Most Business Signs Are Not As Simple As “Put It Up And Go”

A new business sign is exciting. It makes the building feel real. It helps customers find you. It tells the world that the doors are open and the business is ready.

But before a sign goes up in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, or almost anywhere else in Arizona, there may be rules to follow.

That is where sign permits come in.

For many commercial signs, you cannot simply design a sign, have it made, and install it wherever you like. Cities often have requirements for size, height, placement, lighting, electrical work, zoning, and even how far the sign sits from the street.

That can sound frustrating, especially when all you want is a good looking sign outside your business. The good news is that an experienced sign company can help you understand what is usually involved before the project gets too far along.

Why Sign Permits Matter

A sign permit is not just paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It helps make sure the sign is safe, legal, and appropriate for the location.

A large pylon sign near a busy road has different requirements than a small wall sign on a retail storefront. An illuminated sign may have electrical requirements. A monument sign may need to meet rules about height, setback, visibility, and construction.

If a sign is installed without the proper approval, the business owner may be required to remove it, change it, or pay additional costs to bring it into compliance. That is exactly the kind of headache most business owners would rather avoid.

Rules Can Change From One City To The Next

One of the tricky things about commercial signage in Arizona is that local rules are not identical everywhere.

A sign that works for a business in Phoenix may not automatically be approved in Tempe. A sign that fits one shopping center may not fit the rules for another property. Landlords and property managers may also have their own sign criteria, especially in retail centers, office parks, and multi tenant buildings.

This is why it helps to start with the location. The address, property type, building frontage, sign style, and visibility needs all matter.

What Information Usually Helps

Before planning a business sign, it is helpful to know the address, type of sign, approximate size, whether the sign will be illuminated, and where it will be installed.

Photos of the building can also help. So can any landlord sign criteria, lease documents, or previous sign approvals.

The more information your sign company has early on, the easier it is to design a sign that looks good and has a realistic path toward approval.

A Good Sign Should Work Hard For Your Business

Permitting is only one part of the job. The sign still needs to be attractive, readable, durable, and right for your business.

A restaurant may need strong street visibility. A medical office may need a professional monument sign. A retail store may need channel letters that stand out day and night. A warehouse or industrial property may need something clear, sturdy, and easy to see from the road.

The best sign is not just the one that gets approved. It is the one that helps customers find you.

Call Davis Signs & Graphics

If you are planning a new business sign in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, or the surrounding area, Davis Signs & Graphics can help. From design and fabrication to installation and service, our team understands commercial signage and how to make the process easier.

Contact Davis Signs & Graphics today to discuss your next business sign project.

References

Davis Signs & Graphics
https://davis-signs.com/

City of Phoenix Planning and Development
https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd

City of Tempe Sign Code Information
https://www.tempe.gov/government/community-development/planning/sign-code

International Sign Association
https://www.signs.org/

If you are in the market for business road signs contact Davis Signs today and let us provide the solution that will set your business apart.