Albany, NY Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Per-window limit
- 15% of individual window
- Building-wide limit
- 10% of window area per story
- Permit required
- No, if within limits
- Governing section
- USDO § 375-409(7)(a)(vi)
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance
Summary
Albany caps window signs at 15% of any single window and 10% of a building's total window area per story, exempting them from a sign permit when they stay within those limits.
Window signs that do not exceed 15% of the area of any individual window surface in a residential, mixed-use or special purpose zoning district and that, collectively, do not cover more than 10% of the total window area by story of the applicable structure (exclusive of any window signage or notices required under federal, state, or local law).
(vii) A-frame or sandwich-type sidewalk signs in front of establishments in the mixed-use districts that are no taller than three feet, that are located so as to maintain at least a four-foot clear pedestrian passage area on any sidewalk, and that are removed from the sidewalk area when the adjacent establishment is closed for business.
(viii) Seasonal holiday decorations and lighting.
(ix) One ATM sign which is incorporated into and designed as part of an automatic teller machine (ATM). The advertisement upon the ATM sign must be limited to the term "ATM" and the name and logo of the financial institution rendering the ATM service.
(x) Signage affixed directly upon a vehicle charging station or fueling pump.
(b) Temporary exempt signs.
(i) Up to two temporary signs or banners shall be permitted.
A. In the residential zoning districts, each sign or banner shall not exceed six square feet in area, and shall not be mounted more than six feet above grade.
B.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
Albany's Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance exempts window signs from a sign permit if each sign covers no more than 15% of the individual window it's mounted in, and all window signs together cover no more than 10% of the total window area on any story of the building, per City Code § 375-409(7)(a)(vi). The 10% cap doesn't count window signage or notices required under federal, state, or local law. Exceed either threshold and the display no longer qualifies as an exempt window sign: it needs a sign permit under § 375-409(8) and must meet the attached-sign standards for the zoning district.
Violations & Fines
Oversized or excess window signage voids the permit exemption and becomes a USDO violation; the Chief Planning Official can order it removed, and convictions carry fines up to $1,000 per day under § 375-507.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for window signs in Albany?
What happens if my window signs exceed the caps?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York sign regulations overview
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