Illuminated Signs & LED Neon Signs in New York

In New York City the Department of Buildings (DOB) issues sign permits, filed in DOB NOW: Build. According to the DOB:

• All illuminated signs need a DOB sign permit, plus an electrical permit filed by a licensed electrician. Only painted signs and non-illuminated wall signs under 6 sq ft are exempt.
• Signs over the building line: an illuminated sign that extends beyond the building line also needs an annual illuminated sign permit.
• Installer: a Licensed Sign Hanger can apply for and install signs up to 150 sq ft and 300 lb.
• Zoning: the zoning district limits size and height – for example in C1/C2 districts illuminated signs are limited to 50 sq ft in total, and in C3 and most C5 districts illuminated signs are not permitted. Up to three non-flashing illuminated window signs totalling 8 sq ft or less don't count toward the limit.

Landmark districts: the Landmarks Preservation Commission does not approve exterior internally illuminated letters at staff level, but halo-lit letters with a concealed light source are allowed. A neon sign inside the window is allowed if it is non-flashing, has a clear backing, sits at least 6 in behind the glass and covers no more than 15% of the window.

Sources: NYC DOB – sign permits, DOB illuminated sign FAQ, NYC LPC Permit Guidebook – Signage, as of October 2026. This is not legal advice – the local authority makes the final decision.

The DOB and the LPC ask for drawings or a photomontage with dimensions, position, projection and the illumination method. With your free design preview you get:

• your sign shown on a photo of your storefront
• dimensions, materials and light color
• which elements light up and which are printed

You or your sign installer submit the application.

• Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply – hang it up and plug it in, step by step in our installation guide.
• Outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs should be connected by a qualified electrician. New York has plenty of sign installers who also fit signs made by others.

Tell us where the sign will go and we will tell you what you need for installation.

• LED neon signs – non-flashing window signs for bars, cafés and salons
• Back-lit acrylic letters – halo-lit letters, accepted in landmark districts
• Channel letters – illuminated letters for the storefront
• Projecting signs – blade signs within zoning and DOB limits

All sign types at a glance

1. Send your logo, sketch or text – ideally with a photo of your storefront
2. Receive your free digital design preview
3. After your approval, production takes about 2–3 weeks
4. Insured delivery to your address in New York

Every sign is dimmable and comes with a remote control and a 24-month warranty. Delivery is duty paid – no import charges when it arrives.

Do I need a permit for an illuminated sign in New York City?
Yes. All illuminated signs need a DOB sign permit and an electrical permit; only painted signs and non-illuminated wall signs under 6 sq ft are exempt.

Can I have a neon sign in a landmark district in NYC?
Inside the window, yes: one non-flashing sign per display window, with a clear backing, at least 6 in behind the glass and no more than 15% of the window area, according to the LPC guidebook.

Do you install signs in New York?
Indoor LED neon signs come with fixings and a plug-in power supply, so you can hang them yourself. For outdoor signs, light boxes and hard-wired signs we recommend a local electrician or sign installer.

Can I see the sign on my storefront before ordering?
Yes. Send us a photo of your storefront and we will show you a free design preview with your sign in place.