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How to Get Signage Permits in the US

How_to_Get_Signage_Permits_in_the_US

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Helen Davies

Helen Davies
September 11, 2026 • 58 min read
Helen Davies is a content writer at Square Signs with a broad focus on signage, printing, gifts, and event styling. She turns complex topics into actionable guides that serve both business owners and everyday readers. Her passion for interior design gives her a hands-on perspective that shows in every article she writes.

Not every custom-made sign needs a permit, but most permanent ones do. Getting a sign permit is essential. If you install a sign without permission, you may face fines, a removal order, and the cost of taking it down.

The rules are set by your city or county, not by a national authority. That means requirements, fees, and timelines vary depending on where your business is located. Below, you'll find how the process works, which signs are typically exempt, and a state-by-state breakdown of what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign permitting is governed locally, not federally: Your city or county writes the rules, which means the same sign can be approved in one town and rejected in the next;
  • One sign often needs more than one permit: An illuminated sign commonly triggers three separate approvals: zoning, building, and electrical. Passing one doesn't mean you've cleared the others;
  • Billboards follow a completely different track: Off-premise advertising near interstates and federal highways is regulated by your state's transportation department, on top of local approval;
  • Historic districts are usually the longest step: Design review boards meet on fixed schedules, often monthly, and many require approval before your sign permit can even be filed. This is where timelines stretch from weeks into months;
  • Who installs your sign can be a permit requirement: Several states and cities will only issue a permit to a licensed sign contractor, and some require a specific sign-installer license beyond a general contractor's;
  • Never fabricate before you're approved: Permit rules cover size, height, placement, lighting, and sometimes wording. Building the sign first is the most expensive way to find out it isn't allowed.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The information presented here is correct and verified as of the date of publishing. However, sign regulations, fees, and timelines change frequently and vary by jurisdiction, and we are not responsible for any amendments to state statutes, laws, or regulations that occur after the date of publishing. Always confirm current requirements with your local permitting office and the relevant state agency, and consult a licensed attorney or permit expediter for guidance on your specific project.

What Is A Signage Permit?

A signage permit is an official approval issued by a local city or county through its building, planning, or zoning department. It permits you to legally install, alter, or sometimes even repair a custom sign. This ensures your signs comply with community standards and safety regulations.

Getting a permit is a process that involves a thorough understanding of local laws. It can significantly differ from one jurisdiction to another.

You will likely need a permit if you are installing a new permanent sign, changing the size, structure, or location of an existing sign, or changing its design. A permit may also be needed when you want to add lighting, any digital features, or to put up a long-term banner or temporary sign.

Some cities, towns, or signage types will require additional approvals, such as a zoning board permit to review what you do on that specific land and where a structure sits. You may also need approval from a design review board that evaluates the architectural compatibility of proposed exterior changes to the building.

Why Do You Need A Sign Permit?

You need a sign permit to confirm your sign meets local commercial and administrative rules and regulations. Yes, you can promote your business, but you can’t set up a sign anywhere you want.

Public Safety
State regulations regarding sign permits are meant to promote and preserve public safety. Signs must be securely mounted so they don't fall and injure people.

Aesthetic Standards
Cities often have design guidelines to maintain an appealing visual environment and align it with the area’s character. This is especially common in historical and downtown districts. A sign that’s out of sync with its surroundings can hurt the area's look and feel.

Environmental Impact
Municipalities may also impose regulations regarding certain materials to provide a healthy environment and minimize waste. Illumination standards are also enforced to prevent possible accidents. Signs that are too bright can create unnecessary glare, waste electricity, and blind people.

Fair Competition
Complying with all these guidelines also provides fair competition between businesses. This deters one business from installing an oversized advertising sign against another with a smaller sign.

Which Signs Need a Permit and Which Ones Don't

The types of signs that require a permit may vary depending on where your business is located. Each city, county, or municipal government has its own rules.

Wall-mounted, illuminated, and freestanding signs, such as monument or pole signs, usually require a permit. Window graphics and banners that cover a large portion of the window may also fall into this category. Some cities set time limits on how long printed banners can be displayed and how often they can be used. Many local governments still regulate the use of temporary signs to avoid clutter.

Any sign that lights up, flashes, or uses electronic messaging is almost always subject to strict permit requirements. These regulations ensure that they don’t affect traffic visibility, don’t contribute to light pollution, and have successfully passed electrical inspections.

Even minor changes to your sign in the future may require a new permit. For instance, if you’ve repainted your sign or changed the lighting, your local building department might want to review these changes before you reinstall them.

However, some signs are not subject to these regulations. This group includes interior signs that are not visible from outside. Temporary real estate signs, official traffic signs, yard sale signs, political signs, and emergency or safety signs are exempt too.

Address numbers, directional signs, and official government notices are exempt as well. Flags are also exempt from a permit. Additionally, contractor site identification signs and public event announcements are covered by the exemption.

Typically Needs a Permit Typically Exempt
Wall-mounted signs Interior signs not visible from outside
Illuminated signs Temporary real estate signs
Freestanding signs (monument or pole) Official traffic signs
Large window graphics Yard sale signs
Large banners, with limits on duration and frequency Political signs
General temporary or promotional signage Emergency or safety signs
Flashing or electronic message signs Address numbers and directional signs
Signs modified with new paint or lighting Official government notices
  Flags
  Contractor site identification signs
  Public event announcement signs

Who Issues Sign Permits in the US?

Local municipal authorities through city or county departments issue sign permits in the US. These public institutions include the Zoning Department, the Department of Buildings, or Planning and Development Services, which ensure signs comply with local rules. Your illuminated or electrical signs may also need separate approval from the electrical bureau or public works.

Four Types of Approval a Sign Project Can Trigger

Sign projects in different cities or counties may require different types of approvals. Here are four of the most common ones:

Zoning and Planning Review

A zoning and planning review is an official evaluation by a local government to ensure that a proposed building or land-use project complies with local laws and codes.

It determines the sign's height and width based on the location. It controls how close a sign can be to the street, property lines, or other buildings. During this review, the types and quantity of signs are also determined. The zoning and planning review ensures signs use resilient materials and meet local wind loads.

Building and Structural Permit

This is an official approval issued by the local government that allows you to construct, alter, or install a physical structure safely. It proves your sign can handle wind or rain. It also covers wiring, lighting, and power connections in case you want to install illuminated signs.

The building and structural permit also ensures the sign safely anchors to a building wall. If it’s a freestanding sign, it proves the sign is securely installed in the ground.

Electrical Permit

An electrical permit is an official document issued by a local authority that authorizes you to perform electrical work.

For signs, it covers how the sign connects to the main building power and checks for internal wiring. It also entails the inspection of new wires, junction boxes, or new switches.

Sign-Code Variance

This is an official exception granted by the authorities that exempts your sign project from zoning ordinances.

You can obtain a variance for visibility issues. The applicants must prove the area’s topography is unusual or there is a sharp curve in the road. It’s also issued in cases when the sign design requires a larger square footage or greater height than local rules permit.

A sign can get a variance based on placement restrictions, such as setbacks or property lines forcing a specific location that conflicts with standard code distances. Extra signs, required for property wayfinding or complex property layouts, may also qualify for a variance.

Local boards, such as a Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission, grant this approval. To be eligible for variance approval, you need to prove that the problem stems from the land’s specific shape, location, or grade. That shouldn’t be the owner's problem. You, as an applicant, should verify that the modified signs won’t block driver visibility or endanger pedestrians.

State-by-State Signage Regulations

Sign rules change often and vary widely between cities, counties, and states. Everything below is general information about how permitting usually works. It isn't legal advice, and it isn't a substitute for checking with the office that issues your permit. Facts were accurate at the time of publishing. Always confirm current requirements with your local building, planning, or zoning department before you order or install a sign.

Click on a state below to reveal its section right under the table.

1Alabama 2Alaska 3Arizona 4Arkansas 5California 6Colorado 7Connecticut 8Delaware 9Florida 10Georgia 11Hawaii 12Idaho 13Illinois 14Indiana 15Iowa 16Kansas 17Kentucky 18Louisiana 19Maine 20Maryland 21Massachusetts 22Michigan 23Minnesota 24Mississippi 25Missouri 26Montana 27Nebraska 28Nevada 29New Hampshire 30New Jersey 31New Mexico 32New York 33North Carolina 34North Dakota 35Ohio 36Oklahoma 37Oregon 38Pennsylvania 39Rhode Island 40South Carolina 41South Dakota 42Tennessee 43Texas 44Utah 45Vermont 46Virginia 47Washington 48West Virginia 49Wisconsin 50Wyoming

How to Get a Sign Permit: Step by Step

Please check all the steps carefully with your local authorities, as they may vary from city to city. Most commonly, you’re required to:

  • Check your zoning district and sign code: For instance, you can research your city’s planning or zoning department website. There, you’ll most probably find detailed information regarding the types of signs, size restrictions, and any zoning laws.
  • Confirm whether your sign is exempt from permitting or requires one: While regulations vary by location, real estate signs advertising a property for sale or lease, temporary political or campaign signs, construction site signs identifying builders or architects during active work, window signs that cover less than a certain percentage (often 25%) of the window area, address numbers and nameplates required for emergency services, or directional signs that don’t contain advertising are often exempt, but exemptions are defined by each local ordinance, so always verify yours. Signs that usually require a sign permit include freestanding and building-mounted signs, illuminated signs that require electrical wiring, digital or electronic message centers, and large banners.
  • Get property owner/landlord written consent if you don't own the building: Written consent is needed to grant you legal authorization to alter or attach signs to the property.
  • Prepare your sign drawings and site plan: The sign drawings typically include the overall height, width, and depth of the signs. Include the exact names of the sign materials, such as aluminum signs or acrylic signs. You’ll also need to show how the sign fastens to the wall or its structural foundation if the sign sits on the ground. If illuminated, the sign’s electrical specifications, wiring paths, and power-disconnect designs should be included. Provide a full-color visual of what the finished sign will look like on the building. In the site plan, you may be required to include property lines showing all the boundaries and dimensions of the sign, a building footprint marking the exact location, and the sign location, with exact measurements of the distance from the sign to the property lines.
  • Submit the application: It can be completed either in person or via electronic portals. But the available methods entirely depend on your local municipal government.
  • Pay the permit fee: The fee heavily depends on your location and the sign’s complexity. Please check this with your local city or county municipal offices.
  • Wait for plan review: The standard sign review usually takes two to six weeks, depending on your municipality’s workload and whether your sign requires additional reviews (for example, if it’s in a historic or special area). If any red lines or correction notices are issued by the city reviewer, you’ll have to update drawings, resubmit the documents, and pay additional fees, if required by jurisdiction.
  • Install the sign once it's approved: This is the final step in the regulatory process.
  • Schedule and pass final inspection: Once your sign is up, you should request the inspection through your local municipality's online portal or automated phone system.

Documents You'll Typically Need

Required documents differ by jurisdiction, and the office issuing your permit sets the list. Check with them directly before you assemble anything. Most packages include some of the following:

  • A completed application form: an official document required by local municipal or city planning departments. This document is requested to approve the installation, alteration, or replacement of your sign.
  • Property owner authorization: A written and signed letter or agent authorization from the landlord or property manager/owner that permits the installation of the sign.
  • Site plans: You also need to include scaled drawings showing the property lines, building facade, existing signage (if any), and the proposed location of the new sign.
  • Sign renderings and drawings: These documents must include detailed blueprints, color elevation drawings, dimensions, and material specifications.
  • Engineering and electrical specifications: If your sign is large, heavy, or freestanding, you’ll be required to obtain a certified stamp from a licensed structural engineer. For illuminated signs, you’ll need to also include electrical permits.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Sign Permit

The timelines vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. As a general rule of thumb, straightforward sign permits are often issued within roughly 10 to 30 days, though there is no universal standard. Timelines can stretch for signs needing extra permits and reviews in addition to standard permits.

What Happens If You Install a Sign Without a Permit

Installing a sign without a permit can lead to heavy municipal fines, forced removal of the display, and costly delays for your business if your sign isn’t exempt. The fine amount heavily depends on the local municipality, the size and placement of the sign, and whether it’s a first-time or repeat offense. Commonly cited penalties range from around $100 for minor first-time violations to well over $10,000 in large cities or for repeat offenses, and many ordinances treat each day the sign remains up as a separate violation.

The regulations, fees, and timelines described in this guide are correct and verified as of the date of publishing and are provided for general reference only. They are not legal advice. We are not responsible for any amendments to state statutes, laws, or regulations that take place after the date of publishing. Before designing, purchasing, or installing any sign, verify current requirements directly with your city or county permitting office, the relevant state department of transportation, and, where appropriate, a licensed attorney.

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