Top 5 Reasons Your Sign Permit Gets Rejected (and How to Avoid Them)

Discover the most common reasons cities reject sign permit applications — and how to fix them before you apply to avoid costly delays.

Avoid the Frustration of Permit Rejections

Few things are more frustrating than waiting weeks for a review only to find out your application was rejected. The good news? Most rejections are completely avoidable.

In this article, we’ll walk through the five most common reasons sign permits get denied — and exactly how to prevent them.

Reason 1: Incomplete or Wrong Drawings

City reviewers need clear, scaled plans to approve a permit. Submitting blurry images, missing dimensions, or not showing the exact location of your sign almost guarantees a rejection.

How to Avoid It:

• Provide to-scale site plans and elevations with all measurements clearly labeled.

• Include details for mounting, materials, and colors if required.

• Double-check that all drawings match the current site conditions.

Reason 2: Violating Size, Height, or Setback Limits

Every jurisdiction has rules on how tall a sign can be, how far from the property line it must sit, and how much square footage you’re allowed.

How to Avoid It:

• Review the zoning code and sign ordinance before designing.

• Verify your property’s zoning district — restrictions can vary block by block.

• Adjust designs before applying to avoid resubmittals or variance requests.

Reason 3: Missing Contractor or Qualifier Information

Many cities won’t even start reviewing until they confirm your contractor is properly licensed and registered in their system.

How to Avoid It:

• Ensure your installer’s license is active and up-to-date with the state.

• Check that the contractor is registered with the specific city or county where the work is being done.

• Provide qualifier name and license number on the application.

Reason 4: Electrical Disconnect or UL Issues

For illuminated signs, cities often require a UL label and a disconnect switch at a specific location. Missing these details is one of the most common review comments.

How to Avoid It:

• Include UL file number or label photo in your submittal package.

• Show disconnect switch location on electrical drawings (at the point of entry or as required by code).

• Confirm your design follows National Electric Code (NEC) requirements.

Reason 5: Using the Wrong Permit Type

Submitting a building permit for a sign (or vice versa) can delay the process by weeks while the city reassigns or rejects the application.

How to Avoid It:

• Review your city’s permit categories — some require separate permits for each sign type (monument, pylon, wall, directional).

• Ask the building department whether electrical work requires a separate permit or is included under the sign permit.

• Submit multiple applications if required to avoid rejection.

Bonus Tip: Submit a Complete Checklist

Before you hit submit, run through a checklist of required documents. Many cities even provide one on their website — use it!

Quick Win: A fully complete application almost always moves through review faster and with fewer comments.

Final Takeaway

Permit rejections are frustrating — but preventable. By providing accurate drawings, following code limits, and submitting a complete package with the right contractor and permit type, you can dramatically reduce the risk of rejection.

Want to save yourself the hassle entirely? GoPermit handles all of this for you — from research and submittals to follow-ups and approvals.

📞 Contact Us Today to get your next project started the right way.