SAN FRANCISCO
SIGNAGE
SPECIALISTS.
Navigating San Francisco’s strict Planning Department regulations since 1956. We provide compliant design, C-45 licensed fabrication, and guaranteed installation across every SF neighborhood.
San Francisco’s Most Trusted Sign Partner Since 1956
For three generations, AGS has guided businesses through San Francisco’s uniquely demanding sign approval process. From the boutique storefronts of Union Square to the tech campuses of SoMa, we deliver the C-45 licensed craftsmanship that architects trust and business owners love.
Start Your ProjectRecent Projects in San Francisco
Signs Tailored for the City
Lobby Signs for SF Tech & Finance
Dimensional logos, illuminated reception signs, and acrylic finishes designed for Market Street high-rises and SoMa headquarters. We fabricate in-house with brushed aluminum, backlit acrylic, and custom metal finishes.
Blade Signs & Storefront Branding
Custom blade signs, awnings, and channel letters that capture foot traffic in the Castro, Hayes Valley, and the Mission while meeting SF Planning Article 6 code.
ADA & Wayfinding
Guaranteed Title 24 and federal ADA compliance for new developments. We provide tactile room IDs, Grade 2 Braille, and directional systems essential for securing your Certificate of Occupancy.
Custom Architectural Fabrication
One-of-a-kind sign structures for landmarks, hotels, and cultural institutions. We fabricate in-house using aluminum, steel, acrylic, and wood — with finishes from brushed bronze to automotive-grade paint.
Retail Storefront Signs
Illuminated signs and channel letters built to attract pedestrians and tourists around Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square.
Neon Signs & Restoration
Preserve San Francisco’s history with authentic neon signage and faithful restoration of vintage neon displays in historic districts.
Custom Solutions We Offer
Channel Letters
Pylon Signs
Monument Signs
Blade Signs
Lobby Signs
ADA & Wayfinding
Window Graphics
Wall Murals
Neon Signs
LED Signs
Parking Signs
Construction Signs
We Navigate the SF Planning Process For You
San Francisco has one of the most complex sign approval processes in the country. Almost every exterior sign requires a “Section 604.1” review. Here’s what we manage:
Article 6 & Zoning Check
We analyze your property’s sign district to determine allowable sign types, sizes, and illumination before any design work begins.
Historic Preservation (Article 10/11)
Located in a historic district? We coordinate with the SF Historic Preservation Commission and prepare the architectural renderings they require.
Plan Check & Permitting
We are your daily liaison with the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) on Mission Street, ensuring structural and electrical details are approved without delay.
Final Inspection
We manage the scheduling of all city electrical and building safety inspections.
Common Questions About San Francisco Signage
Still have a question? Call us at 415-610-SIGN.
01. What is a C-45 License?
A C-45 license is issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It confirms that AGS Signage is legally qualified and insured to design, manufacture, and install electrical and illuminated signage. This license is required by law for all electrical sign contractors in California.
02. Do I need a permit for my sign installation in San Francisco?
Yes. Any new exterior sign, illuminated sign, or sign requiring structural attachment requires a permit from the SF Planning Department and Department of Building Inspection. We manage the entire permitting process on your behalf, guaranteeing your sign is compliant before fabrication begins.
03. What are the basic requirements for ADA compliant signs?
In San Francisco and throughout California, ADA signs must adhere to both federal ADA standards and the stricter California Title 24 building code. Key requirements include non-glare finishes, high contrast ratios, specific sans-serif fonts, and the correct placement of tactile lettering and Grade 2 Braille.
04. What is the difference between a monument sign and a pylon sign?
A monument sign is a low-profile, freestanding ground sign, typically with a solid base. A pylon sign (or pole sign) is a much taller, freestanding sign with a visible support structure, designed to be seen from a distance, like from a highway.
05. What are the typical sign project costs?
Project costs vary widely based on size, material, electrical needs, and permit fees. Lobby/Interior Signs: Typically range from $800 to $4,000. Channel Letters/Building Signs: Start at $4,500 and increase based on size and illumination. Monument/Pylon Signs: These complex projects start around $14,000 and include engineering costs. Contact us for a precise quote.
06. What is Wayfinding?
Wayfinding is a system of signs designed to help people navigate a complex space, such as a hospital, corporate campus, or retail center. It includes directories, directional signs, and identification signs (like ADA room numbers) that work together to guide a visitor.
Where AGS works most often
Bay Area coverage from San Francisco to Silicon Valley.
San Francisco
Commercial interiors, tenant improvements, and dense-urban project logistics.
San Jose
Campus branding, wayfinding, and corporate interiors.
Sunnyvale
Office interiors, privacy film, and professional signage programs.
Oakland
Property signage, interiors, and practical tenant refresh work.
Berkeley
Permit-aware interiors, education-adjacent work, and durable systems.
Santa Clara
Lobby systems, campus environments, and branded workplace work.
Need a Sign in San Francisco?
We’re here to help!