Apply for a Banner Permit

A Banner Permit is required for the installation of banners, decorations, or signage on city-owned light poles or lighting standards within the public right-of-way. Ordinance 69883 and Ordinance 68604 govern this process.

Lighting pole banners may promote neighborhood associations, community institutions, civic endeavors, or milestones. Lighting pole banners may not be used for commercial advertising.

Note: A Banner permit is for signs placed on City lighting poles. If you're installing or modifying a sign on your property or building, you'll need a building permit. 

Review Instructions

Please read all the instructions on this page carefully before applying, including the What to Expect section, as this information will give you an idea of the scope of the process and how long it might take.

Design and Hanging Specifications

Ensure that the banner you want to hang meets the Street Department's design specifications and hanging conditions. Call them at (314) 647-3111 to inquire about design specs. Read the hanging conditions.

Insurance

When applying for the permit, you will need to provide a certificate of liability insurance. The insurance must be for $1,000,000 and the City of St. Louis must be listed as additional insured. View the insurance specifications.

Application Information

Information that you will need for the application:

1. Legal name, address, phone number and email address of your business or organization 
2. Your legal name, address, phone number and email address
3. Desired location of the banner (exact address/cross streets)
4. Width and height of the banner
5. Number of banners you are requesting
6. Documents to attach to the application:
   • Two detailed drawings of the banner (including information about graphics, colors, wording, size, material, etc.)
   • Map of the proposed location(s) of the banner(s)
   • Certificate of insurance

We accept .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .csv, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx or .zip files under 50 MB.

Use the Begin Online button to start your banner application.

Begin Online

• The fee for the banner permit for tax-exempt neighborhood organizations is $10.00 per pole.
• Fee for the banner permit for all other organizations is $100.00 per pole. $50.00 per pole will be refundable upon maintenance and removal of the banner(s) at the end of the year.

The permit is valid for up to one year from issuance. You must pay the fee each year the banner is in place.

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the application to the email you provided. The confirmation e-mail will also include instructions to check the status of your application.

The street department will review the materials submitted and confirm that the banner design specifications and hanging conditions are met. If more information is needed, you will be contacted. The permit application generally takes two to three weeks.

Once the application is reviewed and comments have been satisfied, you will be notified that the application is being referred to the next meeting of the Board of Public Service for final approval.

The Office of the Secretary will issue the permit on behalf of the Board of Public Service.

Once the permit is issued, installation can begin. Banners must follow city installation and safety guidelines.

Any changes will require you to resubmit the application and all attachments.

For information about banner permits, please contact Michele Knox at knoxm@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 622-4627.