It’s time for your storefront to look fresh! Installing new signage signals growth, permanence, and a readiness to welcome more customers through your doors. But before you can admire that beautiful new installation, there’s a hurdle you have to clear: local regulations.
There’s plenty of information to cover before installing signs because of zoning and permit rules. Following these guidelines is the only way to avoid fines or forced removal.
Why Do Sign Permits Matter?
You might wonder why a simple sign on your own property requires government approval. It boils down to community standards and safety. Local municipalities in Oregon, from Portland to Newberg, enforce codes to ensure that signs don’t obstruct traffic views or detract from the visual character of the neighborhood.
When you skip the permitting process, you risk more than just a slap on the wrist. Code enforcement officers have the authority to fine your business daily until you correct the violation. In worst-case scenarios, you may have to tear down a newly-purchased sign. Choose the appropriate sign and install it correctly the first time to protect your investment and maintain a positive relationship with the local community.
Understanding Zoning Districts
The first step in your signage journey isn’t the design—it’s geography. Every piece of property falls into a specific zoning district, and these districts dictate what you can and cannot build. A sign that is perfectly legal in a commercial district might be completely prohibited in a historic downtown zone or a mixed-use residential area.
Commercial vs. Residential Zones
In purely commercial zones, regulations are commonly more lenient regarding size. Cities understand that visibility is key for commerce. However, if your business borders a residential zone, you will likely face stricter limits on design, size, or material.
Historic Districts and Overlays
Many Oregon towns take great pride in their historic downtowns. If your business is in one of these areas, you’ll face additional layers of scrutiny. You might be able to select from certain materials, like wood or metal, or only install a sign on a specific part of the building. Always check if your location falls within a design overlay district before you settle on a unique look.
Common Signage Restrictions To Watch For
Once you know your zone, look at the codes. Every municipality has its own code book, and most focus on the same few categories of restrictions. Knowing these ahead of time helps you communicate better with the commercial sign company.
Size and Dimensions
Most cities regulate the total square footage of signage allowed based on the building’s exterior. For example, a code might allow one square foot of signage for every linear foot of building frontage. If your storefront is 50 feet wide, the cap might be at 50 square feet of total signage.
The allowable area typically includes all of your signs combined. So, if you want a window decal and a wall sign, you’ll have to split the square footage.
Setbacks and Placement
You generally cannot place a sign wherever you want, even if it’s on your land. Setback rules determine how far a freestanding sign must be from the property line or the curb.
These rules ensure that your sign doesn’t block the line of sight for drivers pulling out of driveways or turning at intersections. Placing a sign in the public right-of-way is a common violation that leads to immediate removal orders.
The Permit Application Process
Once you understand the rules, you have to prove to the city that your plan follows them. This involves submitting a permit application package. Paperwork isn’t the most fun part of business ownership, but being thorough here speeds up the approval process.
Site Plans and Drawings
Planning departments require scaled drawings showing exactly what the sign looks like, how it attaches to the building, and where it sits on the property. These drawings usually need to show existing structures, property lines, and landscaping features.
Engineering Requirements
Safety is the priority here. The city wants to ensure the sign won’t topple over during a winter storm.
For expansive installations, the city may require an engineering stamp. This proves that the structure is capable of withstanding wind loads and seismic activity common in the Pacific Northwest.
Landlord Approval
Before the city reviews the application, they might request proof that your landlord approves the work. If you lease your commercial space, check your lease agreement. The sign must adhere to both the city’s codes and your landlord’s criteria.
Tips for a Smooth Approval Process
You can do a few things to keep your project moving forward without unnecessary delays. Being proactive prevents your application from getting stuck at the bottom of a planner’s pile.
- Start the approval process early. Permit reviews can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the city’s workload. Don’t wait until your grand opening is a week away to start the process.
- Be flexible. Sometimes, a minor tweak to your design—reducing the logo size by ten percent or moving the sign two feet to the left—is all it takes to meet code.
- Keep all of your documents. Store copies of all approved permits and drawings. If a code enforcement issue ever arises, the approval paperwork will be your best defense.
Choose Sign-On To Expedite the Design and Installation Process
Don’t let the paperwork scare you away from getting the visibility your business deserves. Signage is one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available. It advertises rain or shine throughout the year. When you follow zoning and permit requirements before installing a business sign, you’ll have a stunning, long-lasting marketing tool.
Navigating the complexities of local sign codes doesn’t have to be a solo mission. At Sign-On, we specialize in helping businesses across Oregon move from concept to installation with ease. We handle the technical drawings, permit applications, and zoning checks so you can focus on the more pressing issues of your business.
Let’s discuss your project and find the perfect signage solution for your location. Request a quote or schedule a consultation today!