Who wants to pore through page after page of government-ese, trying to figure out which building codes apply to your storefront design and your awnings? It’s all laid out there, in great detail, but it doesn’t constitute light reading. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know what’s in there and what it means for your building project, whether you’re starting with bare dirt, remodeling your façade or just adding a stylish new awning.
Good news! You don’t actually have to study the regulations to ensure your storefront design is in full compliance. A full-service commercial awning company already knows the rules, and they’ll be happy to guide you toward design that’s both legal and great-looking. It’s just one more reason why teaming up with professionals makes so much sense.
Even if you’re an architect, contractor or developer who already knows the rules, it’s still smart to team up with an awning expert.
Ignorance isn’t bliss.
If you’re a building owner or a tenant looking to upgrade your storefront design, you’ll have the most useful conversation with your awning company if you’re armed with basic information. So let’s take a look at NYC building codes as they apply to storefront design. Bear in mind that every borough has a separate building department with different office workers and inspectors. They are the ultimate word on what you can or cannot do.
There are some rules that apply, no matter where you’re located within New York City:
- Awnings, signs, etc. require a permit from the Department of Buildings, and if you’re installing canopies you’ll need a permit from the Department of Transportation. (Although many people use “awnings” and “canopies” interchangeably, technically an awning is attached to your façade only on one side and has no other support, whereas a canopy has additional support posts or legs along the outside edge. Canopies can also be free-standing.
- If your building is a historic landmark or it’s located in a historic district, your permitting process starts with the Landmark Preservation Commission.
- Light fixtures supported by your building cannot be mounted less than 8 feet above the sidewalk, and they cannot project more than two feet beyond the street line.
- Signs are subject to several rules regarding placement, projection, etc.
Zoning regulations limit lettering on awnings. It cannot:
- Be taller than 12″.
- Take up more than 12 square feet.
- Include anything other than your name and address.
But take heart – by no means do these limitations relegate your awning to boring status. And your awning experts can handle permitting on your behalf, which will ease your stress and speed up your project.
Check out the Guide to Storefront Design .
Produced by NYC Small Business Services, this easy-to-read document includes helpful definitions, illustrations and photos of “do’s and don’ts” examples. You’ll learn:
- Steps to storefront renewal.
- How awnings, exterior color, lighting and other details of storefront design all work together – or not – to help your business stand out appealingly to potential customers.
- How special purpose districts can affect your storefront requirements or limitations.
- Even how to hide ugly gateboxes if you use a security gate instead of an electronic system.
As NYC says, ” Awnings define storefronts and embellish the commercial street.” You want your business to stand out, but not in a negative way, and you’ll be the best business neighbor if your storefront design complements the rest of your block. Get with your commercial awning company to learn how you can use storefront design ideas to define and embellish your business and also help it grow and thrive.
