A monument sign is a low, freestanding sign set on a solid base close to the ground, usually at the entrance to a property. Unlike a pole or pylon sign, it sits at eye level for drivers and pedestrians, and it looks like a permanent part of the landscape. The Marv'les Signs portfolio includes monument signs for a healthcare and rehabilitation center, businesses and other properties. Like all our work, they're installed by our own crew.

Who uses monument signs

Healthcare, rehabilitation and care centers: a clear, dignified entrance sign that visitors and ambulances can find easily.
Office buildings and professional practices: building names, addresses and tenant names at the driveway.
Residential communities and developments: a welcoming entrance with the community name.
Schools, houses of worship and organizations: a permanent identity at the front of the property.
Retail and plazas: ground-level identification where a tall pylon isn't allowed or isn't wanted.

Common monument sign styles

Masonry bases

Brick or stone bases with a sign panel or lettering set into or onto the face. They look substantial and can match the building's architecture. Several of the monuments in our portfolio use brick or stone bases.

Panel monuments

A sign panel mounted on a low base or between posts, sometimes with decorative caps or trim. This is a clean, cost-effective option that still reads as a permanent sign.

Dimensional faces

Raised letters, logos and borders add depth and shadow, so the sign stands out from the background. See Dimensional Lettering for more on raised letters.

Address and tenant information

Many monument signs include the street number, which makes the property easier to find. Multi-tenant monuments can include tenant panels that can be updated when tenants change.

Planning a monument sign

Visibility and placement: place the sign where drivers can see it in time to turn, typically near the entrance and angled toward oncoming traffic. Keep it clear of anything that blocks the view, like trees, parked cars or snowbanks.
Size the lettering for the road: a common rule of thumb is about one inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. Keep the message short: name, address and maybe one line about what you do.
Setbacks and sight lines: towns usually regulate how close a freestanding sign can be to the road and the driveway, so it doesn't block drivers' view of traffic.
Permits: freestanding signs usually need a permit, and some communities require board review. Check with your town or village early.
Underground utilities: before any digging for a base, underground utilities have to be marked. In New York and New Jersey you call 811 before you dig.
Lighting: if people need to find you after dark, plan for ground lighting or a lit panel, and for power at the sign location.
Landscaping: plantings around the base frame the sign and protect it from mowers and snowplows. Keep plantings low enough that they never cover the text.

Updating an existing monument

If your property already has a monument base in good condition, you may not need to start over. A new face panel, new lettering or updated tenant panels can refresh the sign for a new name or a new look. Send us photos of the existing sign with rough measurements, and we'll talk through options.

What to send for a quote

Photos of the location from the road and from the driveway
The approximate size you have in mind, or the dimensions of an existing base
Your logo or artwork and the exact wording
Whether you need lighting
Any requirements from your town, landlord or association, and your deadline

Email [email protected], call (845) 426-0804, or use the quote form below.

Common questions

Can you install a monument sign on an existing base?

Often, yes. If you already have a brick or stone base in good condition, a new sign panel or lettering may be all you need. Send us photos and measurements of the existing base.

Do monument signs need a permit?

In most towns and villages, freestanding signs are regulated for size, height and setback, and many require a permit. Check with your local building department early.

Can a monument sign be lit?

Yes. Common options include ground-mounted lights aimed at the sign face, or internally lit sign panels. Either way, power has to reach the sign location.