What Is Included in a Commercial Sign Permit?

Installing a new business sign involves more than selecting a design and scheduling an installation. In most cities, exterior building signs, monument signs, illuminated signs, and other permanent commercial signage require approval before work begins.

A commercial sign permit allows the local building or planning department to review the proposed sign for compliance with zoning rules, building codes, electrical requirements, and property-specific sign criteria.

Understanding what is included in a commercial sign permit can help business owners prepare for the process and avoid unnecessary delays.

What Is a Commercial Sign Permit?

A commercial sign permit is an official approval issued by a city or local jurisdiction. It confirms that a proposed sign meets applicable regulations for its location.

Depending on the project, the permit may be reviewed by several departments, including:

• Planning or zoning
• Building and safety
• Electrical
• Public works
• Fire prevention
• Code enforcement

The exact requirements vary by city, property, sign type, and installation method. However, most permit applications require similar information.

Sign Drawings and Design Details

One of the most important parts of a commercial sign permit application is the sign drawing package.

These drawings typically show the sign’s:

• Overall dimensions
• Letter or logo height
• Width and depth
• Colors and finishes
• Materials
• Illumination method
• Mounting location
• Distance from property lines or building edges

For building-mounted signs, the drawings usually include a scaled elevation of the storefront or building façade. This allows the city to see exactly where the sign will be located and how it will appear in relation to the building.

Clear and accurate drawings can make the permit review process much smoother.

Building Elevations and Site Plans

Many commercial sign permit applications require a building elevation, site plan, or both.

A building elevation shows the exterior wall where the sign will be installed. It may include doors, windows, architectural features, rooflines, and nearby signs.

A site plan may be required for freestanding signs, such as:

• Monument signs
• Pylon signs
• Directional signs
• Tenant identification signs
• Shopping center signs

The site plan shows the sign’s location on the property. It may also identify property lines, driveways, sidewalks, streets, parking areas, landscaping, and existing structures.

These documents help the city confirm that the sign complies with required setbacks, visibility rules, and zoning limitations.

Sign Area and Size Calculations

Cities often limit the amount of signage allowed on a building or property. Therefore, the permit application may include sign area calculations.

The allowed sign area may be based on:

• The length of the tenant’s building frontage
• The size of the storefront
• The zoning classification
• The number of street-facing elevations
• The total area of existing signs
• The property’s approved sign program

The city may calculate individual letters differently from cabinet signs or background panels. Providing accurate measurements is essential because oversized signage may be rejected or require a redesign.

Mounting and Attachment Details

A commercial sign permit usually explains how the sign will be attached to the building or structure.

Attachment details may include:

• Anchor types
• Bolt sizes
• Fastener spacing
• Raceway construction
• Wall penetration locations
• Structural framing
• Backing or blocking
• Installation hardware

The city needs to verify that the sign will be securely installed and capable of resisting wind, vibration, weather, and other forces.

Larger signs may require more detailed structural information.

Structural Engineering

Some commercial signs require calculations and drawings prepared by a licensed structural engineer.

Engineering may be required for:

• Large wall signs
• Projecting signs
• Monument signs
• Pylon signs
• Pole signs
• Sign cabinets
• Signs mounted on unusual wall conditions
• Signs with significant wind exposure

The engineer may review the sign structure, foundation, attachment method, wall framing, and expected wind loads.

Stamped engineering documents provide the city with confirmation that the proposed sign and attachment system are structurally appropriate.

Electrical Information for Illuminated Signs

Illuminated commercial signs typically require electrical information as part of the permit application.

The plans may identify:

• Power supply requirements
• Voltage
• Electrical circuits
• Disconnect switches
• Transformers or LED power supplies
• Raceway wiring
• Conduit locations
• Grounding methods
• Sign listing labels

Examples of illuminated signs include:

• Channel letters
• Cabinet signs
• Halo-lit letters
• LED monument signs
• Digital displays
• Internally illuminated logos

In some cities, the electrical portion is included with the sign permit. In others, a separate electrical permit may be required.

A licensed electrical sign contractor can help ensure the sign is designed and installed in accordance with applicable electrical codes.

Landlord or Property Owner Approval

Most cities require proof that the property owner has approved the proposed sign.

This approval may be provided through:

• A signed authorization form
• A landlord approval letter
• A property owner signature on the application
• A tenant authorization document
• A copy of the lease or sign exhibit

Landlord approval is separate from city approval. A sign can meet city code but still violate the property’s sign criteria or lease requirements.

Business owners should review their landlord’s sign criteria before approving a final design.

Shopping Center Sign Criteria

Businesses located within a shopping center, office park, or planned development may be subject to an approved sign program.

A sign program may regulate:

• Letter styles
• Sign colors
• Sign placement
• Maximum letter heights
• Raceway requirements
• Illumination types
• Logo sizes
• Cabinet shapes
• Allowed materials

The commercial sign permit package may need to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with both city code and the property’s approved sign criteria.

Addressing these requirements early can prevent costly redesigns.

Photographs of the Existing Property

Current photographs are often included with a commercial sign permit application.

Photos help the city understand:

• The condition of the building
• The proposed installation area
• Existing signage
• Nearby tenants
• Architectural features
• Visibility from the street
• Existing electrical conditions

Photos may also be marked to show where the new sign will be installed.

Although photographs do not replace technical drawings, they provide useful context for city reviewers.

Contractor and Business Information

Permit applications generally require information about the sign contractor and the business receiving the sign.

This information may include:

• Business name
• Property address
• Tenant suite number
• Property owner information
• Sign contractor information
• Contractor license number
• Applicant contact information
• Estimated project value
• Scope of work

The contractor may also need to provide proof of licensing, workers’ compensation coverage, or a current city business license.

Permit Application Forms

Every jurisdiction has its own commercial sign permit application.

The form may ask for details such as:

• Sign type
• Sign quantity
• Sign dimensions
• Illumination type
• Installation height
• Building frontage
• Zoning designation
• Existing signage
• Proposed sign area
• Project valuation

Incomplete or inconsistent application information can delay the review process. The details on the application should match the drawings and supporting documents.

Permit Review Fees

A commercial sign permit application normally includes city review and permit fees.

Fees may depend on:

• The number of signs
• Sign size
• Sign type
• Project valuation
• Structural review requirements
• Electrical review
• Planning department review
• Engineering review

Some cities charge a flat sign permit fee, while others calculate fees based on project value or the number of inspections required.

Additional fees may apply when plans need to be revised or resubmitted.

Corrections and Plan Revisions

It is common for a city to issue corrections during the permit review process.

Corrections may request:

• Additional dimensions
• Revised sign calculations
• Updated attachment details
• Structural engineering
• Electrical information
• Property owner authorization
• Changes to sign size or placement
• Confirmation of zoning compliance

A professional sign company can review the correction notice, revise the drawings, and resubmit the package.

Responding accurately to all requested corrections helps keep the project moving forward.

Final Inspections

Receiving a commercial sign permit does not always complete the approval process. Many projects also require an inspection after installation.

An inspector may verify:

• Sign location
• Sign dimensions
• Attachment methods
• Electrical connections
• Disconnect switch accessibility
• Structural compliance
• Permit documentation
• Required identification labels

The installed sign should match the approved permit drawings. Changes made during fabrication or installation may require city approval.

Once the sign passes its required inspections, the permit can usually be finalized.

How Long Does a Commercial Sign Permit Take?

Permit timelines vary widely depending on the city and complexity of the sign.

A straightforward wall sign may be reviewed relatively quickly. Projects involving engineering, zoning exceptions, monument signs, digital displays, or multiple departments may take longer.

Common causes of delays include:

• Incomplete applications
• Incorrect measurements
• Missing landlord approval
• Engineering requirements
• Property sign-program restrictions
• City correction notices
• Changes requested after submission

Beginning the permit process early can help prevent it from delaying fabrication or installation.

Can You Install a Sign Before the Permit Is Approved?

In most cases, fabrication and installation should not proceed until the required permits have been approved.

Installing an unpermitted sign may result in:

• Stop-work notices
• Fines
• Code enforcement action
• Removal of the sign
• Required design changes
• Additional permit fees
• Delays in opening the business

The safest approach is to confirm all city and property requirements before manufacturing or installing the sign.

Why Work With a Professional Sign Company?

A commercial sign permit can involve design, zoning, engineering, electrical requirements, landlord criteria, and inspections.

An experienced commercial sign company can help coordinate the entire process, including:

• Site surveys
• Sign design
• Code research
• Landlord approval drawings
• Permit drawings
• Engineering coordination
• Permit applications
• City corrections
• Fabrication
• Installation
• Final inspections

Working with one company throughout the process can reduce communication problems and help ensure that the sign is designed with permit compliance in mind.

Commercial Sign Permitting in Southern California

Cities throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the surrounding region may have very different sign requirements.

A sign that is permitted in one city may need changes in another. Local zoning, shopping center criteria, building conditions, and sign programs all affect what can be approved.

RSL Signs helps businesses navigate commercial sign design, permitting, fabrication, and installation throughout Southern California.

Whether you are planning channel letters, a monument sign, an illuminated building sign, or a complete sign package, our team can help you understand the permit requirements before your project moves into production.

Start Your Commercial Sign Project

A well-prepared commercial sign permit package helps reduce delays and ensures that your sign meets city, property, structural, and electrical requirements.

Before ordering a new sign, confirm what your city and landlord require. Careful planning at the beginning of the project can save time, reduce revisions, and make the overall sign process much easier.

Contact RSL Signs to discuss your commercial sign project, permit requirements, and installation needs.