PERMITTING

Don’t take it up on yourself to guess and hope that the sign or graphics you are doing are within the local guidelines. Zoning regulations and codified ordinances continue to become more strict every year. Virtually all major municipalities in central Ohio view exterior commercial signs, including window graphics, as subject to their local zoning and code regulations. Simply put, if you have a sign or graphic conveying a commercial message, they have a say in how big it can be, how and where it can be displayed, etc. Some even have limitations on colors and types of materials that can and can’t be used in the sign’s construction. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with your local zoning office or a commercial property review board, you know how confusing, time consuming and often frustrating this process can be. Prosign Studio can help guide you thru the red tape of sign permitting with our experience as we work or have worked with many central Ohio areas and are familiar with their requirements.

A sign permit is almost always necessary for any exterior sign, regardless if it is new or updated. Most municipalities alter or change their sign code frequently, sometimes updates happen mulitple times through the year. Many of them require a licensed sign contractor to do the work, so trying to deal with the permit process on your own can often be frustrating and time consuming. Prosign Studio is here to help navigate the sign permit process.

WHO…WHAT…WHERE…WHEN?

STEP 1: WHO…Who is the sign for?
Most commercial businesses and organizations all fall under the same restrictions within the same city. However,
sometimes there are different rules or guidelines for places like schools, churches, farms or other agricultural
organizations. In order to research the requirements for your sign, we need your business or organization name,
and the name of the property and/or building owner, especially if you are renting/leasing.

 

STEP 2: WHAT…What kind of sign do you want or need?
There are many classifications of signs; Ground mount, wall mount, pole mount, lighted or non-lit, internally
illuminated or externally illuminated, etc… Most larger towns and cities have a well-defined sign code to determine
what kind of sign is or is not allowed. Look around at other signs in your area and see if you can an example
you like – if you can’t an example, this can be an indication that type of sign may not be allowed in your area.
Also, “what size “ is also very important as most towns have limitations on size or square footage of the sign.

 

STEP 3: WHERE…Where will the sign be installed?
The address of where the sign needs to go is perhaps the most important piece of information we require to get
started. Every city has a different sign code with rules and restrictions that must be followed. Often times the
city has different regulations that allow certain kinds of signs in one area, but not in another. Placement is another
concern we have to research. Is it near the road, up high, extending o the building, etc. Sometimes, we may
a particular type of sign is allowable on the back or side of the building, but not on the front. Knowing the exact
address and other details allows us to make sure what we recommend will work for your location.

 

STEP 4: WHEN…When does the sign need to be completed, and is there enough time to get it all done?
It never fails, someone says their new business opens next week but they still need to get a sign up. Most times,
we tell our customers that permits can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks, but sometimes more depending on which
municipality we have to deal with. We have had some permits that require months to get approved based on
where the permit is being pulled and what all is involved. Then, and only then, can we proceed with actual
fabrication or building the sign.

In closing, most of the larger cities in Central Ohio have very detailed sign code(s) that clearly define the type(s) of
signs that are allowed and also help minimize liability to themselves. As such, more work and responsibility falls
on the shoulders of the sign maker to ensure the sign is designed correctly, and is allowed at the location requested.
Prosign Studio offers professional consulation and will help you get your sign approved and ready to install.