If you're planning to install a new sign—whether it's a blade sign, vinyl window decal, wall wrap, or illuminated storefront lettering—one of the first questions you might ask is:
“What permits do I need in my city?”
The answer isn’t always simple. Permit requirements for signage vary significantly from city to city, depending on local building codes, zoning laws, historic districts, and even the type of building your business occupies.
In this article, we’ll explain why signage permits vary by location, what types of permits you may need, and how to make the process easier.
Why Do Permit Requirements Vary by City?
Cities create their own sign ordinances based on a range of factors, including:
Local zoning codes (commercial, residential, mixed-use)
Historic preservation regulations
Business district aesthetics and branding guidelines
Public safety standards (especially for projecting or illuminated signs)
Environmental considerations (like light pollution or obstruction of views)
As a result, the same sign that’s permitted in one city may be restricted or even prohibited in another.
Common Types of Sign Permits
Depending on local rules and the project, the following sign types may require a permit, review, or both.
Blade signs (projecting perpendicular to the building)
Wall signs (mounted flat on a facade)
Window graphics (especially if covering more than a certain percentage)
Illuminated signs (which may require electrical permits or review)
Temporary banners or construction signs
Vinyl wall wraps or building wraps (especially for outdoor/public-facing surfaces)
A permit exemption does not necessarily exempt a sign from zoning, size, placement, safety, historic-preservation, or other applicable rules.
You may need one or more of the following:
Sign permit
Building permit
Electrical permit
Zoning review or planning approval
Landmark or historic district approval
Examples of How It Can Differ
Los Angeles: Window-sign area limits and permit requirements are separate questions. Do not assume that a small decal is permit-exempt; confirm the applicable zoning rules and any permit exemption with the Department of Building and Safety for the specific address.
San Francisco: Historic designation can add preservation review to a signage project. The required application depends on the property and proposed work; check the property’s status with SF Planning and confirm any applicable Article 10 or Article 11 review.
Chicago: A sign that extends over the public way can require a public way use permit in addition to any required sign permit. Drawing and engineering requirements depend on the sign’s size, weight, supports, and other project details.
New York City: Certain temporary construction-related signs are exempt from a separate sign permit, but must still satisfy applicable rules and be installed under the required supervision. Do not assume that exemption covers an advertising banner merely because it is attached to scaffolding.
How to Navigate the Process
Start Early: Confirm current review times with the permitting authority. Allow for application preparation, revisions, and any additional reviews before committing to an installation date.
Confirm Responsibilities Early: Ask your signage partner which permit research, drawings, filings, inspections, and fees are included in the project scope, and which tasks remain with the owner or a licensed professional.
Know Your Building Type: Regulations may differ for standalone buildings vs. multi-tenant commercial properties.
Check for Historic or Special Districts: Check whether a historic designation, special sign district, or other overlay adds design review or approval requirements.
Don’t Skip It: Installing signage without a permit when one is required can lead to violations, fines, and mandatory removal.
Final Thoughts
Permitting is one of the most important—and most overlooked—steps in a signage project. Since rules can vary drastically from one city to the next, working with an experienced team that understands local codes is key.
Planning signage for one location or several? Contact Wallsticker to discuss the project scope, site requirements, and responsibilities before production and installation.
Have questions about permits in your city?
Contact us to discuss your signage project.
This article is a planning overview, not a project-specific permit determination. Requirements can change; verify current rules with the relevant authority for each address.