How Long Does It Take to Design, Permit, and Install a Commercial Sign?

Horizon Signs & Lighting • August 27, 2025

TLDR;
Designing, permitting, and installing a commercial sign usually takes between 3 and 13 weeks depending on the complexity of the design, city permitting requirements, and installation logistics. In Texas cities, a typical timeline is 1–3 weeks for design, 2–8 weeks for permitting, and 1–2 weeks for installation. Starting early and working with an experienced company like Horizon Sign & Lighting ensures your sign is completed on schedule.

Understanding the Full Timeline from Start to Finish

When planning a commercial sign, your schedule will depend on three main stages. Each stage has its own steps, requirements, and potential delays. The process involves coordination between you, your sign company, and the permitting authority.

Phase 1 – Design Timeline for a Commercial Sign

The design phase shapes the entire project. This stage includes concept creation, branding alignment, and technical drawings.

Typical timeframe: 1 to 3 weeks for most businesses in Texas.

Key steps in the design stage:

Initial consultation: Gather your requirements, brand guidelines, and location details.
Concept and mockups: Create visual designs for review and approval.
Engineering and structural drawings: Required for large or illuminated signs. This can add 1–2 weeks or longer for complex structures.

If you're unsure which direction to take visually or structurally, reviewing the top commercial sign types can help clarify what will best suit your business needs and streamline the design phase.

Factors that influence the design duration:

Number of revisions you request.
Availability of brand assets.
The need for stamped drawings from a licensed engineer.

Practical advice:

Have your logo, brand colors, and size preferences ready before starting.
Approve revisions quickly to keep the process moving.

Phase 2 – Permitting Timeline in Texas Cities

Once your design is approved, the next step is getting a permit from your city or county. The permit process ensures your sign complies with local codes.

The permitting timeline varies by location:

Austin

Average review: 10–20 business days after submission.
Requirements: Comply with Austin’s Land Development Code and sign district guidelines.
Possible delays: Historic district approvals or special zoning.

Dallas

Average review: 5 business days for detached sign applications.
Requirements: Application via the Accela system and licensed contractor submission.
Possible delays: Missing documents or noncompliance with size rules.

Houston

Permit validity: 180 days with one extension allowed.
Average review: 2–4 weeks.
Requirements: Licensed sign contractor and account setup with the Houston Permitting Center.
Possible delays: Incomplete applications, electrical review for illuminated signs.

San Antonio

Requirements: Electronic plan review for signs over 32 square feet.
Average review: 2–4 weeks.
Possible delays: Variance requests or engineering plan reviews.

Other Texas municipalities (example: Prosper)

Forward-lead time: Submit at least 5 business days before installation.
Smaller towns may process faster but often have fewer staff, causing delays during busy periods.

State-level considerations:

Signs facing highways may require Texas Department of Transportation review through the CSLAP process, which can extend timelines.

Factors That Affect Permit Timing

Incomplete documentation at submission.
Zoning restrictions that require variances.
Engineering approvals for large or illuminated signs.
Municipal backlogs during peak construction seasons.

Practical advice from Horizon Sign & Lighting:

Start the permit process as soon as the design is finalized.
Use a licensed contractor experienced in your city’s requirements.
Respond to permit office questions immediately to prevent delays.

Phase 3 – Installation Timeline for a Commercial Sign

Once your permit is approved, installation begins.

Typical installation timeframe: 1 to 2 weeks for most projects.

Steps in installation:

Site preparation, including foundations for large freestanding signs.
Fabrication completion and inspection.
Electrical connection for illuminated signs.
Final inspection from the city if required.

Delays that affect installation:

Weather, especially for outdoor signs requiring concrete foundations.
Coordination with electricians for power connections.
Scheduling conflicts if your contractor has multiple projects.

Combined Timeline Overview

Design: 1–3 weeks

Permitting: 2–8+ weeks depending on location and complexity

Installation: 1–2 weeks

Total: 3–13+ weeks from concept to completion

Common Delay Triggers and Solutions

Delay: Incomplete documentation

Solution: Work with your sign company to ensure all drawings, engineering stamps, and application forms are ready before submission.

Delay: Zoning or variance requirements

Solution: Check zoning rules before design to ensure compliance and avoid redesigns.

Delay: Permit office backlog

Solution: Submit early in the year or during slower months.

Delay: Weather during installation

Solution: Plan for seasonal conditions and have a backup installation schedule.

How to Speed Up the Process

Finalize your design quickly.
Provide all required brand materials and site details upfront.
Choose a sign company like Horizon Sign & Lighting that knows local permitting rules.
Consider hiring a permit expediter for large or complex projects.
Submit permit applications electronically when possible.

City-by-City Timeline Examples in Texas

Austin: Design 2 weeks, permit 3 weeks, installation 1 week = 6 weeks total.
Dallas: Design 2 weeks, permit 1 week, installation 1 week = 4 weeks total.
Houston: Design 3 weeks, permit 4 weeks, installation 2 weeks = 9 weeks total.
San Antonio: Design 2 weeks, permit 4 weeks, installation 1 week = 7 weeks total.