What type of information / documents could you require?

Landlord or Property Owner Authorization

All jurisdictions will require landlord authorization to install the sign. You will need to get written permission from the landlord or property owner to install a sign on the premises. Some jurisdictions have their own approval forms, others will accept a written / typed letter instead. Please check with the jurisdiction before beginning the permits process.

Site Plan

A sign permit application often requires a site plan to ensure that the proposed signage complies with local zoning laws, safety regulations, and aesthetic guidelines. A site plan is a detailed, scaled drawing that represents the layout of a property. It includes important features such as:

• • Property boundaries: Outlines the exact borders of the property.
  • Existing structures: Depicts buildings, walkways, driveways, and other existing features.
  • Proposed sign location: Shows where the new sign will be placed on the property.
  • Utilities and landscaping: Includes the location of utility lines, landscaping elements, and any other relevant features.
  • Measurements and dimensions: Provides precise measurements to ensure accurate placement.

Why is a Site Plan Required for a Sign Permit?

1. 1. 1. Zoning Compliance:
         • Ensures that the sign placement adheres to local zoning laws, which can dictate where signs can be placed, their size, and their type.
         • Helps in verifying that the sign does not violate height restrictions, setback requirements, or other zoning codes.
      2. Safety Considerations:
         • Assures that the sign placement does not obstruct traffic signs, signals, or pedestrian pathways.
         • Prevents potential hazards by ensuring that the sign is not placed too close to power lines, underground utilities, or other critical infrastructure.
      3. Aesthetic and Community Standards:
         • Helps maintain the visual aesthetics of the area by ensuring that the sign is appropriately sized and placed in relation to other structures.
         • Ensures the sign design and placement align with community standards and local ordinances.
      4. Impact Assessment:
         • Evaluates the potential impact of the sign on neighboring properties, including considerations of visibility, light pollution, and overall neighborhood character.
      5. Clear Communication:
         • Provides a clear visual representation of the proposed project to the reviewing authorities, helping to prevent misunderstandings and facilitating smoother approval processes.
         • Ensures that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the proposal, leading to more efficient review and approval.

Having a site plan as part of the sign permit application helps streamline the approval process by providing all the necessary information upfront, ensuring that the proposed signage complies with all relevant regulations and standards.

Elevation / Drawings

An elevation drawing is a type of architectural drawing that shows one side of a building or structure from a straight-on view. It is a flat representation that illustrates the exterior elements and dimensions without perspective distortion. Here are the key characteristics and purposes of an elevation drawing:

Key Characteristics

1. 1. 1. Orthographic View: An elevation drawing is an orthographic projection, meaning it shows the structure from a straight-on viewpoint, without any perspective.
      2. Detail and Dimensions: It includes detailed measurements, such as heights, widths, and lengths, of the building’s elements.
      3. Exterior Features: It shows exterior features like doors, windows, signage, and architectural details.
      4. Labels and Notes: It often includes labels and notes to identify specific elements and provide additional information, such as materials and finishes.

Types of Elevation Drawings:

1. 1. 1. Front Elevation: Shows the front side of the building.
      2. Side Elevation: Shows the side of the building.
      3. Rear Elevation: Shows the back side of the building.

Why are they required

Elevation drawings are required for a sign permit because they provide a detailed and accurate representation of how the proposed sign will look when installed. These drawings are essential for several reasons:

1. 1. 1. Visual Context: They show the sign’s appearance in relation to the building or structure it will be attached to, helping to assess its visual impact and ensure it is aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the surroundings.
      2. Compliance with Regulations: Elevation drawings help verify that the sign complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations, such as size, height, and placement restrictions.
      3. Safety Assessment: They allow authorities to evaluate the structural integrity and safety of the sign, ensuring it won’t pose a hazard to people or property.
      4. Neighborhood Impact: The drawings can illustrate how the sign will affect neighboring properties, including potential issues like light pollution or obstruction of views.
      5. Accurate Installation: Elevation drawings provide precise measurements and details necessary for the correct installation of the sign, ensuring it is properly aligned and securely mounted.
      6. Review and Approval Process: These drawings are a standard part of the permit application process, enabling planning and zoning officials to review and approve the proposed sign efficiently.

Art Drawings/Renderings (Sign Detail Drawings)

Art drawings are creative representations typically used to convey artistic concepts, designs, and aesthetics. Unlike technical drawings, which focus on precise measurements and construction details, art drawings emphasize visual appeal, composition, and artistic expression. These drawings can range from rough sketches to detailed illustrations.

Art drawings are a crucial part of the sign design and permitting process. They provide a visual and artistic representation of the proposed sign, aiding in design approval, public consultation, and ensuring that the final product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Why Art Drawings are Required for Sign Permits

• • • Visual Representation: Art drawings provide a clear and appealing visual representation of the proposed sign. This helps stakeholders, including clients, designers, and regulatory bodies, to understand the design concept and its intended impact.
    • Design Approval: Regulatory bodies often require art drawings to evaluate the aesthetic aspects of the sign. These drawings help ensure that the sign meets community standards and contributes positively to the visual environment.

Public Consultation: In some cases, art drawings are used in public consultations to gather feedback from the community. A well-presented art drawing can effectively communicate the design to the public and help address any concerns.

Structural Drawings

Structural drawings are detailed diagrams or plans that illustrate the structural aspects of a sign. Structural drawings provide a comprehensive view of how the sign will be built and secured, ensuring it is safe, compliant, and reliable.

Components of Structural Drawings:

1. 1. 1. Dimensions and Materials: They specify the dimensions of the sign and the materials to be used.
      2. Construction Details: They show how the sign will be constructed, including the framework, supports, and any connections or fasteners.
      3. Load Calculations: They provide calculations showing that the sign can withstand various loads, including wind, seismic, and dead loads (the weight of the sign itself).
      4. Foundation Details: They outline the foundation design if the sign is freestanding, including the type of foundation and how it will be anchored.
      5. Compliance with Codes: They ensure that the design complies with local building codes and regulations.

Why Structural Drawings are Required:

1. 1. 1. Safety: Ensuring the sign is structurally sound and won’t collapse or fall, which could cause injury or damage.
      2. Code Compliance: Verifying that the sign meets all local building codes and regulations, which often specify minimum structural requirements.
      3. Permitting Process: Providing the necessary information for the permitting authority to approve the sign permit application.
      4. Professional Verification: Often, these drawings need to be stamped by a licensed structural engineer to verify their accuracy and compliance with safety standards.

Engineer Stamped Structural Drawings

Engineered stamped drawings are technical drawings that have been reviewed, approved, and stamped by a licensed professional engineer. These drawings typically include detailed information about the design, materials, and construction methods to ensure the safety and compliance of a project, such as a sign, with applicable codes and standards. Depending on the jurisdiction and the sign type you may be required by the governing authority to get your structural drawings stamped by an Engineer.

Components of Engineered Stamped Drawings

1. 1. 1. Design Specifications: Detailed descriptions of the dimensions, materials, and construction techniques.
      2. Structural Analysis: Calculations and analyses demonstrating that the design can withstand expected loads and stresses, such as wind or seismic forces.
      3. Compliance Information: Information showing how the design meets local building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards.
      4. Construction Details: Detailed views of connections, fasteners, foundations, and other critical construction elements.

Why Engineered Stamped Drawings are Required:

1. 1. 1. Safety Assurance: Ensures that the structure is safe for use and can withstand various forces and conditions.
      2. Regulatory Compliance: Verifies that the design complies with all relevant local, state, and national codes and standards.
      3. Professional Accountability: The stamp signifies that a licensed professional engineer has reviewed and approved the design, taking responsibility for its accuracy and safety.
      4. Permitting Process: Often required by local authorities to obtain permits for construction or installation, ensuring that the project meets all necessary requirements.

When They are Required:

• • • Complex Designs: For signs with complex designs or unusual structures, detailed drawings are necessary to ensure all structural elements are properly accounted for. Designs that are not standard or involve unique engineering challenges.
    • Structural Projects: Any project involving significant structural elements, such as buildings, bridges, signs, canopies, parapets, etc.
    • Critical Safety Elements: Projects where failure could result in significant harm or damage.
    • Regulatory Mandates: Situations where local building codes or regulations specifically require engineered stamped drawings.
    • Large or Heavy Signs: For signs that are particularly large or heavy, structural drawings are almost always required.
    • Freestanding Signs: Signs that are not attached to buildings and stand alone usually require detailed structural drawings due to the complexities of foundation and wind load considerations.
    • High-Impact Areas: In areas where the sign might be exposed to high winds or seismic activity, structural drawings help ensure the sign can withstand these forces.

Process of Obtaining Engineered Stamped Drawings:

1. 1. 1. Design Preparation: The initial design is created by architects, designers, or engineers.
      2. Engineering Review: A licensed professional engineer reviews the design, performs necessary calculations, and makes any required modifications.
      3. Stamping: The engineer stamps the drawings, indicating their approval and assuming responsibility for the design’s integrity.
      4. Submission: The stamped drawings are submitted to the relevant authorities as part of the permit application process.

Engineered stamped drawings provide a critical level of oversight and verification, ensuring that structures are safe, compliant, and built to last.