Answer 5 questions. Get a clear, plain-English assessment of whether your sign likely needs a permit — and what to do next.
Question 1 of 5
What type of sign are you installing?
🏢
Wall / fascia sign Mounted flat against the building exterior
🪟
Window vinyl / lettering / decal Applied to or displayed in a window
🏛️
Monument / ground sign Freestanding low sign on a masonry or solid base
📯
Pole / pylon sign Freestanding sign elevated on a pole or post
🎏
Temporary banner / fabric sign Banner for grand opening, sale, or seasonal promotion
📺
Digital / LED / electronic message center Displays changing messages electronically
⬅️
Projecting / blade / sidewalk sign Mounted perpendicular to building or on sidewalk
Question 2 of 5
Is the sign illuminated?
🔆
No — not illuminated No lights of any kind; relies on ambient or natural light
💡
External lighting only Spotlight or floodlight aimed at the sign from outside
✨
Internally illuminated Light source inside the sign cabinet (backlit, channel letters, neon)
📡
LED / digital display Electronic pixels that change or display moving content
Question 3 of 5
What is the approximate area of the sign?
📌
Under 2 square feet Roughly letter-size or smaller (e.g., 8″ × 12″ = 0.67 sq ft)
📋
2–6 square feet E.g., 2×3 ft = 6 sq ft; about the size of a small poster
🪧
6–32 square feet E.g., 4×8 ft = 32 sq ft; a standard shop sign
🏗️
Over 32 square feet Larger commercial signs, monument signs, pylon signs
Question 4 of 5
What best describes your business location?
🏪
Commercial / retail corridor Zoned commercial; alongside other businesses on a main road
🏭
Industrial / light industrial zone Warehouse district, business park, or industrial area
🏠
Residential area (home-based business) Business run from a home in a residential neighborhood
🏛️
Historic district or overlay Downtown historic core, heritage commercial area
🏙️
Mixed-use / downtown / urban Dense urban commercial or mixed residential-commercial
Question 5 of 5
Where exactly is the sign being placed?
🧱
On the building face / wall Attached to the exterior of the building
🪟
In or on a window Applied to glass or displayed inside facing out
📍
Freestanding on the property Pole, monument, or post-mounted sign on your property
🚶
On the sidewalk or right-of-way A-frame, sandwich board, or sign in public space
⛺
On an awning or canopy Text or logo on your awning fabric or canopy
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Important: This tool provides a general assessment based on the most common U.S. sign ordinance patterns. It is not a substitute for confirmation from your local planning or building department. Always verify permit requirements for your specific address before ordering or installing a sign.