Commercial Sign Permits

A commercial sign permit is required for the following work on a commercial building or structure.

• Renovate and repair existing commercial sign.
• Modify an existing commercial sign.
• Installation of a new commercial sign.

Please see Permit Home for definition of commercial structures and work not requiring a permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit.

New Construction & Addition / Alteration Work Types:

• Advertising Sign: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing advertising sign.
• Non-Advertising Sign: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing non-advertising sign.

Minor Alteration Work Types:

• Non-Structural Alteration with a Valid Certificate of Occupancy: applies to the non-structural alteration of an existing sign if the sign has a valid certificate of occupancy. 
  • If the existing sign does not have a valid certificate of occupancy this work type does not apply.
• Ground Sign – 6 Feet or Less in Height: applies to the installation or alteration of an existing ground sign if the sign is 6 feet or less in height as measured from the lowest grade level. 
• Wall Sign – Installed Less Than 8 Feet Above Grade: applies to applies to the installation or alteration of an existing wall sign if the sign is installed less than 8 feet above grade.

Permit Process

See these webpages for additional information regarding the permitting process:

Please see Other Agency Coordination for processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope.  For commercial suppression system permits:

• Permit Process
• Application Submission
  • Download the Sign Permit Application
  • All other work type other than Minor Alteration requires submission of construction drawings to OneStopPGH.
• Application Review
• Permit Issuance
• Permit Inspections
  • Special Inspections are required for signs installed over 30 feet above grade.
• Permit Completion

Please see Other Agency Coordination for processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope.  For commercial suppression system permits:

• Zoning Development Review application (ZDR) submission is required for all signs.
• Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) for signs, such as projecting signs, that encroach into the public right of way.