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Electrical Supplemental Permit for an Illuminated Sign: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

Department of Buildings (DOB)

What it is

Wiring a lit sign is electrical work, so a DC-licensed master electrician must pull a DOB electrical supplemental permit (DOB's fee schedule has an 'electric sign' line) in addition to the sign permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Any sign with internal lighting, LEDs, neon or channel letters, or new wiring to an external sign light.

How to apply

Your electrician applies on the Citizen Access Portal under Electrical, referencing the sign permit; the installation gets an electrical inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Electric sign: $8 for each 10 (or fraction of 10) incandescent lamps; outlets/switches $20 per 10; minimum electrical permit $20 — each plus the 10% enhancement fee (minimum $22.00)
Processing time
Varies; online issuance except in historic districts
Renewal
Closes at inspection
Who files
Only a DC-licensed electrical contractor may apply.

Good to know

Supplemental permits can't be issued online for historic or fine-arts district addresses, and HPO reviews illuminated signs there.

Official source

DOB: supplemental (trade) permits · DOB fee schedule (electrical)

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