Pylon Signs: Maximum Highway Visibility for Your Business

When your business sits near a highway or major thoroughfare, ground-level signs simply cannot compete. Drivers approaching at 55 mph need advance notice of your location. They need time to recognize your business, decide to stop, and safely exit. Pylon signs deliver that critical visibility.

At InstaSIGN, we've fabricated and installed pylon signs throughout Palm Beach County since 1986. From single-tenant poles to multi-business structures reaching 30+ feet, we understand how these signs drive traffic to highway-adjacent businesses.

What Makes Pylon Signs Different

Pylon signs (also called pole signs) are elevated on one or more poles, lifting sign faces high above ground level. Unlike monument signs that sit low, or building-mounted signs that depend on structure height, pylon signs achieve visibility independent of their surroundings.

This elevation solves specific problems:

• Distance visibility: Drivers can identify businesses from farther away
• Obstruction clearance: Signs rise above landscaping, parked vehicles, and other visual barriers
• Multi-tenant efficiency: Single structures can serve multiple businesses
• Traffic flow: Earlier visibility allows safer, more deliberate exit decisions

Types of Pylon Signs

Single-Pole Pylon Signs

The simplest configuration uses a single pole supporting a sign cabinet or face. These signs work well for individual businesses on moderate-sized properties.

Single-pole designs minimize ground footprint—important where space is limited. However, they require careful engineering to resist wind loads, which a single point of support must handle entirely.

Double-Pole Pylon Signs

Two poles supporting a sign cabinet create additional stability and allow wider sign faces. This configuration handles larger signs and higher wind ratings more easily than single-pole designs.

The twin-pole look also provides architectural options—poles can be straight, tapered, or shaped to complement building design.

Multi-Tenant Pylon Signs

Shopping centers, office complexes, and business parks often use multi-tenant pylon signs displaying multiple business names on a single structure. These maximize visibility investment across multiple tenants.

Design considerations include:

• Hierarchy: Which tenants receive top positions or larger panels
• Consistency: Unified design elements across tenant panels
• Flexibility: Ability to change tenant panels as leases turn over
• Capacity: Balancing tenant count against individual panel visibility

Illuminated Pylon Signs

Most pylon signs include illumination for 24-hour visibility. Options include:

• Internal illumination: Light sources inside sign cabinet
• Channel letters on pylons: Individual illuminated letters mounted on pylon structures
• LED message centers: Digital displays integrated into pylon signs
• External illumination: Spotlights directed at sign faces

LED Digital Pylon Signs

Electronic message centers (EMCs) on pylon structures combine height advantage with dynamic messaging capability. Content can change instantly—pricing, promotions, weather alerts, community messages.

Digital pylons face additional regulations in many jurisdictions. Brightness limits, animation restrictions, and change intervals are common requirements.

Height Considerations

Visibility Calculations

Optimal pylon height depends on viewing distance and traffic speed. A sign must be:

1. High enough to be seen from the required distance
2. Large enough to be read at that distance
3. Visible long enough for decision-making

For highway applications, 25-35 foot heights are common. For slower arterial roads, 15-20 feet may suffice.

Regulatory Limits

Palm Beach County municipalities restrict pylon heights based on zoning and location:

• Delray Beach: Generally limited to 20-25 feet depending on zone
• Boca Raton: Strongly discourages pylon signs; strict limits where permitted
• West Palm Beach: Varies by district, up to 35 feet in some commercial zones
• Unincorporated county: Generally more permissive, particularly in commercial corridors

Verify height limits for your specific location before planning pylon signs.

Grandfathered Signs

Some existing pylon signs exceed current height limits under "grandfathering" provisions. These signs may continue operating but typically cannot be replaced at the same height if removed.

Understanding grandfathered status matters when acquiring properties with existing signage.

Engineering Requirements

Pylon signs face substantial engineering challenges:

Wind Load Calculations

South Florida requires signs engineered for hurricane-force winds. Pylon signs must withstand sustained winds of 140-175+ mph depending on location.

Engineering calculations consider:

• Sign face area
• Sign height
• Pole/structure specifications
• Foundation requirements
• Local wind speed requirements

Foundation Design

Proper foundations prevent sign failure in high winds. Typical pylon foundations include:

• Reinforced concrete footers
• Below-grade depth based on soil conditions
• Steel anchor bolts connecting poles to concrete
• Compacted backfill

Foundation work requires permits separate from sign permits in most jurisdictions.

Structural Members

Pole specifications depend on sign size, height, and wind requirements:

• Steel pole gauges and diameters
• Weld specifications
• Corrosion protection for coastal environments
• Connection hardware ratings

Electrical Systems

Illuminated pylons require:

• Weatherproof electrical enclosures
• Proper grounding
• Disconnect switches
• Underground or pole-run conduit
• Appropriate circuit protection

The Installation Process

Pylon sign installation involves multiple phases:

Site Preparation

Before sign work begins:

• Underground utilities are located and marked
• Access routes are confirmed
• Staging areas are established
• Permit conditions are verified

Foundation Installation

Foundation work typically includes:

• Excavation to specified depth
• Rebar cage installation
• Anchor bolt template positioning
• Concrete pour
• Curing period (typically 7-14 days before loading)

Pole and Structure Erection

After foundation curing:

• Crane positioning and setup
• Pole lifting and placement
• Anchor bolt connection and tightening
• Level and plumb verification

Sign Face Installation

With structure in place:

• Sign cabinet or face lifting
• Attachment to support structure
• Electrical connections
• Panel installation (for multi-tenant signs)

Final Connections and Testing

Completing the installation:

• Electrical circuit completion
• Illumination testing
• Timer/photocell programming
• Site cleanup
• Inspection scheduling

Multi-Tenant Considerations

Businesses sharing pylon signs face unique considerations:

Lease Provisions

Commercial leases should address:

• Panel position assignments
• Size allocations
• Cost sharing arrangements
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Panel change procedures

Landlord Approval

Shopping center pylon signs typically require landlord approval for tenant panels. Sign criteria documents specify acceptable designs, colors, and materials.

Position Value

Top positions and larger panels have greater visibility value. Anchor tenants often negotiate premium positions in lease agreements.

Panel Changes

Tenant turnover requires panel changes. Design multi-tenant pylons for efficient panel replacement without disrupting other tenants or requiring crane equipment for simple changes.

LED Upgrades for Existing Pylons

Many businesses upgrade existing pylon signs with LED technology:

Converting to LED Illumination

Replacing fluorescent or neon illumination with LED offers:

• Energy savings (40-60% reduction)
• Reduced maintenance
• Improved brightness and consistency
• Longer lifespan

LED retrofits typically work within existing cabinets with electrical modifications.

Adding Digital Components

Some pylons accommodate digital message center additions:

• Replacing static reader board panels
• Adding EMC modules to existing structures
• Integrating digital displays with traditional signage

Verify structural capacity and regulatory approval before adding digital components.

Costs and Investment

Pylon sign pricing reflects their complexity:

New Single-Tenant Pylon Signs

Typical ranges for complete installations:

• 15-foot illuminated pylon: $8,000-$15,000
• 25-foot illuminated pylon: $15,000-$30,000
• 35-foot illuminated pylon: $25,000-$50,000

Variables include sign face size, illumination type, and foundation requirements.

Multi-Tenant Pylon Signs

Complete multi-tenant structures:

• Small (4-6 tenants): $25,000-$50,000
• Medium (8-12 tenants): $50,000-$100,000
• Large (12+ tenants): $100,000+

Individual tenant panel costs typically range $500-$2,000 depending on size and illumination.

LED Message Center Additions

Digital display costs depend on resolution and size:

• Monochrome displays: $8,000-$15,000
• Full-color displays: $15,000-$40,000+

Maintenance Requirements

Pylon signs require periodic maintenance:

Routine Maintenance

• Lamp/LED replacement as needed
• Ballast replacement (for fluorescent systems)
• Panel cleaning
• Structural inspection
• Electrical system checks

Storm Preparation and Response

Before hurricanes:

• Verify structural integrity
• Check anchor connections
• Consider face removal for severe threats

After storms:

• Inspect for damage
• Check for leaning or movement
• Verify electrical function

Panel Maintenance

Multi-tenant signs require:

• Tenant panel changes as needed
• Face replacement for damaged panels
• Regular cleaning to maintain appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my pylon sign be?

Height limits depend on your municipality and zoning. We research applicable limits as part of project planning.

Do pylon signs require special permits?

Yes. Pylon signs typically require sign permits, building permits for foundations, and electrical permits. We handle all permitting.

Can I add a digital display to my existing pylon?

Possibly. We assess structural capacity and regulatory approval before recommending digital additions.

How long do pylon signs last?

Properly maintained pylon signs last 15-25 years. Individual components (illumination, faces) may need replacement before structure replacement.

Will my pylon sign survive a hurricane?

Signs engineered to current Florida codes should withstand rated wind events. Older signs may require assessment and reinforcement.

Capture Highway Traffic

For businesses depending on highway and arterial road visibility, pylon signs remain the most effective identification solution. Their height advantage ensures customers find you before they've passed by.

At InstaSIGN, we've engineered and installed pylon signs throughout Palm Beach County for over 35 years. From single-tenant poles to complex multi-tenant structures, we deliver signs that drive traffic to your door.

Contact InstaSIGN at (561) 272-2323 to discuss your pylon sign project.