Oh, the hassles you’ll see..

It’s Official. You’ve completed all of the paperwork to start your new business, secured a great location and are ready to start the build-out process.

One of the things you may not have considered, is the sign permit that is required to install your exterior business identification sign(s).

A sign permit includes very specific information about the proposed sign(s) to be installed. While all sign permits contain similarly required information, the necessary information may vary from township to township. For instance, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Allegheny County), there are 130 municipalities, each with their own set of specific sign permit criteria. Some of the criteria for a sign permit includes: Type of sign; Purpose of sign; Electrical sign work; Size of sign; Property setback; Linear frontage; Sign artwork/diagrams; Square Footage Calculation; Landlord Occupancy Permit, etc.

Because They Said So..

Relatively straightforward, most of the information required for a sign permit is easily supplied. However, obtaining Pittsburgh exterior sign permits became a bit more complicated in 2005.

A seven foot, 300 lb., letter“B” fell to the ground when a cable lifting the letter broke. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but a new, mandated requirement was enacted. The requirement dictates that all exterior wall signs are required to have a professional engineer to review and sign off on them, for all sign permits. An engineer will assess the proposed installation method to ensure that the proposed sign(s)can withstand specified wind loads.

In general, larger cities have more complex sign permit requirements. These sign permit requirements are regulated by specific townships and municipalities. Equally, there are also sign guidelines, criteria and permissions imposed by the landlords/owners of the individual buildings in which business owners wish to install a sign(s). On occasions, customers wish to put up a sign in a historically significant community. It then becomes necessary to create documentation that is presented to a review board for consideration of a sign variance.

Needed approval from additional authorities may include, an Architectural Planning Committee or a Historical Review Commission. Oh, and did I mention that more often, than not.. there is an annual fee for the privilege of displaying that business sign.

Permit us to help..

The best strategy to follow when obtaining occupancy/sign permit(s), is to take a detailed diagram of the type of proposed sign with details; colors, and sign specifications to the building owner/landlord first for their approval. With written landlord/owner approval in hand, then move on to the city for a signage permit.

Vital Signs is well acquainted with the sign permitting process in many communities of Southwest, PA. Some business owners will not mind the paperwork, process, time and travel involved in obtaining the occupancy permit/sign permit. But for the rest, Vital Signs is happy eliminate one less thing off of the very long ‘New Business’ punch list.

Please permit Vital Signs to help with ALL of your signage needs!!