There are four sign categories outdoor permanent, outdoor temporary, indoor permanent and indoor temporary signs.
Outdoor permanent signs are made of any permanent material such as glass, wood, wrapping material (such as on ice machines and fuel pumps) and metal. If you display an outdoor permanent sign you may only have one sign per brand. Outdoor signs do not include signs that are painted or placed on windows inside the establishment or in areas referred to as beer gardens. In these examples they would be considered inside signs. At no time may these signs be retailer-specific which includes the retailer name, logo, or trademark. Permanent outdoor signs may not exceed $2,369 per manufacturer (2016). The cost limitation is exclusive of erection installation, repair, maintenance and permit fees. Additionally, permanent signs include painted signs on exterior walls, windows, etc.
Outdoor temporary signs are made of any temporary material such as paper, cardboard, and vinyl. These include banners, posters, pole signs, flags and pennants. Again, you may only display one outdoor sign per brand. However, two signs displayed back to back that are attached to a pole or fence is considered one sign provided that the signs after being attached are in some way touching. At no time may these signs be retailer-specific, which includes the retailer name, logo, or trademark.
Indoor permanent signs are generally neons, mirrors, lighting fixtures, etc. These signs also include decals which are placed on mirrors, doors, and windows. Regardless of the ease of removing the decal from the mirror, door, and window (scraping or peeling the item off the door on signs made of cling plastic) the Commission considers these signs to be permanent in nature. At no time may these signs be retailer-specific which includes the retailer name, logo, or trademark. Permanent Indoor Signs may not exceed $5,308 per manufacturer (2016).
Indoor temporary signs, like the outdoor temporary signs, are made of paper, cardboard and vinyl. These include banners, posters, table tents, streamers but also include lighted chalk boards (due to the changing of daily messages), acrylic table tent beverage or appetizer list holders, bowling sheets (if they still make those), sports schedules, etc. These are the only signs that may be retailer-specific. This is due to the fact that the Commission recognizes that there is no value added since the patron is already in the establishment. Temporary Indoor Signs may not exceed $867 per manufacturer (2016).
Signs do not include: coasters, trays, napkins, cups and glassware. These items may only be sold to a retailer. Should the retailer purchase any of these items, it is highly recommended that the retailer secure the receipt for these items for inspection purposes. All signs except temporary indoor signs require the manufacture’s identity either by name, brand, logo, etc. In addition, units of government are excluded from certain of value limitations.