What Is the Difference Between an Awning and a Canopy?

Awnings and canopies both shelter the entrance and frame your storefront, and the words are often used as if they mean the same thing. They do not. The difference affects how each one is built, what it costs and which rules apply.

Gogi Signs builds storefront awnings for businesses across New Jersey and New York City. This guide explains the difference and the clearance, fabric, permit and lettering rules that matter.

In this guide

Awning vs Canopy at a Glance

Based on NYC Landmarks and San Francisco Planning definitions

The simplest way to tell them apart: an awning hangs entirely from the wall, while a canopy reaches out from an entrance and is held up at least partly by posts. San Francisco Planning describes an awning as a light roof like structure supported entirely by the wall, and a canopy as supported by the wall and on columns, or wholly on columns, over entrances, in its awnings and canopies handout.

What an Awning Is

NYC Landmarks describes an awning as a metal frame covered with fabric and attached above or within an opening, in its awnings guidebook. Awnings can be fixed or retractable, and they can carry your name or logo. They shade windows, protect customers from rain and add color to the street.

Retractable awnings roll back in bad weather

What a Canopy Is

A canopy reaches out from the entrance

Which One Suits Your Entrance

A permanent sign needs design, landlord approval, zoning approval, a construction permit and fabrication. Under the state permit review rule, the construction office has 20 business days to decide on a complete application, and zoning comes before that. Order a few weeks before opening and you will open under a banner. The fix: start the sign when you sign the lease. Our guide on how long a custom sign project takes shows each stage.

Storefront with windows. An awning along the front gives shade, shelter and a place for your name.
Hotel, residential or event entrance. A canopy to the curb gives covered arrival.
Narrow sidewalk. An awning usually fits better than a canopy with posts.
Historic district. Check the rules, since many allow fabric awnings but limit lettering. See business signs in historic districts.

Clearance and Projection Rules

Landlord approval is part of your lease. It is not a permit. Most wall signs and lit signs in New Jersey also need zoning approval and a construction permit from the town. Installing without them risks fines and an order to take the sign down. The fix: get both, in order. Our guide to avoiding permit delays explains the sequence.

Sources: Town of Huntington NY, NYC LPC, Bradley Beach NJ, NYC DOB

New York State. At least 7 feet of clearance to the lowest part of any awning, including the valance, as summarized by the Town of Huntington.
NYC Landmarks. The lowest framed part of a storefront awning at least 8 feet above the sidewalk and the unframed skirt at least 7 feet, according to the guidebook.
Bradley Beach. Street level awnings at least 8 1/2 feet above the ground and no more than 5 feet of projection, under its borough code.

New Jersey towns set their own projection and clearance limits, so check yours before you order.

Fabric and Frame Choices

Sources: Sunbrella, Town of Huntington NY

Awning fabric must be flame resistant under NFPA 701, or have a flame spread index of 25 or less under ASTM E84, in New York State, according to the Town of Huntington. Check that the fabric you choose meets your local rule.

Warranties differ by fabric. Sunbrella’s standard shade and marine fabrics carry a 10 year limited warranty against loss of color and strength, according to its warranty. Its flame resistant Exceed FR line falls under a 5 year specialty fabric warranty, according to Sunbrella Commercial. Frames are usually welded aluminum or steel. Pixel Wraps, our sister graphics shop, explains a similar tradeoff for vinyl in short term vs long term wrap materials.

The frame carries the fabric and the loads

Permits and Lettering Rules

In New York City, awnings need a Department of Buildings ALT3 permit. Lettering on an awning is limited to the business name and address, in letters no more than 12 inches high and 12 square feet in total, and awnings with more text or images are treated as signs, according to a Department of Buildings overview. On landmarks and in historic districts, lettering can be painted on the skirt only, according to the Landmarks guidebook.

In New Jersey, rules vary by town. Bradley Beach limits awning graphics to 10 percent of the awning surface and allows them for identification only, not advertising, under its borough code. Our sister company in New York covers awning types and design in commercial awnings NYC.

Logos and names usually go on the valance or face

Fixed or Retractable

A fixed awning stays open all year and is the usual choice for a storefront sign, since your name is always visible. A retractable awning rolls back against the wall in high wind, snow or when you want sun. Retractable awnings suit cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. They need more care, since the arms and motor have moving parts, and the fabric should be dry before it is rolled up.

Lighting Under an Awning or Canopy

Lights under an awning or canopy make the entrance safe and visible at night. Downlights under a canopy light the walkway, and lights aimed at the valance can make your name readable after dark. Some towns allow backlit awnings. Bradley Beach does, for example, while many historic districts do not. Check your town before you plan lighting.

Cost and Lifespan Compared

An awning usually costs less than a canopy because it is smaller, has no posts and needs less structure. A canopy that reaches the curb needs footings or posts, more framing and often more approvals. Fabric on either one wears out before the frame, so plan to replace the cover over the life of the frame. Rigid metal canopies avoid fabric replacement but cost more up front.

Care and Lifespan

Brush and rinse loose dirt regularly with clean water.
Use mild soap for stains and rinse well. Let the fabric dry before rolling a retractable awning.
Clear snow and water that pool on flat sections.
Check the frame and fasteners after storms and high winds.
Replace the fabric, not the frame, when the cover wears out.

Our guide to outdoor sign materials covers the metals and hardware that hold up in our weather.

Common Questions About Awnings and Canopies

What is the difference between an awning and a canopy?

An awning hangs entirely from the building wall above a window or door. A canopy reaches out from an entrance and is held up at least partly by posts or columns.

How high does an awning need to be?

In New York State, at least 7 feet to the lowest part, including the valance. NYC Landmarks asks for 8 feet to the frame, and some New Jersey towns, such as Bradley Beach, require 8 1/2 feet.

Do awnings need a permit in NYC?

Yes. Awnings need a Department of Buildings ALT3 permit, and a Landmarks permit on landmarks and in historic districts.

How big can lettering on an awning be?

In NYC, letters up to 12 inches high and 12 square feet in total, for the business name and address. Towns in New Jersey set their own limits.

How long does awning fabric last?

It depends on the fabric and care. Sunbrella warrants its standard shade fabrics for 10 years and its flame resistant line for 5 years.

What fabric is fire rated for awnings?

Fabric that meets NFPA 701, or has a flame spread index of 25 or less under ASTM E84. Ask for the certification before you order.

Awnings Built for Your Storefront

We design, build and install awnings and handle the permits. See our storefront awnings, then request a free quote.

Sources and further reading

Tony Kamal

Tony Kamal has been making signs for two decades and works at the Gogi Signs of New Jersey shop in Linden. Since 2025 he has also been researching permit rules, materials and lighting, and he writes these guides with input from our designers, fabricators and install crews.