Why You Need a Sign Permit
Installing a commercial sign in Broward County without a permit can result in heavy fines and the forced removal of your expensive new signage. Local municipalities heavily regulate outdoor signage to ensure structural safety (especially regarding hurricane wind loads) and to maintain community aesthetics.
The Permitting Process in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park
While each city has its own specific ordinances, the general permitting process looks like this:
- Design and Engineering: You must submit scaled architectural drawings of the proposed sign. For large pylon or monument signs, these drawings must be stamped by a Florida-licensed engineer certifying they can withstand local wind loads.
- Landlord Approval: If you lease your building, you must provide a notarized letter of consent from the property owner.
- City Review: The city's zoning department will review the application to ensure the sign size complies with your building's street frontage allowance.
- Electrical Permitting: If the sign is illuminated (LED, backlit, neon), a separate electrical permit and inspection are required.
Common Zoning Restrictions
Many business owners are surprised to learn that cities restrict how large a sign can be, usually based on a calculation of your storefront's linear footage. Additionally, cities like Fort Lauderdale have specific restrictions on programmable LED message centers (e.g., they may restrict animation or require a minimum hold time for messages to prevent distracting drivers).
At Nano Signs, we handle the entire permitting process for our clients from start to finish, ensuring your custom sign is 100% compliant with local Broward County codes.