Putting up business signs on public property is not always easy, nor does it usually come without consequences. There are actually rules that apply to this depending on what type of sign you have and where you place it!
Business license plates, white or green background and company name and logo designs are some of the most common types of business signage. These things can easily be placed onto public property with little to no problems.
However, there are certain instances where this isn’t okay. If your business doesn’t have a license plate yet then putting up a plain “For Sale” or “Open For Business” poster may seem fine, but don’t underestimate the power of those words.
They hold a lot of weight and influence for potential buyers and passersby. Text alone doesn’t mean much, if anything at all. A well-designed sales pitch can make a big difference in the success of your business!
There are several different ways to avoid having police remove your business card or worse, taking away your right to use public space as a means of advertising. This article will go into more detail about these issues and how to stay legal.
Do all public property owners allow business signs?
Most public property will not prohibit you from having a business sign, but it is very rare to find this permission given. When they do, there are usually some restrictions. For example, you may be allowed to have a small banner or flyer, but no full-sized display with logos and pictures.
There can also be size limitations as well as things like no outside decorations such as flags or banners. Certain types of businesses even cannot use their own signage, due to legal reasons.
It is important to know the laws in your area before putting up a business’s name and logo.
Ways to get a business sign on public property
There are many ways you can put your business name in front of people as long as you have the proper licensing and permissions! Luckily, there are not too many restrictions when it comes to putting your business’s name out there for everyone to see.
In fact, most local governments will allow you to use certain signs to advertise your business if you have permission from them. This is great news for entrepreneurs who want to spread their brand message around!
Business license types that include advertising privileges
A business license type that allows you to spend money on advertisements is called an Advertising License. If you fall under this category, then you would need to check with your municipality to make sure you are allowed to use these advertising resources to promote your business.
These licenses usually only cover billboards, bus stop benches, or street furniture such as tables and trash cans, but some may also include yard signs as well. Some cities even let you add additional features like flyers or posters to more clearly state what services your business offers.
Obtain a permit
As with any business, your marketing efforts will not be successful if you do not have adequate exposure for your company. This is especially true in the digital era where most of your outreach can happen remotely.
Public property is an important way to advertise for businesses, so it’s totally acceptable to put up signs announcing who you are and what services you offer. However, you should always make sure that you have the proper permission first!
In fact, there are some instances where it is even illegal to put business advertisements on public property without authorization. Make sure to check out our article about this here.
But before you go ahead and start putting up your business’s name and logo, you must know whether or not they allow it at these facilities. It’s also worth noting that many municipalities charge fees for advertising on public property, so it’s best to be aware of those regulations as well.
Appeal a permit
Putting up business signs on public property is not always easy, nor do you get to pick your location. If you want to put up a sign on public land or property that isn’t yours, you have to obtain permission from the owner first!
Most municipalities allow business signage as long as it is for use by the business and it does not violate any laws. It can be keeping up a good reputation of the business, promoting sales, or supporting an organization.
Some locations may even require you to include a disclaimer stating that the owner doesn’t let people use the space for illegal activities like gambling or prostitution. This could easily be avoided with just enough investment in marketing!
Business owners who are looking to promote their companies need to look into all the legal requirements before putting up a flashy new sign.
Talk to your local government
There are two main reasons that you cannot put business signs on public property. The first is legal, and it comes down to how well-known you are as an organization and whether or not you have permission to use the property for that purpose.
The second reason is practical. If there’s no space available at this moment, then it’s probably best to wait until there is. An easy way to prevent putting off necessary renovations is to hold off on buying new furniture and other equipment until you know you will have enough room for it.
In both of these cases, however, going into conversation with the authorities and proving yourself as a legitimate company can help mitigate issues.
Obtain a non-exclusive use permit
Even if you are not allowed to place business signs along public property, it is totally acceptable to ask for permission to do so! More than likely, your town’s administrative office or police department will know of businesses that have been permitted to advertise on public lands before.
By asking about past permits, they will probably be able to tell you whether or not such a thing is possible with this particular piece of land. If it has never been done, then most likely no one else has ever asked either.
Your local government may even have guidelines and rules set up that regulate outdoor advertising. For example, there might be size restrictions or time limitations on how long an advertisement can stay up.
There could also be other regulations like requiring pictures or written information about the advertised product or service.
Obtain an exclusive use permit
The next thing you’ll need to do is determine if you can place your business signage on public property. Most municipalities give businesses permission to have some form of outdoor marketing, just not for sales purposes or to promote their product or service.
Public property includes streets, sidewalks, common areas such as lobbies and gyms, and even outside buildings like parking lots and warehouses.
Businesses with this type of authorization are allowed to include pictures and logos of their products, but they cannot be text-based advertisements or direct calls to action (examples: “Shop Now!” or “Visit Us Today!”).
They also can’t be connected to each other or to additional advertising that encourages people to visit another location. A good way to ensure your business gets proper licensing is by having a legal professional review your signs before putting up any decorations.
Get a sign design from a professional designer
Even though it may seem tempting to put your business’s name on public property, you should think twice before doing so.
Business signs are an integral part of any successful marketing strategy. They help people recognize who you are, what products and services you offer, and connect you with the community.
Public property like streets, sidewalks, buildings, or transit vehicles is not owned by one company, but rather individual organizations that have separate policies about signage. Some agencies will allow you to add a business sign, but only in limited areas and for a certain number of months per year!
That’s why it’s important to work with a professional business license holder to ensure your banner looks presentable and doesn’t pose too much of a risk to passersby or the surrounding area.
