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![]() There is More to Signs than Meets the Eye - A Peek at Permits
By Rick Hartwig, EHS Specialist, Government and Business Information, SGIA
Many thoughts and ideas go into choosing the right sign for a business.
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At its basic level, a sign is an object that will identify a business or service. But it is actually an investment and another means to "speak" to the customer. When the regulatory community looks at signs, they think of a physical object, the location of the object and possibly the printed context or image. As a result, the rules and restrictions pertaining to signs and their installation are usually based on little else and can be confining. Depending on the specific location of the business or the ultimate sign location, permitting requirements for certain types of sign categories can address a number of planning factors: Size limitation, color and design, context, site plans, installation and delivery logistics, private or public property, temporary or permanent signs, maintenance, environmental impact, and public safety.
What is a permit? Application reviews, permits and guidelines can vary greatly by municipality and state, and will often reflect the particular needs and resources of the different areas. For instance, in cities with congested business districts or high turnover, they may have less complex reviews or shorter applications simply because the logistics of reviewing each sign would overload their resources. However, in less congested locations, application reviews would be more manageable, and thus can be more comprehensive and detailed. Issued sign permits can be very specific, just for the sign or installation, or general, the entire scope of a project from delivery, construction, installation and use. For instance, a district may require a sign permit and then require a building permit for the construction or installation of that sign, and then require an additional permit for any traffic disruption caused by the delivery of the sign. Along with receiving a permit comes the responsibility for the sign owner to understand and adhere to the guidelines and/or conditions attached to the particular permit issued. It is important to note also that different city and state regulatory authorities may phrase these approvals and permissions in terms other than "sign permits," which may fall under the umbrella of building permits, installation permits, registrations, general applications or licenses.
Why Permits?
When Permits Apply Outside of a single sign permit, there can be circumstances when additional permits are required - perhaps when an ordinance states that multiple types of permits (building and electrical) are required, one for the sign installation and one for the electrical connection for illuminating lights in a sign cabinet. Building and installation permits are usually associated with the construction or installation of a structure sign, when excavation or utilities are involved, or where a sign is replaced or extended. In New York City, for example, moving a sign (even on-premise), relocating a sign off-premise, replacing existing signs and installing new signs all would require a permit. In addition, a permit could be required for sign removal if substantial efforts in excavation or electrical work were required by the removal process. Also consider whether special circumstances exist that require a permit or special approvals due to the unique location of the sign or business property. This would most often apply where a commercial sign is to be located within a residential zone. An example here would be a neighborhood convenience store located in, or adjacent to a residential zone. Keep in mind there can also be permit requirements for any subcontractors used in the project's execution. And, remember, a permit may list the responsibilities of an installer or contractor, but the owner of the sign will always be identified and can be ultimately responsible for meeting the permit conditions and guidelines.
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Permit Exemptions In most cases, signs that are not visible from the outside of a building would not require a permit. It is also common that signs painted directly onto a window or door would not require a permit. For example, New York City lists permit-exempt signs as "painted signs." A possible exception to this is within a historical district or if the building has historic stipulations dictated by zoning ordinances, which can pop up unexpectedly. Even if a sign does not require a permit, it pays to check on other requirements associated with your category of sign for approval. For instance, in Chula Vista, California, a permit is not required for temporary signs, but such a project would require a Special Events Application. And under the New York City regulations, signs that are painted or smaller than six feet and not illuminated would not require a permit, but may need to be approved by a local borough.
Catching You by Surprise Adding elements (such as illumination, extensions, height, etc.) to an existing sign can also change the status of a sign permit requirement. A sign's "category" and location can be critical to permit requirements, as well. For instance, if an exempt sign has certain content restrictions (allowing only messages for your business) and then you change the message to promote a different business or activity, it could be in violation. You could face a penalty, and need to re-categorize or permit the sign. A similar situation is when a sign is simply misclassified from the beginning, and is listed as an exempt sign when in fact it is a permit-required sign. In such cases a penalty may be assessed, and the sign may need to be removed until a full permit approval process is complete. One easily forgotten sign mistake is when a business changes hands. The new business owner not only inherits the business and building, but also the existing sign and its permit conditions. Because most sign permits are associated with the owner of the sign, the new owner will need to apply for a new permit in their name. If it was an exempt sign but is going to be changed, the replacement may now require a permit. Remember, different cities, states and districts can have different sign codes and restrictions. Make sure to educate yourself on locally specific fees and coordination during the design process to help guide you, to keep your sign in place and legal. This article appeared in the SGIA Journal, March / April 2014 Issue and is reprinted with permission. Copyright 2014 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (www.sgia.org). All Rights Reserved.
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