Illuminated signs in Geneva: what are the regulations in 2026?
Whether it's the size of the letters, which can be up to 1 m high in the harbor area compared to 1.50 m in the rest of the canton, or the range of colors that are allowed or not allowed depending on the area (for example, polychromy is normally prohibited in the harbor area), installing a lighted sign on the roof of a building remains a complex undertaking. Administrative authorization must be obtained in accordance with a number of rules that are increasingly numerous and complex, but necessary to maintain the harmony of the site. As a result, the phase prior to obtaining the necessary legal authorizations is an important step in the installation of an illuminated sign.
Sign size: various solutions are available
Brands can choose the size of the sign according to their brand image, but the final dimensions must still be approved by the authorities and the owner. Signs cannot be placed on flat roofs, as they must not exceed the dimensions of the roof or the top floor of the building. Furthermore, only openwork letters are permitted. Depending on the sector, designs or figurative objects may be permitted if they do not exceed the maximum height of the letters and the width of two letters. However, the municipality may allow larger dimensions for logos. Illuminated signs must not be fixed less than 0.5 m back from the facade walls for safety and alignment reasons. The Commission for Monuments, Nature, and Sites (CMNS) may reduce these requirements when the building is subject to its prior approval.
Any illuminated sign that is visible from public property must be subject to a prior authorization request. Thus, for each new project, a request is submitted to the City of Geneva. This is essentially a matter of complying with the legal framework that aims to preserve heritage and combat "light pollution," an issue that has come to the forefront in recent years.
What is light pollution?
Light pollution is increasingly being discussed in Switzerland and around the world. To raise public awareness of this issue, Greater Geneva turns off all its lights one night a year. The aim is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of light pollution. In addition, the Grand Council recently passed a law limiting the use of outdoor illuminated signs and night-time lighting visible from outside non-residential buildings between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. However, signs and night lighting for emergency medical facilities, fire departments, and major tourist attractions, such as the harbor, are not affected by this measure. This law aims to save electricity, reduce CO2 emissions, and combat light pollution.
L'Agence M.P. Berthoud and ecological and sustainable respect
With environmental and sustainability in mind,Agence M.P. Berthoud the latest LED technology for its rooftop illuminated signs. These are highly appreciated by customers and owners alike, as they offer unmatched durability, instant lighting quality, and very low power consumption compared to the previous use of neon tubes, which emitted heat and had unstable light intensity. Modern manufacturing techniques and technologies have made it possible to imitate the design, appearance, and style of traditional neon lights using LED lighting. LED illuminated signs are known to be environmentally friendly because all the materials used are recyclable and they consume only a few watts of power. Since they require low power, they are cheaper to operate and consume less electricity. For example, the average annual consumption of an illuminated sign is three times less than that of a single space heater, turned on for six hours a day for six months. In addition, the gases emitted by traditional neon lights contain mercury and argon, which can be toxic and harmful to the environment. LED illuminated signs therefore offer a number of advantages over traditional neon, including lower purchase and operating costs, less negative impact on the environment, and more design options.
The best roofing locations in Geneva
For a brand, accessing the best locations allows it to enter an exclusive circle of renowned companies and benefit from exceptional visibility. The Geneva harbour is THE prime location for illuminated signs. It is a showcase that promotes the brand 365 days a year, day and night, and allows it to stand out from its competitors, especially given that locations are limited. Among the brands that elegantly display their logos in Geneva, on the rooftops of the harbor, by the lake, there is a beautiful harmony between the well-established industry leaders, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet, the flagship brands of the Richemont, Swatch Group, and LVMH groups, and challenger companies seeking to gain visibility and legitimacy with local and international audiences. Swatch , and LVMH, and challenger companies seeking to gain visibility and legitimacy with local and international audiences.
For more than 60 years,Agence M.P. Berthoud has been working closely with the relevant local authorities to help its partners in the watchmaking, jewelry, and private banking industries, as well as property owners, to position their brands in the best possible locations in Switzerland and internationally, in compliance with the regulations in force, to ensure maximum visibility. Our mission is also to contribute to the enhancement of Geneva's heritage and its harbor in collaboration with all our institutional and private partners.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Agence M.P. Berthoud
48 Rue Jacques-Dalphin, 1227 Carouge/Geneva
+41 22 735 93 07
