Illuminated Sign Frequently Asked Questions

An illuminated sign is a sign that is illuminated by electrical means. All wiring and accessory electrical equipment shall conform to the provisions of the NYC Electrical Code.

All illuminated signs require permits from the Department of Buildings. Nearly all signs regardless of illumination require permits as well.

All requests for sign permits must be submitted through DOB NOW: Build.

An illuminated sign permit must be renewed annually. The permit is issued by the Department of Buildings, but the bill is generated by the Department of Finance. The bill is sent to the property owner mailing address, not the tenant. The tenant must contact the property owner for the illuminated sign permit.

The property owner must notify the Department of Buildings that they are canceling the permit.

To cancel an illuminated sign permit, you must submit a statement from a New York City licensed electrician to the Central Filing and Billing Unit by email to CFB@Buildings.nyc.gov or call the hotline at 212-393-2252. The statement must be on company letterhead, indicate that the sign has been properly removed or de-electrified, and shall include the following information:

• The date of removal (if known)
• The electrician's license number
• The address, borough, tax block, and lot number of the property where the sign was located
• The illuminated sign permit number
• The dimensions of the sign (height and length if known)
• A statement indicating whether any other illuminated signs are at the location and if so, the dimensions (height and length) of each sign.
• A statement indicating that the conditions after the removal of the sign comply with the NYC Electrical Code and that no exposed wiring exists or is visible.
• A photograph of the premise (front and side view) where sign was located must be submitted.

Yes. The illuminated sign permit must reflect the current wording on the illuminated sign.

Submit a PAA to change the wording on an illuminated sign permit in DOB NOW: Build. To change the wording on the illuminated sign permit in BIS, the property owner must submit a signed letter indicating the following information:

• The new wording on the sign
• The address, tax borough, block, and lot numbers where the sign is located
• The illuminated sign permit number (if known) and the dimensions of the sign (Height X Length)

You should mark the bill as "Wrong Owner" and mail it back to:

New York City Department of Buildings
Central Filing and Billing (CFB)
280 Broadway - 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

You should indicate on the bill what is not correct and mail it back to:

New York City Department of Buildings
Central Filing and Billing (CFB)
280 Broadway - 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

If the permit renewal is not received after payment is submitted, the owner/managing agent of the property can contact the Central Filing and Billing Unit by email to CFB@Buildings.nyc.gov or call the hotline at 212-393-2252. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Address where sign is located
• Borough, tax block, and lot number
• Permit number (if known)

NOTE: Tenants are advised to speak to the owner/managing agent before contacting the Department. An illuminated sign permit cannot be issued to the tenant of the property unless written authorization is given by the owner/managing agent.

Please contact the Department of Finance's hotline at (212) 504-4080. The permit is issued by the Department of Buildings but the bill is generated by the Department of Finance. The bill is sent to the property owner's mailing address, not the tenant. The tenant must contact the property owner for the illuminated sign permit.

The Department of Finance provides billing services for many city agencies. Payments for illuminated sign permits should be made payable to the Department of Finance and sent directly to the address noted on the bill. Payments sent to the Department of Buildings will be returned to sender.

The permit fee is established by the New York City Administrative Code, Section 26-212. The fee is based on the type of sign and the dimensions (square footage) of the sign. Any change in dimensions will require a new application to be filed.

Yes. Many regulations exist regarding installation of signage. For information regarding the laws regulating location and size of a sign, please contact the appropriate Borough office Plan Examination unit.

Questions pertaining to an existing or recently issued violation may be directed to the Construction Division in the appropriate Borough office. Some information may be available on the Buildings Information System. Copies of violations can also be obtained at the Borough office.