When it comes to purchasing a commercial sign, it’s easy to focus on design and branding—but the behind-the-scenes details like permits matter just as much. At Frank Balton Sign Company, we’ve guided Memphis-area businesses through this process for nearly 150 years. To help you avoid costly mistakes and delays, here’s what every business owner needs to know about permits, power, and placement before ordering a sign.
Permits: Don’t Skip the Paperwork
Each municipality has its own signage regulations, and skipping permits can lead to fines, forced removal, or unusable installations. In Memphis, a permit is required for all permanent signs that are erected, painted, installed, or otherwise visible on private property. In downtown or special districts, additional review from the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Design Review Board may be required.
Our Team Handles Every Aspect of Commercial Sign Permits:
- Researching local zoning and sign code requirements
- Preparing and submitting permit applications
- Coordinating with city inspectors
- Tracking follow-up and compliance deadlines
This ensures your sign is fully compliant before installation and avoids costly revisions or removal. Don’t leave your storefront vulnerable to code violations or public nuisance reports.
If you’d like to read more about Memphis City Sign Permit Requirements, Click Here
Power: It’s Not Just Plug‑and‑Play
Lighting can elevate your signage, making it visible and memorable—especially at night. But powering a sign involves more than just plugging it in. From transformers and voltage requirements to installation access points and lighting type, there are technical details you’ll want to get right early in the process.
Before we begin fabrication, our team carefully evaluates the electrical infrastructure of your site, considering factors like available load, distance to power sources, and whether the sign will use internal or external power supplies. For example, neon signage often requires high-voltage transformers installed in separate weatherproof enclosures, while LED systems typically operate at lower voltage and are often powered internally within the sign cabinet.
We Asses Sign Power Criteria Based Upon:
- Existing electrical capacity and transformer/load limits
- Access to service panels and shutoff points
- Appropriate lighting options (LED vs. neon), considering efficiency and aesthetics
Once we’ve identified your power needs, we’ll determine whether additional infrastructure is needed. Some examples include a new circuit, exterior-grade conduit, or an upgraded breaker panel. We also make sure your sign will include a dedicated disconnect switch, in compliance with local codes and safety practices. Our certified installers will handle everything, so you can be confident your sign will not only look great, but also function safely and reliably for years to come.
Placement: Strategic Impact and Code Compliance
Where your sign is located is just as important as how it looks. Even the most beautifully crafted sign will fall flat if it’s hidden from view, blocked by landscaping, or installed in violation of local codes. Placement affects everything from visibility and branding impact to legal compliance and safety. Whether it’s a wall sign above your storefront, a monument sign by the road, or a pylon towering over traffic, thoughtful placement ensures your investment actually reaches the people it’s meant to
We Evaluate Commercial Signage Placement Based On:
- Visibility from main roads and pedestrian paths
- Required setbacks from roads, sidewalks, and property lines (often 5–10 ft)
- Clearance heights for projecting signs—usually 8–10 ft for pedestrians and 14–16 ft over vehicle areas
- ADA compliance for visibility
- Zoning-specific height and size limits
In certain areas—like Downtown, the University District, or the Evergreen Historic District. Your signage must also meet additional design and zoning requirements. Districts like Evergreen, which are primarily residential and historically preserved, often allow little to no signage at all, with extremely tight limits on size, style, and lighting. In these zones, signage may need approval from groups like the Memphis Landmarks Commission or the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Design Review Board. We help you navigate those layers with mock-ups, visualizations, and pre-submittals that reduce the risk of rework or rejection. Thoughtful planning isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. It’s how we make sure your sign stands tall, looks great, and meets all the necessary criteria the first time around
Let Frank Balton Sign Company Guide You
From initial planning to final installation, we take the guesswork out of signage. With over a century of experience, Frank Balton Signs has helped thousands of businesses across Memphis and the Mid-South get it right—from commercial sign permits to power to sign placement, we’ve got it covered.
Thinking about a new sign?
Let’s talk about how we can bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and fully compliant.