Street Banner Permits

NYC DOT administers the Street Banner Program which allows approved banners to be installed on streetlights citywide.

Street banners are intended to enhance the public realm by promoting public events, cultural exhibits, civic initiatives, and neighborhood identity. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Local Development Corporations (LDCs) may also install banners to promote and brand their districts.

Applying for a Street Banner Permit

NYC DOT accepts street banner permit applications through an online application portal.

Apply now via the Street Banner Permits Portal

The portal allows applicants to:

  • Submit new banner permit applications
  • Upload required documentation and artwork
  • Identify the number and locations of the proposed banners
  • Track application status and review and respond to NYC questions and comments

Applicants must review the program requirements and banner specifications below before applying.

Fees: There is no fee for a banner permit. All costs associated with the fabrication, installation, inspection, maintenance, and removal of banners are the responsibility of the permittee.

Banner Program Requirements

Approved Uses

Street banners must promote:

  • Public events
  • Cultural or artistic exhibits
  • Civic or neighborhood initiatives
  • Public or historical events

Commercial advertising is not permitted.

Approval & Location

  • The number of banners and specific locations must be approved by NYC DOT.
  • Banners may only be installed on street lampposts.
  • Banners may not obstruct traffic control devices or interfere with other authorized attachments.

Banner Design & Technical Specifications

Orientation & Size

  • Vertical banners only; horizontal banners are not permitted.
  • Maximum dimensions:
    • Width: 3 feet
    • Length: 8 feet
  • All banners must have six air slits.
  • Double banners (two banners on one pole) are permitted only if the combined area does not exceed 24 square feet. All such banners must have three air slits.

Content Restrictions

  • No advertisements are permitted.
  • If applicable, the trade name or logo of an event sponsor:
    • Must be placed in the lower portion of the banner
    • May not exceed 10% of the total banner area
    • Alcohol and tobacco sponsors are prohibited

Installation & Rigging Requirements

  • All banners must be attached to corrosive resistant brackets.
  • Installation and removal must be by a licensed rigger and a certificate of insurance from the rigging company must be submitted as part of the application.
  • Installation on ornamental lamppost requires special wrapping around the pole.

The following is not permitted:

  • Drilling into lampposts
  • Welding bracket supports on lampposts
  • Use of non–corrosion resistant mounting hardware
  • Attaching banners and hardware to traffic signal posts or historic lampposts

Contact

For further information call 212-839-6633.