Sign Permit Services
Your business sign project probably requires one or more permits. SignFreaks has helped Chicago businesses navigate complex and evolving signage regulations for over 25 years, so people like yourself don’t have to. Our sign permit services ensure your signage project is fully compliant with local zoning regulations, building codes, city ordinances, and safety standards before work begins. Whether it’s a storefront sign, pylon display, LED installation, awnings, or custom banner, we handle all the tedious paperwork so you can focus on your mission-critical business operations.
Let us manage the red tape, so your sign can go up without the usual hassles.
Who Needs a Sign Permit?
Paying attention to your business sign permitting obligations can save you from getting fined, losing displays, or having your project delayed. Because every area is regulated differently, obtaining the necessary sign permit services ensures that your sign work is both legal and reviewed by a professional. For any installed sign, including a storefront sign, LED illuminated letters, or a high-rise banner, you need a permit for the job to be done correctly the first time. Benefits to your organization include:
Avoid Fines & Legal Issues
Mounting signage without a permit can result in costly fines, take-down orders, and/or additional legal repercussions. A permit ensures you’re protected from these hassles.
Ensure Safety & Compliance
Signage permits guarantee your sign is constructed within local building code, electrical safety, zoning laws, and proper insurance. This ensures it’s safely installed and won’t pose risks to the public or your property.
Preserve Your Installation
A code violation is a showstopper for any business project: you’ll be faced with immediate delays and hassles, with an uncertain path to resolution. With a permit in place before the project begins, you won’t run into delays or additional costs based on permitting.
Manage Insurance Compliance Risks
Business insurance policies require compliance with local regulations, including those for permitting. SignFreaks will make sure you remain compliant and covered, which reduces liability risks to your business.
Demonstrate Your Brand’s Credibility
Following permitting requirements shows that you care about the details of your business. It tells customers, landlords, and city officials that you are committed to good business practices.
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Our “Painless Permits” Process
If it seems like sorting through the sign permitting process is hard, you’re right: it’s a complex, time-consuming, and often frustrating chore. But when you partner with SignFreaks, you don’t need to worry about it. We manage all the sign permitting details, including expert advice, accurate papers, and personal involvement from start to finish. With 25+ years of experience and a deep understanding of Chicago-area regulations, our team will ensure your sign permit requirements are fulfilled and your signs are approved quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.
Consultation & Site Survey
Your project begins with a thorough consultation. This conversation is an opportunity to review your sign project goals, assess the site, and talk about a schedule. Our site survey includes a comprehensive study of its size and shape, borders, permitted uses, and the site’s structural requirements.
Sign Permit Application Prep
Our team comes through with another invaluable service: we prepare all necessary documentation, including scaled drawings, material specs, and engineering details. Everything is tailored to meet local code standards. We guarantee your application will be complete, accurate, and ready for review.
City/County Submission
Once we have finished the paperwork, we route it to the appropriate municipal office. We know the processes, contacts, and hacks that can help speed up approvals and we’re eager to use our experience to benefit your sign project timeline and costs.
Follow-Up & Approval
Our application tracking team follows your permit through every phase, promptly addressing feedback, re-submissions, or clarifications. We remain in close contact with permit officials to minimize back-and-forth and get your sign project approved faster.
Permit Delivery
Once your permit is approved, we hand it over to you and put our installation team in action to begin your project. Your application will experience the kind of smooth sailing most projects could only dream of, without the common delays or surprises that accompany the usual installation process.
Ready to Get Your Sign Permit Without the Paperwork Headaches?
Let SignFreaks handle the legwork while you focus on managing and growing your business. Call now to request a free consultation. Our permit professionals are ready to help fast track your sign project and bring it across the finish line.
Ready to Get Your Sign Permit Without the Paperwork Headaches?
Let SignFreaks handle the legwork while you focus on managing and growing your business. Call now to request a free consultation. Our permit professionals are ready to help fast track your sign project and bring it across the finish line.
Our Clients
Our Sign Types & Services
Everything You Need to Know About Sign Permits
Yes, most permanent signs, like storefront signs, illuminated signs, and pylon signs, require a permit. Even temporary signs can need approval based on size, placement, and duration. Our team helps you determine exactly what’s needed based on your location and signage type.
Permit timelines vary depending on the complexity of the sign and your location. On average, it takes 1–3 weeks. SignFreaks speeds up the process by preparing flawless documentation and working directly with city departments on your behalf.
Common issues include non-compliance with zoning laws, incorrect dimensions, or missing engineering specs. We eliminate those risks by completing site surveys, designing to code, and double-checking every detail before submission.
Yes! We provide permit services throughout the greater area and surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re in Naperville, Oak Park, or Wicker Park, we’ve got you covered with local code knowledge.
If you’ve already installed signage without a permit, contact us ASAP. We can help with sign permit services and assess the situation, file retroactive permits if possible, or guide you through compliant options to avoid penalties or forced removal.
Permit fees charged by the city are separate, but our project quotes always include permit prep, submission, and management services. We make sure you know what to expect—no surprise fees or red tape.
The Areas We Serve
River North
Fulton Market
Lincoln Park
Oak Brook
Naperville
Orland park
and many more…