A Matter of Good Judgment
- Buildings aren’t normally designed with signage in mind, so the installer’s judgment is critical to project quality.
- Perhaps because sign installations cover such a wide range of situations, a comprehensive handbook doesn’t exist.
- Installers must make various decisions on the job, based primarily on experience.
First Things First
- Find out if your company needs to register as a contractor in the city, county or state where you conduct business. Unlicensed contractors can be subject to steep fines.
- Never install an outdoor sign without obtaining a sign permit from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Normally, you will need to submit drawings of the sign and the proposed mounting location. If the sign is electric, you also typically need an electrical permit. Learn about the NEC and UL requirements.
- Drawings stamped by a Professional Engineer may be required to obtain permits for certain types of signs (especially freestanding, pole signs or roof signs). Also frequently required are elevation drawings and a plot plan of the property.
- If you’re excavating a footer for a pole sign, always call for utility clearance to avoid possible safety hazards or damaging utility lines.
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