Signage

Signage projects include the following types of projects. Applicants are encouraged to use their best judgement and ask their agency liaison for further clarification if required:

• Signage: Projects including building identification, wayfinding, informational signage, and supergraphics.
• Tenant Signage: Tenant signage that is part of a storefront entrance. Before preparing a tenant signage submission, please review the Delegation Resolution to identify if the project qualifies for staff level review.
• Place, Commemorative, and Historic Markers: The Public Design Commission supports the strategic installation of markers to commemorate people, places, and events significant to New York City’s history and unique identity. For place, commemorative, or other historic marker submissions, please also review the Public Design Commission's guidelines.

The Public Design Commission design review process requires submission at various levels of review as the project is developed, including:

• Conceptual: Required for all large-scale signage, signage systems, and markers. Submissions should be made early in the design process when drawings are at the schematic level.
• Preliminary: Occurs during the design development phase, typically after Community Board engagement.
 
• Preliminary & Final: Only Tenant Signage may be submitted at a combined Preliminary & Final level of review, given the limited scope.
• Final:Occurs at approximately 90% completion of design. Once final approval is received, construction can begin.
• Final Sign-off: Occurs after final approval, once the scope of work is completed and requires the submission of digital and physical photographic documentation. 
 

The Public Design Commission also requires submissions for post-approval actions for limited scope projects, including: 

• Amended Preliminary: Only required if there are any significant changes to the approved preliminary proposal, prior to proceeding to final review. 
• Amended Final: Only required if there are any changes to the approved final proposal, including changes that must be made during construction. 
• Extension of Approval: Only required if the certificate of approval expires before construction begins.

In order to clarify submission requirements depending on the level of review, the Public Design Commission provides submission checklists and instructions. Before preparing a submission, please review the checklist and instruction documents. Checklists should be used to ensure that submissions are complete and included with the submission package. For commemorative and historic markers, please also review the Public Design Commission's guidelines.

→ Download the Submission Checklist and Instructions for Signage Projects

For additional resources, including a collection of previously reviewed and approved project presentations, refer to the Resources tab.

Per the Resolution adopted by the Commission on October 11, 2022, regarding the delegation of certain duties and responsibilities, some projects such as Building Systems, Tenant Signs, ADA access ramps, ballfield pole lighting, fenced-in area ways and alterations to storefront entrances, may be approved by the Commission's Executive Director in lieu of the Commission if it meets particular criteria outlined in the resolution.