Whether you’re opening a new location, rebranding an existing business, or simply trying to hang a temporary banner, understanding the sign permitting process can save significant time, frustration, and unexpected delays.

What many business owners don’t realize is that getting approval for a sign can sometimes take longer than designing, manufacturing, and installing it.

Wait, I Need a Permit for That?

One of the biggest surprises for many business owners is discovering that signs often require permits, including some temporary signs.

A common example is a temporary banner.

Many business owners assume they can install a temporary banner while preparing to open their new location. Depending on the municipality, that banner may require approval before it can be displayed.

If your grand opening timeline depends on generating awareness before you open your doors, permitting requirements should be considered early in the process.

The last thing any business owner wants is to have marketing plans in place only to discover that local regulations prevent the sign from being installed when expected.

Every Property Has Different Rules

One of the challenges with sign permitting is that there is no universal set of regulations.

While local municipalities create sign ordinances, the rules that apply to your business can vary significantly based on your property’s location, zoning district, building type, and even previous approvals associated with the site.

A common misconception is assuming that if a nearby business has a particular type of sign, the same sign will automatically be allowed at another property. In reality, there are many reasons why two neighboring businesses may have different signage allowances.

For example:

• One property may be located in a different zoning district
• A sign may have been approved under an older ordinance
• A business may have received a variance
• A previous owner may have installed signage before current regulations were adopted

Because of these factors, signage requirements are often much more specific than people expect. What’s permitted for one property may not be permitted for another, even if they’re only a short distance apart.

Sign Size Isn’t Entirely Up to You

Another common misconception is that business owners can simply decide how large they want their storefront signage to be.

In reality, most municipalities regulate sign size.

Many local sign ordinances limit signage based on factors such as:

• Building frontage
• Tenant space width
• Sign band dimensions
• Property zoning
• Building type

For example, a municipality may only allow a sign to occupy a certain percentage of your storefront or façade.

This is why designing a sign before understanding local regulations can sometimes lead to disappointment. A design that looks perfect on paper may exceed what is legally permitted.

Checking sign requirements early helps ensure your design aligns with local regulations from the start and helps avoid costly redesigns later in the process.

Other Restrictions You May Encounter

Depending on the location, sign codes may also regulate:

• Illumination
• Height
• Placement
• Materials
• Colors
• Digital displays
• Window graphics
• Temporary signage durations

Some municipalities even have specific requirements related to historic preservation or community aesthetics.

These regulations are designed to maintain consistency and safety, but they can significantly impact what is ultimately approved.

Why Permitting Should Start Early

One of the most common project delays occurs when permitting begins too late in the process.

Business owners are often working backward from a planned opening date, rebrand launch, or renovation schedule. Unfortunately, permit review timelines don’t always align with those deadlines.

Across 735 completed sign permit projects spanning 469 jurisdictions in 17 states, the average permit approval timeline was 32.49 business days. While some permits are approved much more quickly, others can take considerably longer depending on the jurisdiction, zoning requirements, review processes, and project complexity.

For business owners planning a grand opening, rebrand, or new location launch, that’s more than a month of lead time that should be factored into the overall project schedule.

Starting the permitting process early allows time to:

• Address review comments
• Revise drawings if needed
• Obtain landlord approvals
• Meet municipal deadlines
• Avoid opening without proper signage

In many cases, permitting is the longest phase of the entire project.

The Value of Working with an Experienced Sign Partner

A knowledgeable sign company does much more than design and manufacture signs.

An experienced team can help:

• Research local sign codes
• Determine allowable sign sizes
• Prepare permit drawings
• Submit applications
• Communicate with municipalities
• Track approvals throughout the process

The goal is to identify potential obstacles before they become project delays.

Plan Before You Design

A great sign starts long before fabrication begins.

Before finalizing colors, logos, materials, or dimensions, business owners should understand what local regulations will allow. Doing so can prevent costly redesigns, unexpected delays, and frustration later in the process.

While permitting isn’t the most exciting part of a signage project, it is often one of the most important.

The sooner it’s addressed, the smoother the entire project becomes.

The Bottom Line

Many business owners don’t think about permitting until they’re ready to order a sign. However, permits can affect everything from sign size and placement to project timelines and opening dates.

Because regulations vary by property, zoning district, and jurisdiction, it’s important to understand what’s allowed before investing time and money into a design.

By starting the permitting process early and working with an experienced sign partner, businesses can avoid unnecessary delays and keep their projects moving forward.

If you’re planning new signage, rebranding a location, or preparing for an upcoming opening, the team at Pro Signs can help guide you through the permitting process from start to finish.