Let our expert staff handle your signage permit needs with our Permit Expediting service. Our team assists with sign code research, licensing, forms, follow ups and all the processes to obtain your permit. Leave the paperwork to us, so you can focus on your customers.
According to the NYC Administrative Code 26-182, all signs within New York City, spanning across its 5 boroughs, must be installed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed NYC Sign Hanger. The code (§ 26-182 and § 28-415.1) mandates that hanging or attaching any sign on the exterior of a building within the city must be conducted by, or under the guidance of, an individual licensed as a sign hanger as per the regulations outlined in section 26-131 of this subchapter
Regrettably, we solely aid NYC Licensed Sign Hanger Contractors in obtaining sign permits. We don’t permit other companies to use our license for their own sign installations.
SURFACE AREA
ZONING CODE 12-10
The “surface Area” of a sign shall be the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any material of color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such Sign, from the background against which it is placed. The supports or uprights on which such sign is supported shall not be included in determining the #Surface Area# of a #sign#
When two signs of the same shape and dimensions are mounted or displayed back-to-back and parallel on a single free-standing structural frame, only one of such signs shall be included in computing the total surface area of the two signs.
For the purpose of determining permitted surface area of signs for zoning lots occupied by more than one establishment, any portion of such zoning lot occupied by a building or part of a building accommodating one or more establishments on the ground floor may be considered as a separate zoning lot.
When a double-faced sign projects from the wall of a building, and its two sides are located not more than 28 inches apart at the widest point and not more than 18 inches apart at the narrowest point, and display identical writing or other representation, the surface area shall include only one of the sides. Any additional side of a multi-faced sign shall be considered as a separate sign for purposes of computing the total surface area of the sign.
TOTAL SURFACE AREA The Total surface area of all permitted signs, including Illuminated and Non-Illuminated signs Shall NOT Exceed the Limitation established for Non-Illuminated signs.
If the sign is illuminated and extends beyond the building line, an annual illuminated sign permit may also be required. Illuminated sign permits must be renewed annually and owners will be automatically billed.
NYC code, only Licensed Electrician are allowed to connect, disconnect or service an electric sign.
600.6 Disconnects
Each sign and outline lighting system, feeder conductors, or branch circuits supplying a sign, outline lighting system, or skeleton tubing shall be controlled by an externally operable switch or circuit breaker that opens
all ungrounded conductors and controls no other load.
The disconnecting means shall be accessible and located in accordance with 600.6(A)(1), 600.6(A)(2), or 600.6(A)(3). If the disconnecting means is remote from the sign it controls, it shall comply with 600.6(A)(4).
(2) Within Sight of the Sign
The disconnecting means shall be within sight of the sign or outline lighting system that it controls. Where the disconnecting means is out of the line of sight from any section that is able to be energized, the disconnecting
means shall be lockable in accordance with 110.25. A permanent field-applied marking identifying the location of the disconnecting means shall be applied to the sign in a location visible during servicing.
(3) Within Sight of the Controller
The following shall apply for signs or outline lighting systems operated by electronic or electromechanical controllers located external to the sign or outline lighting system:
Exception: Where the disconnecting means is not located within sight of the controller, a permanent field-applied marking identifying the location of the disconnecting means shall be applied to the controller in a location visible
during servicing.
(4) Remote Location
The disconnecting means, if located remote from the sign, sign body, or pole, shall be mounted at an accessible location available to first responders and service personnel. The location of the disconnect shall be marked with a
label at the sign location and marked as the disconnect for the sign or outline lighting system.
Construction Code §28-105.1 requires Department permits for SIGN displays and installations.
A Sign permit must be filed for the copy, text or image to be displayed. This is filed through DOB NOW: Build. If the sign is attached to a structure and not directly placed on the wall or façade of a building, then an Alteration permit (ALT) for the structure must be filed with the Department office for the borough in which the sign is located.
SIGN: 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:
Almost every sign requires sign permits except
Banners over 75 sq. with a structure to support/attach the temp banner requires a structural permit for the attachment system.
Any Illuminated proposed sign requiring an electrical connection must have a separate work permit to install it. This permit is filed by a licensed electrician through DOB NOW: Build.
Except cord-connected signs with an attachment plug.
In short, every time you need to do Electric work, except cord-connected sign designed with an attachment plug.
ELECTRICAL WORK: The installation, alteration, maintenance, or repair of electric wires and wiring apparatus and other appliances used or to be used for the transmission of electricity for electric light, heat, power, signaling, communication, alarm or data transmission
NYC requires ALL illuminated signs be inspected by a NYC Electrical Inspector and the city offers 2 types of inspections, SHOP INSPECTION and FIELD INSPECTIONS.
Electrical Shop Inspection:
This Inspection is performed PRIOR to installation at our Bronx warehouse Located at 1177 east 178th st Bronx NY to have your sign Inspected by a city inspector at our shop, Inspector focuses only on the sign, making sure its properly manufactured, it has UL labels, draining holes, disconnect switches, and proper grounding.
and If everything is good, the sign gets an inspection labeled, and no other inspection is needed in the future.
PROS • Inspection appointment is received within a 3-4 days. • We can get multiple signs inspected the same day. • Existing electrical conditions, or violations on the property will not affect the outcome. • 99% of signs will pass on the first inspection attempt.
| CONS • Signs must arrive to our shop 2 weeks before scheduled install to allow time to schedule the inspection.
• Not ideal for large signs that require complex logistics to transport. |
Field Inspection
Once sign is installed & final connection is complete. We get an appointment with Dept of Buildings, this is a thorough inspection, where they check the sign and the power feed from breaker panel to the sign to make sure circuit is dedicated among many other things.
Field inspections are very time consuming, we must arrive at least 1 hour prior to inspection to set up the truck or lift and have sign open before inspector arrives. the inspection can take 1 hour or more depending on how many signs, If the sign is high or hard to reach, then specialty equipment may also be required and added to the inspection quote.
Additionally, if we fail the inspection or it gets canceled due to the weather, or any other unrelated issue, the project will be subject to a re-inspection fee to go back and complete the inspection.
Therefore, when choosing field inspection, we suggest performing a pre-inspection visit to the site to verify that the store is open, we have access to the electrical room, make sure breaker panel is up to code, and all the electrical work onsite is compliant to avoid failure during actual inspection.
PROS • Ideal for very large signs. • If time is of the essence and fast turnaround for install is required. | CONS • You can fail for onsite issues, such as Inadequate access to breaker panel or site not ready for inspection. • Inspection may get canceled due to bad weather or if the inspector is delayed, even if we are Onsite. • Existing electrical violations on site unrelated to the sign, can hinder the inspection.
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If a larger or special bucket truck or lift is required to reach the sign during a Field Inspection, it will be discussed with customer and billed extra.
Email us at quotes@cadsigns.net or fill out this form and we will contact you ASAP.