What must a Best Western member do if zoning prohibits the display of an approved Best Western sign?
Best_Western Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- 300.8 In cases where zoning prohibits display of an approved sign which meets Best Western's minimum requirements, Members shall submit zoning ordinances, plus graphics and dimensions to Best Western Brand Identity Administration for review. The Member or Applicant must request a variance in writing from the local city board and, if denied, appeal to the next level of government. If local ordinances prevail, the Member or Applicant shall be required to comply with Best Western's minimum requirements in the following manner.
- A. All allowed branded signs shall be installed in the most advantageous combination of permitted locations and sizes within the primary Property entry area, including entry drive, canopy, porte cochere, and lobby main entrance.
- B. When the canopy or the porte cochere are the only permitted locations to display the Property name, then the Best Western logo shall be displayed as outlined in the Brand Identity Manual.
- C. The Member or Applicant shall have the right to appeal to the Board regarding compliance with this rule. The decision of the Board shall be final.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 108–413)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Best Western's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if zoning prohibits the display of an approved Best Western sign that meets the brand's minimum requirements, the member must first submit the zoning ordinances along with graphics and dimensions to Best Western Brand Identity Administration for review. The member or applicant is then required to request a variance in writing from the local city board. If the variance is denied, they must appeal to the next level of government.
If local ordinances still prevail after the appeal, the member or applicant must comply with Best Western's minimum requirements by installing all allowed branded signs in the most advantageous combination of permitted locations and sizes within the primary property entry area. This includes areas such as the entry drive, canopy, porte cochere, and lobby main entrance. If the canopy or porte cochere are the only permitted locations for displaying the property name, the Best Western logo must be displayed as outlined in the Brand Identity Manual.
Finally, the Best Western member or applicant retains the right to appeal to the Board regarding compliance with this rule, and the Board's decision will be final. This process ensures that while franchisees must adhere to local zoning laws, they also have avenues to work with Best Western to maximize brand visibility within the constraints of those regulations.