Outdoor Advertising Registration Program - Buildings

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Specialty Units


Outdoor Advertising Registration Program

Individuals and entities engaged in the outdoor advertising business must register as Outdoor Advertising Companies (OACs) with the Department. As part of registration, OACs must include a detailed inventory of every sign, sign structure, and sign location under its control which is located:

Within 900 feet and in view of an arterial highway

Within 200 feet and in view of a public park one-half acre or larger

Active OACs and Affiliates

List of OACs

List of OAC Affiliates

Failure to Register

Outdoor Advertising Companies without an active registration number from the Department are subject to fines of up to $25,000 per day as well as the loss of the ability to bid on City contracts.

Outdoor Advertising Companies that fail to register signs near arterial highways and public parks as required are subject to fines, removal of the signs, and revocation of their registration as an Outdoor Advertising Company.

Registration

To register, submit the following documents:

Registration Application (OAC1) and if applicable

Sign Inventory Summary (OAC2)

Sign Profile (OAC3)

Affiliated OACs (OAC4)

Responsible Affiliate Interment (OAC5)

Fee/ Security Calculation Worksheet (OAC6)

Letter of Credit Form – OACs must provide a Letter of Credit to the Department printed on their bank's letterhead. This is required for applicants submitting a Sign Inventory.
*Note: you must have your bank transfer this information onto their letterhead.

Letter of Credit Agreement
The Letter of Credit Agreement defines the terms for which the Department may access funds in the Letter of Credit. The agreement must be signed by the applicant and accompany the Letter of Credit.

Registration Fees

Initial registration
$1,500 per advertising company

Renewal
$750.00 per advertising company

Initial sign registration
$125.00 per sign, sign structure or location

Renewal
$50.00 per sign, sign structure or location

Please make checks payable to the New York City Department of Buildings.

Please mail registration information to:
NYC Department of Buildings
Sign Enforcement Unit
280 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10007

Documentation for Existing Signs

You may need to obtain permit-related information for your sign, including copies of construction, electrical, or illuminated sign permits. To request application copies and permit records, contact the Record Room at the appropriate borough office.

Construction Applications & Permits

Electronic Records – The Department’s Building Information System (BIS) has basic information available for pre-1990 applications and more comprehensive information for those after 1990.

Inspection Records – Scanned copies of Department of Buildings’ sign inspection reports and accompanying photographs from the late 1970s and 1980s, are available by contacting the Sign Enforcement Unit. Files are in PDF format and may be e-mailed upon request.

Hard-Copy Records

Hard copies of newer documents are available from files in the borough record room.

Permit docket/log books are available in either hard copy or microfilm in the borough offices.

Hard copies of older documents are generally stored on microfilm in the borough office or archived off-site.

Archived documents require approximately one week for retrieval.

Additional Assistance

If you are unable to find the documentation you need, contact the Special OAC representative in the appropriate borough office.

Helpful Links

Accessory Business Sign Webinar

Inspecting Monopole Structures

Installing a Sign

Construction Signs

Correcting Sign Violations

Sign Forms

Construction Safety Presentations