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Accessory Sign Education & Outreach

Local Law 15 of 2026 expands and extends the temporary protections and assistance available for certain accessory signs, including business storefront signs. An accessory sign is a sign that directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, service, or activity conducted on the same zoning lot where the sign is located. 

Moratorium on the Issuance of Summonses

From February 9, 2019, through February 8, 2028, DOB will not issue violations for work without a permit and other applicable violations for accessory signs that were in existence on or before February 9, 2025.

The moratorium does not apply where:

  • the accessory sign creates an imminent threat to public health or safety; or
  • the Commissioner of Buildings determines that the sign is otherwise not eligible for the temporary waiver.

NOTE: DOB will continue to respond to 311 complaints concerning illegal signs and will inspect the condition to determine whether the sign qualifies for the moratorium. The moratorium does not authorize an unsafe sign or make a noncompliant sign lawful. Property and business owners are encouraged to bring existing signs into compliance with the NYC Construction Codes and Zoning Resolution before the moratorium expires.

The moratorium and penalty-waiver provisions apply to qualifying accessory signs. They generally do not apply to advertising signs that direct attention to goods, services, or activities located somewhere other than the premises where the sign is installed.

If the Department issues you a summons for a sign, respondents should appear for scheduled OATH hearings unless OATH or DOB advises them otherwise. A moratorium on the issuance of certain violations may not automatically dismiss a summons that has already been issued.

Signs must continue to comply with applicable safety requirements. DOB may issue violations or take emergency enforcement action where a sign creates an imminent threat to property and public safety.

Additional DOB Civil-Penalty Waiver for Accessory Signs

DOB does not impose a civil penalty for Work Without a Permit for the installation of an accessory sign that:

  • is accessory to use on the same zoning lot;
  • does not exceed 150 square feet in area, measured on one face only; and
  • does not exceed 1,200 pounds in weight.

Penalties imposed as a result of violations issued on or after December 28, 2017, may be waived.

To request the waiver, select Accessory Sign Penalty Waiver (ASPW) on the current L2: Requests for Overrides, Reductions or Waivers of Civil Penalties for Work Without a Permit form. Effective March 30, 2026, DOB only accepts the L2 Form bearing a revision date of 03/26. Applicants should review the current L2 Instructions before submitting a request.

Temporary Assistance for Accessory Signs

Through August 7, 2028, DOB will administer a temporary assistance program for qualifying respondents whose judgments resulting from applicable accessory-sign violations were resolved by payment on or after June 1, 2006.

Assistance includes:

  • technical assistance with obtaining permits required for an accessory sign;
  • review of permit applications related to the installation of an accessory sign;
  • a preliminary zoning review within seven days after DOB receives the application; and
  • a waiver of all DOB fees connected with permits relevant to the installation of an accessory sign.

The fee waiver applies to qualifying permit fees incurred during the temporary assistance-program period. See RF1- Refund Request Application.

Visit the Installing a Business Sign: A Step-by-Step Guide page for more information.

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