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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Signs: Allowable Work Without A Registered Design Professional Submitting Construction Documents For Department Approval

Permits are tied to the project scope of work and work type, and the permits are regulated according to the nature of the work, licensing, and registration requirements for the work being performed. There are several aspects of Sign work, including but not limited to the hoisting, lowering, installation of the sign and associated electric wiring, which can only be performed by Contractors with specialized trade licenses to perform such required work. Work permits are issued to these specialized trade license holders, who are also registered with the Department.

Sign Hangers

The Department allows Licensed Sign Hanger Contractors (Special Sign Hangers and Master Sign Hangers) to file sign project applications (SG) with the Department of Buildings to obtain a permit. However, the Licensed Sign Hanger is required to submit construction documents and plans for approval by the Department. A Rule shall be promulgated to clarify the size and types of signs that a Licensed Sign Hanger Contractor may file.

Permits are tied to the project scope of work and work type, and the permits are regulated according to the nature of the work, licensing, and registration requirements for the work being performed. SG permits for sign installations and/or removal can only be obtained by a person who possesses a Sign Hanger License, except as listed in AC 28-415.1.

A Special Sign Hanger is authorized to hoist, lower, hang or attach any sign not exceeding one hundred fifty square feet in area, measured on one face only, nor exceeding one thousand two hundred pounds in weight, upon or on the outside of any building. A Master Sign Hanger is authorized to hoist, lower, hang or attach any sign, irrespective of weight, upon or on the outside of any building. Other hoisting or rigging licenses may also be needed for associated equipment operation, per AC Articles 404 and 405.

Licensed Electrician

A new installation, alteration, or repair of electric wires, wiring apparatuses and appliances or equipment shall be performed by a New York City licensed electrical contractor. All electrical work such as, but not limited to, installing conduits, wires, lighting fixtures and switches, panelboards, controls, etc., require an electrical permit before commencing such electrical work, which requires the submission of a separate electrical permit application to the Department by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

The Electrical Contractor shall coordinate with the Registered Design Professional (RDP), other members of the design team, and all other construction trade contractors where projects have other aspects to the work in addition to electrical.

If an electrical permit application by the Licensed Electrical Contractor includes a large electrical installation (see classifications of large installations under Electrical Advisory Board plan examination listed below), or requires Energy Conservation Code (ECC) compliance, such an electrical permit application must reference the general project application number for permit issuance.

Electrical construction documents are not required to be submitted by a Registered Design Professional to the Department as part of the electrical or general permit application, but there are exceptions. Electrical construction documents must be submitted to the Department to obtain an electrical permit as follows:

  • Electrical Advisory Board plan examination. Submitted by either a Registered Design Professional or a Licensed Electrician
    • Electrical Equipment with a capacity of 1000 KVA or larger.
    • Electrical installation that utilizes 1000 Volt or higher.
    • Electrical Service Installations with 1000 KVA totaling.

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