Sign Permit (Permanent)

Prior to Applying

Please note that:

• Separate permits are required for electrical and mechanical work and can be applied for using our online permit portal.
• The person signing the application shall be the owner or the person responsible for the work and they shall furnish a reasonable estimate of the value of the job, including material and labor.
• The plan reviewer will check plans but does not perform design work. It is the responsibility of the owner/builder to ensure the plans conform to Code requirements. 

Submittal Requirements

1. Completed and Signed Application.

2. Site Plan (Drawn to Scale 1"= 20')

• Identify address, all property lines, lot dimensions, streets, alleys, easements, clearance from utility poles, manholes and fire hydrants.
• Location (note distance in feet from property lines, easements, structures and driveways) and type of proposed new signs, including any animation or use of flashing lights. 

3. Construction Plan (Min. plan size is 11x17. Font size must be at least 1/8" tall for legibility).

• Show footing for monument and pole signs. Identify attachment details and spacing for connection to structure for wall signs.
• Elevation showing text to be used on sign, dimensions of sign, square footage of sign, letter height (for City Center Regulation Area only), ground clearance, total height (in feet) and clearance from overhead power lines. For wall signs, the elevation drawing must also provide the building height and length as required elevations submittal. 

Items to Note

1. To compute the maximum permitted size and permit fee for signs of free standing letters or characters where no background is especially provided, the area shall be considered to be the same as that encompasses by drawing a straight line at the extremities of the shapes to be used. 
   
2. All confiscated signs become property of the City of Renton.
3. Where work for which a permit is required by this code is started prior to obtaining such a permit, the fees shall be doubled, but the payment for such double fees shall not relieve any person from complying with the requirements of this code in the execution of the work, nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
   
4. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in proper state of preservation. The surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. The ground shall be neat and orderly.
   
5. All Signs controlled by the code shall be subject to inspection and periodic re-inspection by the Building Official.

Resources 

Application Process

If a sign permit is required for your work, follow these steps when you are ready to submit your application and required documents and staff will supply you with a secure file share link. 

STEP 1.  Email the Project Name, Address and Scope of Work to: permittech@rentonwa.gov
STEP 2. A Permit Specialist will reply with an FTP link to upload the required files
STEP 3. Allow 5 days for initial application screening.
STEP 4. IF COMPLETE, you will be notified of acceptance and given payment instructions. 
IF INCOMPLETE, you will be notified of incomplete requirements and instructions to proceed.

Tip: Review decisions may be significantly delayed by incomplete or inaccurate submittals. Closely follow the submittal requirements to prevent delays!

Review Response Times

Commercial first review decisions are typically 3-4 weeks.
Commercial revision decisions are typically 1-2 weeks.

Need Additional Help?

Schedule a Virtual Appointment,
Email a Permit Specialist: Permittech@rentonwa.gov, or 
Call a Permit Specialist: 425-430-7215

Once your permit is approved, you may begin work and scheduling inspections. Please print a copy of your permit to keep on-site for when your inspector arrives.

Scheduling Inspections

Inspections can be scheduled for the following business day online or by phone at: 425-430-7202.
Telephone Scheduling Help Guide

Day of Inspection

While we are unable to provide you a time window when scheduling, we are happy to assist on the day of the inspection:

STEP 1: Using our Permit Portal, select "Today's Inspections".
STEP 2: Locate your inspector's name and number by locating your permit (listed alphanumerically).
STEP 3: Phone your inspector to request a time window for arrival.

Tip: See our "What to Expect from your Inspection"(PDF, 957KB)  help sheet to prepare for a successful inspection. 

Review Inspection Status and Notes

To see your inspection status and/or notes from a completed inspection:

STEP 1. Log into our Online Permit Portal
STEP 2. Using the search button, enter your permit number and select search.
STEP 3. Your permit results will appear listing the status of the permit. Click on the blue permit number.
STEP 4. Select "inspections" (center screen).
STEP 5. Select the blue inspection number you wish to review.
STEP 6. Select "Checklist" from the mid-screen menu.

Check out our "Check Inspection Status Online" tip-sheet for screenshots and additional help accessing your permit details.