Who Can Install Storefront Signs? Understanding The Law

Storefront signs are crucial for businesses to attract customers and build their brand. However, installing a storefront sign is not as simple as putting up any sign you want. There are legal and design limitations that business owners must consider. Local laws and building codes may dictate the number, placement, and appearance of signs, and in some cases, permits or licensed professionals are required for installation. Design limitations include the space available and potential illumination, which can impact the size and materials used for the sign. To ensure compliance with regulations and create an effective sign, business owners should be aware of the legal requirements and design best practices for storefront signage.

Local laws and zoning rules

Zoning Regulations: The zoning classification of an area, such as residential, commercial, or manufacturing districts, dictates the types of signs permitted. For example, the NYC Zoning Resolution bans advertising signs in residential areas while allowing limited accessory signage. Similarly, specific commercial zones in New York City, such as C6-5, C6-7, C7, and C8, have distinct regulations for advertising and accessory signs.

Sign Placement and Number: Local laws may dictate the number of signs allowed on a storefront and their placement. For instance, some business complexes restrict stores to a single storefront sign, while corner spaces may be permitted to display signs on multiple sides.

Sign Design and Size: The design and size of storefront signs are often subject to local regulations. Some cities and property management firms require prior approval of sign design, including the size of letters and the number of rows of text. The available space for the sign also imposes limitations on its size, especially when considering illumination.

Special Considerations: Certain types of businesses or locations may have unique sign regulations. For example, businesses operating in airports must adhere to the guidelines set by the lease management company. Additionally, specific types of signage, such as those advertising tobacco or gambling operations, may be subject to distinct sets of laws.

Permit Requirements: Depending on the location, permits may be necessary for certain types of signs. Illuminated signs, for instance, might require special permits in some areas. However, in cities like New York, non-illuminated signs or those painted on walls may not require permits but must still comply with local zoning rules.

It is important to remember that local laws and zoning rules can be complex and vary greatly from one location to another. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the specific regulations applicable to your city or region before installing any storefront signage.

Sign placement and size

When it comes to sign placement and size, there are a number of factors to consider, including local laws, design limitations, and the specific needs of your business location.

Firstly, it's important to be aware of any local laws and regulations that may impact your sign placement and size. These can include building codes, zoning rules, and permit requirements, which can vary depending on your city and the type of business you operate. For example, in some cities, signs that don't require illumination or are painted on the wall may not need a permit, but they must still comply with local zoning rules.

The space available for your sign will dictate its size and placement. You need to consider the viewing distance for your target audience and the speed of traffic in front of your business. For instance, if the traffic speed is 30 mph and there are two lanes in each direction, your customers will need to be able to see and read your sign from 410 feet away. This may require a larger sign or additional sign elements such as awnings or window graphics to increase visibility.

The design of your sign is also crucial. Factors such as typography, graphics, logos, lighting, and colour can impact the effectiveness of your sign. For instance, if your sign is mounted parallel to the roadway, research shows it needs to be at least 70% larger than a sign mounted perpendicular to the roadway to be readable. Additionally, if your sign uses fancy lettering, the minimum letter size must be increased to ensure readability.

Illumination is another important consideration for sign placement and size. The lighting methods you choose, such as external lamps or internal illumination, can impact the colours you use and the overall visibility of your sign during different times of the day and weather conditions.

Finally, specific regulations may apply to your sign depending on the information it conveys. For example, signs providing bus route information must comply with requirements for visual characters, including a minimum location height of 40 inches and specific line spacing. Tactile signs, which include raised characters and braille, have specific placement requirements to ensure unobstructed standing space for reading by touch. These signs must be located between 48 and 60 inches above the finish floor or ground surface.

Design and illumination

Storefront signs are critical for letting the public know you are open for business and for building your brand. The design of your storefront sign should reflect your business's unique identity and quickly convey what your business does.

When designing your storefront sign, it is important to consider the signage around you. You want your sign to stand out from the competition. For example, if the neighbouring business has a blue sign with white lettering, you may want to choose a different colour combination. Illumination is another way to make your sign stand out, especially if the signage around you is not lit up.

Illumination can be achieved through an internal method that integrates the light source within the signage or an external source that shines light upon the sign. If you choose to graze signage material with a linear light source, the light source setback should be one-quarter of the height of the signage. The brightness of the light will depend on the outdoor lighting zone of the city or jurisdiction. Each city or jurisdiction has its own outdoor lighting zone number listed from LZ0-LZ4. LZ4 is a special use district, which requires a target illuminance of 80 fc. LZ3 is the most common zone for urban areas, requiring a target illumination of 40 fc. LZ2 is for outer urban or rural areas, requiring a target illumination of 20 fc. LZ1 is for developed portions of government-designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves, requiring a target illumination of 10 fc. LZ0 is for underdeveloped areas such as government-designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves, where artificial lighting is usually prohibited.

In addition to design and illumination, there are other factors to consider when creating your storefront sign. The space available for your sign will limit its size. You should measure the space before sending your design to the printer. Some property management firms and cities require approval of your storefront sign design before printing, so you may need to revise your design to fit the requirements. Your sign should also be easy to read and quickly convey what your business does. Avoid unusual or extremely fancy fonts that may be difficult to read.

Installation requirements

Installation Techniques:

• Access Panel: Most buildings will have an access panel on the sidewalk side or from the storefront to the soffit. If there is a plywood panel behind the Dryvit surface, long deck screws can be used for lightweight signs. For heavier signs, long studs backed with wide washers can be used.
• French Cleat: This method involves using a French cleat to hang the sign. It is especially useful for non-illuminated cabinet signs, MDO, or foam signage.
• Mounting: For signs with lighting components, mounting techniques may vary. Direct mounting involves attaching the sign directly to the building facade, while raceway mounting uses roof mount brackets to attach the sign to a sloped roof.
• Anchoring: When using the French cleat method, it is essential to anchor the sign properly with mounting hardware. Silicone can be used in the holes to secure the sign in place.
• Illumination: If the sign requires illumination, consider using LED, neon, fluorescent, or external lighting. Tube light signs, for example, are bright and attention-grabbing but require occasional tube replacement.

Local Regulations and Permits:

• Zoning Rules: Check your city's building codes and zoning rules to determine the type of signs allowed and whether permits are required. Some cities, like New York, may not require permits for non-illuminated signs but mandate compliance with local zoning rules.
• Sign Design: Some property management firms and cities require approval of the sign design before installation. This may include restrictions on the size of letters and the number of rows of text.
• Sign Placement: Local laws may dictate the number of signs allowed and their placement on the storefront. Ensure your sign complies with city ordinances and any contracts or community standards you are bound by.

It is recommended to partner with a professional sign company that can help navigate regional regulations and ensure a seamless installation process, including securing permits and safe installation.

Effectiveness of the sign

Storefront signs are crucial for letting the public know that a business is open. They also help build a brand's image and make it memorable for customers. An effective storefront sign is essential for attracting customers and promoting the brand.

The effectiveness of a storefront sign depends on several factors, including its design, placement, and compliance with local regulations. Firstly, the design of the sign should be visually appealing and eye-catching. It should also complement the storefront and enhance its aesthetic appeal. The use of colour is significant in creating a visually appealing sign. Businesses can consider incorporating their brand colours to create a cohesive look. Additionally, the size and space available for the sign are important considerations. The sign should be proportionate to the available space while also ensuring good visibility. If there are limitations on space, businesses can opt for space-effective options such as banners or lit displays.

Illumination is another factor that can impact the effectiveness of a sign. Electronic storefront signs, for instance, are highly effective in grabbing attention due to their bright and attractive appearance. They can feature high-definition visuals, including photos, videos, and messages, making them more engaging. Furthermore, electronic signs can be easily updated digitally, allowing businesses to keep customers informed about the latest offerings. Blade signs, which project from the storefront, are also effective in areas with high pedestrian traffic, providing excellent visibility and presence.

Window graphics, such as vinyl decals or window clings, are another cost-effective option that can increase the effectiveness of a storefront. They are easy to install, durable, and customizable, allowing businesses to display their branding and promotions directly on their windows. Similarly, awning signs offer a clean and sophisticated look while also providing functional benefits, such as shade and shelter. Metal logo or lettering signs create a polished and durable option but come with a higher upfront cost and require professional installation.

Overall, the effectiveness of a storefront sign lies in its ability to attract attention, enhance the brand's image, and provide essential information to potential customers. By considering the design, placement, and compliance with local regulations, businesses can maximise the impact of their storefront signs and utilise them as a powerful marketing tool.

Frequently asked questions