The Ultimate Signage Guide for New Franchise Locations and Multi-Site Businesses in Metro Atlanta

Types of Signage Your Franchise Location Needs

Exterior Signage

Monument Signs: Ground-level signs typically located near the entrance or road. These are ideal for shopping centers and standalone locations where visibility from the street is crucial.

Considerations: Height restrictions, setback requirements, and illumination regulations vary by county in metro Atlanta.

Channel Letter Signs: Individual illuminated letters mounted to your building facade. These create a professional, high-visibility appearance and are popular for retail and restaurant franchises.

Considerations: Require electrical permits, structural engineering calculations for mounting, and compliance with local illumination ordinances.

Pylon Signs: Tall, freestanding signs visible from major roadways. Common for franchises in shopping centers or along highways.

Considerations: Significant permitting requirements, often including engineering stamps and variance approvals.

Window Graphics: Vinyl graphics applied to storefront windows displaying hours, promotions, or branding elements.

Considerations: Many jurisdictions limit the percentage of window coverage allowed.

Interior Signage

ADA-Compliant Signs: Required by federal law for permanent rooms and spaces (restrooms, offices, exits). Must include raised characters and Braille.

Considerations: Specific mounting height, character size, and tactile requirements must be met.

Wayfinding Signs: Directional signs help customers navigate your space, especially important for larger facilities.

Menu Boards and Digital Displays: For restaurant franchises, menu boards are critical customer-facing elements that must align with brand standards.

Promotional Signage: Interior signs highlighting specials, new products, or brand messaging.

Navigating Metro Atlanta's Multi-County Permitting

One unique challenge in metro Atlanta is that signage requirements vary significantly across counties and municipalities. What's approved in Cobb County might not meet requirements in Fulton County.

Key Differences Across Metro Atlanta Counties

Illumination Regulations Some jurisdictions restrict hours of illumination, brightness levels, or prohibit certain types of lighting (like exposed neon).

Size Restrictions Maximum sign size is often calculated based on building frontage, setback distance, or lot size—formulas that vary by jurisdiction.

Setback Requirements How far your sign must be from property lines, roads, or adjacent properties differs across counties.

Design Review Boards Some municipalities require architectural review board approval, adding 2-4 weeks to the timeline.

Historical Districts Locations in historic districts face additional restrictions on materials, colors, and illumination.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Working with a signage company that operates across metro Atlanta provides significant advantages:

• Knowledge of local codes: We know each jurisdiction's specific requirements

• Established relationships: We work regularly with permit offices across all counties

• Streamlined process: We handle all paperwork and follow-up

• Problem-solving: We know how to navigate challenges and expedite approvals

Franchise Brand Standards: Ensuring Compliance

Your franchisor has invested significantly in building brand recognition, and signage consistency is crucial to maintaining that equity.

Common Franchise Brand Standard Requirements

Logo Specifications

• Exact color matches (PMS colors)

• Proper logo proportions and spacing

• Approved logo variations for different applications (light on dark, dark on light, etc)

Typography

• Specific fonts for all text elements

• Character sizing and spacing requirements

• Approved messaging and taglines

Materials and Finishes

• Specified materials (aluminum, acrylic, etc.)

• Required finishes and textures

• Illumination specifications

Installation Standards

• Mounting methods and hardware

• Placement and positioning requirements

• Height and visibility specifications

The Approval Process

Most franchisors require signage approval before fabrication begins:

1. Submit designs with specifications and renderings

2. Franchisor review (typically 1-2 weeks)

3. Revisions if needed

4. Final approval before proceeding to permitting

Pro Tip: Choose a signage provider experienced with your franchise brand. We've worked with numerous franchise systems and understand their specific requirements, which accelerates the approval process.

Common Signage Mistakes Franchise Operators Make

1. Starting Too Late

The Mistake: Waiting until construction is nearly complete to think about signage.

The Consequence: Rushed timelines lead to delays, increased costs, and potentially missing your grand opening date.

The Solution: Begin the signage process as soon as your lease is signed—ideally 12+ weeks before your planned opening.

2. Underestimating Permitting Timelines

The Mistake: Assuming permits will be approved quickly or that the process is simple.

The Consequence: Permit delays can push back your entire opening timeline.

The Solution: Work with a signage company that handles permitting and knows local jurisdiction timelines.

3. Choosing Based on Price Alone

The Mistake: Selecting the lowest-cost provider without considering experience or quality.

The Consequence: Poor quality signs, missed deadlines, or signs that don't meet franchise standards.

The Solution: Evaluate providers based on experience with franchises, portfolio quality, and ability to meet deadlines.

4. Ignoring ADA Requirements

The Mistake: Forgetting about interior ADA-compliant signage until the last minute.

The Consequence: Failed inspections, legal liability, and additional costs to retrofit compliant signs.

The Solution: Include ADA signage in your initial planning and budget.

5. Not Coordinating with Property Management

The Mistake: Failing to communicate with property management about sign installation requirements.

The Consequence: Installation delays due to access issues, insurance requirements, or approval processes.

The Solution: Involve property management early and ensure your signage provider coordinates directly with them.

Your Signage Checklist for Franchise Success

Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical steps:

12+ Weeks Before Opening:

• Contact signage provider for initial consultation

• Review franchise brand standards and requirements

• Conduct site assessment

• Obtain preliminary budget and timeline

10-12 Weeks Before Opening:

• Finalize sign designs

• Submit designs to franchisor for approval

• Make any required revisions

• Approve final designs

8-10 Weeks Before Opening:

• Submit permit applications to local jurisdiction

• Provide any additional documentation requested

• Coordinate with property management on installation requirements

6-8 Weeks Before Opening:

• Confirm permit approvals

• Begin sign fabrication

• Schedule installation date

• Arrange electrical work if needed

2-4 Weeks Before Opening:

• Complete sign installation

• Conduct final inspections

• Test illumination and functionality

• Address any final adjustments

1 Week Before Opening:

• Verify all signage is complete and functioning

• Obtain final inspection approvals

• Take photos for franchisor documentation