Sign Permits & Applications
Sign Ordinances
Electrical Permits
UL Listed Electric Sign Labels
NEC (National Electric Code)
Maximum Overall Height
Maximum Overall Sign Area Calculation
Maximum Overall Structure Area Calculation
Structure to Sign Area Ratio
Line of Sight Triangle
Maximum Projection from Building
Set Back from Right Of Way(ROW)
Engineer Stamped Drawings
ADAAG Compliance
Mounting Details
Licensed Electrical Contractors
Land Lord Criteria
Design Review Boards
Footing Inspections
Variance From Code
Overlay Districts
Historical Districts
Building Codes
Utility Locations
Sign Permits & Applications
Forms and applications to acquire approval for signage permits can usually be found in the AHJs Building Department or Code Enforcement Office. Many counties and cities have websites that have these forms available for download.
Sign Ordinances
Most AHJs have code enforcement office(s) and sign codes that are written to restrict, inspect, control and review signage installations within their jurisdiction. Most sign codes restrict the number, size, sign area, overall height, sign type, mounting location, mounting method and sometimes even color. The following topics delve into some of the most common subjects addressed by sign ordinances.
A useful website for researching general code requirements is http://www.municode.com/
Check with the local AHJ for the current and actual code regulations.
Electrical Permits
Similar to sign permits, electrical permits may be required along with sign permits if a sign is to have electrical components. Typically AHJs require that a sign display a UL Listing Label for Electric Signs and include that number or series of numbers on the electrical permit and or application forms. Additionally a local AHJ may require that the sign be inspected by an official to insure that the sign meets safe standards.
UL Listed Electric Sign Label(s)
UL or Underwriters Laboratories and is a independent testing service. UL works with a multitude of industries and sets standards for quality control, testing, construction and safety inspections of products that can pose a danger to the general public. Electric sign fabricators that are registered in the UL program are required to design, build, inspect, test and label products to meet the specifications outlined by UL documents and manuals. The main guideline manual used by sign manufacturers is the UL Standard #48 for Electric Signs. There are several different types of labels issued for electric signs. The type of label depends on the construction of the sign as it relates to how the sign is connected to and utilities electrical currents. For signs that are basically self contained and connected to one dedicated branch circuit is required to display an ELECTRIC SIGN LABEL. Along with the ELECTRIC SIGN LABEL a label identifying the manufacturer that has electrical information such as maximum electrical current, input voltage and manufacture date is required. For signs that are manufactured to be field installed in two or more pieces must display a SECTIONAL ELECTRIC SIGN LABEL on all components as well as the manufacturer label. Occasionally a sign is remanufactured and displays a REMANUFACTURED SIGN LABEL instead of the standard label.
NEC (National Electric Code)
The National Electrical code is a set of standards that has been adopted by many AHJs and referenced by most building codes across the county. As electric signs or outdoor displays of lighting components that attract attention with words or symbols have become more and more common place, the NEC has outlined requirements for their regulation. Part A of Article 600 of the NEC pertains to the general electrical requirements for these types of signs and displays.
Maximum Overall Height
Most AHJs control the height of signage and structures along roads. Structures that are close to roads or streets might obscure the view of drivers. Also it controls the tendency for one retailer trying to out do the next retailer by simply erecting a taller sign and so on. The overall height of structures is measured to grade or to the adjacent roadway. The maximum height of signage and structures is also based on the zoning of an area and sometimes the location of signage in relation to the ROW.
For example Peachtree City GA has a very restricted maximum overall height of 5 foot tall...
Maximum Overall Sign Area Calculation
Typically calculated in square feet as (Height X Width) - This can be done one of several ways. The most restrictive being “Boxed All” where a box is drawn around the whole sign structure. Sometimes the “Boxed Copy Area” is used to calculate the sign area and is slightly less restrictive. The “Boxed Each” calculation only counts the visual elements of a display and no negative areas in between being the least restrictive and generally resulting in a larger sign. It is important to determine which type of calculation the AHJ is using to figure the sign area so that signage and or structure is designed the correct size.
An example of a common maximum sign area for freestanding signs is 32 Sq Ft
Maximum Overall Structure Area Calculation
This is very similar to the calculation that is done for sign area but boxes in the entire structure and sign face all together.
Structure to Sign Area Ratio
This is one of the most restrictive types of codes for signs as it dictates a ratio of structure to sign area. For Example a AHJ may state that the ratio be 70% structure to 30% sign area. This typically results in signs that look quite similar to each other throughout the jurisdiction.
Line of Sight Triangle
In some congested areas of vehicle traffic some AHJs require that a drawing be prepared that studies the location of a sign installation compared to the Right of Way, number of lanes of traffic, posted speed limit etc. This drawing comparison is held against an established guideline for the acceptable line of sight tolerances for a given traffic situation.
Maximum Projection from Building
The case of a sign that is to be mounted perpendicular to the fascia of a building, AHJs often limit the distance away form the build that the sign can project out over the sideway. These signs are often required to be engineered for the safety of the public.
Set Back from Right Of Way(ROW)
The distance for the established center of a roadway to the edge of the legal easement is referred as Right of Way (ROW). Sign installations are required to be set back away from the ROW for line of sight and safety concerns. Typically the closer the sign is the shorter the sign has to be.
Engineer Stamped Drawings
Many AHJs require that design drawings for signs of heights of over 8' tall be reviewed and stamped by a certified engineer before a sign permit will be approved . Drawings are usually prepared and submitted along with sign permit application and design drawing.
ADAAG Compliance
The American with Disabilities Act Accessibly Guidelines may effect how signs are designed, constructed and installed. The intent of the ADA signage is to make it easier for visually impaired persons to access building environments and to define access pathways for persons with mobility impairment. Regulations for ADA signage deal with typography sizes, styles, color contrast, Grade II Braille and tactile copy to name a few.
Local interpretation of the ADA regulations can very a great deal from place to place. It is best to design signage to comply with the most restrictive interpretation of the regulations.
For more information about ADAAG
See www.access-board.gov/adaag/about/index.htm
Mounting Details
It may be required that design drawings detail and specify what means of attachment are to be used on sign installations. Cut sections of the sign and wall construction are generally the best way to illustrate this. Tables can sometime be used along with the cut section that specify what type of fasteners that will be used with a certain type wall construction.
Licensed Electrical Contractors
Some states such as Florida for example required that sign installers that deal with electrical wiring in their installations be a licensed electrician in the state.
Land Lord Criteria
Larger retail centers often have written guidelines for regulation of signage that is to be installed at their property. Many developers have discovered that it is important that the tenants be clear about what, sizes, types, colors and styles of signage are allowed and not allowed. Retail spaces can vary greatly in size and building type so some variance from sign criteria is sometimes required. Landlords that have sign criteria usually require that they be submitted with a scaled drawing of the proposed sign on their elevation. Be advised, some sign criteria may be old and outdated or may have been written by individuals that are not informed to current industry standards. Specifications and physical sizes of components mentioned in the LL Signage Criteria may need to be over ruled in order to comply with UL, NEC or local AHJs requirements.
Design Review Boards
Occasionally signs need to be installed in an area where submissions have to be made to a panel or board of officials to be evaluated and approved. In these cases it may come down to if they like the looks of the sign and what impact it will have in the area in which it will be installed. Multiple copies of design drawings and mockups may be required. Large poster sized drawings are helpful in presenting the proposed signs to a larger audience.
Footing Inspections
AHJs that may not require engineer stamped drawing may require that footings or foundations for structures be inspected by the building inspector or other approved agent.
Utility Locations
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
Utilities such as gas, water, telephone, cable, sewer and electrical lines commonly run along with streets and roads and need to be pretected from damage during foundation construction. Prior to any evacation of soil for structures that are near streets or suspect areas, a utillity location inspection should be performed.
Variance From Code
In certain situations, signs can be in a zoned area where the local code could be a view as a hardship on the applicant. Most AHJs have means for applicants to voice there case for variance from the local code.
Overlay Districts
Occasionally signs are located in an area where there are at least two AHJ local codes that are to be followed. In this case typically what is done is the code that is the most restrictive is followed.
Historical Districts
In some municipalities that are historical areas can be sensitive to the construction and design of signage and structures. Types of materials, colors, hardware etc. are some of the types of restriction that can be addressed by historical districts.
Building Codes
Many states and cities have adopted a standard building code that usually effects the location and how certain types of signs should be designed. In particular, interior signage that are for life safety egress in the case of a building emergency.
Examples of these signs are:
Stair Identification (on the Occupancy side)Stairwell Instructions for Emergency Personnel (on the stair side)
Egress/Evacuation Maps
No Smoking Signs
In Case of Fire Signs
Stairwell Instructions
In multi level buildings, signs placed inside stairwells that give directions for exiting the building are generally subject to approval by the fire marshal before the CO can be approved. Guidelines for the layout of these signs need to be acquired before sign design can be done. If there are no guidelines for the layout, a layout should be submitted to the fire marshal's office for review so that best efforts are made to meet requirements before signs are manufactured.