Service overview
You need to get zoning approval to install signs. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these approvals.
The Philadelphia Zoning Code includes rules for:
- Number of signs.
- Type.
- Size.
- Location.
- Height.
- Illumination or lighting.
Types of signs that don’t need zoning permits
- Window signs installed in up to two windows or doors. The sign can’t take up more than 20 percent of the transparent glazed area of a door or window.
- Signs located in a building’s interior that are more than 18 in. from, or on more than a 45 degree angle to any window or opening. These signs are not intended to be visible from the outside.
- Digital and video screens on outdoor equipment such as fuel pumps and ATM’s (limited to 1 sq. ft.)
- Signs that give directions and are under 10 sq. ft. in area and under 7 ft. in height
- Temporary real estate signs
- Residential districts: 6 sq. ft. per face
- Other districts: 12 sq. ft. per face
Approval without plans
If the proposed signs fit certain standards, you do not need to submit plans. Check if your sign complies with our EZ Sign Standard for Zoning.
Who
Property owners and their authorized agents who want to install signs should apply for zoning approval. Authorized agents may include:
- Tenants.
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
Requirements
Permit application
The permit application must include the complete listing of addresses and current owner information.
- If the property is NOT owned by a natural person or a publicly-traded company, provide the name and mailing address of one of the following:
- Each individual with more than 49% interest in ownership of the property
- The two individuals with the largest interest
- If a property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
- You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
- If you are a tenant making an application, provide your executed lease agreement.
Applicants using the EZ Sign Standard
Complete an EZ Standard for Zoning Sign Installation form
Plans
If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.
Photographs
Photographs of existing conditions must be provided to verify signage at a lot or on a building
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
You can apply online using eCLIPSE. If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment. You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person. Permit and License Center Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.Online
In person
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost
Fee types that may apply
Filing fee
- $100
This fee is nonrefundable. It will be credited toward the final permit fee.
Permit fee
Signs are grouped into two categories based on their content:
- Accessory signs (located at the same place as the activity or business they advertise): $232 per sign
- Non-accessory signs (advertising goods or services found at a different location): $365 per sign
Record retention fee
- Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4
Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)
Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
- Fee: $1050
- $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.
To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review Request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
Applications with plans are processed within 20 days business days.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed in 5 business days.
Applications without plans are processed while you wait.
If not approved, L&I will request more information.
Online
If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.
- Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days. Allow an additional business day for pre-processing.
- You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed in 5 business days.
- Applications that use the EZ Standard for Zoning Sign Installation are processed within 5 business days.
If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
Renewal requirements
Expiration
- Zoning Permits that involve building expire in three years if you don’t begin construction at the site.
- Use Permits expire after six months if the activity does not start.
- A Conditional Zoning Permit is valid for one year after the date it was issued.
Extending a zoning permit
You can apply for a permit extension starting three months before the permit expires. Extended permits are valid for one year from the expiration date of the original permit, regardless of when the extension is issued.
You can apply for an extension online using eCLIPSE or in person. Refer to the zoning permit extension information sheet for more information.