Permit process to legalize existing awnings

To get a permit for your existing awning, you will need to submit:

• Property Owner's Disclosures documenting that you are the building owner or representative
  • Property owner representative must bring a copy of the owner's state-issued ID as required in the disclosure form.
• A Form 4/7 - Application for permit to erect sign (awning)
• A dimensioned photograph with information about your existing awning - see step 3 for more details.

We need to know your role on the project to apply for an Over-the-counter (OTC) permit.

See: Who can obtain a building permit

Pick the form that applies to you.

• For business owners, fill out the Property Owner's Disclosures.

Or

• For contractors, fill out the contractor statement – only required if a contractor is applying for the permit.

Print the appropriate form and bring it with you when apply for a sign (awning) permit.

You will need to provide dimensioned photos with labels documenting your awning size, weight, location, type of wall, and how the awning is attached to the wall of the building.

Photos need to be printed on 11”x17” paper. Two copies of the photos are required with your permit application.

Be sure to include the scope of work including notice of violation number (if applicable), property address, awning dimensions, whether the awning is illuminated. 

Other information required to be printed on the photographs:

1.   Width of awning.

2.   Height of lettering on awning.

3.   Height of awning valance (loose fabric hanging off the frame) above the sidewalk (if applicable). A minimum of 7' is the code requirement. 

4.   Height of awning frame above the sidewalk. A minimum of 8' is the code requirement. 

5.   Depth of awning.

6.   Width of the sidewalk, measured from the building to the edge of the curb.

7.   Size and number of attachments (anchors) at the top of the awning. Be sure to include the number, diameter, and depth of anchor (if available). 

8.   Size and number of attachments (anchors) at the bottom of the awning. Be sure to include the number, diameter, and depth of anchor (if available). 

Please note that the wall attachments must be the appropriate anchor (generally a screw or extension bolt) for the wall type, such as wood, masonry, steel or concrete.

9.   If the building has a fire escape above the awning, show and label an awning flap to accommodate a drop down ladder.

10. Indicate if any of the windows on the floors above the commercial unit open into a bedroom.

If yes, provide the height of the bottom of the window sill to the sidewalk for each window on each floor up to the third story. Only measure up to the third story if there are more than three floors.  

If no, indicate that the windows above the commercial spare are not bedroom windows.

Click here for a sample labeled, dimensioned photo.

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Fill out the form 4/7 Sign Permit Application (awning permits use the sign permit application form).

Write "To comply with Awning Amnesty Program" in Box (12) Plot Plan and Elevation.

Illuminated awnings also require an electrical permit. 

Sample completed form 4/7 Sign Permit for an existing awning.

Come to the Permit Center to apply for an Over the counter (OTC) permit. 

You will get a sign permit application number for your awning. 

We will route your application and documentation to the required permit review stations. You will carry your application and other documents to each permit review station and review your project with staff. You may need to come back on a separate day to finish the permit process.

We will then review the sign permit application for your awning and check your labeled and dimensioned awning photos. We will inform you of the additional forms and information you need to provide and help you determine any outstanding information.

Once the permit station review is complete, you will need to pay some modest state and local fees that are not waived through this program. Once those fees are paid, you will be issued a job card and permit number. Anyone can pay for the permit but the permit can only be issued to the property owner, California-licensed contractor or their representative.