FAQs

A Code Check is a document that is an organized summary of site specific governmental regulations and procedures for obtaining sign permits and related documents at the municipality that has zoning jurisdiction over the property that is being researched. This document is provided to you in a simplified format to help you design your sign to comply with local and current codes. All code research is form specific based on the set criteria you want to uncover as it relates to the needs of your project. 

Most code checks are completed within 3 to 5 business days.  This can vary during peak times or when city officials are not responsive.  Larger projects are given a time frame for completion at the start of that project. ETD offers rush services for faster turnovers in less than three days and/or less than twenty-four hours. 

ETD is built and structured to handle code research projects of all sizes, we once handled 4,000 code checks in eleven weeks for a large reimage project.   No project is too big for us, but turnover rates are not answered with a one size fits all statement.  All code research is form specific and the details within the form will dictate the timeline for the project.  Typically 200 code checks can be completed in less than 2 weeks.  You are encouraged to reach out to our Research Distribution Manager with larger projects to communicate the needs of that project  and it’s timelines. 

The price of a code check is often seen as overhead which results in the request for discounts quite often, but because that cost is minimal we believe that you can make it up in other areas of the project.  Discounted services are going to produce discounted results.  You are encouraged to discuss the needs of your project with us before committing to use our services. 

Permit procurement is terminology used to describe the act of getting permits for the project.  It is industry specific terminology often used by permit managers to cover the duties of permit management.   Preparing documents, submitting for permits,  tracking permits, communicating the details along the way and obtaining approved permits (in some case denials) are the duties of a permit manager. 

Our rates are competitive, fair and consistent with the current industry standards.  We attempt to work within the budget of our customers.  You can contact our permit team today for a quote. 

There is a significant different between submission timelines and permit approval timelines.   Many expeditors promise that they can get your permit approved faster. The truth is that we can’t control the timelines of cities and their processes.  What we can do is know how to skillfully prepare and submit your permit package, effectively communicate with city officials, track the process appropriately and provide you with permit results.   Commercial sign permits are unique because they often go thru three different departments for review within most municipalities.  Those three disciplines are Zoning, Building and Electrical.  While one of these legs may be fast the other two could take much longer.  This will depend on the city, their staff, their current work loads etc.  We will do everything we can to process your permit efficiently and the typical national average is 2 to 4 weeks for city processing time.  While we have seen some permits take as long and 9 months or more, those tend to be one off situations.  If your project has a time crunch please discuss those needs with your permit manager so that they can navigate the process with your timeline in mind.  

ETD is a code, permit and variance company that has a team of variance managers with experience and the proven ability to go thru that process for you and with you.  Variances can be an intimidating process and sign variances are a unique niche that we specialize in.   You are always encouraged to comply with the code, however when circumstances exist that require you to navigate the variance process after receiving a denial, we are highly skilled in variance administration.