New York sign permit requirements
What the New York sign code and sign ordinance allow, summarised from Zoning Resolution, Article III Chapter 2, Sections 32-60 to 32-657 (Sign Regulations). Every figure below shows the ordinance's own wording, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.
Is a permit required?
32-65Signs are regulated by zoning district (C1–C8). A permit is required through the Department of Buildings; the Zoning Resolution sets what is permitted rather than the permit process.
“In all districts, as indicated, all permitted signs are subject to the applicable regulations of this Section.”
Wall sign — maximum area
32-64C1 and C2: three times the street frontage in feet, capped at 150 sq ft (per frontage on corner lots). C3: 50 sq ft. C4, C5-4, C6 and C7: five times the frontage, capped at 500 sq ft.
“Three times the street frontage of the zoning lot (in feet), but in no event more than 150 sq. ft. for interior or through lots or 150 sq. ft. on each frontage for corner lots.”
25 feet above curb level in C1, C2, C3, C5-1, C5-2, C5-3 and C5-5. 40 feet in C4, C5-4, C6-1 to C6-4, C6-6, C6-8, C6-9, C6-11, C6-12 and C7. No height restriction in C6-5 and C6-7.
“In the districts indicated, no permitted sign shall extend above curb level at a height greater than the following:”
Projecting sign — clearance
32-652A sign may project no more than 18 inches across a street line for double- or multi-faceted signs, outside C6-5 and C6-7.
“no permitted sign shall project across a street line more than 18 inches for double- or multi-faceted s”
Illumination
32-643Illuminated non-flashing window signs are limited to eight square feet total per zoning lot and no more than three per window. Flashing signs are permitted only in specified districts and prohibited in others.
“Illuminated non-flashing signs other than advertising signs located in a window within a building, with a total surface area not exceeding eight square feet on any zoning lot and limited to not more than three such signs in any window.”
Limits vary substantially by commercial district (C1 to C8). Values above describe the general commercial districts; C6-5 and C6-7 are unrestricted on height and are the only districts, with C8, permitting advertising signs.
“In the districts indicated, advertising signs are permitted subject to the applicable provisions of the following Sections:”
Not covered in the sign chapter we read: wall sign — % of facade, freestanding sign — maximum area, freestanding sign — setback, projecting sign — maximum area, window signs — maximum coverage, digital / electronic message centres, temporary signs and banners, prohibited sign types. That doesn't mean the city has no rule — it may sit elsewhere in the code.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us — corrections from local sign shops are how this stays accurate.
Common questions
- Do you need a permit for a sign in New York, NY?
- Signs are regulated by zoning district (C1–C8). A permit is required through the Department of Buildings; the Zoning Resolution sets what is permitted rather than the permit process.
- How big can a wall sign be in New York, NY?
- C1 and C2: three times the street frontage in feet, capped at 150 sq ft (per frontage on corner lots). C3: 50 sq ft. C4, C5-4, C6 and C7: five times the frontage, capped at 500 sq ft.
- How tall can a freestanding sign be in New York, NY?
- 25 feet above curb level in C1, C2, C3, C5-1, C5-2, C5-3 and C5-5. 40 feet in C4, C5-4, C6-1 to C6-4, C6-6, C6-8, C6-9, C6-11, C6-12 and C7. No height restriction in C6-5 and C6-7.
- How much clearance does a projecting sign need in New York, NY?
- A sign may project no more than 18 inches across a street line for double- or multi-faceted signs, outside C6-5 and C6-7.
- Can a sign be illuminated in New York, NY?
- Illuminated non-flashing window signs are limited to eight square feet total per zoning lot and no more than three per window. Flashing signs are permitted only in specified districts and prohibited in others.
- Which zoning district do these New York, NY sign rules apply to?
- Limits vary substantially by commercial district (C1 to C8). Values above describe the general commercial districts; C6-5 and C6-7 are unrestricted on height and are the only districts, with C8, permitting advertising signs.
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