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Illuminated sign — electrical permit + annual illuminated-sign permit: New York City restaurant guide

NYC DOB

What it is

Any lit sign needs a DOB sign permit (TR-10) plus a separate electrical work permit filed by a licensed electrician; illuminated signs that project beyond the building line also carry an annual illuminated-sign permit that DOB bills every year.

When a restaurant needs it

Any illuminated storefront sign (every illuminated sign needs a DOB permit regardless of size).

How to apply

Your sign company's licensed sign hanger files the SG sign job and a DOB-licensed electrical contractor files the ED16A electrical permit, both in DOB NOW: Build; DOB's Sign Unit bills the annual illuminated-sign fee to the owner.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Annual illuminated-sign use fee: $45 (30 sq ft or less), $70 (over 30 to 50 sq ft), $0.75 per sq ft but not less than $130 (over 50 sq ft), per NYC Admin Code §28-112.2; electrical permit fee set by DOB rule
Processing time
Varies — the sign job and electrical permit run in parallel with your build-out
Renewal
Illuminated-sign permit renewed annually (automatic billing to the owner)
Who files
Electrical work is filed by a DOB-licensed electrical contractor; large signs by a licensed Sign Hanger.

Good to know

Signs under six square feet that are NOT illuminated need no permit; the moment a sign is lit, it needs the sign permit and the electrical permit. Signs of 75+ sq ft or 25+ lbs must be installed or supervised by a DOB-licensed Sign Hanger.

Official source

DOB — Sign permits (illuminated signs, sign hangers) · NYC Admin Code §28-112.2 — permit fee schedule

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