Pushing the boundaries on a sign design can spell a challenge to city planners. It is still worth doing.
SIGNS AND THE CITY
Now that you are ready to have your masterpiece produced, there is just one more gating factor: municipal code. It is always wise to find out what is required before going for that sign permit or charging ahead with manufacturing your new sign.
There are at least two sets of criteria to be aware of. Often business parks, historical areas and other developments will have their own sign criteria that are stricter than the city’s. Be sure to check with your property manager or the city itself to find out if there is a sign criteria or “architectural overlay” before relying strictly on the city’s requirements. Part of the approval exercise may include sign off by your landlord or property manager.
The second item is the city itself. You can avoid a lot of time and frustration by calling their planning department in advance to find out what is required. You do have the option of appealing the local sign code, called a “variance,” but be prepared for long waits and lots of work and frustration.
TIP #6 If there is one best area to plan ahead, this is it. Cities are getting stricter about what sort of sign they will allow outside. It is best to find out what they will accept early.
AS SIGNS GO BY
Time and nature is the great enemy of outdoor signs. Imagine going to a restaurant and noticing that their sign is full of bird nests. Makes you wonder what else they are not maintaining doesn’t it? There are many new materials coming on the market today that excel at weatherability. Some manufacturers today are guaranteeing for life their plastics against fading or cracking. LEDs are much more lasting than neon and use less power as aluminum is non-corrosive unlike sheet metal. High performance vinyl will outlast intermediate vinyl by about five years.
Furthermore, have someone get on a ladder every year or so and inspect you business sign for debris, ageing, and insect or bird activity. We have run into hornet’s nests, the beginnings of a bee hive and even bats!
TIP #7 While a great sign will bring customers, a poorly maintained one will drive them away. Make sure the materials to be used in your new sign will last as long as you need them to. Inspect your sign(s) regularly for cleanliness, aging and operability.
And remember: If they don’t see your sign, they won’t spend a dime!
