Custom Business Sign FAQ – Pricing, Permits & Process
You have questions. We have straight answers. At Pasadena Sign Company, we believe you deserve to know exactly what a sign costs, how long it takes, and what the process looks like — before you ever pick up the phone. This page is built for Houston business owners who want real information, not a runaround.
💰 Pricing & Budget
How much does a custom business sign cost in Houston, TX?
Let’s be direct — most sign companies won’t give you a number until they have you on the phone. We think that’s a waste of your time.
As of May 2026, the minimum investment for a professionally permitted, fabricated, and installed business sign in Houston is $2,820 plus Texas sales tax — which brings your all-in starting cost to approximately $3,053.
That’s for a single-sided, direct-print Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) panel, up to 4×8 feet, installed on your business up to 35 feet high, within a 35-mile radius of Houston. Here’s exactly what that covers:
| What You’re Paying For | Cost |
|---|---|
| ACM Panel — single-sided, direct print, up to 4×8 | $600 |
| Installation — 2 laborers + bucket truck, up to 35 ft, 35-mile radius | $1,200 |
| City of Houston permit fee (non-illuminated signage) | $420 |
| Permit process fee | $600 |
| Subtotal | $2,820 |
| Texas sales tax (8.25%) | ~$233 |
| Total | ~$3,053 |
What is included in the cost of a business sign in Houston?
Every professionally installed business sign in Houston involves four components. Here’s what each one means:
- Sign fabrication — The physical sign itself. For the ACM panel above, that’s a 4×8 single-sided direct-print panel. Anything smaller is the same price. Anything larger costs more.
- Installation — Two experienced laborers and a bucket truck. We cover jobs up to 35 feet high and within a 35-mile radius of central Houston. This isn’t a one-person ladder job — commercial sign installation requires proper equipment and trained crews.
- City of Houston permit fee — This is what the City gets paid. The $420 minimum applies to non-illuminated signage. Illuminated signs, LED displays, and more complex installations carry higher permit fees set by the City.
- Permit process fee — This is our fee for doing the work required to get your permit approved. See below for exactly what that includes.
What does the permit process fee cover?
This is the line item people ask about most — and it’s worth explaining because it represents real, skilled work. Our $600 permit process fee covers everything required to prepare and submit a complete, compliant permit package to the City of Houston:
- A site visit to your business location
- Meticulous measurements of your building frontage and sign area
- Professional architectural photography of your building (yes, we have experienced architectural photographers on staff — we’re proud of that)
- A professional layout rendering of your sign on your building — produced using AI hyper-realistic image rendering, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and/or Corel Draw as needed. You review it, approve it, and only then do we move forward
- Preparation of a complete permit package including sign fabrication specs, mounting method details, and a detailed spec sheet showing exactly how the sign will attach to your building
- Online submission of your signed permit application to the City of Houston
The City of Houston does not approve sloppy permit packages. Ours are thorough, accurate, and submitted correctly the first time — which means fewer delays and faster approval.
What if I want a different type of sign?
The ACM panel is the most affordable entry point into permitted commercial signage in Houston. If you’re considering channel letters, cabinet signs, monument signs, LED signs, pylon signs, or any illuminated option, the investment increases — because the fabrication complexity, materials, electrical work, and engineering requirements are greater.
But every sign we build goes through the same process: design, permit, fabricate, install. The numbers above show you the floor. We’ll always give you a transparent, itemized quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for — no surprises, no hidden fees.
Do signs smaller than 4×8 cost less?
Not for ACM panels. Our pricing for a single-sided direct-print ACM panel is the same whether you need a 2×4 or a full 4×8. The fabrication, permitting, and installation process is the same regardless of panel size within that range. If you need something larger than 4×8, the cost increases accordingly.
Ready to get a real number for your specific sign? Call us at (713) 640-5138 or get a free quote here. We’ll give you an honest, itemized estimate — no pressure, no runaround.