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1. What is the purpose of a sign permit?

The purpose of a sign permit is to approve construction, installation, or alteration of business signage to protect the safety, property, and welfare of the public. The Sign Standards improve the effectiveness of signs to identify and advertise businesses. The regulations do not restrict the content of sign messages.

2. What kinds of signs are allowed?

Sign standards regulate the number, type, and size of signs based on the location of the business and the zone that it is in. Depending on the location of the business, the Shopping Center or Highway Commercial sign standards may apply. The sign standards begin in Eugene Code (EC) 9.6600. The Land Use code is available online at www.eugene-or.gov/chapter9. www.eugene-or.gov/chapter9

3. What is the zone of my property?

To determine the zoning of a particular property you can visit our website at www.eugene-or.gov/zoningmap. If the property is located in a special area zone, please contact Land Use staff or call 541-682-8336 for more information.

4. What is not allowed?

Various sign types are prohibited within the City of Eugene, such as banners, balloons, inflatable signs, flashing signs, and portable signs. If the property is located in the Downtown Activity Zone there is an allowance for portable signs. For a complete list of prohibited signs see EC section 9.6615.

5. Are sign permits required?

Yes, but not all signs require permits. For a complete list of exempt signs see EC 9.6610. Although a sign may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a sign permit, building and electrical permits may still be applicable.

6. How do I obtain a sign permit?

A sign permit application is required for each sign on a property, regardless of the number of signs proposed. Staff will review the application and use a checklist to determine if the plans are complete for intake. The following information is required for each sign permit application: • Sign application; • Signed electrical application (if the sign is illuminated); • Site plan, elevation drawing, and attachment details (see Sign Permit Plan Requirement Checklist).

Sign permit applications should be submitted online through eBuild.

7. How long does a sign plan review take?

If we have all the information we need to complete the review, we will typically contact you within two weeks to let you know the permit is approved or to request additional information.

8. When is a a building permit required for a sign?

A building permit is NOT required for the following signs types:
Freestanding signs that meet ALL of the following requirements:
      1) Overall height less than 12 feet
      2) The horizontal sign dimension is less than twice the vertical sign dimension
      3) The sign area is less than 100 square feet
      4) The sign is mounted to a steel pole which is:
           a) embedded in a concrete footing
           b) extends vertically through the sign cabinet
Wall signs that meet ALL of the following requirements:
     1) The sign is attached to the wall of a building
     2) The plane of the sign is parallel to the plane of the building wall
     3) The sign projects no more that 9 inches from the face of the wall
     4) The sign does not extend beyond the sides or top of the wall
     5) The sign is anchored to the wall structure with a minimum type and number of fasteners evenly distributed over the area of the sign as follows based on the structure of the wall
          a) Wood stud wall: 1/4-in lag screws with 2-in penetration into studs or blocking (one per 12 square feet of sign area; four screws minimum:
          b) Steel stud wall: #12 sheet metal screws into studs or blocking (one per 4 square feet of sign area; four screws minimum)
          c) Concrete/CMU wall: 1/4-in Titen screws (or similar) with 2-in penetration (one per 8 square feet of sign area; four screws minimum)

Please contact Building staff or call 541-682-5613 for more information.

9. When can signs be installed?

Signs can be installed once the permit is approved and issued. When you pick up the permits you will receive a printout(s) which identifies all required inspections. Once all inspections have been approved, a certificate of compliance can be printed for your records.

10. Can I check the status of my sign permit?

Your sign permit application will be assigned a permit number. Within three days of permit application acceptance, you will receive a commitment date for review. The commitment date is when you can expect a permit approval or notification that additional information is needed. You may also review a permit’s progress through the City’s permit tracking system using the permit number, the street address, or your business name.