Looking to install a new sign for your business or organization? Need to re-face an existing sign? Want to place a temporary sign for short-term purposes? You need to apply for a permit to make sure your sign meets our community’s standards as defined in the Lincoln Zoning Ordinance and Sign Codes.
Only sign companies licensed with the City of Lincoln can apply for illuminated signs and most other signs. If you have questions about becoming a licensed contractor, please call 402-441-7882.
Determine your zoning and review the relevant sign provisions through Chapter 27.69 Lincoln Construction Sign Code.
For help with understanding these requirements, give us a call at the number at 402-441-7882 to speak with Plan Review.
Sign Permits can be created through Citizen Access. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application. You can review the steps to create an account at Citizen Access Information.
You may need to request for your license to be linked to your user profile. To make that request please complete the contractor form.
You will need to attach the following to your application:
All documents will need to be uploaded in a .pdf format
Complete the application through Citizen’s Access.
Select Permanent Sign Application
You’ll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, Master, Discover, or American Express
Our office will review your application for accuracy. You may need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.
If your permit is denied or has corrections required, you will be notified by the reviewer. If your permit is approved as submitted, the permit will be issued.
You can monitor your permit status through Citizen Access. Once the permit has been issued you may print the approved and stamped plans that are uploaded into your permit.
Want to place a mobile sign on your property? Or an inflatable balloon? You need to apply for a permit to make sure your sign meets our community’s standards as defined in the Lincoln Zoning Ordinance and Sign Codes for these types of signs.
Only sign companies licensed with the City of Lincoln can apply for mobile and inflatable signs. If you are a business owner, and you own the mobile sign or inflatable sign, and the sign will be placed on the property you own, then you can apply for your own sign permit. If you have questions about becoming a licensed contractor, please call 402-441-7521.
Inflatable signs are permitted in only B, H, and I districts for no more than 10 days per calendar year (Every day that an inflatable sign is placed counts as 6 days against the number of mobile sign days available).
Mobile signs must be placed at least one half the required front yard setback measured from the front property line, as determined by the zoning district for that property.
Mobile and Inflatable Sign Permits can be created through Open Forms
Once we have invoiced your fees you can pay online through Citizen Access.
Contact our office at 402-441-7521 or visit our Citizen Access Information page if you need assistance with paying your permit fee.
Sign contractors are required to complete an annual registration of $50. This registration is good for a rolling 365 calendar days. For example, if you pay on 01/02/20 then your registration will be good until 01/02/21.
All sign contractors must submit the Sign Contractor Registration form for your fees to be invoiced. The Building and Safety Administration team will notify you when your registration is available to be paid.
Sign Contractors are required to have current registration, insurance and bond to apply for permits. Please visit the Contractor Bond, Insurance and Registration Requirements link on this page for more information.
Sign Contractor Registration Application
Please see the measurement conversion table below.
More Information