What approvals are required for an Exit franchisee's exterior sign before construction?
Exit Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(C) Franchisee shall erect and maintain at its office premises an exterior sign in conformance with the local municipality's sign codes and EXIT's operating procedures and quality control directives. Design specifications for Franchisee's sign must be approved by Subfranchisor prior to Franchisee making any commitment to any contractor to construct the sign and prior to display at the Franchise office.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPT (FDD pages 42–235)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Exit's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee must obtain design specification approval from the Subfranchisor before committing to any contractor for sign construction and before displaying the sign at the franchise office. The franchisee is also responsible for ensuring that the exterior sign conforms to local municipality sign codes and Exit's operating procedures and quality control directives. This ensures brand consistency and compliance with local regulations.
This requirement means that prospective Exit franchisees need to factor in the time and potential costs associated with the sign approval process. They cannot simply erect any sign that meets local codes; it must also align with Exit's brand standards and receive specific approval. This could involve submitting detailed sign designs, specifications, and location plans to the Subfranchisor for review.
Failing to obtain the necessary approvals could result in delays in opening the franchise or potential costs to modify or replace non-compliant signage. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to understand and adhere to Exit's sign-related guidelines and approval processes outlined in the Training Manual and other directives. Franchisees should proactively communicate with the Subfranchisor to ensure their sign plans meet all requirements before making any commitments to contractors.