Sign Surveying and Permitting

Make Sure Your Signage Is Compliant with Local Laws

Did you know that there are laws, codes, and regulations regarding signage? These laws could affect what signs and graphics you can display – and where you can display them. For example, traffic sign regulations on private property open to public travel need to adhere to certain parameters.

If you own a business with a parking lot, it’s important that you have the proper signage and it adheres to codes. At FASTSIGNS®, we can make sure your signs are up-to-date and compliant. Our specialists will perform accurate surveys and procure the permits to ensure your signage is in full compliance. We’ll handle all these tedious details so that you can focus on running your business.

The following types of properties must comply with local laws and regulations:

Hotels
Apartment complexes
Hospitals
Shopping centers
Restaurants

If a property doesn’t have the appropriate signage and an accident occurs on the premises, the property owner could be held liable. The FASTSIGNS team has experience obtaining the correct permits.

In addition to surveying and permitting, the FASTSIGNS team offers*:

Permit & Surveying Solutions for Signage Projects

At FASTSIGNS, we understand the regulatory requirements of sign production and installation can be confusing. That’s why our team is highly experienced in surveying for signs and obtaining necessary permits to ensure your signage projects are done efficiently and safely. Our surveyors take all local regulations into account when assessing any project proposal so that there won’t be surprises during implementation.

Furthermore, our crew will actively handle interactions with zoning boards or other government agencies while minimizing disruption to existing operations such as traffic patterns at construction sites or retail centers after a new digital billboard has been installed by us based on appropriate research data analysis and surveys conducted beforehand processing installations without run-ins from preventable permit issues after it’s too late preventing you extra cost down the road due to unforeseen delays which ultimately save you money!

Surveying and Permitting

What is sign surveying and permitting service?

Sign surveying and permitting service includes mapping out the best spot for a sign installation, evaluating local regulations and obtaining essential permits to make sure the installed signage meets all city codes or regulations.

Why do I need a permit for my business sign?

Most cities require permits before installing exterior signs since they can affect public safety and aesthetics. Permitting ensures that your signage follows all municipal rules related to size, location, lighting, etc., preventing legal complications later on.

How long does it take to get a permit for my signage?

The process of obtaining a permit may vary based on your locality's requirements. It could range from few days to several weeks. Our team will work diligently with the local authorities to expedite this process as much as possible.

Find High-Quality Commercial Signage Services with FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS is the leading sign maker near you that provides premier commercial signage services. Whether you are looking for a custom-made design, installation or maintenance of your signs, FASTSIGNS has the expertise and resources to meet all your needs. We understand that each project requires careful consideration and planning before beginning. That’s why we offer our customers comprehensive survey permitting for their signs to ensure that they meet local regulations and requirements.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. does not perform or offer to perform electrical sign work in any state. All FASTSIGNS centers are independently owned and operated. It is the responsibility of each FASTSIGNS center to comply with the licensing and regulation code requirements regarding electrical work and sign installation in their city, county, and/or state.

*Products and services may vary by location. Please reach out to your local FASTSIGNS center for more information.

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Together, Anything Is Possible

“You walk around, and you see all of these things telling that story, and it's just joy.”

Buddy Williams Owner, FASTSIGNS DTC
“It brings me confidence to know that FASTSIGNS is there to help, no matter what the need is.”

Judy Flynn Owner/Founder, The Fresh Monkee
“I'm always happy to choose FASTSIGNS for any of the projects we do in the school district. I have their phone number memorized - that's how often I reach out to them.”

Brianna Vela Garcia Director of Media and Public Relations, Harlingen CISD
“Once we started working with FASTSIGNS, we found that the possibilities were endless.”

Glenn President, Design Services | Commercial Retail

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Survey and Permitting FAQs

A sign surveying and permitting service is a critical foundational step in commercial sign installation. It involves evaluating a physical property, mapping out optimal visibility locations, verifying structural support, and auditing local municipal codes to secure the necessary legal approvals.
Failing to conduct a professional site survey or skipping the permitting stage can result in hefty city fines, forced signage removal, or legal liability. At FASTSIGNS, our comprehensive surveying service ensures your exterior business signs are structurally sound, strategically positioned for maximum traffic impact, and fully compliant with local zoning laws.
Most municipal governments require a commercial sign permit for exterior installations to protect public safety, ensure structural integrity, and maintain community aesthetic standards.
Zoning laws and city codes strictly regulate sign dimensions, placement height, illumination levels (such as LED brightness), and wind-load resistance. Obtaining an official permit guarantees that your architectural signs or storefront graphics adhere to these local regulations, preventing costly legal complications, property code violations, and forced modifications down the road.
The timeline to secure a business sign permit varies significantly depending on your local jurisdiction, zoning district restrictions, and the complexity of the signage design. The process typically ranges from a few business days for simple graphics to several weeks for large-format, illuminated, or freestanding monument signs that require local zoning board reviews.
The FASTSIGNS project management team accelerates this timeline by preparing precision-engineered blueprints, compiling accurate site photos, and working directly with local code enforcement officers to streamline the approval process.
All commercial, public, and multi-family residential properties must adhere to strict local signage laws, structural building codes, and federal accessibility standards. Compliance is especially vital for:
- Hospitality & Medical Facilities: Hotels, resorts, and hospitals requiring clear emergency routing and visible code enforcement signage.
- Multi-Family Housing: Apartment complexes and condominium communities needing compliant property boundaries and traffic control markers.
- Retail & Dining Establishments: Shopping centers, strip malls, and restaurants balancing brand visibility with local municipal size limits.
Ensuring compliance is also a major liability shield; if proper safety, traffic, or ADA-compliant signage is missing and an accident occurs on the premises, the property owner can be held liable.
At FASTSIGNS, we manage the entire regulatory lifecycle of your visual communication strategy so you can focus on running your business. Our local experts conduct detailed on-site surveys, take precise structural measurements, analyze setback requirements, and cross-reference your concepts with current municipal codes.
We then compile all necessary engineering documents, complete the complex paperwork, and file for the exact zoning permits your property requires. From initial blueprint auditing to the final physical installation, we ensure your project is 100% legal, safe, and up to code.

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