Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond (Up to $15,000): A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to install, repair, or remove a sign or awning in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond before receiving your permit. This bond ensures that businesses and contractors comply with local building codes, safety regulations, and municipal requirements when working on signs or awnings in public spaces.

I’ve worked with many business owners and contractors who were unaware of the bonding requirement until they applied for their permit. Understanding how this bond works, why it’s required, and how to obtain it quickly and affordably can help you avoid delays, fines, or permit denials.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond, including:

• Who needs it

• Why it’s required

• How much it costs

• How to obtain it efficiently

What Is a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond?

A Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond is a type of surety bond required by cities and towns in Massachusetts for businesses and contractors that install, maintain, or remove signs and awnings on public property or building exteriors.

This bond guarantees that the contractor will comply with local regulations and that any damages, safety hazards, or incomplete work will be properly addressed. If a contractor fails to follow local laws or causes damage, the municipality can file a claim against the bond to cover repair costs.

It’s important to note that this bond does not protect the contractor—it protects the city, property owners, and the public from financial losses due to improper work.

Who Needs a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond?

Local building departments require this bond for businesses and contractors working on signs and awnings in public areas or on commercial buildings.

Businesses and contractors that may need this bond include:

✅ Sign Installation Companies
✅ Awning Installation & Repair Companies
✅ General Contractors working on storefronts
✅ Electricians installing illuminated signs
✅ Property Owners applying for a sign permit

Common projects requiring this bond:

✅ Installing a new business sign on a building exterior
✅ Installing an awning that extends over a public sidewalk
✅ Replacing or modifying existing signage
✅ Repairing or maintaining large commercial signs
✅ Removing a damaged or abandoned sign

Who Does NOT Need This Bond?

❌ Contractors working only on private property (not affecting public space).
❌ Businesses installing small, temporary signs.
❌ Homeowners installing non-commercial signage on their property.

If your project involves a sign or awning that affects public space, you will likely need a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond before receiving a permit.

Why Is a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond Required?

From my experience, many business owners and contractors see bonding as just another permit requirement. However, I’ve come to understand that this bond serves a critical role in public safety and compliance.

Key Reasons for the Bond Requirement:

✅ Ensures Public Safety – Guarantees that signs and awnings are properly secured and maintained to prevent falling hazards.
✅ Prevents Damage to Public Property – Holds contractors accountable for proper installation and removal.
✅ Protects Government Agencies & Taxpayers – Provides financial protection if a contractor fails to complete work correctly.
✅ Legal Compliance – Ensures that all sign and awning work meets local building codes and zoning laws.
✅ Avoids Costly Repairs for Cities – If a contractor abandons a project or leaves a hazardous structure, the bond covers the cost of fixing it.

Failing to obtain this bond can result in permit denial, project delays, fines, or even legal action.

Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond Amount & Cost

How Much Is the Required Bond Amount?

The required bond amount depends on the city, project size, and potential risk. In Massachusetts, sign and awning permit bonds are typically required up to $15,000.

Permit Type

Typical Bond Amount

Small Sign or Awning Installation

$5,000

Large Commercial Sign Installation

$10,000

Illuminated Sign or Awning

$15,000

High-Risk or Major Sign Project

Varies by city

Since bond requirements vary by municipality, it’s important to check with your local building department to confirm the exact bond amount needed for your permit.

How Much Does a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond Cost?

The cost of the bond (bond premium) is a small percentage of the total bond amount, usually 1% to 5% per year.

Bond Amount

Estimated Annual Cost

$5,000 Bond

$50 – $150

$10,000 Bond

$100 – $500

$15,000 Bond

$150 – $750

How Credit Affects Bond Pricing

Your credit score plays a major role in determining your bond premium:

• Excellent Credit (700+ FICO) → 1% - 2% of bond amount (lowest rates).

• Good Credit (650-699 FICO) → 2% - 4%.

• Fair Credit (600-649 FICO) → 4% - 7%.

• Poor Credit (Below 600 FICO) → 5% - 10% (higher premiums).

If you have credit challenges, don’t worry! We work with multiple surety providers to offer flexible payment options to make the bond more affordable.

How to Get a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond

Step 1: Confirm Your Bond Requirement

• Check with your local city or town building department to determine:
  ✔ The required bond amount (up to $15,000)
  ✔ Who the bond must be filed with
  ✔ Any additional permit requirements

Step 2: Apply for Your Bond

• Provide your business details, including:
  ✔ Business name & address
  ✔ Project scope & location
  ✔ Financial & credit history

Step 3: Get a Quote & Pay the Premium

• Most applicants receive an instant quote with fast approvals.

Step 4: Receive & File Your Bond

• Submit your bond certificate to the appropriate city or state agency before beginning work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Long Does It Take to Get a Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond?

✅ Most bonds are issued instantly or within 24 hours after applying.

2. Do I Need to Renew My Bond?

✅ Some cities require annual renewal if the permit remains active.

3. What Happens If My Bond Is Canceled or Lapses?

❌ If your bond expires, your sign permit may be revoked, and you could face fines or project delays.

4. Can I Get a Bond With Bad Credit?

✅ Yes! We offer bad credit bonding programs to help you get approved.

5. Where Do I File My Bond?

✅ The bond must be submitted to the local city or town building department.

Get Your Massachusetts Sign or Awning Permit Bond Today!

At Axcess Surety, we specialize in securing Massachusetts Sign and Awning Permit Bonds quickly and affordably.

👉 Apply Online Now or call us to get bonded today!