NYCDOT - Street Banner Permits

New York City Department of Transportation

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Permits/Franchises
Street Banner Permits

Rules and Procedures for Street Banner Permits

(If you do not want to read this information, go directly to the Application for Banner Permit (pdf).)

No person shall install, place, affix or attach a banner on any property within the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation without obtaining a permit or a concession from the Commissioner. The banner must promote a public event or a cultural exhibit.

1.	In addition to the requirement that the banner must promote a public event or a cultural exhibit, Business Improvement Districts and Local Development Corporations may install banners to promote their areas. All applicants shall submit a final graphic containing the content of the banner which must be approved by the Commissioner prior to the issuance of a permit or a concession.

2.	Horizontal banners are not permitted. Vertical banners shall be not more than three (3) feet wide and not more than eight (8) feet in length. All banners must have air slits. Double banners (2 banners on the same pole) are only permitted if they collectively do not exceed 24 square feet.

3.	Banners shall contain no advertisements. The trade name or logo of the sponsor of the event (if applicable) shall occupy no more than 10% of the lower portion of the banner.

4.	The number of banners to be installed and the location of each banner must be approved by the Commissioner. All costs associated with the installation, maintenance and removal of banners shall be borne solely by the permittee.

5.	Written certification that the banner will be installed and later removed by a licensed rigger must be submitted with the application. Drilling of lampposts or welding of bracket supports is not permitted. All mounting hardware must be of corrosion resistant material. Banners shall not be installed so as to obstruct the visibility of signs or signals which may be attached to other lampposts. Banners may not be attached to traffic signal posts or historical lampposts. Ornamental lampposts will require special approval by the Department.

6.	Banner permits shall remain in effect for a period of not more than 30 days including installation and removal, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Commissioner. Permits granted to Business Improvement Districts may remain effective for up to 90 days and may be renewed at the discretion of the Commissioner. Banners permitted for more than 30 days must be inspected every 30 days and torn, defaced or banners in general disrepair, including rigging, will be replaced and/or removed.

For further information, write to the Banner Unit, Department of Transportation, 40 Worth Street, Room 1215, New York, NY 10013, fax to (212) 676-1445, or call (212) 788-2109.