City of Dayton
Sign Application Information
10/17
Information – Permits have been required for all signs since 1916 to control visual clutter and assure signs are safely and properly
installed. An Occupancy Certificate should be obtained for the use of the building before applying for a sign permit. Every sign,
temporary or permanent, requires a permit which must be obtained before any work begins and must comply with the Zoning Code,
Ohio Building Code and National Electric Code. You will be notified when the plans for the sign have been approved. If you move or
go out of business, you are required to remove your signs and sign structures. If you put the sign(s) up at another location, you will
need new sign permits. Portable signs, normally rented by the month, mounted on wheels or adjustable legs are PROHIBITED IN
ALL ZOING DISTRICTS.
Applying for Permits – To obtain a permit you must provide:
1. Application – Complete the application with property owner’s signature.
2. Site Plan – 3 copies of a complete site plan drawn to scale showing:
a. The street frontage for the business, in feet.
b. Distance from sign to lot lines and structures.
c. North arrow.
d. Location and type of all existing signs on the
property.
e. Landscaping details.
f. Copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness if
in a Historic District.
g. Off-premise sign applications must show the
information required by ¶150.925.1-14
3. Sign Illustration – 3 copies to show the following:
a. Signs in Landmark District – show the size and shape, including color illustration.
b. Details of how the sigh is supported, attached, anchored, connected and braced, including foundation details.
Also, indicate existing materials.
c. Description of the message on the sign (what the sign says).
4. Electrical and Lighting Information – Indicate all electrical and lighting information, including transformer size and location.
A separate electrical permit is also required (see National Electric Code, Article 600). All electrical must be tested and listed
by an approved organization (UL or other).
5. Location and Description – Show all existing signs on the premises.
Permit Fees –
1. Commercial Plan Review Fee (payable at the time of application)
Plan Review fees are 0.1% of the Project Value plus a 3% State surcharge on the review fee. The minimum fee is $30.90.
2. Commercial Sign Permit Fee (payable when permit is issued) A State of Ohio surcharge of 3% of the permit fee is added for
commercial projects.
a. For costs less than $2000, the permit fee shall be $35.00 plus the State of Ohio surcharge, or $36.05 minimum.
b. For costs over $2000 but less than $100,000, the fee shall be $35.00 plus 1.0% of the costs in excess of $2000.
Example: (cost minus $2000) x .010 + $35.00 = fee + the state surcharge.
c. For costs $100,000 or more, the fee shall be $1015.00 plus 0.50% of the cost in excess of $100,000. Example: (cost
minus $100,000) x .0050 + $1015.00 = fee + the state surcharge.
3. Zoning Sign Permit Fee (payable when permit is issued)
Zoning fees are 0.2% of the cost, with a minimum fee of $75.00. (The state surcharge is not added to this fee.)
Example: cost x .002 = zoning sign permit fee, $75.00 minimum fee.
4. Total Sign Permit Fees = Plan Review Fee (payable at the time of application) and Commercial Sign Permit Fee + State
surcharge + Zoning Sign Permit Fee (payable when permit is issued)
All work must be performed in accordance with the Zoning Code, Ohio Building code, National Electric Code, and other applicable
ordinances. The permit will expire if work is not started, postponed, abandoned, or an inspection is not requested within six months
of the issuance date.
IT IS YOUR RESONSIBILITY TO CALL FOR ALL INSPECTIONS
Inspections Required – 24 hour minimum notice is required.
1. Foundation Inspection – If a footing is needed, it must be inspected for depth and size before the concrete is poured. Call
333-3897 to schedule a structural inspection.
2. Electrical Inspection – If the sign is illuminated or wired for electricity, the electrician must call 333-3881 for an electrical
inspection, when the electrical work is completed.
3. Final Inspection – When all work is done, call 333-3887 for a final inspection.
