An awning sign isn’t just shelter, it’s a signature detail for your storefront. In Charlotte, NC, where shopping districts like South End, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, SouthPark, and Uptown draw foot traffic day and night, business awning signs help define your presence long before customers step through the door. Store awning signs, under awning signs, and awning signs for business are investments in visibility that combine function with character.
Awning sign cost depends on the materials, size, installation, and design, awning lettering style, under awning sign structure, lighting (if any), and custom features all play a part. Because awnings are exposed to the elements, high‑quality craftsmanship, weather‑resistant fabrics or rigid panels, and proper framing are essential. At BMS Signs & Printing, we specialize in crafting commercial awning signs that elevate your business front with durability and style.
Call BMS Signs & Printing at (612) 662-6191 today for a free awning sign consultation and see how an awning sign can transform your storefront.
Awning Sign Types & Design Considerations
Charlotte's businesses that invest in awning signage often choose from several options:
- Traditional canvas or fabric awnings with raised lettering or cut‑out awning graphics (no printed vinyl faces).
- Metal or rigid panels affixed under the awning or on the front valance (“under awning signs”) carrying shop names, logos, or business lettering.
- Shop awning signage with illumination (subtle backlighting or halo styles) for businesses that stay open later or need visibility from dusk until dark.
Design style matters: modern awning signs favor clean, simple awning lettering, often minimalistic but bold. Others may go for classic or ornamental details, depending on the character of the building or the neighborhood.
Regulatory & Permitting Notes in Charlotte
Awning and canopy signs in Charlotte are regulated under Article 22 of the Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance. These regulations include:
- One awning or canopy sign allowed per tenant facade facing a public street.
- Sign copy on the surface of the awning is limited to ~30% of each surface area.
- Awning signs may be illuminated under certain conditions.
Understanding these rules early helps avoid costly redesigns or permit delays. BMS Signs & Printing handles both design and permit compliance, so your awning sign not only looks great but also meets legal requirements.
FAQs for Charlotte Awning Signs
What determines awning sign cost?
Material (rigid vs. fabric vs. metal), size, framing, illumination, and complexity of awning graphics or lettering all influence cost. Structural requirements and local permits also factor into the final price.
Can awning signs include lighting?
Yes. Under awning signs or awning sign faces may be illuminated, subject to Charlotte codes. Lighting should be installed safely and in ways that comply with local electrical and signage ordinances.
Do I need a permit for an awning sign in Charlotte?
Often yes. Since awning signs (or canopy/awning signs) are covered in Charlotte’s sign ordinance, permit review is usually required, particularly if illumination or structure changes are involved. BMS Signs & Printing can assist with the permit process.
What styles of awning signage are allowed?
Raised lettering or cut‑out lettering, metal valance signs, and classic shop awning signage are common and typically allowed.
How high must an awning be above the sidewalk?
Clearance requirements vary depending on location, but awning or canopy signs generally require a minimum height above the sidewalk to ensure pedestrian safety. (This is often around 8 feet in many ordinances.) BMS Signs & Printing will ensure your awning sign meets the necessary height and safety standards.
How long does it take to build and install an awning sign?
Standard awning sign orders (simple lettering, uncomplicated shape, no heavy lighting) may take a few weeks; more complex or custom designs (metal panels, structural framing, illumination) may take longer, depending on permitting, materials, and fabrication schedule.
Why Charlotte Businesses Choose BMS Signs & Printing
When selecting an awning sign company, businesses in Charlotte want quality, durability, and style without compromise. BMS Signs & Printing focuses on awning signs for business—including business awning signs, store awning signs, and under awning signs. We manage everything from the design and permit compliance to fabrication and installation.
Whether you’re updating your storefront in SouthPark, adding a new awning in the Plaza Midwood district, or upgrading your canopy in NoDa, your awning sign should reflect both your brand personality and local character. Our clients appreciate that our awning signs hold up well over time, stay readable, and elevate the look of their shop fronts.
Call BMS Signs & Printing at (612) 662-6191 today for a free awning sign consultation and see how an awning sign can transform your storefront.
