Signs
The purpose of a sign permit is to approve installation, construction, or alteration of business signage to protect the safety, property and welfare of the public. The Sign Standards in Eugene Code Chapter 9 improve the effectiveness of signs to identify and advertise businesses. The regulations do not restrict the content of sign messages.
Sign standards regulate the number, type, and size of signs based on the location of the business and the zone of the property. Please contact us if you have questions.
- Determine the zone of the property by using the zoning map online.
- Determine the applicable sign standards in Eugene Code (EC) Chapter 9 beginning at EC 9.6600. The Shopping Center and Highway Commercial Sign Standards are based on the business location and not just the zone of the property.
- Verify if the sign is exempt from the requirements to obtain a sign permit at EC 9.6610. Electrical and building permits may still be required. See the Sign Permit Checklist for information regarding building permit requirements.
- For all freestanding signs and some projecting signs, you must also submit a Property Line Verification form with your application. Your request will be processed by Public Works Engineering staff within one business day.
- For a list of prohibited signs, such as banners and balloons, see EC 9.66115.
Staff will review the application and use a sign permit checklist to determine if the plans are complete for intake. The following information is required at time of submittal:
Apply Online through eBuild
Sign permits are now required to be submitted through eBuild. w submit your application and drawings through eBuild. Submitting your application electronically saves you a trip to the Permit & Information Center. You will be able to pay all your fees online and your permit(s) will automatically be issued and a link to the approved drawings will be sent to you by email.
You will need the following information:
- Sign application (provide one permit application for each sign);
- Sign plans
- For illuminated signs, a signed electrical application is required;
- For freestanding signs, a public works property line verification form; and
- A sign plan check fee based on the square footage of the sign will be assessed on your project when your application has been submitted for review.
- Additional information regarding sign permit applications is available in Sign Permit FAQs.
For information about preparing your application for submittal, be sure to review the Commercial submittal requirements.
When you submit your plans you will receive a permit log number, which can be used to track your project through the review process. A project coordinator will perform the plan review, coordinate with other staff is building review is required, and act as the primary contact person for the project. Signs are typically reviewed within a two week time frame.
If additional information is submitted for review, a supplemental review fee will be applied. After the review is complete and your plans have been approved, your project coordinator will contact you with the total fees due for your permit. Sign permit fees are based on the square footage of the sign. Additional fees are assessed if the sign requires a building or electrical permit.
When your project has been approved for permit issuance, you will be sent a link to print the approved documents and permit(s). You will have 360 days from the day the permit is issued to call for an inspection. You will also be eligible for a one time extension of 180 days at no cost during the life of the permit. After all inspections have been approved, a Certificate of Compliance can be printed for your records.