Building and Fire Services
How to obtain a Sign Permit
Step
1
Gather your information
When you submit a Sign Permit Application you will need to ensure the following requirements are met:
- Sign application required for each sign.
- Proof of Liability Insurance and Worker's Compensation. If the applicant and sign installers are not the same, the Certificate of Insurance should be the installer's.
- One set of plans - drawn to scale on minimum 8½" x 11" or larger sheets maximum 11"x17".
- Sign plans shall include at least:
- Dimensions: total square footage, length, width and total sign height from the ground to top of sign.
- Proposed design, colors and materials.
- Details of any illumination source. Wiring and other electrical details.
- Structural details: foundation, vertical/horizontal supports, framing, fastening/joining methods and materials.
- Link to 190 Attachment #5 - Table of Permitted Signs
- For freestanding signs, a plot plan of the parcel on which the sign is to be placed delineating:
- Property lines, street lines, building locations and dimensions, parking areas, location and dimensions of all other signs on the parcel
- Exact location of the proposed sign including dimensions of setbacks from property lines (15' minimum) and distance of sign from the building to leading edge of sign
- For wall signs, an elevation drawing of the building with location and height of the proposed sign from grade to top of sign.
- Where a parcel has more than one frontage, the primary frontage shall be designated on the plot plan.
- Show calculations on sign plans using appropriate formula to determine the size of sign to be allowed.
- Statement of structural soundness that sign will withstand wind loads as prescribed in the Building Code of NYS.
- Plans shall bear the signature of owner, applicant or designer responsible for the design of the sign.
Step
2
Submit your application
The Sign Permit fee is due when the application is submitted. This fee is NOT refundable. Refer to the Building Department Fee Schedule for updated fees. Keep in mind that:
- A fee is required for each sign permit that you are applying for
- Payment is accepted in cash or check (checks need to be payable to the "Town of Colonie") or credit card (2.49% service fee)
- When applying for a sign permit, please print your email address clearly. Your permit will be emailed when issued.
Step
3
Schedule inspection with Building Department
Inspections by the Building Department are required for new freestanding signs.
- ALL signs must be scheduled for a final inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance. Freestanding signs require a footing inspection before pouring concrete.
Step
4
Submit your documents
Sign permit applications are currently required to be submitted to our office in person:
Building Department
Public Operations Center
Public Operations Center
347 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, NY 12110-2286
United States
Step
5
Need to know
Other things to keep in mind when applying for a Sign Permit:
- Permit and approved plans must be at the jobsite at all times.
- Any electric work performed must be inspected by an approved electrical inspector (see approved electrical inspectors page for a list of vendors).
- Applicant is responsible for providing electric inspection certification to the Building Dept.
IMPORTANT:
All forms MUST be legible and must contain complete address including zip code.
All forms MUST be legible and must contain complete address including zip code.
KEEP IN MIND:
You have to call UFPO (800 962 7962) two business days before digging.
You have to call UFPO (800 962 7962) two business days before digging.
Need to know:
Still have questions?
You can contact us at our office line. If you are still stuck, we can help you figure out everything when you visit our office.
Still have questions?
You can contact us at our office line. If you are still stuck, we can help you figure out everything when you visit our office.
Contact
Public Operations Center
Second Floor
347 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, NY 12110-2286
Second Floor
347 Old Niskayuna Road
Latham, NY 12110-2286