Signage for a commercial building is more complicated than picking a font and ordering a sign. Between zoning codes, ADA requirements, landlord approvals, electrical needs, and multiple sign types working together exterior identification, way finding, ADA room signs, directories a commercial signage project has a lot of moving parts. Done right, it improves navigation, reinforces your brand, and adds real property value. Done wrong, it means fines, rework, and wasted budget.
This guide walks through everything to plan for before you order your first sign.
Step 1: Define What Signage You Actually Need
Most commercial buildings need more than one type of sign. Start by mapping your building's needs by category:
- Exterior identification signage: building-mounted letters, monument signs, or blade signs that identify the business or building from the street
- Way finding signage: directional signs guiding visitors from parking to entrances to suites
- Directory signage: lobby or hallway directories listing tenants or departments
- ADA-compliant signage: required room ID, restroom, and exit route signage that meets accessibility standards
- Interior signage: suite numbers, department names, non-illuminated wall signs
- Window graphics and privacy film: branding, way finding, or privacy for ground-floor glass
Walk your building (or blueprints, if per-construction) and note every point where someone a customer, employee, or visitor needs to identify or navigate the space.
Step 2: Understand Zoning and Sign Code Requirements
Every city regulates commercial signage differently size limits, illumination rules, setback requirements, and how many signs a single building is allowed. Before you finalize any design, check your local municipal sign code or work with a sign company that already knows it.
In the Bay Area specifically, cities like San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and Mountain View each have their own permitting processes and design review standards. (If your building is in San Jose, see our dedicated San Jose Sign Permit Guide for a full walkthrough.)
Key things zoning typically governs:
- Maximum sign area (often calculated per linear foot of building frontage)
- Height restrictions for monument and pole signs
- Illumination limits (brightness, hours of operation for lit signs)
- Historic district or design review restrictions
- Number of signs permitted per tenant or per building
Step 3: Budget for the Full Project, Not Just Fabrication
A common planning mistake is budgeting only for the physical sign and forgetting the surrounding costs:
- Design and mockups
- Permit application fees and plan review
- Engineering (required for larger, wind-loaded, or elevated signs)
- Electrical work for illuminated signage
- Installation labor, including lift equipment for elevated signs
- Landlord/property management approval fees, if applicable
A full-service sign company will typically quote these as one coordinated project, which prevents scope surprises mid-installation.
Step 4: Prioritize ADA Compliance
ADA signage isn't optional for most commercial buildings it's a legal requirement covering restroom signs, room identification, exit routes, and directories. Requirements include specific mounting heights, tactile characters, Braille, and non-glare finishes. Non-compliant signage can result in required retrofits or legal exposure, so this should be planned alongside your branded signage, not as an afterthought. Martin Sign's ADA Signs and Restroom Signs lines are built to meet these standards.
Step 5: Choose Materials for Durability and Environment
Commercial signage has to survive years of weather exposure, UV, and in some cases, coastal fog or wind. Material choice should match:
- Metal signs (aluminum, brushed metal, dimensional letters): long lifespan, premium look see our Metal Signs guide for a full breakdown of types and uses
- Acrylic and LED components: durable and cost-effective for illuminated signage
- Vinyl banners and window graphics: best for shorter-term or seasonal branding needs
- Privacy film: for ground-floor glass needing branding or visual privacy without full opacity
Step 6: Plan Your Timeline Around Permitting
Permitting is usually the longest lead-time item in a commercial signage project it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the city and whether design review is required. Build this into your project timeline early, especially if signage needs to be ready for a grand opening, lease start date, or rebrand launch.
Step 7: Work With a Single Team From Design to Installation
Coordinating separate vendors for design, permitting, fabrication, electrical, and installation multiplies the risk of miscommunication, delays, and code issues. Martin Sign manages the entire process in-house design, permitting, fabrication, quality control, and installation so commercial building owners, property managers, and tenants get one accountable partner from concept to completion.
Commercial Signage Checklist
- Mapped every signage need (exterior, way finding, directory, ADA, interior)
- Confirmed local zoning and sign code requirements
- Budgeted for design, permitting, engineering, electrical, and installation
- Planned ADA-compliant signage alongside branded signage
- Chosen durable materials suited to the building's exposure
- Built permitting lead time into the project timeline
- Selected a single accountable signage partner
Start Planning Your Commercial Signage Project
Martin Sign has delivered commercial signage projects for corporate offices, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and government clients across San Francisco, San Jose, and Silicon Valley managing everything from initial design through permitting and final installation.
Request a free consultation and quote or explore our full portfolio of commercial projects.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for every sign on a commercial building?
Most cities require permits for exterior, illuminated, and monument signage. Some smaller interior or temporary signs may be exempt check with your local planning department or your sign company.
Who is responsible for signage on a leased commercial space landlord or tenant?
This varies by lease agreement. Many commercial leases specify signage criteria (size, placement, style) that tenants must follow, with the tenant typically funding their own signage within those guidelines.
How far in advance should I start planning commercial signage?
For projects requiring permits or design review, start at least 6–10 weeks before your target installation date to account for permitting, fabrication, and scheduling.
