Navigating the Palm Beach County Sign Permit Process

Getting a sign permit in Palm Beach County can feel daunting. Every municipality has its own regulations, timelines, and quirks. What's approved in Delray Beach might be rejected in Boca Raton. Size limits vary. Design review requirements differ. Without local experience, businesses often face delays, rejections, and frustration.

At InstaSIGN, we've navigated Palm Beach County sign permitting since 1986. After 35+ years, we know the regulations, the reviewers, and the processes intimately. This guide shares what we've learned to help you understand what's involved.

Why Sign Permits Matter

Sign permits exist for legitimate reasons:

• Safety: Ensuring signs are structurally sound and won't harm people
• Aesthetics: Maintaining community character and preventing visual clutter
• Property values: Protecting investments through consistent standards
• Traffic safety: Preventing distractions and maintaining visibility at intersections

Ignoring permit requirements creates real risks. Unpermitted signs can result in fines, forced removal, and inability to sell or refinance property. Taking shortcuts isn't worth the liability.

Who Requires Sign Permits?

Every municipality in Palm Beach County requires permits for most exterior signs. The specific authority depends on your location:

Incorporated cities (Delray Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, etc.) administer their own sign codes through building or planning departments. Unincorporated Palm Beach County falls under county jurisdiction, with permits processed through Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning, and Building. HOA and POA communities may have additional requirements beyond municipal permits. Private community standards often exceed government requirements. Shopping centers and office parks frequently have sign criteria documents that tenants must follow. Landlord approval typically precedes permit applications.

General Permit Requirements

While specifics vary by jurisdiction, most Palm Beach County municipalities require:

Application Materials

• Completed application form: Basic project and property information
• Site plan: Showing sign location relative to property lines, buildings, and rights-of-way
• Sign drawings: Dimensions, materials, colors, illumination details
• Structural calculations: For larger signs, engineered drawings may be required
• Property owner authorization: If applicant isn't the property owner
• Contractor information: Licensed contractor or sign company details

Fees

Permit fees vary by municipality and sign type:

• Simple wall sign permits: $50-$200
• Monument signs: $100-$400
• Illuminated signs: Additional electrical permit fees
• Variance requests: $500-$2,000+ for hearing fees

Fees change periodically. Verify current rates with the specific jurisdiction.

Inspections

After installation, inspections verify signs match approved plans:

• Structural inspection: Confirming proper mounting
• Electrical inspection: For illuminated signs
• Final inspection: Overall compliance verification

Municipality-Specific Guidance

Delray Beach Sign Permits

Delray Beach regulates signs through its Land Development Regulations, with permits processed through the Building Department.

Key considerations:

• Size limits: Vary by zoning district and building frontage
• Illumination: Internal illumination generally permitted; exposed neon requires review
• Historic districts: Additional design review through Historic Preservation Board
• Downtown overlay: Atlantic Avenue and surrounding areas have specific aesthetic standards

Delray Beach permit processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for straightforward applications.

Boca Raton Sign Permits

Boca Raton maintains some of South Florida's strictest sign regulations, reflecting community preference for understated commercial areas.

Key considerations:

• Color restrictions: Certain areas limit sign colors and require earth tones
• Size limits: Generally more restrictive than neighboring cities
• Design review: Advisory board reviews many commercial signs
• Monument signs: Heavily favored over pole/pylon signs

Boca Raton permit processing often takes 4-6 weeks due to design review requirements.

West Palm Beach Sign Permits

West Palm Beach balances urban development with residential neighborhood protection.

Key considerations:

• Zoning variations: Downtown differs significantly from outlying commercial areas
• CRA districts: Community Redevelopment Agency areas may have additional standards
• Historic Northwood: Design review required in historic districts
• Digital signs: Restrictions on electronic message centers

West Palm Beach permit processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Boynton Beach Sign Permits

Boynton Beach has modernized its sign code in recent years, balancing business needs with community standards.

Key considerations:

• Updated code: Recent revisions simplified some requirements
• Size calculations: Based on building frontage
• Community input: Large signs may require public notice

Boynton Beach permit processing typically takes 2-3 weeks.

Unincorporated Palm Beach County

Properties outside incorporated cities follow county sign regulations.

Key considerations:

• Agricultural vs. commercial: Different standards apply
• Planned developments: May have specific sign standards in approval documents
• ULDC compliance: Unified Land Development Code governs signs

County permit processing typically takes 3-4 weeks.

The Permitting Process Step by Step

Step 1: Research Requirements

Before designing your sign, understand applicable regulations:

• What signs are permitted for your property type?
• What size limits apply?
• Are there material or color restrictions?
• Is design review required?
• What setbacks must be maintained?

We research these requirements as part of our consultation process.

Step 2: Design Within Requirements

Create sign designs that comply with all applicable standards. Designs that require variances face longer timelines and uncertain outcomes.

Professional sign companies design for compliance from the start, avoiding revision cycles.

Step 3: Prepare Application Package

Compile all required materials:

• Application form
• Site plan
• Sign drawings
• Specifications
• Owner authorization
• Contractor license information

Incomplete applications delay processing. We prepare thorough packages that sail through initial review.

Step 4: Submit and Pay Fees

Submit applications to the appropriate department with required fees. Many jurisdictions now accept electronic submissions.

Some municipalities require appointments; others accept walk-in submissions.

Step 5: Plan Review

Staff reviews applications for code compliance. They may:

• Approve as submitted
• Request revisions or clarifications
• Deny non-compliant applications

Maintain responsive communication during review. Quick responses to questions prevent delays.

Step 6: Permit Issuance

Approved applications receive permits authorizing installation. Permits specify conditions and expiration dates.

Keep permits on-site during installation for inspector access.

Step 7: Installation and Inspection

Install signs per approved plans. Don't deviate from approved designs without permission.

Schedule inspections as required. Have permits and approved plans available.

Step 8: Final Approval

Passing inspections closes the permit. Maintain permit records for future reference.

When Variances Are Required

Sometimes desired signs don't comply with existing regulations. Variance processes allow exceptions when circumstances warrant.

Grounds for Variances

Successful variance requests typically demonstrate:

• Physical hardship unique to the property
• Inability to achieve reasonable identification without variance
• Minimal impact on neighboring properties
• Consistency with code intent despite technical non-compliance

"We want a bigger sign" isn't grounds for variance. Legitimate physical constraints or unusual circumstances are.

Variance Process

Variance requests typically require:

• Detailed application explaining justification
• Public notice to neighboring properties
• Hearing before zoning board or similar body
• Staff recommendation

The process adds 4-8 weeks and significant fees. Design within code requirements when possible.

Common Permit Pitfalls

Incorrect Measurements

Sign codes specify how to measure sign area. Mistakes in measurement lead to non-compliant designs. Professional sign companies understand measurement methodologies.

Setback Violations

Signs must maintain minimum distances from property lines and rights-of-way. Site plans must demonstrate compliance.

Illumination Issues

Not all illumination is permitted everywhere. Understand restrictions before designing illuminated signs.

Missing Owner Authorization

Permit applications typically require property owner signatures. Tenants need landlord authorization before applying.

Expired Permits

Permits have validity periods (typically 6 months to 1 year). Don't let permits expire before completing installation.

How We Help

At InstaSIGN, we handle permitting as part of comprehensive sign packages:

• Research: We investigate requirements before design begins
• Design: We create compliant designs that achieve your goals
• Application preparation: We compile thorough application packages
• Submission: We submit applications and pay fees on your behalf
• Communication: We respond to reviewer questions promptly
• Installation: We install per approved plans
• Inspection coordination: We schedule and meet inspectors

Our familiarity with Palm Beach County jurisdictions—developed over 35 years—accelerates approvals and avoids common pitfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the permit process take?

Typical timelines range from 2-6 weeks depending on jurisdiction, sign complexity, and whether design review applies.

Can I install a sign without a permit?

Technically some small signs may be exempt, but most commercial exterior signs require permits. Installing without permits risks fines and forced removal.

What if my permit application is denied?

You can revise designs to comply, request variances (if grounds exist), or appeal decisions through appropriate channels.

Do temporary signs require permits?

Requirements vary. Some jurisdictions permit temporary signs for limited periods without permits; others require permits for all signs.

Can I use the same sign my predecessor had?

Maybe. Existing signs may be grandfathered or may have been non-compliant. Verify status before assuming compliance.

Navigate With Confidence

Sign permitting doesn't have to be frustrating. Understanding requirements, preparing thorough applications, and working with experienced professionals streamlines the process.

At InstaSIGN, we've helped Palm Beach County businesses navigate sign permits since 1986. Let our experience work for you.

Contact InstaSIGN at (561) 272-2323 to discuss your sign project and permitting needs.