newyorksign

Outdoor Signs in New York City

According to the New York City Zoning Resolution, a "sign" is any writing (including letter, word or numeral), pictorial representation (including illustration or decoration), emblem (including device, symbol or trademark), flag (including banner or pennant), or any other figure of similar character that is:
1. Attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on a building or other structure;
2. Used to announce, direct attention to, or advertise; and
3. Visible from outside a building.
For example, an awning that depicts writing (such as the name of a company) is considered a sign.

Signs are subject to the city's Building Codes and must also comply with its Zoning Resolution (i.e. advertisement signs are prohibited in residential zoning districts).
In order to construct or erect a sign, you must first obtain a permit. A permit may be applied for at the Department of Buildings Borough office in the borough where the sign will be located. A licensed architect or engineer must submit plans to the Department of Buildings before an application for construction of a sign can be approved.
Illuminated signs require an additional Illuminated Sign Permit that must be renewed annually. An illuminated sign permit may be applied for at the Department of Buildings Borough office in the borough where the illuminated sign will be displayed.

What is a storefront sign?

A storefront sign is typically a commercial sign, which according to the NYC Zoning Resolution is defined as "Any writing (letter, word, numeral), pictorial representation (illustration/decoration), emblem (device, symbol, trademark), flag (pennant, banner), or any similar figure that is • a structure, or is attached to, painted on or represented on any structure; • used to announce, direct attention to or advertise; • visible from outside a building or within a building when illuminated and located in a window."

A storefront sign has different requirements from advertising signs, which refer to goods and services sold at another location, i.e., a Coca-Cola billboard in Times Square. In addition, advertising signs are not permitted in certain areas.

Zoning Rules & Regulations

    Many aspects of a sign (height, size, illumination etc.) are governed by its zoning district and location. In New York City, there are three types of zoning districts:
                                                                  • residential
                                                                  • commercial
                                                                  • manufacturing
    Each district has different rules and regulations when it comes to signs. For example, Times Square has unique sign requirements (big, bold and bright) that do not apply anywhere else. Residential districts have the most restrictive sign regulations.

Signs that do not require a permit

Non-illuminated signs that are six (6) square feet in total area or less, or those that are painted on an exterior wall, do not need a permit, but they must comply with the local zoning regulations for signs.

Sign permits, requirements and fees

Signs greater than six (6) square feet in total area must be approved by DOB, and comply with the local zoning regulations for signs. A registered architect, licensed engineer, or in some instances, a licensed sign hanger, must submit plans. Certain Permit fees will apply to DOB that are based on the percentage of the estimated cost of the job.
Basically an awning and a non-illuminated sign permit broker fee is $750.00, an illuminated sign permit broker fee is $750.00 plus an electrical application and inspection fee $800.00 = $1550.00, cross walkway DOT canopy permit is $1100.00, owner's insurance certificate required by DOT.

Sign violations

Sign violations will be issued when signs have been erected or during erecting without a valid current DOB work permit. If you have received a violation or multiple violations, please contact New York Sign: mike@nysign.com, or you can call 1-718-358-5005 for help.

Sign electrical inspection and electrical violation

Illuminated signs need comply with New York City electrical codes, and also need pass NYC electrical inspection. Inspection can be considered as SHOP or FIELD inspection. If you can not find a electrical inspection tag on your sign, you should consider an electrical violation will be issued by an electrical inspector sooner or later. If you have received a violation or multiple violations, please contact New York Sign: mike@nysign.com, or you can call 718 358 5005 for help.

Checklist

-Permit for awning
-Permit for non-illuminated sign
-Permit for illuminated sign
-Electrical permit application
-Electrical inspection
-Electrical tag.

To Know How To Resolve The Violations By click

Sign regulations are complicated. We suggest the following: Consult with a registered architect, licensed engineer or licensed sign hanger. Email Mike @ mike@nysign.com

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