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If you want to place a sign on a building in certain locations or in the right-of-way, you must submit a proposal to the Art Commission. The Art Commission will review the design and location of your proposal.

Check with L&I to find out about any prerequisites.

Send your submission materials to the Art Commission.

Art Commission staff will review your proposal. They will determine the next steps and if additional reviews are necessary.

Some proposals may be approved or rejected by staff without further review. More complex proposals, and proposals in Center City, will be reviewed by the Sign Committee before being approved or rejected by the Art Commission.

All proposals must include a cover letter, photographs, renderings, and supporting materials. Other information may be requested.

You must include current 3 in. x 5 in. color photographs of the site and its surroundings. Do not use online street views.

You must include scale working drawings of the design. All dimensions, materials, and colors must be labeled. Submissions typically include:

For signs that extend over the sidewalk, you should also include a drawing that shows:

You must include proof of other required approvals from the City. Submit the drawings stamped with their approval or include their letter of approval.

Submit a package of the submission materials by email to artcommission@phila.gov, or to:

Philadelphia Art Commission 1515 Arch St., 13th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102

Appointments are required for in-person plan reviews. To schedule, use our online appointment system. Once you’ve entered your contact information, select “Art Commission” and choose “Art Commission plan review.”

Commission staff may approve or reject some proposals without further review. You may appeal a rejection by presenting to the Sign Committee.

Staff will refer these types of proposals to the Sign Committee:

Once you receive approval, you must submit the notice to the Department of Licenses and Inspections to complete the permit process.

You should not order, fabricate, or install any sign until you receive approval. If a sign varies from the approved proposal, the commission will report it to L&I.

You may appeal a routine rejection by presenting to the Sign Committee.

The Sign Committee meets the third Wednesday morning of each month. The Sign Committee makes its recommendations at the Art Commission’s next regular meeting.

To place an item on the agenda, staff must receive a written request with a description of the proposal at least two weeks before a meeting. Staff must receive three hard copies and a PDF of the submission package at least one week before a meeting. Collate copies into three packages. Fold them to 8.5 in. x 11 in. if necessary. Each package must include a copy of the cover letter. The PDF should be a single file if possible.

Attendance at the meeting is optional. Staff can provide guidance as to whether attendance is recommended. You may bring displays and material samples to the meeting. The committee will make its recommendation to the Art Commission at the meeting, followed by a written confirmation.

If you disagree with the committee’s recommendation, you may attend the Art Commission meeting to appeal. You must submit a letter requesting to appeal at least one week before the commission meeting date. You will receive written confirmation of the commission’s final decision.

Once you receive approval, you must submit the notice to the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) to complete the permit process.

You should not order, fabricate, or install any sign until you receive approval. If a sign varies from the approved proposal, the commission will report it to L&I, who may issue a zoning violation.

If you have any questions about this service, contact the Art Commission at artcommission@phila.gov.