Installing new signs and changing the face of an existing signs require a sign permit.  Each sign requires a separate application and two (2) sets of plans. For example, if you would like to install four (4) signs on your building, you will need to complete four (4) applications.  The drawings and blueprints need to be drawn to scale, with the sign drawn to scale on the building. You will also need color renderings or color chips, and the anchoring details.  If the sign is over 32-sq feet, the plans need to be sealed, and wind load calculations need to accompany the application.  If the sign is electric, an electric riser diagram is needed.  On free standing sign applications, submit a photocopy of the survey showing the proposed location, and also show any other freestanding signs that may be on the property. For a summary of this information, please download the Sign Application Checklist. 

Sign permits can be applied for by the tenant,  the landlord or owner of the property, a sign contractor, or a general contractor. If a contractor is applying, the application must be signed and notarized by the qualifier for the contractor, not by an authorized agent.   You may download a copy of the sign application form here.  A notarized letter from the owner of the property or agent for the owner, stating approval to install the sign on the property, needs to accompany all applications.  

The sign staff meets every Friday.  Applications need to be submitted to the Building Inspection Division by the Wednesday before the Friday meeting.  Most signs are approved at that time.  Some signs need to be reviewed by the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board (SPRAB), which means approximately an additional review period of 2 weeks, providing the City Commission does not also need to review the proposed sign.   Approved sign permits are valid for six months.  Anyone erecting a sign without a permit will be charged triple the normal fee in addition to having to correct any City Code violations, including taking down the sign, if necessary.   A sign permit for an individual business cannot be issued unless that business already has an occupational license.  Please visit Business Tax Receipt  for further information. 

All sign permits require an electrical final inspection (for a new sign), and a sign final inspection.  The City of Delray Beach has a Voice Permit System to schedule inspections.  To place an inspection, you need a "touch tone phone".   Have your inspection CODE NUMBER ready  (located on your Sign Permit Receipt) and phone  (561) 243-7218.  The system is available 24/7 and the inspection will be done the next work day.  The Electrical final number is 399 and the sign final number is 760.  Both may be requested at the same time.    

There may be situations where a sign is placed in an unusual location making normal sign inspections difficult.  In such a case, the Chief Building Official may request the Sign Installation Affidavit be submitted prior to requesting a final sign inspection.  However, this affidavit does not replace the request for the final inspection.

Fees

Sign fees are $2.00 per square foot of sign area, per face.  If the sign is illuminated, there is a $20.00 electrical permit  fee, plus an additional $2.00 per square foot.  Sign and electrical fees are due when the permit is issued.  A $25.00 non-refundable review fee is due at the time the sign application is submitted.

Sign Code

The Sign Code is part of the Land Development Regulations, within the Code of Ordinances of the City of Delray Beach.  The Sign Code will give you information on design standards, help you with sign definitions, and provide administrative procedures that are used to review sign proposals.  You may download a copy here sign code.

                                                     Site Plan Review and Appearance Board

There are certain situations where applications for signs must be reviewed by the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board (SPRAB) before they can be issued.  Proposed signs that are requesting a waiver to the sign code or requesting a review of a decision made by the Sign Staff are presented to the SPRAB members for their review.  There are also situations where the proposed sign may be forwarded by the SPRAB board on to the City Commission for a final decision. For further information, please visit our Site Plan Review and Appearance Board page.

Master & Blanket Sign Programs

Some shopping centers and commercial properties are of such a size or character that the normal application of the Sign Code would not result in an effective sign program.  For properties like this the Master and Blanket Sign Program is available.  It allows the property owner to submit a sign package for review before the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board (SPRAB)  or to the Historic Preservation Board for projects in a historic district.