Planning Resource
Sign Permit Guide
Getting a sign permit can feel intimidating, but most projects follow a predictable path. Start with your local planning department, confirm landlord requirements, and assemble the documents reviewers usually request.
Permit rules are local, so check your city, county, and landlord before installing.
SignMonkey electrical signs include UL labels for code and inspection support.
Before You Apply
If you are still choosing a product, review our channel letter sign options and the Channel Letters Buying Guide before submitting permit documents.
Many permit offices care about mounting, electrical details, and wall placement. Our mounting fastener suggestions and installation instructions can help you prepare those details.
Quick Checks
City and county permit requirements
Landlord or lease sign addendum
Allowed sign size and placement
Lighting and electrical requirements
Installation method restrictions
Permit review and approval timeline
Permit Process
The exact rules vary by location, but these steps cover the questions most sign permit offices ask.
Step 1
Start with the local permit office
Search for sign permit requirements for your city or county, then contact the planning department. Some areas also require review through the building department, so check both the municipality and county before ordering.
Step 2
Review your lease or landlord sign rules
Most retail and commercial leases include a sign addendum with landlord guidelines. Look for limits on size, lighting, raceways, wall placement, colors, and whether landlord approval is required before ordering or installing the sign.
Step 3
Confirm the sign specifications
Municipalities often define the allowed square footage, height, lighting type, wall placement, and installation method. The rules vary by location, so this is the step where a little research can prevent expensive rework.
Step 4
Watch the timeline
If you need your sign installed by a specific date, account for permit review, landlord approval, production time, shipping, and installation scheduling. Permit timing can be the slowest part of the project.
Step 5
Assemble the application package
Gather the permit form, site plan, tenant frontage, sign value, elevation drawing, and electrical information. A complete package helps the reviewer approve the sign with fewer follow-up questions.
Step 6
Submit and ask when to follow up
Take the completed package to your municipality or submit it online if available. Make sure your contact information is on the application, then ask when you should expect review comments or approval.
Common Permit Documents
A complete permit package can save time. These are the items sign reviewers commonly request.
Sign permit application
Usually available from the city, county, or planning department website.
Site plan for the building
A simple top-down drawing showing the building, sign location, and a north arrow.
Tenant or building frontage
The linear width of the business, tenant space, or building face where the sign will be installed.
Value of the sign
The actual retail price of the sign, often used to calculate permit fees or tax.
Scaled elevation drawing or photo
We can help provide this when you send a straight-on photo of the installation location.
Electrical schematic
For electrical signs, we provide the electrical schematic needed for the permit package.
Need permit details for your sign?
We can provide helpful sign details such as drawings, electrical schematics, and product information once your sign design is defined. Start online for standard signs or contact us if your municipality asks for something specific.
Permit help
Want us to review what they asked for?
Send us the permit office requirements and our team can help identify which sign details or documents may be needed.
Contact us