Sign Permitting

Most business signs in Los Angeles need a permit before they can be installed, and a rejected or stalled permit is the most common reason sign projects fall behind schedule. Sign Spot handles the entire sign permitting process for you: drawings, applications, landlord approvals, city corrections, and final sign-off. You focus on opening your business. We deal with the city.

What Our Sign Permitting Service Includes

• Permit assessment. We identify which permits and approvals your sign needs, based on your city, zoning, and sign type.
• Permit drawings. Dimensioned drawings, site plans, and elevations showing your sign's size, placement, and mounting.
• Engineering and electrical documentation. Structural calculations and electrical specs for larger or illuminated signs when required.
• Landlord and property manager approval. We submit your design against your lease's sign criteria and handle revisions.
• Application submission. We file with the city and track your permit through review.
• Corrections. If the city requests changes, we revise and resubmit.
• Final inspection. We coordinate inspections after installation so your sign is fully signed off.

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Do You Need a Permit for Your Business Sign?

In most cases, yes. Permits are typically required for:

• Permanent exterior signs: wall signs, channel letters, monument signs, pylon signs, and projecting or blade signs
• Illuminated signs: these usually need an electrical permit in addition to the sign permit
• Sign replacements: in many cases, even when you're replacing an existing sign

Some window graphics and temporary signs may be exempt or have simpler rules, depending on the city and how much of the window they cover. Requirements vary from city to city, which is why we check your specific location during the site survey.

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How the Sign Permit Process Works

1. Site Survey and Code Review

We measure your storefront and review the sign code, zoning, and any special district rules that apply to your address.

2. Design to Code

Your sign design is sized and placed to meet city code and landlord criteria from the start, which is the best way to avoid rejections.

3. Landlord Approval

We submit your design to your landlord or property manager and handle any requested changes.

4. City Submission and Review

We prepare and file your permit application, then manage plan check comments and corrections.

5. Permit Issued, Sign Installed

Once approved, we move into fabrication and [installation], then coordinate the final inspection.

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Why Sign Permits Get Delayed

Most permit delays are avoidable. The most common causes:

• Oversized signs. Signs larger than your frontage allows under code.
• Missing landlord approval. Many cities won't process a permit without owner authorization.
• Incomplete drawings. Missing dimensions, mounting details, or electrical specs.
• Special zoning rules. Some areas have additional sign restrictions, such as specific plan areas or historic districts.
• Unlicensed contractors. Permits in California generally require a licensed contractor.

Sign Spot is a licensed California sign contractor (CSLB #1080621), and we catch these issues before submission.

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Cities We Handle Sign Permits In

We manage sign permits throughout Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and surrounding cities. Each city has its own sign code and review process, and we know what each one expects.

Opening multiple locations? Our multi-location sign programs coordinate permits across every city in your rollout.

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Sign Permit FAQs

How long does a sign permit take in Los Angeles?

Timelines vary by city and project. Simple sign permits can be approved in 4-6 weeks, while signs that need plan check, engineering, or special zoning review can take 2–6 months. We'll give you a realistic estimate after the site survey.

How much does a sign permit cost?

City permit fees depend on the sign's size, type, and value, plus any electrical or plan check fees. We include estimated permit costs in your quote so there are no surprises.

Can I install a sign without a permit?

Installing a sign that requires a permit without one can lead to fines, forced removal, or problems with your landlord and insurance. It's not worth the risk.

Do I need landlord approval for my sign?

Almost always. Most commercial leases include sign criteria, and many cities require owner authorization before issuing a permit. We handle the landlord approval process for you.

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Let Us Handle the Permits

Tell us about your location and we'll tell you exactly what permits your sign needs.