Illuminated Sign Frequently Asked Questions

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Illuminated Sign Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an illuminated sign?

An illuminated sign is a sign that is illuminated by electrical means. All wiring and accessory electrical equipment shall conform to the provisions of the NYC Electrical Code.

Do I need to obtain a permit to erect an illuminated sign?

All illuminated signs require permits from the Department of Buildings. Nearly all signs regardless of illumination require permits as well.

How do I obtain a permit for an illuminated sign?

All requests for sign permits must be submitted through DOB NOW: Build.

How often must the illuminated sign permit be renewed?

An illuminated sign permit must be renewed annually. The permit is issued by the Department of Buildings, but the bill is generated by the Department of Finance. The bill is sent to the property owner mailing address, not the tenant. The tenant must contact the property owner for the illuminated sign permit.

What should I do when I remove a sign from my property?

The property owner must notify the Department of Buildings that they are canceling the permit.

How do I cancel an illuminated sign permit?

To cancel an illuminated sign permit, you must submit a statement from a New York City licensed electrician to the Central Filing and Billing Unit by email to CFB@Buildings.nyc.gov or call the hotline at 212-393-2252. The statement must be on company letterhead, indicate that the sign has been properly removed or de-electrified, and shall include the following information:

The date of removal (if known)

The electrician's license number

The address, borough, tax block, and lot number of the property where the sign was located

The illuminated sign permit number

The dimensions of the sign (height and length if known)

A statement indicating whether any other illuminated signs are at the location and if so, the dimensions (height and length) of each sign.

A statement indicating that the conditions after the removal of the sign comply with the NYC Electrical Code and that no exposed wiring exists or is visible.

A photograph of the premise (front and side view) where sign was located must be submitted.

The wording of my illuminated sign has changed, do I have to update my illuminated sign permit?

Yes. The illuminated sign permit must reflect the current wording on the illuminated sign.

How do I change the wording on the illuminated sign permit?

Submit a PAA to change the wording on an illuminated sign permit in DOB NOW: Build. To change the wording on the illuminated sign permit in BIS, the property owner must submit a signed letter indicating the following information:

The new wording on the sign

The address, tax borough, block, and lot numbers where the sign is located

The illuminated sign permit number (if known) and the dimensions of the sign (Height X Length)

I received a bill for an illuminated sign permit but I am not the owner of the property where the sign is located. What should I do?

You should mark the bill as "Wrong Owner" and mail it back to:

New York City Department of Buildings
Central Filing and Billing (CFB)
280 Broadway - 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

I received a bill to renew an illuminated sign permit but the information in the bill is incorrect. What should I do?

You should indicate on the bill what is not correct and mail it back to:

New York City Department of Buildings
Central Filing and Billing (CFB)
280 Broadway - 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

I submitted payment to renew my illuminated sign permit in BIS but I never received the new permit. What should I do?

If the permit renewal is not received after payment is submitted, the owner/managing agent of the property can contact the Central Filing and Billing Unit by email to CFB@Buildings.nyc.gov or call the hotline at 212-393-2252. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Address where sign is located

Borough, tax block, and lot number

Permit number (if known)

NOTE: Tenants are advised to speak to the owner/managing agent before contacting the Department. An illuminated sign permit cannot be issued to the tenant of the property unless written authorization is given by the owner/managing agent.

What should I do if I receive the illuminated sign permit but do not receive a bill?

Please contact the Department of Finance's hotline at (212) 504-4080. The permit is issued by the Department of Buildings but the bill is generated by the Department of Finance. The bill is sent to the property owner's mailing address, not the tenant. The tenant must contact the property owner for the illuminated sign permit.

Why is the Department of Finance billing me for my illuminated sign permit when these charges are for fees due to the Department of Buildings?

The Department of Finance provides billing services for many city agencies. Payments for illuminated sign permits should be made payable to the Department of Finance and sent directly to the address noted on the bill. Payments sent to the Department of Buildings will be returned to sender.

How is the annual illuminated sign permit fee calculated?

The permit fee is established by the New York City Administrative Code, Section 26-212. The fee is based on the type of sign and the dimensions (square footage) of the sign. Any change in dimensions will require a new application to be filed.

Are there regulations for erecting an illuminated sign in New York City, e.g., maximum size, wording, formatting, etc.?

Yes. Many regulations exist regarding installation of signage. For information regarding the laws regulating location and size of a sign, please contact the appropriate Borough office Plan Examination unit.

I received a violation related to an illuminated sign on my property. What should I do?

Questions pertaining to an existing or recently issued violation may be directed to the Construction Division in the appropriate Borough office. Some information may be available on the Buildings Information System. Copies of violations can also be obtained at the Borough office.