Looking to install a sign for your business but don’t want the hassle of dealing with permits? That’s completely fair. The word “permitting” alone can make it sound complicated. The truth is, it’s much less intimidating than it seems, especially when you understand the steps and have someone guiding you through them.
For your reference, this is how we handle the process from start to finish:
STEP 0: Remote Quote
That’s right, with our experience and our handy Google tools, we can do a pretty close estimate for you to help lay out the options right from the beginning!
How you can help!
- Have the landlord requirements ready, usually in your lease.
- Send over your brand logo/guideline
- Start the process of your Occupancy Permit or Interior Alteration Permit! This is a prerequisite for submitting the permit (county/city requirements, not ours!)
- Pay the Survey/Design Deposit to start the process
STEP 1: Real Technical Site Survey
This is typically scheduled within a few days. We come out to your location, take measurements, review the building conditions and talk through your design ideas and budget so we’re aligned early on. If landlord criteria apply, we gather that at this stage.
How you can help!
- We will need access to the interior to check out the electrical situation to make sure things are ready for installation. Occasionally the power is controlled remotely (not in your space) by the property manager, we can ask in advance!
STEP 2: Customer Mock Up and Pricing Lock
Typically takes about a week from the site survey. We create a design for your approval and provide pricing. With two revisions included. At this point, a 50% deposit on the order is required to move forward with design.
STEP 3: Permit Mock Up for Landlord Approval
This is a revised layout specifically formatted for landlord review and the permit application. Also known as a “shop drawing” or “manufacturing detail.” Some counties require specific forms or documentation, and we coordinate that as needed. Most jurisdictions in our area require either a non-RUP, occupancy permit, or commercial alteration permit.
How you can help!
- Include us in emails to the property manager and we’ll help friendly “ping” to make sure you get this approval in writing in a timely manner! One more thing off your list!
STEP 4: Submission of Permit Application
Once landlord approval is secure, and we have the Occupancy Permit or Alteration Permit number, we will submit the sign permit application and other documentation to the respective county or city.
STEP 5: County Pre-Review
The county will then conduct a pre-review, which typically takes about three days. This is simply to confirm that the application is complete.
STEP 6: Fees
After pre-review, we pay the county fees. These fees are added to the “Permit” line item on your invoice, and vary by jurisdiction.
STEP 7: Formal Review
Then comes the formal county review, which can vary based on jurisdiction! We keep you updated on the latest timeline estimates, from as short as a few days to around 6 weeks! During this time, the county reviews structural, electrical and zoning compliance.
STEP 8: Production Time!
Once the permit is approved, we begin manufacturing, which generally takes about four to six weeks.
STEP 9: Installation
After fabrication is complete, installation is scheduled. At this time, any remaining balance not already paid is due to secure your spot on the installation calendar.
STEP 10: County Inspection
Finally, the county conducts the final inspection, and your new sign is complete!
From start to finish, you’re typically looking at the whole process taking 4 to 12 weeks. Most of that time is simply waiting on approvals. We manage each step, keep you updated and make sure everything moves in the right order.
If permits have been the reason you’ve been hesitant to start your signage, we hope this gives you clarity. It’s a structured process and we’re here to walk you through it.