Written by NextDayFlyers    ●    Updated on January 22, 2025

Find out how to obtain business sign permits in every U.S. state. This comprehensive guide provides concise information on state-specific regulations, required documents, and application processes to ensure compliance and streamline your sign permit application.

How to Get Sign Permits in Every U.S. State

Navigating the process of obtaining sign permits can be daunting due to varying regulations across states and cities. This guide provides concise information on the rules, required documents, and application steps for each state, helping business owners ensure compliance and streamline their sign permit applications.

1. Find Your State's Sign Permit Regulations


• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming



Legal Disclaimer:
We have provided resources and links to the most updated information on business sign permits. However, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any actions taken based on the information on this website are at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of our website.




Why are there state rules and regulations on signs?



• Public Safety



State regulations around business signs are primarily in place to ensure public safety. Signs must be securely mounted and made from materials that won't pose a hazard to passersby. Illumination and visibility standards are also enforced to prevent accidents and injuries.



• Aesthetic Standards



Aesthetic standards are another reason for sign regulations. These rules ensure that signs contribute to a community's visual appeal and align with the area's character. Historical districts, for example, may have stricter guidelines to preserve their unique look.



• Environmental Impact



Environmental impact is a key consideration in sign regulations. States and municipalities may restrict the use of certain materials and enforce recycling requirements to minimize waste. Additionally, there may be rules regarding light pollution, especially in residential areas.



• Traffic Safety



Traffic safety is a significant factor in sign regulation. Signs must be designed and placed to avoid obstructing drivers' views or creating distractions. Regulations often dictate the size, height, and placement of signs to ensure they do not interfere with road signs or signals.



• Uniformity



Uniformity in sign regulations helps maintain a consistent look and feel within a community. This can be particularly important in commercial areas where a cohesive appearance can enhance the overall environment and customer experience. Consistency in sign design and placement also helps avoid confusion and clutter.




What to Do Before Posting a Sign



1. Research Local Regulations



Before posting a sign, research the specific regulations in your locality. Each state and city may have its own set of rules regarding size, placement, materials, and lighting. Consulting with your local planning or zoning office can provide the necessary guidelines.



2. Prepare Necessary Documents



Prepare all required documents before submitting your sign permit application. This typically includes detailed plans of the proposed sign, including dimensions, materials, and installation methods. You may also need to provide site plans showing the sign's location relative to property boundaries and existing structures.



3. Submit Applications



Once you have gathered all necessary documents, submit your application to the appropriate local authority. This is often the planning or zoning department, but it can vary depending on your location. Make sure to fill out the application forms accurately and completely to avoid delays.



4. Pay Fees



Be prepared to pay any required fees when you submit your application. These fees can vary widely based on your location and the type of sign you are installing. Some areas may also require additional fees for inspections or environmental assessments.



5. Schedule Inspections



After your application is submitted and fees are paid, you may need to schedule inspections. These inspections ensure that your sign complies with all relevant regulations and is safely installed. Inspectors may check the structural integrity, electrical components, and overall placement of the sign.






Sign Permits per State







State	Rules and Regulations on Business Signs	Documents and Links
Alabama	Businesses in Alabama must obtain licenses or permits before starting operations. The required permits and their costs depend on the services offered. City regulations differ, but in Montgomery, the process includes obtaining a business license and submitting the following documents: site plan, sign design plans, stamped plans for pole signs over 12 feet high, inspection approval for footing, U.L. number for illuminated signs, and proof of paid permit fee.	• City of Montgomery Steps and Documents • Sign Permit Application
Alaska	In Juneau, some signs require permits, while others do not but must still comply with placement and height standards. Permits are not needed for window signs, banners, temporary construction, real estate, public notice, and event signs. Required documents for permits include: completed sign and development permit applications, site plans, and summaries of existing signs.	• Capital City of Juneau Sign Permit Guidelines • Capital City of Juneau Sign Exceptions • Historic District Sign Standards
Arizona	Business signs in Arizona must obtain a permit from the Planning and Development Department before being installed or altered. Documents required include engineered plans sealed by a registered engineer or architect, plans indicating the scope of work, and approval standards from the Building Official.	• City of Phoenix Signs FAQs • City of Phoenix Sign Permit Application
Arkansas	In Little Rock, outdoor signs must be approved before installation. Steps include registering your business, applying for a sign permit, checking zoning regulations, and obtaining a business license.	• Little Rock Sign Permit
California	The permitting process varies by city. In San Diego, most signs need a permit, except for interior signs, non-illuminated construction and real estate signs, and non-illuminated bulletin boards for charitable organizations. Required documents include a completed site plan, elevation and detailed drawings, and structural calculations.	• San Diego Sign Permit Details
Colorado	Sign permits in Denver are needed for signs on private property, public sidewalks, and business storefronts. Temporary signs can be displayed without a permit for up to 45 days. Required documents include site plans, detailed drawings, and zoning permits.	• Denver Sign Permit Guide
Connecticut	Sign permit requirements vary. In Hartford, certain signs are exempt, including identification signs, hours of operation, public service signs, and temporary decorations. Required documents for permits include drawings, technical specifications, insurance certificates, contractor's license, and authorization letter.	• Connecticut Business Sign Regulations
Delaware	Dover has 20 general sign regulations. Common rules include prohibitions on rotating signs and flashing illumination. Permits are required for most business signs, and applications must include site location plans, sign dimensions, illumination method, and materials.	• Delaware Outdoor Advertising Regulations
Florida	DIn Tallahassee, certain signs do not need a permit if they meet applicable codes. For other signs, submit a permit application with a description of the proposed sign, site plan, elevation drawings, electric permit for illuminated signs, and liability insurance certificate.	• Tallahassee Sign Code
Georgia	In Atlanta, the sign permit application process includes filling out a form, providing scaled sign renderings, and submitting the application in person with the permit fee.	• Atlanta Sign Permit Application
Hawaii	In Honolulu, permits are required for exterior and permanent signs. Required documents include scaled plans showing plot dimensions, building location, sign location, detailed sign design, and height dimensions from the ground.	• Honolulu Sign Permit Application
Idaho	In Boise, sign applications are reviewed based on type, placement, size, and height. Signs in the Historic District require a Certificate of Appropriateness.	• City of Boise Sign Application • Certificate of Appropriateness
Illinois	Illinois requires permits for certain signs. In Chicago, a sign permit is needed for most signs, except temporary on-premise signs, window signs under 25% of window area, and lettering under 2 inches high.	• City of Chicago Sign Permit Information
Indiana	Indiana may require permits for various signs. For advertising signs, apply with the property owner's consent, a compliance affidavit, site plan, legal description, and construction plans. For business signs, include site and elevation plans.	• Indiana Sign Regulations • Advertising Sign Permit Application
Iowa	In Des Moines, specific signs are exempt from permits but must adhere to size and installation requirements. Permits can be applied for online.	• Des Moines Code of Ordinances
Kansas	Topeka requires a sign permit before installation. Submit an application with an aerial photo or site plan, specification drawings, on-site plan description, and electrical inspection for illuminated signs.	• City of Topeka Municipal Code • City of Topeka Sign Permit Application
Kentucky	Frankfort exempts certain signs from permits. Applications for sign permits should include a statement of purpose, sign dimensions, site illustration, and construction specifications.	• City of Frankfort Sign Regulations
Louisiana	Baton Rouge requires permits for various signs. Submit an application with construction plans, foundation calculations, design statement, site plan, and certificates of completion and responsibility.	• Baton Rough Sign Regulations
Maine	Augusta allows certain signs without a permit. All on-premises signs require a permit with a site plan and detailed sign drawing.	• City of Augusta Sign Permit Application
Maryland	Annapolis requires permits for most signs. Exempt signs must meet city standards. Submit a permit application with plans drawn to scale, site plan, and elevations.	• City of Annapolis Guide for Sign Permits • City Ordinance Standards
Massachusetts	Massachusetts issues annual permits for signs under the Department of Transportation regulations. Submit an application with plans, plot plan, specifications, and images of the proposed sign location.	• Department of Transportation Sign and Advertising Regulations • Office of Outdoor Advertising • Massachusetts Sign Application Form
Michigan	Lansing requires permits for signs over 32 square feet or with illumination. Submit a permit application with a site plan, construction drawings, proof of ownership, and other documents.	• Capital City Lansing Code of Ordinances • Lansing Sign Permit Application
Minnesota	Saint Paul requires sign permits for all business signs. Applications must include lot dimensions, site plan, existing signage details, and structural plans for larger signs.	• Capital City Saint Paul Legislative Code
Mississippi	Jackson requires permits for business signs. Submit an application with sign drawings, dimensions, plot drawing, and zoning approval.	• City of Jackson Sign Ordinance
Missouri	Jefferson City requires permits for new signs. Submit an application with property owner's consent, site plan, building elevations, sign renderings, and electrical information.	• Jefferson City Code Regulations
Montana	Helena requires permits for signs. Submit a permit application with site plan, foundation plans, installation plans, and building façade details.	• City of Helena Sign Regulations
Nebraska	Lincoln requires permits for most signs. Submit an application with a site plan, photo of the sign, size, material, and mounting descriptions.	• Lincoln Municipal Code
Nevada	Las Vegas allows some signs without a permit. For other signs, submit a permit application with plot plan, site plan, and construction details.	• Las Vegas Sign Standards
New Hampshire	Concord exempts certain signs from permits. For permanent signs, apply with a full-color plan, site plan, photos, and architectural elevations.	• City of Concord Municipal Code
New Jersey	Trenton exempts certain signs from permits. Submit an application with a site plan and mock-up of the sign in its designated location.	• City of Trenton Sign Regulations
New Mexico	Santa Fe requires certain approvals before applying for a sign permit. Submit an application with construction drawings, site plan, floor plan, elevations, and other documents.	• Santa Fe Sign Application
New York	New York requires permits for most signs. The City of Albany requires an application with an illustration, insurance documents, photos, construction details, and professionals.	• City of Albany Sign Application Form
North Carolina	Raleigh requires permits for various signs. Submit a non-residential permit application with site plan, elevation plans, and sign specs. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for historic districts.	• Raleigh City Sign Regulations
North Dakota	Bismarck provides a step-by-step guide to applying for a sign permit online.	• Bismarck Citizen Online Portal
Ohio	Columbus requires permits for signs. Submit a permit application with site plan, elevation rendering, full-color drawing, zoning ordinance, and historic district approval if applicable.	• City of Columbus Forms and Applications
Oklahoma	Oklahoma City requires permits for signs. Submit an application with site plan, signage plan, and landscape plan for monument signs. Certain indoor signs do not require a permit.	• Oklahoma Sign Regulations
Oregon	Salem allows certain signs without a permit but must follow zoning regulations. For other signs, submit an application with plot plan, site plan, and construction details.	• Oregon Sign Permit Requirements
Pennsylvania	Harrisburg exempts certain signs from regulations. Submit a permit application with plans drawn to scale, sign dimensions, and location details.	• City of Harrisburg Exempt Signs
Rhode Island	Rhode Island uses a web-based portal for license and permit applications. Create an account to submit a sign permit application.	• Rhode Island Permitting Portal
South Carolina	Certain signs in South Carolina do not require permits. Apply for a sign permit online using the Outdoor Advertising Portal for other signs.	• South Carolina Outdoor Advertising Regulations
South Dakota	Sign regulations vary. In Pierre, apply for a sign permit online through the city’s portal.	• South Dakota Billboard Information
Tennessee	Nashville exempts certain signs from permits. Submit an application with required documents for wall and ground signs.	• Nashville Municipal Code • Wall Sign Application Form • Ground Sign Application Form
Texas	Austin requires sign permits for business signs. Submit an application with construction drawings, site drawing, building façade photo, and sign review fee.	• Austin Sign Permit Information
Utah	Salt Lake City requires sign permits. Submit an application with plans, site plan, and electrical permit for illuminated signs.	• Salk Lake City Citizen Portal
Vermont	Burlington regulates all signs. Apply online with a scaled rendering, site plan, elevations, and illumination details.	• Burlington Sign Application Checklist
Virginia	Richmond allows certain signs without a permit. Apply online for other signs and follow the city's Code of Ordinances.	• Richmond Online Permit Portal
Washington	Olympia exempts certain signs from permits. For other signs, submit an application with site plan, materials, structural components, and lighting details.	• City of Olympia Code of Ordinances
West Virginia	Charleston exempts certain signs from permits. Submit an application with a sketch of the sign and site plan for other signs.	• City of Charleston Zoning Ordinance and Signage Rules
Wisconsin	Madison exempts certain signs from permits. For other signs, submit an application with detailed drawings, site plan, and property owner acknowledgment.	• City of Madison Sign Control Ordinance
Wyoming	Cheyenne exempts certain signs from permits if they comply with design regulations. For other signs, submit an application with plot plans, building plans, and certification from a Wyoming engineer.	• Cheyenne Sign Design Regulations •Cheyenne Sign Permit Checklist





Note: Obtaining a sign permit is a crucial step for businesses to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. By understanding the specific requirements in your state and city, you can streamline the process and avoid potential issues down the line.