Navigating the Sign Permitting Maze

How We Help You Avoid Delays and Costly Mistakes

Designing the perfect sign is only part of the journey. Before your sign is ever installed, you’ll have to clear one of the biggest hurdles in the process: permitting. For many business owners, sign permitting can be confusing, time-consuming, and unexpectedly expensive.

At Apogee Signs, we help clients avoid the frustration by managing the permitting process from start to finish—accurately, efficiently, and legally.

Why Sign Permitting Is a Challenge

Every city and county has its own sign codes, zoning rules, and architectural review boards. What’s acceptable in one jurisdiction may be prohibited just across the street.

Common issues include:

• Size and height restrictions based on zoning
• Setback requirements from property lines and rights-of-way
• Prohibited illumination types in certain districts
• Historic overlay zones with strict design criteria
• Multi-tenant site restrictions in shopping centers
• Sign area limitations relative to building frontage

If these are not reviewed and planned for up front, the consequences can include:

• Permit rejections or delays
• Fines or stop-work orders
• The need to redesign or re-fabricate the sign

Real-World Examples of Permitting Delays

We’ve seen projects stalled because:

• The customer’s previous sign vendor didn’t verify setback requirements
• The design didn’t meet historic district guidelines
• Variances were never submitted when needed
• The shopping center’s landlord rules conflicted with city code

Each of these added weeks or months to project timelines—and in some cases, extra cost for revisions or lost advertising time.

How We Solve Permitting Issues

At Apogee Signs, we approach permitting like a critical part of your project—not an afterthought. Here’s how we help:

1. Pre-Design Code Review

Before we start design work, we research:

• Local sign ordinances
• Property-specific zoning maps
• Existing site restrictions
• Any overlay districts or historic review boards

This ensures your sign concept is code-compliant before it’s even rendered.

2. Site Surveys and Photo Documentation

Our team conducts an on-site visit to measure setbacks, check for underground utilities, and photograph the surroundings. This allows us to draft accurate documents and anticipate potential objections.

3. Permit Application and Documentation

We handle all the paperwork:

• Permit applications
• Engineered drawings
• Site plans and elevations
• Lighting specs
• Variance requests (when applicable)

We submit it directly to the authority having jurisdiction and follow up to ensure timely review.

4. Variance and Appeal Support

If your project requires a special exemption, we can represent you at planning board meetings, provide visual presentations, and liaise with code enforcement officials.

5. Communication With Property Managers

If your location is part of a shopping center or business park, we coordinate approvals with the landlord or property manager to meet both municipal and private design rules.

Why This Matters to You

When permitting is mishandled, it puts your business launch or rebrand at risk. A sign delayed by 30 days could mean:

• Lost foot traffic
• Missed grand opening revenue
• Marketing spend wasted on a location that lacks visibility

By trusting us to manage the permitting, you reduce risk, avoid rework, and keep your project moving forward—on time and on budget.

Ready to Start Your Sign Project the Right Way?

Let us handle the permitting so you can focus on your business. Whether you’re opening a new location or updating your brand, Apogee Signs will navigate the regulations and make sure your sign is ready for installation without the headaches.

Contact us today for a permitting consultation or to request a site survey.