Hollywood Sidewalk Sign & A-Frame Permit Rules
Hollywood, Florida businesses that place A-frame, sandwich board, or other portable signs on sidewalks must follow city sign and right-of-way rules to avoid removal, fines, or administrative action. This guide summarizes how the City of Hollywood treats sidewalk signs, who enforces the rules, typical application steps, and practical compliance tips so merchants can advertise safely without violating local bylaws.
Sidewalk signs may be allowed with conditions and approval from city departments.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Hollywood enforces sign rules through its Code Enforcement and Community Development divisions; violations may result in administrative orders, removal of the sign, and monetary penalties. Exact fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the city pages cited in the Help and Support section below.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages; check the City Code and Community Development for current fee schedules.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal of unauthorized signs from the public right-of-way, compliance orders, and potential lien or abatement procedures.
- Enforcer: City of Hollywood Code Enforcement and Community Development; inspections occur after complaints or routine patrols.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes typically go through the City administrative review or municipal hearing process; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
- Common violations: placement in travel lanes, obstruction of ADA access, signs with electrical components in the right-of-way, and placing signs without a permit or business approval.
If your sign blocks a curb cut, ramp, or more than half the sidewalk width it is likely subject to immediate removal.
Applications & Forms
Permit names and required forms for sidewalk signs vary by department; typical filings involve a right-of-way permit or a sign permit combined with a business tax receipt. Fee details are maintained by the City and are not specified on the cited pages in this article.
- Common forms: Right-of-Way Permit and Sign Permit or local business licensing application; see Community Development for the exact form names.
- Fees: not specified on the cited pages; check the City fee schedule or contact the department below.
- Submission: typically submitted to Community Development or Public Works by email or in person; the city provides application instructions on its website.
Start with Community Development to confirm whether a sign permit or a right-of-way permit is required for your sidewalk A-frame.
How compliance is typically evaluated
- Location: signs must not encroach on vehicular lanes, bus stops, or block clear pedestrian paths including ADA access routes.
- Construction: temporary, non-electrical A-frames are treated differently than permanent or illuminated signs; restrictions may apply to anchoring and weight.
- Time limits: some areas restrict sign hours or seasonal placement; check local district rules for downtown or CRA areas.
Different districts within Hollywood can have distinct requirements, so verify rules for your specific block.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to place an A-frame on the sidewalk in Hollywood?
- Requirements vary by location and sign type; consult Community Development or Public Works for whether a sign permit or right-of-way permit is required.
- What happens if my sidewalk sign is removed?
- Unauthorized signs removed from the right-of-way may be impounded or disposed of and could lead to compliance orders or fines; contact Code Enforcement to recover property and learn appeal options.
- Are there ADA rules for sidewalk signs?
- Yes. Signs that obstruct accessible paths, ramps, or reduce clear sidewalk width violate ADA access principles and local ordinances; compliance is required.
How-To
- Confirm applicability: contact Community Development with the sign dimensions and proposed location to learn whether a permit is needed.
- Prepare materials: gather a site plan, photos, sketch of sign placement, and your business tax receipt if requested.
- Submit application: file the sign or right-of-way permit as directed by the department, pay any fees, and await written approval before placing the sign.
- Comply with conditions: follow size, placement, and time restrictions in the approval; remove or relocate signs immediately if ordered by inspectors.
- Appeal if necessary: if you receive a citation or removal order, follow the City’s administrative appeal procedure within the stated time limit on the notice.
Keep a copy of approvals on site to show inspectors or responding officers.
Key Takeaways
- Always check with Community Development before placing sidewalk A-frame signs.
- Ensure ADA access and clear sidewalk width to avoid removal and enforcement action.
Help and Support / Resources
- City Code of Ordinances - City of Hollywood
- City of Hollywood - Community Development
- City of Hollywood - Public Works