When it comes to commercial signage, your business’s visibility depends on more than just bold designs and premium materials—it also depends on securing the proper permits. Navigating local sign codes, zoning regulations, and municipal review boards can be a full-time job in itself, and mistakes can cost your business valuable time and money.
That’s why at National Sign Corporation (NSC), we don’t just design, manufacture, and install signage—we also take the permitting process completely off your plate.
Why Sign Permitting is So Complicated
Every city has its own codes for signage. In Seattle alone, sign regulations vary by zoning district, building type, and even by street frontage. Multiply that complexity across jurisdictions, like neighboring cities or counties, and the challenges grown exponentially.
Permitting requirements may include:
- Land use and zoning compliance
- Structural and engineering drawings
- Historic district approvals
- Electrical permits (for illuminated signs)
- Size and height restrictions
- ADA compliance
- Public notice or design review processes
Missing any step or document can delay approval by weeks, or lead to rejected applications all together.
Common Mistakes When DIY-ing Permits
Many clients come to us after attempting to navigate the permitting process themselves. Some of the most common pitfalls include:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Misinterpreting local code requirements
- Overlooking special zones like historic districts or overlays
- Failing to coordinate permits with landlords or property managers
- Missing inspection timelines or modification requests
Each mistakes not only delays your sign going up; it can also mean starting over from scratch.
How NSC Simplifies the Sign Permitting Process
At National Sign Corporation, our team of permitting specialists handles every step of the process on your behalf. We work closely with city planning departments, engineering consultants, and property owners to ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and approved as efficiently as possible.
Here’s what we take care of:
- Site analysis and code research
- Preparation of drawings and engineered plans
- Coordination with municipalities and inspectors
- Submission of applications and fees
- Responding to feedback or code modification requests
- Final permit delivery and coordination for installation
We’ve developed strong working relationships with permitting offices across the Nation; allowing us to anticipate challenges, ask the right questions, and prevent delays before they happen.
Why Hiring a Professional Matters
Permitting isn’t just paperwork, it’s a vital phase in getting your signage up and operational. Delays in permits can push back grand openings, marketing campaigns, or seasonal promotions. And in some cases, unpermitted signs can result in fines or mandated removals.
By hiring a professional like NSC, you gain:
- Peace of mind: No guessing games; we get it right the first time.
- Time savings: You stay focused on your business, while we handle the red tape.
- Faster approvals: Our experience streamlines the process, preventing back-and-forth with city staff.
- Compliance assurance: We make sure your signage meets all municipal and structural requirements.
Let NSC Do the Heavy Lifting
If you’re planning to install new signage, or update existing signs, don’t let the permitting process become a barrier to progress. At National Sign Corporation, we’ve been doing this for over a century, and we know what it takes to get your sign from concept to completion, without the stress.
Contact us today to get started on your next signage project, and let us handle the permitting process for you.
