Points to remember: 
1. Most signs and temporary banners require permits. It is best to check with your township or city prior to purchasing and/or installing any exterior signage. Remember the rule when it comes to permits - "when in doubt, check it out"
2. National Signs can assist you in obtaining the required permits - we would be glad to assist you in filling out your paperwork when we are providing your signage. If you want us to secure the necessary sign permits for your business signage, we will gladly do so at the rate of $45 per hour plus any and all costs associated with the permit process. Please note that National Signs does NOT guarantee the approval of any sign permits.

The following are sample regulations taken from a variety of sources. your own township or city may vary from these general rules.

General Rule
Most municipal codes allow for 60 days of outside display of merchandise, temporary sidewalk sales, increased window signage, and temporary signs or banners (up to 100 square feet) for special events.  The combined use of the above stated activities usually cannot exceed 120 days annually, although some places have a much shorter time frame..  A no-fee permit is required in advanc in most places.

Multi-Tenant Buildings
In the case of most multi-tenant buildings, the 120 days allowed for outside display of merchandise, sidewalk sales, or extra signage is under the control of the property owner.  We request that the property manager provide the City with a plan at the beginning of the year detailing how the 120 days will be distributed between tenants.  One suggestion is to allocate a certain number of days to each tenant and leave it up to the tenant when/how to use these days.  Another would be to coordinate all the businesses to hold promotions together on certain holidays.  If a plan is not given to the City, staff will have to contact the property owner each time there is a request for outside sales or extra temporary signage, thereby slowing down the process.  Additionally, one tenant could use most or all of the 120 days allotted in the first part of the year, leaving no remaining days for other tenants!

Temporary Sidewalk Sales and Outside Display of Merchandise
All sidewalk sales or outside display of merchandise that exceeds 10% of the total principal building area for the property where the business is located, must obtain a no-fee permit.  A permit is usually not required for sidewalk sales or outside display that does not exceed 10% of the total principal building area, or, have otherwise approved year-round outside merchandise display.  Sidewalk sales or outside display that does not exceed 10% of the total principal building area are allowed 15 square feet of signage

The no-fee permit for sidewalk sales or outside display that exceeds 10% of the principal building will probably require a signature from the property owner.  In order to receive approval, traffic paths, both pedestrian and vehicular, must be unimpeded.  Also, sufficient parking spaces for customers need to be retained in most townships, make sure to note any proposed signage for the event on your application permit.

Window Signs
As a rule of thumb, it's common that a maximum of 25% of your windows may be covered on each wall with unlighted signs without a permit.  The outside dimensions of the sign count, not just the individual letters, numbers, or symbols.  If you wish to cover more window space temporarily, you can usually obtain a no-fee permit for up to 100 square feet. 

Temporary Signage for Special Events
Most cities allow for a temporary banner for a special sale or promotion is allowed if it is attached to the building, structure or existing free-standing sign with a no-fee permit for up to 100 square feet and a maximum total of 120 days in a calendar year.

Grand Openings
Any bona-fide grand opening is allowed 30 days of temporary signage and/or wind sign displays.  These 30 days are not applied towards the 120 annual days allotted to other temporary business activities.  However, a no-fee permit is required prior to the display of a grand opening sign and/or wind sign.  These signs are to be displayed for a period of no more than 30 days, with the grand opening banner not to exceed 100 square feet.  Wind signs such as balloons, pennants, flags, or any sign that blows in the wind or sprins are permitted only in connection with bona-fide grand openings for permitted uses in business or industrial districts.

Signs Held by People
Some Codes allow people to hold signs and walk along the public sidewalk as long as they are not disrupting traffic or obstructing pedestrians.  These signs are not to be set on or affixed to the ground at any time.

Sign Face Change
Usually a permit is required when you change the material in the face of a sign.  This does not apply to reader board signs or repainting in most places.