Commercial Sign Permitting & Code Compliance

Permitting, Code Research & Site Coordination Nationwide

Thomas Sign coordinates code research, site surveys, permitting, engineering requirements, landlord approvals, and variances for commercial signage projects nationwide.

From the initial site review through permit approval and installation, our team helps identify local requirements early and coordinates the documentation needed to keep signage projects moving.

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Navigate Sign Codes, Permits & Approvals

Sign requirements can vary significantly by municipality, property, zoning district, and sign type. Requirements may affect sign size, height, placement, illumination, setbacks, engineering, electrical work, and installation.

Thomas Sign coordinates these requirements as part of the overall signage program, connecting code research, surveys, permitting, project management, manufacturing, and installation through one team.

For multi-location programs, this centralized approach helps maintain consistent project standards while addressing the requirements of each individual jurisdiction and site.

Commercial Sign Permitting Services

Code Research

We research applicable sign codes and zoning requirements to identify signage limitations and permitting requirements early in the project.

Code research may include sign size and height allowances, setbacks, placement, illumination, zoning requirements, engineering requirements, electrical permits, inspections, and other jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Site Surveys

Accurate site information is essential to design, manufacture, permit, and install commercial signage.

Thomas Sign coordinates site surveys to document existing signage, building conditions, dimensions, mounting surfaces, electrical access, installation access, equipment requirements, and other site-specific conditions.

Survey documentation can include measurements, photographs, existing sign conditions, building construction, and information needed for design and installation planning.

Permit Coordination

Our permitting team coordinates the documentation and activities required to move signage through the municipal permitting process.

Depending on the project and jurisdiction, this may include permit application packages, required drawings and documents, corrections or resubmittals, permit tracking, fees, approvals, and inspection coordination.

Engineering Coordination

Some signs and jurisdictions require engineered drawings or additional structural documentation before a permit can be issued.

Thomas Sign coordinates engineering requirements and engineered or sealed drawings when required as part of the permitting and project process.

From Site Investigation to Permit Approval

A Coordinated Process

1. Code Research
We identify the applicable jurisdiction, zoning, sign requirements, restrictions, and permitting requirements for the location.

2. Site Survey
Site conditions are documented through measurements, photographs, existing-sign information, building conditions, access requirements, and other project-specific information.

3. Design & Engineering
Signage is developed around the approved brand standards, site conditions, applicable sign codes, and structural requirements. Engineering documentation is coordinated when required.

4. Permitting & Approvals
Permit documentation is assembled and coordinated with the applicable municipality. Required landlord approvals, corrections, additional documentation, or variance requests are addressed as applicable.

5. Installation & Closeout
After approvals are obtained and manufacturing is complete, installation is coordinated to the approved project requirements. Required completion documentation and inspections are coordinated through project closeout.

Detailed Site Surveys for Commercial Signage

A signage survey involves more than measuring the available space.

Thomas Sign uses site information to help identify conditions that can affect design, permitting, manufacturing, and installation before work reaches the field.

Building & Sign Conditions

Document existing signs, mounting conditions, wall construction, available sign areas, dimensions, and surrounding conditions.

Electrical Conditions

Identify electrical access, penetration locations, existing illumination conditions, and potential electrical requirements.

Installation Access

Evaluate site access, traffic considerations, installation height, equipment requirements, and potential installation obstacles.

Photo Documentation

Capture site, elevation, sign, mounting, and condition photographs to support project planning and documentation.

Multi-Location Code & Permitting Coordination

Managing signage across multiple jurisdictions adds another layer of complexity to a national or regional signage program.

Different locations may have different zoning classifications, sign allowances, approval processes, engineering requirements, architectural review requirements, and permitting timelines.

Thomas Sign coordinates site-specific requirements within the larger signage program so project managers, permitting personnel, manufacturing, and installation teams can work from the appropriate approved requirements for each location.

Landlord Approvals & Variances

Additional Approvals When a Standard Permit Isn’t Enough

Some signage projects require approvals beyond a standard municipal permit.

Thomas Sign has experience coordinating landlord approval packages and supporting variance requests when proposed signage cannot be accomplished within standard code requirements.

Landlord Approvals

We can coordinate signage documentation required for landlord or property-management review, including proposed sign information and approval documentation.

Variance Support

When appropriate and authorized by the customer, Thomas Sign can assist with researching, preparing, and coordinating variance requests.

Permitting Integrated With Project Management

Permitting is not treated as a stand-alone activity.

Permit requirements, approvals, corrections, and project milestones are coordinated with the Thomas Sign project management process so the information needed by design, manufacturing, and installation remains connected throughout the project.

This becomes particularly important for multi-location programs where different sites may move through approvals at different times.

Proven Multi-Location Process

1,000+
Locations Permitted Annually

Nationwide
Code & Permit Coordination

Multi-Location
Survey & Site Documentation

Centralized
Project Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thomas Sign handle sign permits?

Yes. Thomas Sign coordinates permitting for commercial signage projects, including permit documentation, municipal requirements, corrections, approvals, and applicable inspections.

Do you research local sign codes?

Yes. Code research helps identify applicable zoning and signage requirements before signs move through design, permitting, manufacturing, and installation.

Do you provide site surveys?

Yes. Thomas Sign coordinates commercial signage surveys to document site conditions, dimensions, existing signs, installation requirements, photographs, and other information required for project planning.

Can you coordinate permitting for multiple locations?

Yes. Thomas Sign coordinates signage projects nationwide and can manage code and permitting requirements across multiple locations and jurisdictions.

Do you provide engineering for signs?

Thomas Sign coordinates engineering and engineered or sealed drawings when required by the project or permitting jurisdiction.

Can you help with landlord approvals?

Yes. When required, Thomas Sign can coordinate signage documentation and approval packages for landlord or property-management review.

Does Thomas Sign handle sign variances?

When appropriate and authorized by the customer, Thomas Sign can assist with researching, preparing, and coordinating variance requests.

Are sign permit requirements the same everywhere?

No. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and may also depend on zoning, property restrictions, sign type, size, placement, illumination, structural requirements, and other site-specific conditions.

Ready to Start Your Sign Project?

Start With the Requirements

Whether you’re planning signage for one location or coordinating a multi-location program, Thomas Sign can help identify site and permitting requirements and coordinate the project from initial research through manufacturing and installation.

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