Permitting & Regulations for Multi-Site Signage
When your company is expanding to multiple locations, signage permitting can be one of the unexpected roadblocks that delay openings and blow budgets.
With different regulations in every jurisdiction, what works in one location may not work in another. For instance, a zoning requirement in your town may require signs to be smaller than what is allowed in a nearby city – so your design needs just multiplied.
Or a city council may require a specific signage size to fit in with the aesthetic of a historic district – which you may not have thought about when you hired that marketing team to create your signage branding.
At Atlas Sign Industries, we’ve been helping national brands navigate these permitting complexities for over 30 years. It’s more than just knowing the permitting details – it’s about identifying the potential pitfalls you might encounter before they become a bigger problem.
Don’t let signage permitting slow down your branding and operations. Trust Atlas Sign Industries to help you manage all aspects of the permitting process – and fast.
Why Is Permitting So Hard?
The permitting process varies dramatically by location, so you can’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach to multi-site signage. Each municipality has its own sign code, often with conflicting requirements for size, height, illumination, and placement.
Even within the same city, zoning districts can have vastly different regulations. What’s allowed in a commercial corridor might be prohibited just blocks away in a historic district or residential-adjacent zone.
This patchwork of regulations creates big challenges for brands trying to achieve consistency across their locations – and without taking the time to know what to look for in each instance, you could quickly run into trouble.
Regional Variations in Permitting
Handling your multi-site sign permitting starts by understanding how requirements vary by region across the country – and it’s true, different parts of the country have varying requirements based on more than you might expect!
East Coast
East Coast cities have stricter historical preservation requirements and smaller size limitations.
Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Charleston have rigorous architectural standards that can restrict even basic signage elements. In these areas, variances and special approvals are often required to achieve brand consistency.
West Coast
Many West Coast municipalities place more emphasis on environmental factors and energy efficiency.
LED brightness limits, dark-sky compliance, and even restrictions on certain materials are common in California, Oregon, and Washington. Brands must often adapt their standard signs to meet sustainability requirements specific to these areas.
Midwest and Southern States
While often thought to have fewer regulations, Midwest and Southern states can still present challenges with local ordinances. Billboard-style signage, monument signs, and electronic message centers often face different regulations that impact visibility and brand presence.
The Hidden Obstacles in Multi-Site Implementation
Beyond the basic regulatory differences, multi-location sign permitting has several hidden challenges that can compound existing permitting issues.
Landlord Requirements vs. Municipal Codes
Shopping centers, malls and mixed-use developments often have their own signage requirements in addition to municipal codes. These landlord requirements can be more restrictive than city codes, creating a dual approval process that complicates implementation.
Shifting Interpretations
Even with identical regulations, different permit reviewers may interpret code requirements differently.
What passes inspection in one city might be rejected in another despitethe same written standards. These inconsistencies make it hard to predict outcomes across multiple locations.
Time Variations
Permit processing time can take days to months, depending on the jurisdiction. Some municipalities issue permits over the counter, while others require planning commission or architectural review board approvals that meet infrequently.
This can make scheduling installations and coordinating grand openings challenging as you wait for one jurisdiction to act while trying to get your signage updated and ready.
Atlas Makes Multi-Site Permitting Easier
We know the struggles of permitting because we’ve been in the commercial signage business for decades. We’ve seen the changes and have developed a systematic approach to managing permitting for national brands:
Centralized Permitting Department
We have in-house permitting specialists who stay up-to-date on regulations across the country. This centralized expertise allows us to anticipate requirements before they become obstacles, saving time and preventing costly redesigns.
Early Compliance Review
We research code during the initial design phase rather than after manufacturing. This proactive approach ensures designs meet local requirements before they go into production, eliminating redesigns and delays.
Extensive Relationship Network
Over 30 years, we have built relationships with permit officials nationwide. These connections help us navigate the unwritten rules of local authorities and provide insights that aren’t found in the code.
Variance Expertise
When brand standards conflict with local requirements, our team has extensive experience in securing variances and exceptions. We prepare comprehensive presentations that help approval boards understand the importance of brand consistency while addressing their concerns.
Permitting FAQs
How long does the permitting process take for a national rollout?
Permitting time varies by location, from 2-3 days to 6+ months. For national rollouts, we recommend 60-90 days for the permitting phase to account for the most restrictive jurisdictions while producing faster-approval locations.
Can we use the same signs across all our locations?
While brand consistency is a top priority, adaptation is usually needed to meet local requirements. Our approach focuses on maintaining your brand’s key visual elements while making targeted modifications to meet local codes. Often, these adaptations are subtle enough that customers won’t notice the difference.
How do we handle special districts and historic areas?
Special districts require special treatment. We reach out to review boards early, prepare renderings, and sometimes develop district-specific versions of your standard signage that honor your brand and the area. In some cases we’ll pursue variances when standard designs get rejected.
What documents are required for sign permits?
Most jurisdictions require site plans, sign drawings with dimensions, structural details, electrical plans and property owner authorization. Some locations also require renderings, illumination specs and engineering stamps. Our permitting team prepares comprehensive submission packages for each location.
Let’s Make Signage Permitting A Breeze
Permitting shouldn’t be a core reason why your business delays its operations. With Atlas Sign Industries handling your permitting process, you can avoid the delays, frustration,s and inconsistencies that plague multi-site implementations.
Our approach simplifies permitting from coast to coast so your brand stays consistent while meeting all local requirements. When permitting becomes a roadblock, we’re here to step in and keep things simple and clear along the way.
Ready to simplify your multi-location signage permitting? Contact Atlas today to learn how our team can help you navigate the regulatory landscape and get your brand implemented faster.