Most business signs in New York City need a Department of Buildings (DOB) sign permit. A non-illuminated wall sign of not more than six square feet does not need a sign permit (AC §28-105.4.5). Other signs, including illuminated and non-wall signs, still need one unless another exception applies. Zoning and LPC still apply. Illuminated signs also need a separate electrical permit filed by a licensed electrician. A Licensed Sign Hanger or a registered engineer or architect files the sign permit, depending on the sign. Arc prepares the drawings and schedules, and coordinates with the licensed applicant. Larger fabrication and installation are through Arc's licensed partners. Arc does not file permits or stamp drawings.
DOB requires permits for sign displays and installations under Construction Code §28-105.1. On a typical storefront or building sign, that can mean:
DOB lists the exceptions to the permit requirement in Construction Code §28-105.4.5. Signs that don't need a permit still have to comply with the Construction Codes, the Zoning Resolution, and the Rules of the City of New York. Zoning limits on size, location, and lighting apply either way.
Who decides: Arc reviews the likely permit path early and flags it at quote. The licensed applicant and the agencies make the final call on what the job needs and whether it is approved.
Sign work in the city involves several parties. This is how the roles usually split, and where Arc fits.
| Party | Typical role |
|---|---|
| Arc Signage Co | Sign design, shop drawings, sign and message schedules, fabrication, and install coordination. Arc coordinates with the licensed parties below where the job requires them, instead of filing as one of them. |
| Licensed Sign Hanger (Master or Special) | Performs or directly supervises exterior sign installation, except for the signs exempted in Construction Code §28-415.2. Can also act as the permit applicant for smaller wall-mounted accessory signs: up to 150 square feet and 300 pounds, projecting no more than 18 inches, and mounted entirely below the second-story ceiling (1 RCNY §105-04). |
| Registered design professional (PE or RA) | Files the sign permit when the sign falls outside the Licensed Sign Hanger limits, and designs any structural work beyond a basic frame or support. |
| Licensed electrician | Files the electrical permit for an illuminated sign through DOB NOW: Build and makes the electrical connection. |
| Permit expediter | Some owners and GCs hire an expediter to manage filings and agency follow-up. Arc works alongside the expediter when a project has one. |
| Landlord, architect, and LPC | The landlord applies lease or building sign criteria. The architect reviews submittals against the design. The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reviews signs on landmarked buildings and in historic districts. |
Shop drawings show exactly what will be built and how it will be attached. For a sign package they typically include:
A sign schedule, also called a message schedule, lists every sign in a package by type, location, and message. It keeps larger interior and ADA packages organized from submittal to install.
Depending on the job, the architect, owner, landlord, GC, and any licensed applicant review the drawings before fabrication. Clear, complete drawings make those reviews easier, but they don't guarantee a timeline or an approval.
If the building is an individual landmark or in a historic district, you need an LPC permit before installing or replacing signs, awnings, or related lighting. LPC applications are filed through Portico, LPC's online permit portal. You can check a building's status on LPC's Discover NYC Landmarks map. LPC's Permit Guidebook has separate chapters for signage and awnings that list what a complete application needs.
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Many leases and buildings set their own sign rules, such as sign band size, allowed materials, lighting, and attachment methods. Arc asks for those criteria at quote and designs to them.
Some projects also involve FDNY-related signage or review. Arc coordinates with the project team where that applies.
Arc uses the same five steps on every sign scope. The permit step is coordination.
Drawings, photos, sign schedule, landlord criteria, landmark status, and the likely permit path.
Artwork, shop drawings, sign and message schedules, materials, and mounting details for review.
Drawings and information for the licensed applicant, plus DOB, LPC, landlord, architect, and expediter coordination where required.
Fabrication starts from the approved drawings.
Install coordinated with a Licensed Sign Hanger and electrician where required, then punch list and closeout photos.
Email your files to jc@arcsignco.com with the project address in the subject line. Put URGENT in the subject for active jobsites.
Arc's 24-hour quote target starts once Arc has photos with measurements (or drawings, if you have them) and the project street address.
Request a quoteUsually, yes. A non-illuminated wall sign of not more than six square feet does not need a sign permit (AC §28-105.4.5). Other signs, including illuminated and non-wall signs, still need one unless another exception applies. Zoning and LPC still apply. On a landmarked building or in a historic district, a Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) permit is also needed for signs and awnings.
A registered design professional, meaning a New York State licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA), can file. A Licensed Sign Hanger can also file for smaller wall-mounted accessory signs: up to 150 square feet and 300 pounds, projecting no more than 18 inches, and mounted entirely below the second-story ceiling (1 RCNY §105-04). Arc does not file as a licensed applicant. Instead, Arc prepares the drawings and information the applicant needs and coordinates with them, and with the project's expediter if there is one.
Under Construction Code §28-415.1, a Licensed Sign Hanger must perform or directly supervise sign installation. §28-415.2 exempts some signs, including signs of 75 square feet or less that weigh 25 pounds or less, signs supported directly on the ground, directional signs, and temporary signs put up during construction and related to that work. Arc coordinates with a Licensed Sign Hanger where one is required.
Yes. A sign that needs an electrical connection needs a separate electrical permit, filed by a licensed electrician through DOB NOW: Build. If the sign is illuminated and extends beyond the building line, DOB says an annual illuminated sign permit may also be required. Arc coordinates with the project's licensed electrician.
You need an LPC permit before installing or replacing signs, awnings, or related lighting. Applications are filed through Portico, LPC's online permit portal, and LPC's Permit Guidebook lists what a complete signage or awning application needs. You can check a building on LPC's Discover NYC Landmarks map. Arc can prepare sign drawings and details to support the application.
Shop drawings show exactly what will be built and how it attaches: elevations, dimensions, materials, finishes, lighting, and mounting details. A sign schedule, also called a message schedule, lists every sign in a package by type, location, and message. The architect, owner, landlord, and any licensed applicant review them before fabrication. Complete drawings make review easier, but approval timing is up to the reviewers.
Rules change. Confirm current requirements with the agency and the project's licensed applicant. Sources checked September 2026.
Email drawings and photos to jc@arcsignco.com with the project address in the subject line. No drawings yet? Use the quote form and Arc will tell you what's needed.