To permanently install a sign, you may need a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit. Use the table below to determine which permits you need for your sign.

If your sign will be illuminated, you also need an Electrical Permit.

If your sign meets certain standards, you can use EZ zoning and EZ sign installation. EZ permits do not require plans.

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

A licensed contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Plans are not required for installations complying with the EZ Standard for Sign Installation.

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property. 

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application. 

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

Signs that project into the right-of-way

You’ll need to complete a Streets plan review. See Streets’ plan review requirements and applicable forms for more information.

You must submit your Streets-approved plans with your other application materials when you apply in person at the Permit and License Center in MSB.

Upload all plans and materials required by the Department of Streets when you apply for your L&I permit through eCLIPSE. The Department of Streets will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.

You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.

Permit and License Center 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. MSB, Public Service Concourse Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

This fee is nonrefundable and must be turned in with your application.

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review request form and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

The application must be made by a licensed contractor or include a signed statement on the contractor’s letterhead verifying involvement with the project.

Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days.

You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed in 5 business days.

Applications that adhere to the EZ Standard for Sign Installation are processed while you wait. You are limited to three applications per ticket.

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.

Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

If you have any questions, submit an online request to 311 or call 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if you are outside Philadelphia.