Sign and awning permits — Intro
Sign and awning permits
Source: Sign and awning permits ↗
Portland Permitting & Development issues permits for most signs and awnings on private property based on the requirements of Title 32 ↗.
Registration is required for portable signs (A-Boards) and temporary banners on private property and on the sidewalk.
For signs in the street right-of-way (except A-boards) and signs on utility poles, contact Transportation ↗.
Some signs are regulated by the sign code, but are exempt from permit or registration requirements.
When a sign permit is required
A sign permit is required when materials placed or constructed, or light projected convey a message or image and is used to inform or attract the attention of the public.
The term “sign” does not depend on the content of the message or image conveyed.
- Placards, posters, diagrams
- Projected slides
- Images, holograms, flags
- Monument and freestanding
- Fabric awnings (with or without images)
- Modifying existing sign
- Changing from illuminated to non-illuminated or vice versa
- Increasing or decreasing the sign size
- Changing location
Sign types that require a sign permit or registration
When you don't need a sign permit
There are instances when a sign permit is not required. Generally, these are items that are required by law: either Federal, State or City, and if they are implemented through a different code such as Public Art and Original Art Murals.
For a complete list of when you don't need a sign permit, visit the City Code on sign permit exemptions ↗.
When a sign is not allowed
There are also times when a sign is prohibited, which means it is not allowed by code or a variance. For a complete list of when signs are not allowed, visit the City Code on sign prohibitions ↗.