1. Are drawings re-usable for multiple projects and permit applications?
Unfortunately, structural sign drawings cannot be reused over multiple projects or permit applications. Although many design elements may be shared and remained unchanged, each sign should be evaluated specific to its own application and specifications outlined accordingly. For this reason, PEng stamped drawings cannot be modified without review by a Professional Engineer and re-stamping is generally required when modifications are made. Each Sign Spec drawing will contain the municipal site address of the project and a unique site-specific drawing ID, both of which will be referenced by the municipality during the review and approval process.
2. For wall mounted signs, are there different wall cross sections available to ensure I match my project’s application?
To provide our customers with alternatives when it is determined that site conditions are not what was expected when a drawing was purchased, each Sign Spec drawing set includes a range of typical standard cross sections. Having these options already on file ensures project managers and installers can immediately determine the appropriate method of installation when site conditions do not match expectations. Additionally, the alternate drawing can then be sent to the municipality to update the permit file.
For wall mounted channel letter and fascia signs, each Sign Spec drawing includes the following standard wall cross sections:
Stucco & rigid insulation (EIFS) on plywood sheathing
Stucco & rigid insulation (EIFS) on gypsum sheathing
Pre-cast or cast in place concrete
Concrete masonry units (hollow concrete block)
Brick veneer (3 ½” thick) on plywood or gypsum sheathing
Aluminum composite metal (ACM) or metal siding on plywood sheathing
*Please note that when assembling a sign permit application, a single cross section that matches the existing site conditions should be chosen and submitted along with the primary drawings main page for a total of 2 pages for typical applications. Do not submit all cross sections drawings to the municipality as they will only accept application with a single cross section that matches site conditions.
3. For wall mounted signs, are there different wall cross sections available to ensure I match my project’s application?
In addition to the structural drawings, a standard requirement is that graphic drawings, a site plan drawing, and elevation drawings be submitted as part of the permit application. General guidelines for inclusion in these drawings are as follows:
All relevant dimensions should be included in metric and/or imperial.
The graphic drawing should identify:
the relevant sign dimensions which should conform to the dimensions specified on the structural drawings provided by Sign Spec
the total weight of proposed sign(s) which should not exceed the maximum weight specified on the structural drawings provided by Sign Spec
Any relevant additional specifications such as but not limited to color/material specifications, voltage (e.g., 120V) and illumination type, etc.
All sign(s) should be shown as renderings on building elevation drawing(s). The elevation drawing(s) should identify:
The individual sign (where multiple signs are proposed)
The height and width of the sign(s)
The height from grade to the top and bottom of the sign(s)
The overall height and width of the building elevation(s)
The above-mentioned elevations should be easily identifiable on an accompanying site plan. The site plan drawing should identify:
The Orientation (i.e., North arrow)
Major roadways
Ingress and/or egress points for the property
*Additional “non-drawing” requirements such as landlord authorization, etc. may also be required. Individual requirements vary by municipality and by sign project and should be verified with the municipality in the form of a preliminary permit requirements review to ensure compliance.
4. Can the standard channel letter drawing sets be used for halo lit channel letters?
Currently, Sign Spec does not offer standard drawings for halo lit channel letters. Should demand for this type of sign increase, Sign Spec may produce additional design drawing sets. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a halo lit design to meet your project’s requirements.
5. Can the channel letter and fascia drawing sets be used for curtain wall or mullion installation applications?
Unfortunately, installation on a curtain wall or mullions, requires a custom design solution. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a solution that meets your project’s requirements.
6. What should I do if the wall cross section for my project does not match any of the standard wall sections available?
At this time, we have attempted to design and provide drawing sets for the most common sign types and applicable cross sections. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a solution that meets your project’s requirements. In addition, this will allow us to gauge industry needs and focus our efforts accordingly as we develop additional sign types, sizes, and cross sections.
7. What should I do If we originally registered with Sign Spec as a “non-member” registrant or a SAC/ACE member and have now also become a member of the Ontario Sign Association (OSA), is it possible to modify our account profile to take advantage of the additional pricing discounts? the wall cross section for my project does not match any of the standard wall sections available?
Yes, there are additional membership benefits available to OSA members so if your membership status has changed, simply email us at info@signspec.ca with your company’s name, address and your updated OSA member information. We will verify your information, revise your profile, and provide a confirmation once your status has been updated so that you can begin benefiting from the additional discounts available to OSA members.
8. Can the drawings I purchase from Sign Spec be used in “non -standard” applications such as when a development plan is in place or for historical designations?
The unique nature of these types of projects is not conducive to standardized drawings. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a solution that meets your project’s unique requirements. In addition, this will allow us to gauge industry needs and focus our efforts accordingly as we develop additional sign types and services.
9. Can the standard sign types detailed on the drawing sets available be installed in any location on a building?
Sign Spec was proud to partner with the City of Toronto for the initial product launch. Moving forward, our intention is to progressively develop partnerships with additional municipalities based on interest and feedback from within the sign industry (Sign Spec members and non-members alike). Let us know if there is a specific municipality or region that you would like to see added and by doing so, you help to ensure that we focus our efforts accordingly. In the meantime, contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a solution that meets your project’s requirements.
10. Are there other municipalities available or will other municipalities be available in the future?
The unique nature of these types of projects is not conducive to standardized drawings. Please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a solution that meets your project’s unique requirements. In addition, this will allow us to gauge industry needs and focus our efforts accordingly as we develop additional sign types and services.
11. I work for a municipality and would like to know if we can reach out to Sign Spec to discuss this approach to standardized drawings and a potential partnership. How can I/we do that?
Simply email us at info@signspec.ca or call us at (888) 572-8408. We would be happy to discuss our approach and answer any questions you may have.
12. Can the general public or non-sign industry businesses purchase drawings sets from Sign Spec?
Anyone can purchase drawings sets from Sign Spec so long as they set up an account and agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA). However only sign association members benefit from the significant discounts afforded to those associations.
13. Can I purchase drawings for more than 1 location at a time?
A unique identifier is assigned to each transaction, allowing the drawings to be referenced by the municipality during the review and approval process. With this mind, at this time only 1 location can be purchased at a time, but additional locations can be purchased by simply performing an additional transaction.
14. When will the drawings be available after the purchase is complete?
The engineered drawings are immediately available to download in your account. You will also receive an email notification within 15 minutes of completing the purchase transaction with a link to download your drawing. If for any reason you do not receive the email, please check your email spam/junk folder, and confirm that the address entered in your Sign Spec account is correct. If you still require assistance, don’t hesitate to email us at info@signspec.ca or call us at (888) 572-8408.
15. What method(s) of payment does Sign Spec accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal. Cash and cheques are not accepted for any website standard drawing purchases.
16. Are purchases of standard drawings made through the website refundable?
Generally, purchases of standard drawings made through the website are non-refundable. For special circumstances, please email us at info@signspec.ca or call us at (888) 572-8408 to discuss your specific details.
17. If the incorrect project address is entered when drawings are purchased and by extension, that incorrect information is reflected on the drawings, is it possible to fix or adjust the drawings?
To maintain the low administrative and operational costs on which our extremely affordable rates are based, we do not offer modification to drawings once purchased. For that reason, it is extremely important that the required project specific information is verified and inputted correctly. If an error is made, a new drawing set would need to be purchased.
18. If a municipality has requested a construction review (general review) for my sign project, is that a service that Sign Spec can provide?
Yes, we will be happy to provide that service. Please email us your requirements and the applicable project information at info@signspec.ca. We will clarify any additional information required and provide a price proposal based on the services required.
19. If I forgot to coordinate an installation with Sign Spec so that they could attend and fulfill the commitment to review as required by the permit, what can be done?
Ultimately, attendance at an installation ensures that the stamping engineer or they are designate can collect and review the information required to complete an applicable commitment to review. However, if installation has occurred without notifying Sign Spec, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss. In some circumstances, a combination of firsthand accounts, imagery and a follow up visit to site may be sufficient to avoid issues with closing the permit.
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