Key Takeaways
- Every state and city has its own business sign requirements.
- Outdoor sign permits typically evaluate dimensions, location, and construction materials.
- Indoor signs must meet ADA compliance standards.
- Operating without the right permits can result in penalty fees and forced removal.
- Designing your sign before applying for the permit speeds approval.
Introduction
You cannot run a business and just hang signs wherever you want. Every state and city has its own sign regulations, and operating outside those rules can mean penalty fees, forced sign removal, or worse.
A sign permit sounds simple. The reality is more layered. Every state and city has different business safety requirements for outdoor signs, and the rules shift based on your industry and location. You also need indoor signage that is ADA compliant.
The good news: outdoor signage permits generally evaluate the same three factors. Dimensions, location, and construction materials. For indoor signage, there are clear resources to help craft ADA compliant signs.
Here is what you need to know about state and local requirements before you order or install a sign.
What you need to know:
- State Requirements
- Local Requirements
- What to Do Before Posting a Sign
1. State Requirements
Every state in the U.S. has its own rules, and the differences become obvious within minutes of researching. A few examples:
- Arizona requires a Planning and Development Department permit for all business-related signs, accompanied by additional approval documents.
- Massachusetts issues annual permits for new and maintained signs under the Department of Transportation's sign and advertising regulations (2013).
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Rhode Island uses a web-based portal that creates a uniform system for signage license and permit applications, organized by city.
To learn more about your state's requirements for business signage, visit your state government website and search for business resources related to permits.
2. Local Requirements
City and county governments also require sign permits. The goal is to keep competition fair and prevent obnoxious or disruptive signage from impacting local residents. Depending on the city, your sign may need to meet specific size, placement, and installation standards.
A few other considerations at the local level:
- Some jurisdictions require that only licensed signage contractors submit applications for sign permits.
- If you are a tenant in rented commercial space, you may need landlord approval before obtaining a permit.
- Temporary signs, including banners, are typically subject to permitting too.
Check with your county or city zoning administration for specific details and requirements.
3. What to Do Before Posting a Sign
Run this checklist before you place a sign order:
- Research your state and local government requirements for business signage.
- Have a sign designed by a company that specializes in business signs. A finalized design helps your permit application, since most municipalities require detailed specifications before granting approval.
- Apply for a zoning review of your signage plan. Once the local zoning department signs off on the concept, fill out a permit application.
- With your design specifications and permit in place, collect any other signatures and supporting documents your state or city requires.
- Pay any necessary fees.
- When every step is complete, place your order. Double-check that the sign is fabricated to the exact specifications of the permit.