Get a building permit to install signs

Service overview

To permanently install a sign, you may need a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit. Use the table below to determine which permits you need for your sign.

	Building permit	Zoning permit
Exterior signs	Yes, except painted signs, adhesive or vinyl graphics and letters	Yes
Interior signs	Yes, if they require fasteners	Yes, if installed within 18 inches of a window or door that is visible to the public
Window signs	Yes, if they require fasteners	Yes, if they take up 20% or more of two windows or doors
Signs on historic properties	Yes, for painted signs, adhesive or vinyl graphics and letters, and regular maintenance of existing signs.	No

If your sign will be illuminated, you also need an Electrical Permit.

If your sign meets certain standards, you can use EZ zoning and building permit applications. EZ permits do not require plans.

Who

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

Design professionals.
Attorneys.
Contractors.
Licensed expediters.

Requirements

Permit application

The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
If the application is made by the tenant, include a copy of the executed lease agreement.

Contractor

A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

Have an active license.
Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Have current insurance on file with L&I.

Plans

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Plans are not required for installations complying with the EZ Standard for Building Sign Installation.

Forms and other documents

Application for Accelerated Plan Review (optional)
Special Inspections documentation (if applicable)
- Duties & Responsibilities Agreement signed by all parties
- Statement of Special Inspections Schedule with categories and frequency selected
- Name of licensed Special Inspection Agency qualified for all inspection categories
Flood Protection Forms: For properties located in the floodplain

Required pre-approvals

Signs on historic properties

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You need approval from

The Historical Commission

What’s needed

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

Signs that project into the right-of-way beyond the limits of Zoning or Streets Code

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You need approval from

The Department of Streets

What’s needed

You’ll need to complete a Streets plan review. See Streets’ plan review requirements and applicable forms for more information.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plan with stamped approval from the Department of Streets before you make your application to L&I.

Once approved, submit your stamped plan with your other application materials when submitting in person at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Department of Streets when you apply for your permit through eCLIPSE.

The Department of Streets will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

Where and when

In person

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

Cost

Filing fee

Applications without plans: No filing fee is required if you are using the EZ Standard.
Applications with plans: $100 (credited towards the final permit fee)

This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application.

Permit fee

Accessory signs: $207 each
Non-accessory signs: $258 each

Surcharge fees

City surcharge: $3 per permit
State surcharge: $4.50 per permit

Record retention fee

Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4

Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

Fee: $1050
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review application and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

Payment methods and details

Accepted payment methods

Where	Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application (There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)	Electronic check Credit card (+2.5% surcharge)
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building	Electronic check Credit card (+2.5% surcharge)
In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building (Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)	Check Money order Credit card (+2% surcharge) Cash

Where

Accepted payment

Online through the eCLIPSE application

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

Electronic check
Credit card (+2.5% surcharge)

In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building

Electronic check
Credit card (+2.5% surcharge)

In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building

(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)

Check
Money order
Credit card (+2% surcharge)
Cash

Checks and money orders

Check requirements

Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
Personal checks are accepted.
Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.

Reasons your check may be rejected

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

Unsigned.
Expired.
Post-dated.
Starter checks without account info.

Returned payment policy

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20.
The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.

Payment methods and details

How

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

In person

Get any required pre-approvals before submitting your application to L&I.

Bring your completed application, application materials, and payment to the Permit and License Center.

The application must be made by a licensed contractor or include a signed statement on the contractor’s letterhead verifying involvement with the project.

L&I will review your application.

Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days.

You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed in 5 business days.

Applications that adhere to the EZ Standard for Building Sign Installation are processed while you wait. You are limited to three applications per ticket.

Once approved, schedule your inspection.

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

Online

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

The application will go to L&I and other City departments for review and approval.

Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed in 5 business days.
Applications using the EZ Standard for Building Sign Installation are processed in 5 business days.

If approved, the applicant will receive notice to pay the balance.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Once you are approved, schedule an inspection.

When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.

Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.