Prepare your shop and plan for your customers’ needs. From ADA signage to securing a sign permit, the below industry-specific resources will help answer your regulatory and sign code questions.
Click on the name of a resource below to read a description and see purchasing options. Reach out to education@signs.org with any questions.
Note: Online courses and on-demand webinars are accessible only by the purchaser.
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Online Courses
This course educates sign, graphic, and visual communication companies; installation firms; architects; and designers about how the ADA affects signage for room identification and other applications. The course details all Standards related to technical specifications and installation guidelines.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
A comprehensive educational course on Accessibility and ADA Standards, Guidelines, and Compliance. This detailed course covers the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, emphasizing the impact on signage design, manufacturing, and installation. It includes detailed guidelines on ensuring compliance, identifying reliable sources for ADA-related queries, and evaluating potential updates influenced by the ANSI A117 Committee.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Not only will you learn about the most recent American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, as documented in the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (SAD), but you will also be provided with an overview of the impacts on signage of the NFPA Life Safety Manual and an introduction to the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) and how Signage can contribute to these objectives.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Can your company afford the tens of thousands of dollars that can result from an OSHA visit? Do you know your legal rights and how to handle an inspection? Get the sign industry angle and an OSHA insider perspective because for many businesses, it’s not a matter of if, but when.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
The Sign Permit Process: Application to Inspection course is a comprehensive guide designed for anyone involved in obtaining a sign permit. This course walks learners through the entire sign permit process, from application to final inspection, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Participants will learn how to outline the permit process, identify strategies to expedite it, understand the different types of inspections required, and grasp the importance of variances and master sign plans. With interactive activities and practice scenarios, this course ensures that participants are well-prepared to handle the sign permit process effectively and confidently. Ideal for designers, project managers, municipal staff, and other stakeholders, this course is your go-to resource for mastering the sign permitting process.
- Price: $60 for ISA members; $80 for non-members
Sign Research Foundation
Unlike most modern sign codes which attempt to regulate on-premises signs on the basis of police powers, Urban Design Associates has drafted this municipal sign code for the Sign Research Foundation, which is based on the best available transportation planning and engineering research. This evidence-based approach to regulation seeks to ensure that signs, as commercial speech, are afforded some guaranteed constitutional protections. This report begins with a discussion of the legal issues fundamental to the regulation of on-premise commercial signs. Next, the report describes the technical research related to issues of the legibility of on-premise signs. The third section of this report features an evidence-based model sign code, crafted to reflect the identified legal and technical issues.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Full Report
This research explores effective strategies for creating and revising sign codes. It emphasizes the importance of citizen participation, collaboration with stakeholders, and the integration of new technologies and legal considerations. The report includes a survey of 17 communities, highlighting their experiences with sign code revisions, and offers best practices such as using visual depictions, revising zoning ordinances alongside sign codes, and developing in-house expertise. The document aims to ensure that sign regulations promote economic vitality, free speech, and community character while being adaptable to changing needs and technologies.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Executive Summary
This summary offers a concise overview of effective strategies for creating and revising sign codes. It highlights key takeaways from a comprehensive report that includes a survey of 17 communities. It emphasizes the importance of citizen participation, collaboration with stakeholders, and the integration of new technologies and legal considerations. The document provides the three best practices in writing regulations and is an essential read for anyone involved in urban planning, community development, or sign regulation, offering valuable insights to ensure sign codes promote economic vitality, free speech, and community character.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
Full Report
This guide provides communities with some best practices to use when evaluating and writing temporary-sign regulations that are easier to administer and enforce, while also allowing for the reasonable use of such signage for residents and businesses alike. This guide also includes updated commentary and recommendations related to the June 2015 ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in the Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona case.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Executive Summary
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
Two recent U.S. Supreme Court cases, Reed v. Town of Gilbert and City of Austin vs. Reagan National Advertising, have clarified what constitutes a content-neutral sign code, including how to regulate on-premise versus off-premise (billboards) signs. This article summarizes the state of the law, sorts through the practical issues in complying with content-neutrality, and offers pointers for local governments considering a sign code update.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
The State of Sign Codes after Reed vs. Town of Gilbert
The Sign Research Foundation’s 2016 analysis examines the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert on sign regulations. The ruling declared content-based regulation of signs unconstitutional, subjecting them to strict scrutiny. This affects nearly all sign codes, particularly those with content-based exemptions. The report discusses the implications for temporary and permanent signs, the distinction between commercial and non-commercial speech, and on-site vs. off-site signs. It offers guidance for cities on how to revise sign codes to comply with Reed, emphasizing content-neutral regulations and providing tips for drafting fair and effective sign codes.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
Full Report
The purpose of this Model Sign Code is to convey to communities (councils, planning commissions, appeals boards, and the administrative staff including planners) the optimal framework for formulating on-premise sign regulations that fully respect the comprehensive purpose of signs from the perspective of both community and business interests. While this Model Sign Code is intended for communities of all sizes, smaller communities say those with populations up to several hundred thousand may find it of particular value. These communities typically possess the variety of character areas that are the basis for this Model Code. While larger cities may have many similar character areas, they may also have a wider variety of unique areas that warrant special considerations that are not addressed in this model. Part I: The Framework for Formulating Sign Regulations; Part II: Legal Considerations; Part III: Model Regulatory Guidelines
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Executive Summary
This executive summary presents research on a Model Sign Code designed to convey to communities (councils, planning commissions, appeals boards, and the administrative staff including planners) the optimal framework for formulating on-premise sign regulations that fully respect the comprehensive purpose of signs from the perspective of both community and business interests.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
Full Report
Effective sign ordinances ensure that signs are consistent and legible, all while reducing clutter. This report analyzes seven different community types and includes perspectives from planners, consultants, designers, and sign manufacturers. It explores trends in sign code development and attributes of effective sign ordinances across all community types. It also discusses the successful design elements unique to suburban communities, urban centers, historic districts, and campuses.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Executive Summary
This concise summary highlights the key factors that contribute to effective sign codes across various communities and environments. It discusses the unique challenges posed by new types of signs, including temporary and digital signs, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local governments and the business community. The document also explores how different environments, such as suburban, urban, historic districts, and campuses, influence successful sign codes. Additionally, it covers the rise of wayfinding programs in cities and towns and provides practical guidelines for creating business growth, supporting effective signs, and ensuring compliance with federal and First Amendment regulations. Ideal for planners, city officials, and signage professionals, this executive summary is a valuable resource for understanding and developing effective sign regulations.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
This concise summary explores the impact of signage on urban environments and community identity. The study includes surveys conducted in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, focusing on landmark design, digital sign design, and urban wayfinding. Key findings highlight the importance of legibility, quality, and integration with architectural surroundings. The document also discusses the role of digital signage in enhancing community aesthetics and the effectiveness of wayfinding systems in promoting walkability and engagement. Ideal for urban planners, city officials, and signage professionals, this executive summary is a valuable resource for understanding how effective signage can enhance commercial institutions and community environments.
- Price: $15 for ISA members; $20 for non-members
On-Demand Webinars
In this on-demand webinar, we explore whether your community’s sign ordinance is content-neutral enough to withstand federal court scrutiny. Despite the landmark Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) U.S. Supreme Court decision, many local jurisdictions in the United States remain non-compliant and vulnerable to legal challenges and financial penalties. The webinar covers recent federal court interpretations of Reed, including the Austin v. Reagan decision involving billboards and digital signs, and its implications for your community’s sign code. Additionally, it addresses approaches to regulating murals, political signs, and other challenges in achieving content-neutral sign codes. This webinar supports the Sign Research Foundation’s publication “Content-Neutral Sign Codes After Reed and Austin”
- Price: $10 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
Just because Congress isn’t getting much done lately doesn’t mean that laws aren’t churning out of Washington, DC that will affect your sign and graphics company. Tune in to find out from ISA’s David Hickey which federal regulations and proposed legislation may have the most impact on the way you conduct business, especially when it comes to the employer-employee relationship and economic decisions.
Live Webinar Date: May 2024
- Price: $0 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
In this on-demand webinar, we explore trends in sign code development and the attributes of effective sign ordinances across all community types. Effective sign ordinances ensure that signs are consistent and legible while reducing clutter. The session delves into successful design elements unique to suburban communities, urban centers, historic districts, and campuses. This recording supplements the SRF research Profiles of Sign Regulations in Multiple Communities.
- Price: $10 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
Discover the power of sign companies in local and state politics. Learn why it’s vital to pay attention to legislation and have industry-savvy representatives. In this webinar you will hear from Representative Kevin Crutchfield, Casco Signs, Nick Kappatos, SignPros, and Sam Chagani, Smart Energy Solutions about their journeys and experiences in politics. Learning Objectives: 1) Understand the benefits of political involvement, from shaping policies to building relationships with elected officials. 2) Get practical steps for engagement, running for office, and campaigning effectively.
- Price: $0 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
Bundle
This comprehensive guide to urban wayfinding, from planning to implementation, offers tips on financing, design, regulatory issues and maintenance. This on-demand webinar, based on the “Urban Wayfinding Planning and Implementation Manual” by the Sign Research Foundation, offers support to planners and city officials interested in developing wayfinding programs that enhance a brand and reinforce key destinations.
- Price: $30 for ISA members; $40 for non-members
Part 1: Planning
Successful wayfinding programs have strong planner and public official leadership. This program delves into important aspects of planning leadership including financing, stakeholder management and regulatory management. Led by design and administrative professionals the lecture will also include a discussion on proactive techniques for project leadership.
- Price: $10 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
Part: Design
Cities and Regions are undertaking large structural changes with short term crisis reinforcing long term economic and social trends. This program will focus on a few leading trends impacting wayfinding including the expansion of trail and regional park projects, digital technologies and multi-modal expansion.
- Price: $10 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
Part 3: Fabrication
This on-demand webinar goes in depth into how sign companies and fabricators are incorporated into urban wayfinding and the role they play. It focuses on the material and fabrication process represented in the manual and will be tailored for fabricators. Signs in outdoor environments need to be tough to withstand the physical environment and everyday wear and tear. This program encompasses the material, fabrication and maintenance approaches that can extend the life of a sign and make it easier to change and update including: material and fabrication process; location planning for better maintenance; material and lighting specification for durability; sign management; and maintenance.
- Price: $10 member; $15 non-members
Part 4: Case Study
This on-demand webinar examines the process of developing wayfinding system in a sign district containing multiple municipal areas. It includes all of the themes outlined in the manual from the mission statement to final implementation. Topics include municipal and planner leadership; working with the design team; financing; regulatory management; prototyping and fabricator bid; and final management.
- Price: $10 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
In this on-demand webinar, industry experts will discuss the potential impacts of the new Congress and administration on the sign industry in 2025. We will cover anticipated changes in leadership, federal priorities and economic policies that will affect every aspect of our industry – from the supply chain to sign companies to end users.
Live Webinar Date: Jan 2025
- Price: $0 for ISA members; $15 for non-members
