An awning is the covered cloth structure over your storefront. The letters and decals on it are known as copy.

A sign has letters or decals on wood, metal, etc. and can hang perpendicular over the sidewalk, lay flush against the wall, etc.

If there are residences in the floors above your storefront:

• Any awnings or signage will need to allow for fire ladder access.
• If there is a fire escape above your storefront, an awning will need to have a 3x3 foot flap or 'punch out hole' to allow the ladder through the awning in emergencies.

Installing or changing a sign or awning almost always requires a permit. Even if you are only changing the vinyl or painting over the business name.

A permit isn't required for:

• Signs painted on the windows or doors
  • You need to keep 75% of the storefront window area transparent. (meaning: the painted sign cannot take up more than 25% of the window.)
• Temporary sale or lease signs

Several departments will need to review your permit to make sure it meets design standards, building code requirements, and safety standards. Illuminated signs will require additional review for safety.

Plans for your sign or awning will need to be prepared by a licensed contractor or design professional. They must include:

• Scaled front and lateral elevation drawings of the building with the sign including:
  • dimensions
  • materials
  • details of construction, depending on the sign type
• Detailed drawings of the proposed change copy
• Photographs of the entire site

Apply to install a new awning, replace your existing awning, sign on your awnings, or pedestrian-level lighting and get most of your permit fees waived during the month of May! This program applies to permit fees from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Planning, Fire Department, and Public Works.

Learn more about the May Awning Fee Waiver Program

• If you have an existing, unpermitted sign or awning, use the Awning Amnesty process to get permits.
  
• If you want to modify your sign or awning, even if you are just changing the business name, you will need a permit.
  • If you are altering an existing sign that belonged to a different business, check that it was properly permitted by emailing sfosb@sfgov.org
    
• When a business closes or moves, the business is responsible for removing their sign/awning.
  • To remove a sign or awning, you will need a permit.