CUD opposes bill to reduce business sign size in Puerto Rico
The United Retailers Association is opposing a proposed amendment to Puerto Rico House Bill 612 that would reduce the maximum size of permit-exempt business signs, warning it would create new costs and paperwork for thousands of small and midsize businesses.
The amendment, which has been referred to the House Rules and Calendar Committee for consideration, proposes lowering the size limit for permit-exempt signs from 100 square feet to 64 square feet. The United Retailers Association (CUD, in Spanish) said the change would affect more than 160 types of businesses and force many to seek permits for basic signage to identify their businesses.
“This change is completely misguided and contradicts the government’s stated goal of reducing red tape and easing burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises,” said CUD President Ramón Barquín. “It would require thousands of businesses to pay for annual permits and professional services just to maintain basic visibility.”
Under current law, signs up to 100 square feet are exempt from permit requirements — a standard established in Act 355 of 1999, based on legislative studies identifying this size as the minimum needed for visibility.
Barquín said the proposed amendment would raise costs and reduce competitiveness.
“Businesses would need to hire engineers, electrical experts and licensed sign makers. Who pays for that? The merchant who is still recovering from past crises? It’s unacceptable,” he said.
The legislation would amend the Puerto Rico Uniform Signs and Advertisements Act. The law sets public policy on sign regulation, acknowledging commercial signage as a form of public expression that also serves economic and informational roles.
It aims to provide clear rules for the permitting process while protecting public safety.
“In residential zones, signage can become a visual distraction and diminish quality of life if not properly regulated,” the bill states. “Digital advertisements, especially at night, can interfere with rest and disrupt community peace.”
Despite those goals, CUD is urging lawmakers to preserve the current 100-square-foot exemption, arguing that signage is an essential part of business identity and connection with customers, not merely a form of advertising.
“A business sign is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s how a business connects with its customers,” Barquín said. “Adding new costs and bureaucracy ignores the real challenges of doing business in Puerto Rico.”
