If you've ever been held up by permit delays during a signage project, you’re not alone. One of the most common reasons cities reject or delay sign permits is the absence of proper structural calculations. These delays can cost businesses time, money, and opportunities. That’s where an engineer sign becomes critical—because it signals that a qualified professional has reviewed and approved your sign's structural integrity.
In this blog, we'll walk through how structural calculations work, why they're required for most sign permits, and how having them ready from the start can help you avoid frustrating setbacks.
Why Do Permits Get Delayed?
Cities and counties require sign permits to ensure public safety, zoning compliance, and aesthetic consistency. When your permit application is missing structural data, it raises red flags for the permitting office. Here are the most common issues:
Missing or incomplete structural drawings
No wind load analysis
No foundation design or anchoring details
Lack of engineer verification (stamp or sign-off)
Without this critical information, the permitting authority has no way to verify that your sign won’t pose a danger during high winds, seismic events, or over time due to wear and tear. So they reject or delay the permit until you provide structural documentation.
What Are Structural Calculations?
Structural calculations are engineering assessments that determine whether a sign's design is safe and compliant with building codes. These calculations typically include:
Wind load resistance based on local weather conditions
Material strength analysis (steel, aluminum, etc.)
Load distribution on support structures
Foundation depth and anchorage strength
Stress and strain analysis for each sign component
A licensed engineer reviews the sign design and prepares a sealed calculation report that assures the permitting authority that the sign meets all structural requirements.
How Do Structural Calculations Speed Up Sign Approval?
Providing structural calculations before submitting your permit application shows that you’ve already addressed safety and code concerns. This can drastically reduce the back-and-forth between your sign contractor and the city. Here’s how they help:
Fast-track your approval – Many cities prioritize complete applications.
Avoid revisions – No need to redesign or resubmit plans due to structural concerns.
Demonstrate professionalism – Cities trust plans that include verified engineering.
Meet tight timelines – For grand openings or business launches, every day counts.
Simply put, if your structural calculations are ready to go, you’re already ahead of the game.
Who Prepares Structural Calculations?
Only a licensed structural engineer can prepare and sign off on these calculations. They assess your specific sign type—whether it's a pylon, monument, wall-mounted, or rooftop sign—and ensure it complies with applicable codes such as the IBC (International Building Code) and ASCE 7.
Working with a structural engineering firm that specializes in signage makes the process even smoother. These professionals understand what cities are looking for and can deliver the exact documentation needed for a fast approval.
What Types of Signs Require Structural Calculations?
Not all signs require structural calculations, but many do—especially those that:
Exceed a certain height (usually over 6 feet above grade)
Are freestanding, like pylon or monument signs
Are mounted to roofs or parapets
Are located in high-wind or seismic zones
Even if the sign seems small or simple, the city might still ask for calculations based on its location and potential hazards.
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Waiting until the city requests structural documentation can derail your sign project. By proactively including structural calculations with your permit submission, you streamline the process, gain the confidence of reviewers, and stay on schedule.
If you're looking to avoid permit delays and ensure your signage is both compliant and safe, start with professional structural calculations—and make sure your plans include a qualified engineer sign from the beginning.