When to use this process

Use this process to apply for permanent signs, such as wall signs and monument signs.

Similar process:

• If you need a temporary sign permit, use the process explained on our Temporary Use and Sign Permit webpage instead. 

Get ready

Required documents

Wall sigs

1. Sign plan and specifications that include:
   • Dimensions of sign
   • Sign message
   • Construction materials with colors specified
   • Anchoring detail showing how sign will be attached to building. Show actual anchor type, spacing and exterior building material.
   • Elevation drawing showing location of sign on building and width and height of building.
   • If electrified, describe the type of lighting. Illuminated signs must be UL listed and include an electrical wiring detail. 
     • Do not include building lighting on the sign plans. Architectural lighting will be reviewed as part of the building plans. 
2. Electric Load Data Form (PDF) if electrified

For freestanding signs

1. Sign plan and specifications that include:
   • Dimensions of sign
   • Sign message
   • Construction materials with colors specified
   • Footing or foundation detail
   • Wind load information—An engineer sealed plan is required for signs that are taller than 12 feet. Additionally, the building official may request an engineer sealed plan for other types of signs as deemed necessary.
   • If electrified, describe the type of lighting. Illuminated signs must be UL listed and include an electrical wiring detail.
2. Electric Load Data Form (PDF) if electrified
3. A survey of property or a site plan drawn to scale that shows:
   • Distance to two points that can be measured in the field such as back of curb or edge of sidewalk
   • Distance to property lines—In most cases, sign cannot be located within 5 feet of property lines. However, signs within the Road Corridor Protection Overlay district may have substantially increased setback standards.
   • If any easements are located near sign, list type (electrical, water, sewer, etc.) and width. Also show the distance to rights-of-ways, easements, and power lines.
     • Signs cannot be located within rights-of- way or easements, nor within 12 feet of electric lines or facilities.
   • Distance to driveways.
     • Signs cannot be located within sight triangle.
   • Distance to nearest building.
   • Relation to property grade of fronting street if the grade of the land is different than where the sign is located.
   • Location of electric meter and transformer (if applicable).

Required licenses

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued.
   •  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
   • Contractor Licenses webpage

Helpful regulation references

• Zoning Ordinance (PDF) (most signage standards are in Chapter8)
• Opportunities for Signage fact sheet (PDF)
• Signage for Historic Properties fact sheet (PDF) (for signs located in one of the City’s Historic Overlay Districts)
• Road Corridor Protection Overlay District (PDF). If subject property is located on a road section that is located on this list, the proposed sign location must be reviewed to ensure that a future road improvement project would not impact it.

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   • Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Commercial” 
   • Click on "Signs"
   • Select "Permanent Sign" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 3 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.
4. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.

Separate submittal

If this pertains to your project, submit this application separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit it on its own.

• Certificate of Appropriateness if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts

Next steps

Wall signs

1. Install the signs.
2.  Schedule a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button above.

Freestanding signs

1. Have utility lines marked: Request that all utility providers come mark the location of utilities at least 3 full business days before you dig. This is required by state law and is a free service.
   • SC811 website
2. Mark all property lines in the area near the sign:
   • Webpage with guidance about how to locate property lines 
3. Dig footer and request an inspection through the "Apply Online" button above.
4. After the footing inspection has been approved, install the sign and request required inspections through the "Apply Online" button above.
   • Temporary Power inspection if the sign has electrical service
   • Final inspection after all work is complete to close out the permit

Change orders

Change orders webpage