Sign Permit (ISD long/short form + design review): Boston restaurant guide

Boston ISD, with Boston Planning / Main Streets design review where applicable

What it is

New signs need a long-form permit and replacement signs a short-form permit. Illuminated signs also need an electrical permit, and some locations need design review first.

When a restaurant needs it

Any new or changed exterior sign or awning.

How to apply

A licensed contractor files the long- or short-form permit in the ISD portal. Get design review first if you're in a Special Zoning Overlay District, Main Streets district or historic district.

Documents you’ll need

Scaled sign drawings (size, materials, attachment, lighting, colors)
Storefront photos
Design review approval (if required)
Contractor license and insurance
Electrical permit (lit signs)

Fee

Long form: $50 + $10 per $1,000 of cost; short form: $20 + $10 per $1,000

Processing time

Varies; add time for design review

Renewal

None

Who files

Filed by a contractor; electrical work must be done by a Massachusetts-licensed electrician.

Good to know

Boston is rewriting its sign code (Sign Code Modernization), so confirm the current rules with Urban Design before you order a sign.

Official source

Boston — install or replace a business sign · Boston Planning — storefront & signage design review

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.