow one 20 sq ft wall sign in matte finish but mandate recessed mounting and a 30‑day review window; noncompliance fines are often in the $50-$200/day range, so secure written approval before ordering fabrication.
Step 2: Prepare Your Sign Design
Before submission, finalize dimensions, materials, illumination, and mounting details so your application is complete; many municipalities expect scaled drawings and a site plan. Include lighting specs (LED watts, hours), materials (aluminum, acrylic), and a rendering. Consult the Guide to Obtaining Business Signage Permits & Process for templates and common municipal checklists.
Design Requirements
You must show sign area calculations, height above grade, setbacks from property lines, and elevation views with dimensions; typical downtown districts limit wall signs to 20-60 sq ft and projecting signs to 6-8 sq ft. Provide material specs, attachment details, and electrical load if illuminated; structural drawings stamped by an engineer are often required for signs over ~50 sq ft or those that penetrate roofing or structural elements.
Safety Considerations
Account for wind loads, seismic attachment, and clear pedestrian/vehicle clearance in your design; the IBC/ASCE 7 wind criteria and NEC wiring rules commonly apply. Show anchorage details, conductor routing, and weatherproofing for electrical components, and indicate maintenance access and removal method so the inspector can verify long‑term safety.
For more detail, specify minimum clearances (many jurisdictions require 8 ft over sidewalks and 10-12 ft over vehicle lanes), use corrosion‑resistant fasteners, and include a labeled electrical disconnect accessible without removing the sign. Also provide inspection and maintenance intervals-annual visual checks and five‑year structural inspections are typical-and note any snow/ice shedding zones or potential fall hazards near entrances.
Step 3: Submit Application
When you submit, use the municipal e-permit portal or hand-deliver to the planning counter with all attachments; typical plan-check turnaround runs 10-30 business days, with expedited reviews often available in 3-7 days for an extra fee. Include contact information, contractor license numbers, and a clear set of drawings so reviewers can match plans to the intake checklist and avoid delays.
Required Documents
Prepare a completed application form, scaled site plan, elevation drawings showing sign dimensions and clearance, material and illumination specs, mounting details, structural calculations for signs over about 32 sq ft or high-mounted, electrical schematics for illuminated signs, proof of ownership or owner authorization, contractor license, and clear photos of the existing façade or site.
Application Fees
Expect basic sign permit fees typically from $50-$500; illuminated or larger signs often fall between $200-$2,000. Some jurisdictions charge a separate plan-review fee (commonly 25-50% of the permit fee) and electrical permits ranging $75-$300; for example, a small wall sign might be $75 total, while a multi-tenant monument sign can exceed $600.
Be aware that many fees are non-refundable and can include separate line items: plan-check, inspections (usually $75-$150 each), re-submittal fees, and third-party structural review costs that can run $500-$1,500. You may qualify for nonprofit waivers in some cities, so check the local fee schedule or portal before paying to avoid unexpected charges.
Step 4: Review Process
Assessment by Authorities
Agencies typically route your application to zoning, building, and electrical reviewers who check setbacks, sign area, structural calculations, and illumination; reviews commonly take 10-30 business days. Expect requests for stamped structural drawings for signs over 120 sq ft or rooftop installations, and an added historic-preservation review can add 2-4 weeks. Municipal reviewers may also verify easements, right-of-way encroachments, and compliance with local design guidelines.
Possible Revisions
If reviewers flag noncompliant items, you’ll receive a comment set listing required changes; common revisions include reducing sign area (for example from 200 to 120 sq ft), switching to shielded lighting, revising mounting details, or adjusting the sign location to meet setbacks. Many jurisdictions give about 30 days to respond, and a timely, complete resubmittal can shorten the next review to 7-14 days.
When preparing revisions, assemble a resubmittal packet with revised plans clearly clouded or highlighted, a point-by-point response letter, updated structural calculations and load charts, and any required stamps; scheduling a 15-30 minute consultation with the plan reviewer beforehand often prevents multiple rounds, and note that some agencies limit resubmittals to three before denial.
Step 5: Permit Approval and Issuance
After reviewers clear your file, the permitting office will issue either a full permit or a conditional approval; most municipalities process sign permits in 7-21 business days, while expedited services can return permits in 48-72 hours. You’ll receive stamped plans and a permit record, and typical permit validity ranges from 6 months to 2 years depending on local code and any required bonds or fees.
Notification of Approval
You’ll get formal notification through the e-permit portal, email, or certified mail that lists approved drawings, conditions, and outstanding fees; for example, some cities post approvals within 10 business days. Download stamped documents immediately, check conditional items, and resolve any lingering fees or signatures to avoid weeks-long delays before issuance.
Display of Permit
Place the issued permit where inspectors can easily view it-commonly inside a storefront window or on the site fence-so the permit number, issuing authority, and expiration are legible from the public right-of-way; many jurisdictions require an 8½×11 or 11×17 printed copy displayed until final inspection clearance.
You should laminate the permit copy and mount it within about 3 feet of the main entrance with text facing outward; inspectors expect to read permit details from 10-25 feet, and failure to display the permit can prompt stop-work orders or fines typically ranging $100-$500 depending on municipal code.
Conclusion
Drawing together, you follow a clear sign permit process: identify local zoning and code requirements, develop compliant plans and specifications, submit the application with required documents and fees, respond to plan-review comments, obtain approvals and any variances, schedule inspections during installation, and secure final sign-off. By following each step methodically and keeping documentation organized, you minimize delays and ensure your sign meets legal and safety standards.
FAQ
Q: What are the step-by-step stages of the sign permit process?
A: The process typically follows these stages: 1) Review local sign and zoning codes to see size, height, placement, illumination, and allowable sign type. 2) Determine whether the sign is exempt, requires an administrative permit, or needs a full permit or variance. 3) Hold a pre-application meeting with planning or building staff if available for complex projects. 4) Prepare application materials (site plan, scaled elevations, mounting details, structural calculations, electrical drawings, property owner authorization). 5) Submit the application and pay required fees. 6) Technical review by planning, building, electrical, fire, historic preservation or other departments. 7) Respond to review comments and revise drawings as required. 8) Permit issuance after all reviews are cleared and fees paid. 9) Install the sign and schedule inspections (foundations, structural/anchorage, electrical, final). 10) Obtain final sign-off or certificate of completion to close the permit.
Q: What specific documents and drawings should I prepare before applying?
A: Provide a complete package: completed permit application form; site plan showing property lines, building footprint, sidewalk, curb cuts, exact sign location and setbacks; scaled elevation drawings of the sign with dimensions and height above grade; mounting and attachment details; structural calculations and footing/foundation plans stamped by a licensed engineer for large or anchored signs; electrical wiring and load diagrams for illuminated signs; material, color and finish specifications; 3D or perspective renderings if required for design review; photos of the site and proposed mounting area; proof of property ownership or owner authorization; contractor license and insurance information; any required HOA or landlord approvals. Submit the number of paper and electronic copies specified by the jurisdiction and use accepted file formats for uploads.
Q: How do I submit the application and what fees should I expect?
A: Submission methods vary: many jurisdictions use an online permitting portal, others accept in-person or mail submissions. Include all required forms, plans, and supporting documents and pay the application and plan-review fees at submittal. Typical fees include application/plan review, structural review, electrical permit, inspection fees and any specialty or consulting fees (e.g., historic review or civil peer review). Fees often scale with sign area, valuation or complexity. Payment options usually include credit card, check or online payment. Confirm the local fee schedule and whether additional deposits are required for plan review or re-inspections.
Q: What happens during the review and inspection phases and what timelines apply?
A: Review: planning staff checks zoning, setbacks, design standards and sign type; building/structural reviewers check anchorage and foundation; electrical reviews cover wiring and illumination; fire/historic or other specialty reviewers may also comment. Initial review timelines vary widely-common ranges are 1-4 weeks for simple permits and longer for complex or large signs. Reviewers issue comments that require a resubmittal and response. Inspections: schedule footing/foundation inspection before pouring, structural/anchorage inspection during installation, electrical inspection for illuminated signs, and a final inspection when installation is complete. Failed inspections require corrections and a reinspection; additional fees may apply. Final approval is issued after successful inspections and any outstanding conditions are met.
Q: How can I minimize delays and what are my options if a permit is denied?
A: To minimize delays: verify code requirements up front, request a pre-application meeting, provide a complete, code-compliant submittal with stamped engineering where needed, use qualified contractors and designers familiar with local rules, secure landlord or HOA sign-off before applying, and respond promptly to reviewer comments. If a permit is denied: review the denial letter for specific reasons, revise plans to address deficiencies, request an administrative interpretation if rules are unclear, apply for a variance if the sign conflicts with zoning standards, or file an appeal to the appropriate review board or planning commission per the jurisdiction’s appeal procedures. Engage a local consultant or attorney for complex denials or variances to improve chances of approval.