Sign Services in San Francisco, California
Professional Signage Solutions for San Francisco Businesses
Snapshot: San Francisco's Sign‑Permit Rules
Every external sign or awning in San Francisco—whether wall‑mounted, projecting, ground, illuminated, or fabric—requires a Sign Permit under Article 6 of the San Francisco Planning Code and must also satisfy zoning rules for your specific district.
Licensed Contractors
Property owners may file themselves, but applications typically proceed faster when submitted by a CSLB‑licensed C‑45 (signs) or D‑42 (non‑electrical awnings and signs) contractor through the Permit Center.
Business Registration
Permits won't issue without a valid San Francisco Business Registration Certificate (sometimes called a Business Tax Certificate). You can substitute a temporary Business Tax Certificate if you're awaiting the permanent one.
Services We Offer in San Francisco
Custom Sign Fabrication – Your source for window vinyl, interior wall graphics, vehicle signage, ADA plaques, wayfinding systems, menu boards, blade & hanging signs, plexiglass inserts, and storefront branding.
Professional Installation – Our expert crews handle wall‑mounted, ground‑mounted, Dibond panels, and drop‑ship sign installations in SoMa, North Beach, Mission District, and Castro.
Sign Repair & Maintenance – Complete care from cleaning and resurfacing to removal of outdated signs and crafting seamless replacements.
Permit Guidance – End‑to‑end support on application assembly, code compliance review, and real‑time coordination with City departments.
Our San Francisco Advantage
- In‑depth mastery of Planning Code Article 6 sign regulations.
- Central Permit Center at 49 South Van Ness Ave, 2nd Floor (Mon 9 am–5 pm; Tue–Fri 8 am–5 pm; over‑the‑counter plan review until 4:30 pm).
- Transparent fees with no concealed plan‑check surcharges, even as DBI updates rates in 2024–25.
- Established network of CSLB‑licensed installers for seamless pull‑and‑close permit service.
- Accelerated turnaround on permit documents—even amid fee adjustments effective July 19, 2024.
How We Help (No License? No Problem)
Pre‑flight code check – Verify size, height, lighting, and zoning limitations before production.
Document prep – Fill out SF "Sign and Awning Permit" (Form 4/7) plus accurate elevation drawings.
Permit liaison – Track your file via Accela Citizen Access and flag any plan‑check comments.
Licensed‑contractor match‑up – Pair you with a vetted C‑45/D‑42 subcontractor to officially pull and close the permit.
Permit‑free options – If you choose to go without a permit, we'll outline the fines, daily civil penalties, and tripled‑fee risks so you decide fully informed.
Recent San Francisco Wins
Blade‑sign retrofit on Valencia Street that sailed through inspection on first submittal.
Illuminated cabinet install near Union Square approved under Article 6 limits.
Vinyl window graphics for a café in North Beach, permitted and installed within one week.
San Francisco Sign‑Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small window or door decal?
Yes—San Francisco regulates all exterior signs, no matter the size.
Where do I file, and what are the hours?
Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness Ave, 2nd Floor. Open Mon 9 am–5 pm; Tue–Fri 8 am–5 pm; plan‑review queues close at 4:30 pm.
How long does review take?
Over‑the‑counter wall‑sign replacements can clear in one day; larger or design‑review cases average one to six weeks per DBI guidelines.
What does a sign permit cost?
Refer to Table 1A‑H of the SF Building Code for non‑electric and electric sign permit fees (effective July 19, 2024).
How large can my sign be?
Article 6 allows up to 300 sq ft aggregate area on standard commercial parcels; ground signs may not exceed 25 ft in height.
Are digital or electronic signs allowed?
Yes—maximum brightness of 0.3 foot‑candles above ambient at 100 ft after dark; no flashing or animation.
Which signs are banned outright?
Flashing beacons, roof signs extending above ridgelines in residential zones, and sidewalk signs that narrow pedestrian access below four feet.
Do banners need a special permit?
Temporary banners over 32 sq ft or displayed more than 30 days require a Seasonal Sign Permit.
Can I place an A‑frame on the sidewalk?
Only with a Minor Encroachment Permit and City sticker; maintain a clear 4 ft pedestrian corridor.
Penalties for unpermitted signs?
Daily civil fines, plus up to triple the standard permit fee under San Francisco Municipal Code.
Quick Links
- Planning Code Article 6 – Sign Regulations
- Get a Permit to Install a Sign or Awning
- Permit Center Hours & Info
- Permit Center Departments
- Business Registration Certificate
- Register as a City-Licensed Contractor
- Sign Permit Fee Schedule (Table 1A‑H)
- Business Tax Registration for Permits
Looking for more information about signage in San Francisco? Visit our comprehensive Service Areas page to learn more about our work throughout the region.