Putting up a sign is exciting for any business. It helps customers find you, shows your brand, and promotes your services. But before the sign goes up, you need a permit.
The process may be short or long depending on your city, the type of sign, and how well your paperwork is prepared. In this blog, we will talk about how long it takes to get a sign permit.
Why Sign Permits Are Important
Sign permits make sure signs are safe, follow city laws, and fit in with the area. They prevent oversized, unsafe, or distracting signs from being installed. If you don’t obtain a permit before sign installation, you may face fines or even be asked to remove your sign.
Average Waiting Time for Sign Permits
Most sign permits take 10 to 30 days. Simple indoor or small outdoor signs are the quickest and may be approved in about 10 days. Bigger signs, especially illuminated or digital ones, take more time. In busy cities like Chicago or San Francisco, it can take several months because of extra checks and approvals.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
There are multiple factors that influence how long it takes to get a sign permit:
Type of Sign
Small wall or window signs are easier to get a permit for. Digital, billboard, or lighted signs require more reviews and may take more time to get approved.
Local Rules
Every city has its own process of sign permitting. Some require zoning approval first; others handle everything together. This can affect the time it takes to get a sign permit.
Paperwork Quality
If you miss out on providing the right documents on the first go, your process will take longer to complete. Missing drawings, site plans, or landlord approvals can cause long delays.
Office Workload
A busy permit office may take weeks longer to process applications and vice versa.
Special Requests
If your sign is near traffic lines, in a historic area, or affects the environment, extra approvals are needed. Hence, it increases the total time to obtain a permit.
How to Prepare Before Applying for Sign Permits
Good preparation can save you weeks of waiting. Here’s what you can do:
- Collect all relevant documents like site maps, scaled drawings, engineering notes, and property owner approvals.
- Check size limits, lighting restrictions, and placement rules.
- Hire professional signage companies and permit expediters who can take care of the process for you.
- Many cities now allow digital applications for faster results.
- Stay in touch with officials and respond quickly to questions.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Here are some common mistakes to look out for:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Ignoring zoning rules before applying
- Choosing a design that does not meet city standards
- Waiting too long to start the process
Final Thoughts
On average, a sign permit takes 10–30 days, but it may take longer depending on your city, project type, and how complete your application is. Additionally, office workload and special requests may also affect the total time to get sign permits.
At Southland Signs, we provide comprehensive sign permitting services. To get more details, call us at (832) 582-8339.