Sign Permitting 101 : 4 Steps to Simplify the Sign Permit Process
If your business or project is planning for an exterior illuminated or non-illuminated sign, chances are very good that a sign permit will be required. No matter the jurisdiction, there is a precise process you must follow and a specific set of paperwork you must complete. Unfortunately, that process—that is, the process of getting your plans approved and permit issued — can often be quite complicated and cumbersome.
Experienced account executives and project managers will work on your behalf to ensure the permitting process runs as efficiently as possible. These are the four steps every signage consultant should follow:
Step 1 – Field Survey
Your signage team should take detailed measurements and photos of the entire project site to show where newly proposed signs will be placed – and also to show the details of all existing signage. This is a key step in the process, and therefore is often done at the very outset of a project’s life.
Step 2 – Code Check
Every jurisdiction has its own set of signage regulations, and these rules will determine the sizes, types, and placements your sign can have. Your signage team determines these rules before the signs are fully designed – this way, time is not spent designing something that would be denied a permit or would require a variance.
Step 3 – Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
Each jurisdiction can have different requirements for sign permit applications, and collecting this documentation is often the most tedious step in the permitting process.
A qualified consultant will have experience obtaining the commonly required permit information, including:
- Property owner’s address and information
- Property owner’s Letter of Authorization (often notarized)
- Estimated project cost
- Scaled Elevations/Site Plans showing placement of all signs as they relate to heights above grade and distances from property lines and/or setbacks
- Engineered details of all signs including size, colors, materials, attachment methods and/or foundation details.
Step 4 – Follow Up
Each jurisdiction has its own way of processing paperwork, and the Creative Sign Designs staff works to ensure all submitted documents are reviewed in a timely and accurate manner. This is the most critical stage of the process – proactive follow-up by your signage provider can avoid the “sitting” of a case. For example, Creative arranges walk-thru permitting, specific meetings with plans examiners, and electronic status updates to ensure your permit doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. With this approach to permitting, we help our clients’ projects achieve outstanding results.
No matter your interior sign needs, our team will work with you to deliver the ideal solution for every environment. Contact us today to get started.
