Signage regulations vary from state to state and city to city. Before installing any signs, you would want to make sure you have permission from your landlord and also from the city. If your sign is on city property, you can be fined if you are using your sign without permission. If you are using signs without permission on your landlord’s property, they can charge you for taking down the sign.
Business Sign Regulations
Cities will have specific regulations on where you can use the signage, how long the sign can be used for, and can get as detailed down to the days and hours of usage. For large signs and banners used on city property, you will need to submit for a permit. After reviewing your sign’s size and location, the city will either deny your request for a permit or provide you with a permit that is good for a set number of days. Usually for new businesses, the city will allow an on-time 30- to 60-day permit, which is extremely helpful for getting your business noticed and customers to your door.
For landlords, their restrictions are more or less relaxed, depending on how strict they are. Usually, landlords will allow you to use feather flags and banners permanently, assuming your location of use and/or banners are not blocking or hurting other businesses. Similarly to cities, landlords will also allow temporary use of very large signs on buildings for your first few months of business. You’ll want to check to see if you can mount a very large (40 ft+ to 100 ft+ vinyl banner) on the building. All temporary signage is a must to jumpstart your new business, so don’t be shy and put up as many signs as you are allowed.
What to Avoid
Never install signs on your landlord’s or city’s property without permission, regardless of how small the sign is. You’ll be forced to take down the signs, resulting in wasted money all around for your businesses.
Never install signs that will block neighboring businesses or hurt their business. Your signs must be related to your business and not break any rules or signage regulations placed by your city or landlord.
Lastly, do not install any signage on property that is leased/owned by your neighboring businesses.
When to Begin Working on Signs and Permits
If you are opening a new business, you’d want to negotiate temporary signage approvals and include it in your lease so that you can advertise during your grand opening without issues of getting approval. If you are planning to have a specific business lightbox sign, then you’d want to get a mock-up and approval from your landlord prior to signing your lease. If a landlord denies a brand-specific signage after a lease is signed, then you will be forced to use alternative types of signage.
Usually, getting approval from the city can be done quickly.
Get Started With Feather Flag Nation
At Feather Flag Nation, we are here to help. If you need us to design the flag for you, we have you covered. We offer free design services and can check your files for you! You can call us at 877 900 5692 or email us at sales@featherflagnation.com. And don’t forget to check your local business signage regulations!