Comprehensive Support for Your Signage Needs

A survey can document accessible dimensions and visible materials, but concealed framing, substrates or deterioration may not be verifiable without drawings or exploratory work. The survey report should distinguish observed conditions from assumptions that require later confirmation.

No. Sign rules differ by municipality and may regulate sign type, area, height, location, setbacks, illumination and digital content. A design approved in one jurisdiction may need changes in another, so code research should be completed for each project address before fabrication.

A sign audit is a systematic review of all existing signage at one or more locations. It documents each sign's type, condition, dimensions, and location. Before a rebrand, a sign audit helps you understand what you have, what can be reused, what needs replacement, and what the full project scope will cost. For businesses with multiple locations, a sign audit is essential before any rebrand begins.

It depends on the sign type and condition. In many cases, existing sign structures — cabinets, poles, and monument bases — can be reused. Only the faces, letters, or graphics need to be replaced, which significantly reduces cost. A sign company will typically conduct a site survey first to assess what can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced entirely.

A denied or returned application may require missing documents, revised plans, a code-compliant redesign or a separate zoning process such as an appeal or variance. Available options depend on the reason for the decision. Neither Martino Signs nor a design professional can guarantee municipal approval.

Yes. Existing wayfinding systems can often be updated with new graphics, revised branding, updated tenant or directional information, or LED lighting upgrades without requiring a full sign replacement.

In most cases, each tenant is responsible for obtaining their own sign permit. However, property managers typically assist by providing sign criteria, property drawings, and the landlord approval letter that many municipalities require as part of the permit application. Some property management companies work with a preferred sign company that handles permitting for all tenants at the property, which simplifies the process and ensures consistency. For properties with frequent tenant turnover, a managed sign program can significantly streamline the permitting process.

We engineer multi-tenant monument and pylon signs with a scalable, modular design framework so tenant changes do not require replacing the entire structure. When a commercial lease turns over, we create easily swappable, precision-routed acrylic or aluminum panels that slot into the existing sign cabinet. This allows property managers to update tenant listings quickly and cost-effectively while maintaining uniform branding across the full display. Panel updates can typically be completed in a single service visit.

Yes. We provide full-service design-build execution for property portfolios of any size. Our licensed installation crews handle structural anchoring, concrete footings for monument signs, and safe electrical tie-ins for illuminated signs. Once installation is complete, we provide a project closeout package that includes permit documentation, inspection sign-offs, and installation records — everything your property management team needs to confirm the work passes all municipal structural and safety requirements and to maintain complete records for the property.

Possibly. Philadelphia provides EZ standards for certain sign zoning and installation applications that meet published conditions. EZ applications do not require plans, but they still require the applicable permit process. Eligibility must be checked against the exact sign, location and current City standard.

Yes. Existing shopping center signs can often be updated with new tenant panels, repainting, LED retrofits, structural repairs, new cladding, or complete rebranding packages, often at a fraction of the cost of full replacement.

Zoning approval addresses whether the sign’s type, size, height, location and illumination are allowed. A building permit addresses installation and construction requirements. An electrical permit covers regulated electrical work for illuminated signs. A project may require more than one approval, depending on scope.

Yes. Custom wayfinding systems can be designed to match corporate branding, including colors, logos, typography, architectural styles, and overall property aesthetics for a cohesive and professional appearance.

Yes, additional review may apply. Philadelphia requires Historical Commission approval for sign work on historic properties before the L&I application proceeds. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way require Department of Streets plan review. The exact submission depends on the proposed work and property.

Professional sign companies typically coordinate permitting, engineering submissions, code compliance review, and landlord approval requirements for shopping center signage projects.