Installing exterior business signs is one of the most effective ways to boost brand visibility and guide customers to your door. However, before you order that eye-catching storefront sign, it’s essential to navigate local permit regulations, zoning laws, and safety regulations. Navigating these processes is essential to avoiding delays, fines, or forced removals of your signage. Read along to understand these ordinances, building permits, and safety codes, and why each step plays a vital role in ensuring your exterior signage project runs smoothly and legally. 

Identity Group combines decades of signage expertise with a commitment to quality and creativity, making them the premier choice for both exterior and interior signage solutions. With over 67 years of industry experience and over 200,000 square feet of production space across the U.S, we deliver high-quality custom solutions suitable for all businesses and establishments. 

Local Zoning Laws and Ordinances

Before you design or install any signage, be sure to review your municipality’s zoning regulations. Local planning or building departments typically regulate: 

• Sign Districts: Certain districts, particularly historical ones, may not allow commercial signage. Some districts allow signage, but with regulations to fit the community aesthetic. 
• Design Guidelines: Local legislative bodies determine acceptable materials, colors, lighting levels, and height levels of signs in the district. 
• Placement Restrictions: Planning departments determine minimum distances signs must be from property lines, sidewalks, and roads.

Need expert advice on local sign codes? Reach out to Identity Group for zoning compliance support. 

Permits for Exterior Business Signs

Most municipalities require multiple permits before installing exterior business signs: 

• Sign Permit: Verifies dimensions, location, and materials of your sign comply with local safety and aesthetic standards. 
• Electrical Permit: Required for all signs that require lighting or digital display elements. 
• Building Permit or Structural Review: Required for large signs that must be anchored to a building or foundation. Also required for large freestanding structures to test for wind load and stability. 
• Variance or Special Exemption: If your sign design falls outside standard limits, you may petition for an administrative exemption. 

Identity Group specializes in helping businesses streamline permit submissions by handling all required documentation to expedite approvals and minimize back-and-forth with city planners. 

Electrical Safety Requirements

If your exterior business sign includes illumination, you must comply with electrical and safety codes: 

• National Electrical Code (NEC): This national standard governs wiring methods and conductor sizing. 
• UL Listed: When a product has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories to meet specific safety standards and is free of risks of fire, electric shock, and related hazards. 
• Licensed Electrician Installation: Hiring professional installers ensures wiring and connections meet local jurisdiction standards. 

Ensure code compliance from day one by partnering with Identity Group’s engineering experts. 

Historical Districts and Environmental Considerations

Businesses located in historical districts or areas with an environmentally focused community face additional challenges and scrutiny: 

• Historical Preservation Guidelines: Some commissions require proof that new signs complement existing architecture. 
• Material Restrictions: Based on the aesthetic of the neighborhood, natural materials or specific finishes may be mandated. 
• Environmental Impact: Regulations may favor energy-efficient lighting or recyclable materials. 

Historical districts often enforce stricter design guidelines, while environmental regulations may affect the materials and installation process. Identity Group takes the stress away from you by handling all documentation and adhering to all regulations, leaving you free to run your business. 

Navigating Costs and the Approval Process

Permit fees vary widely depending on your state and district:

• Sign Permits: Typically range from $50 to $300 based on size and complexity. 
• Electrical Permits: Often $100 to $200, depending on amperage and fixture count. 
• Structural or Building Permits: Can be $150 to $500 for comprehensive engineering reviews. 

Municipal review times also differ, with standard approvals taking up to 6 weeks. Delays often occur based on missing information in applications. To minimize holdups: 

• Engage Early: Before finalizing designs, reach out to city planning to clarify all requirements. 
• Submit Complete Documents: Include scaled plans, electrical schematics, color samples, and material specifications. 
• Track Progress: Understand review periods and appeal deadlines, track application deadlines, and respond to review comments promptly. 
• Professional Guidance: Partner with a sign company experienced in local regulations, like Identity Group. 

Contact Identity Group to get a clear estimate of your permit timeline and fees, or let our experts manage the details for you! 

After Approval

Once your signage is erected, regular maintenance and permit renewals are essential for maintaining compliance and a polished look. Many towns mandate yearly or biannual inspections, especially of lighted or electrical signage. Permit renewals frequently need updated documentation, such as verification of continuous insurance coverage and assurance that no changes were made without consent. Staying up to date on maintenance and permit renewals ensures that your sign works properly and has no risk of removal or incurring fines. 

Exterior Business Sign Specialists

Installing a successful exterior business sign requires more than just a great design—it demands careful planning around permits, codes, and safety standards. From zoning ordinances to environmental and historic district requirements, each step demands expert insight and meticulous execution. With Identity Group as your partner, you benefit from decades of signage expertise, in‑house manufacturing, and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements. Partner with Identity Group to get started on a compliant, captivating sign that elevates your brand presence.

Contact Identity Group today and let our regulatory experts handle the details so you can focus on what matters—making a lasting impression. For more information, visit us online or call us at (800) 325 – 7409!