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Types of illuminated signs and awnings

Learn about the different ways signs and awnings can be lit.

There are different ways to illuminate a sign or awning.

Use these definitions to help complete the sign and awning permit.

Non-illuminated

Non-illuminated means there are no lights within or shining onto a sign or awning. This usually means the sign or awning is not readable after dark.

The following is an example of a non-illuminated awning.

Multiple dark green fabric awnings above the windows of a retail store, supported only by the metal structures against the building.

Indirect illumination

Indirect illumination means there are lights installed on the building that are designed to shine directly on the sign or awning.

If the lights illuminate other areas of the building, it may be considered direct illumination.

The following is an example of an indirectly-illuminated wall sign.

A wall sign consisting of large lettering installed on the side of a building, with 3 lamps on the building positioned on the left, middle, and right sides above the sign shining down directly on the letters.

Direct illumination

Direct illumination involves light contained within a sign or marquee, that shines outward through it. This includes neon and exposed lamp signs.

The following is a freestanding sign that's both directly illuminated and indirectly illuminated by a spotlight shining from below.

A large freestanding ground sign shown at night, with a combination of colorful neon lighting, a translucent cabinet, and a large spotlight shining on it from below.

Diagram of all the illumination methods

The following is a diagram of all the illumination types, from SF Planning.

An illustration of all 3 illumination types on a single building, explaining the differences between an non-illuminated sign, an indirectly-illuminated sign, and a directly-illuminated sign.