A Supercuts store in Rialto, California was in need of a storefront sign to identify the business location and advertise to customers. The first step to providing an accurate quote for a sign is to do a site survey. During a site survey, we visit the location to get all of the necessary information regarding dimensions of the sign and how we will install the sign. We were going to make them a channel letter sign which is an electrical sign so we needed to see the electrical access in person along with getting the dimensions of the building and storefront.
The total sign area allowed by the city is based on the storefront width so that measurement is important. But before we designed the sign based on the city restrictions, we needed to take a look at the sign criteria from the landlord. In many cases, the landlord is particular about the type of signage that is allowed on the storefront for many different reasons. For example, a plaza may only allow box signs so if a tenant moves out, they can simply remove the face and it will cause less damage to the building wall.
We need the landlord’s signature on the proof in order to apply for the sign permit so if the landlord criteria calls out a sign that is smaller than what the city will allow, we need to go with the landlord sign criteria. It is common for a large outdoor shopping center like this one to have a sign program that has detailed information regarding the different types of signs allowed and the different styles of signs allowed within that. Many times, the dimensions and material will be called out also.
After we designed a sign based on what would be approved by the landlord and city, we were able to pull the sign permit and start production.