If you lease your space, your landlord or property manager almost always has to approve your sign before the city will. It is one of the most common worries for new tenants, and it is easier than it sounds when you prepare for it.
Six steps to a smooth approval
- Ask for the sign criteria early. Most shopping centers and office buildings have written rules covering size, placement, color, lighting and materials.
- Design within the rules. Start with what is allowed, then fit your logo into it, instead of designing first and trimming later.
- Prepare a rendering. Show the sign on a photo of your actual storefront so the reviewer can see exactly what to approve.
- Submit clear drawings. Include dimensions, materials, colors, lighting type and mounting details.
- Follow up politely. Property managers are often reviewing many tenants at once.
- Keep the approval in writing. You will usually need it for the city permit application.
Common reasons for pushback
- The sign is larger than the allowed area
- Colors, fonts or logo style do not match the center's standards
- The lighting type is not permitted
- The drawings are missing details
We can help. Legacy Signs designs to your center's criteria and prepares the drawings and renderings the landlord needs to review.