--- title: Best practices make perfect description: Regulating signs in your community can be complex and controversial, which is why it’s always helpful to use best practices if they’re available. Fortunately, the Sign Research Foundation recently released two new resources that can help local officials develop processes and regulatory frameworks that will result in effective and beneficial sign codes. image: https://newsroom.signs.org/hubfs/Profiles%20of%20Multiple%20Communities_COVER.jpg --- [![Vital Signs: For planners and local officials who draft, debate and enforce sign ordinances](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/020117_VitalSignsHeaderBlog_2017V2O-01.jpg?width=1080&name=020117_VitalSignsHeaderBlog_2017V2O-01.jpg "Vital Signs: For planners and local officials who draft, debate and enforce sign ordinances")](https://newsroom.signs.org/vitalsigns/) *Posted on* May 31, 2018 # Best practices make perfect [https://signresearch.org/profiles-of-sign-regulations-in-multiple-communities-and-environments/](https://signresearch.org/profiles-of-sign-regulations-in-multiple-communities-and-environments/)Regulating signs in your community can be complex and controversial, which is why it’s always helpful to use best practices if they’re available. Fortunately, the Sign Research Foundation has two resources that can help planners and local officials develop processes and regulatory frameworks that will result in effective and beneficial sign codes. [![Best Practices in Developing Sign Regulations_COVER](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Best%20Practices%20in%20Developing%20Sign%20Regulations_COVER.jpg?width=150&name=Best%20Practices%20in%20Developing%20Sign%20Regulations_COVER.jpg)*Best Practices in Developing Sign Regulations*](https://signresearch.org/best-practices-in-developing-sign-regulations/) surveyed nearly 20 communities across the country to identify ways to maximize stakeholder involvement and enhance civic participation in the sign code revision process. According to authors Dawn Jourdan (Texas A&M University) and Eric Strauss (Michigan State University), these are the best ways to ensure a process that is transparent, efficient and results in the development of sign regulations that are legally enforceable and economically viable. An [executive summary of the full report](https://signresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/Best-Practices-in-Developing-Sign-Regulations-Executive-Summary.pdf) is also available for free download at signresearch.org. [![Profiles of Multiple Communities_COVER](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Profiles%20of%20Multiple%20Communities_COVER.jpg?width=150&name=Profiles%20of%20Multiple%20Communities_COVER.jpg)*Profiles of Sign Regulations in Multiple Communities and Environments*](http://www.signresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/Profiles-of-Sign-Regulations-in-Multiple-Communities-and-Environments.pdf) by Craig Berger with the Fashion Institute of Technology reviews the attributes of effective sign regulations and key trends in sign code development. Highlights of sign codes from multiple communities are profiled within this report, including suburbs, urban areas (downtowns and neighborhoods) and historic districts. In addition, key types of signage are reviewed, including digital, temporary and wayfinding signs.  Download these free resources on the Sign Research Foundation's website: [SignResearch.org](http://signresearch.org). **Interested in more resources?** Here's a list of [free resources](https://newsroom.signs.org/vitalsigns/freeresources) from the International Sign Association and the Sign Research Foundation specifically to guide planners and local officials when dealing with sign ordinance issues.   Topics: [Research](https://newsroom.signs.org/vitalsigns/topic/research) [![ISA Planning for Sign Code SuccessTM](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/ISA_PSCS_color.jpg?width=320&name=ISA_PSCS_color.jpg "ISA Planning for Sign Code SuccessTM")](https://pages.signs.org/are-you-planning-for-sign-code-success) [![David Hickey, VP Advocacy](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/David_Circle_250.png?width=125&name=David_Circle_250.png "David Hickey, VP Advocacy")](http://mailto:%20david.hickey@signs.org) David Hickey VP, Advocacy [david.hickey@signs.org](mailto:david.hickey@signs.org) [![James Carpentier, AICP](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/James_Circle_250.png?width=125&name=James_Circle_250.png "James Carpentier, AICP")](http://mailto:james.carpentier@signs.org) James Carpentier, AICP Director, State & Local Goverment [james.carpentier@signs.org](mailto:james.carpentier@signs.org) [![Kenny Peskin](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/Kenny_Circle_250.png?width=125&name=Kenny_Circle_250.png "Kenny Peskin")](http://mailto:kenny.peskin@signs.org) Kenny Peskin Director, Industry Programs [mailto:kenny.peskin@signs.org](mailto:kenny.peskin@signs.org)kenny.peskin@signs.org | [@signcodeguy](https://twitter.com/signcodeguy?lang=en)   [![Sign Code Assistance Button](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/030317_AssistanceButtonTransparent.png?width=520&name=030317_AssistanceButtonTransparent.png "Sign Code Assistance Button")](https://newsroom.signs.org/signcodeassistance) ## Sign Code Assistance, Education and Training ### Is your community considering revising its sign code? Or are you looking for education and training for an upcoming APA meeting? Contact [**signhelp@signs.org**](mailto:signhelp@signs.org) to receive expert and *complimentary* sign code assistance: - Research on sign-related issues - Sign code education and training  - Planning, legal and technical sign code resources and advice The [International Sign Association (ISA)](http://www.signs.org) has helped hundreds of cities across the country develop modern, effective and enforceable sign codes. ### Get the latest updates delivered to your inbox In partnership with:  ![](https://newsroom.signs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vital%20Signs/srf_logo.jpg?width=132&height=60&name=srf_logo.jpg "srf_logo.jpg") © 2017 ISA. All Rights Reserved. [Terms of Use](http://www.signs.org/TermsofUse.aspx) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.signs.org/privacy-policy) | [Site Map](http://www.signs.org/ISASiteMap.aspx)