What the published sign by-law allows at an address, with the source behind every number — early, while you are still estimating. Two short steps to an answer. Start with the location; add dimensions when you have them.
Start with the location. You do not need sign dimensions yet.
Saved in this browser only. Nothing here is sent to SignAllow. Loading one fills in the form; running it again follows the normal check rules.
Choose an address suggestion to check available government maps. You can also type an address and select the municipality for a manual check, or leave the address blank to explore the general rules.
Not identified automaticallyChoose an address suggestion for available automatic map checks, or confirm this category manually. Coverage varies by municipality.
Leave it as it is and we will show you what each category allows, so you can pick yours.
The map area or by-law category used to select sign rules. It may differ from zoning. Confirm the applicable category using the municipality’s map or written advice.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Ajax’s source ↗
This changes the presentation and available report options, not the rules or calculation. You can change it after the check.
Want to read it as written? Sign By-law 27-2009 ↗ — office consolidated January 2014, amending By-law 6-2014. An out-of-date copy of it is also still online — we flag which one is current.
Choose the type that matches your sign. Dimensions can come later.
Other sign purposes
These categories currently prepare a municipal review. Size limits, fees and permit exemptions are not calculated yet.
Count display faces on this one sign, not separate signs. Dimensions can come later.
Each municipality can count faces differently. A per-face limit is not permission to multiply the total allowance.
Review guidance only: no size allowance, permit exemption, fee or permitted display period is calculated for these categories yet. You can record a proposal and save a preliminary report with the open questions.
Enter your intended dates, not a permitted duration. Renewal, repeat displays and removal deadlines still need confirmation.
Initial coverage: Oakville’s commercial, employment, mixed-use and institutional categories. Other municipalities and special uses need a separate review. This is a preliminary check against the published 2022 consolidation; later amendments remain unverified.
Motor vehicle businesses, drive-through facilities and third-party advertising need separate review. Choose “Other content or a special use” above. Illuminated signs and electronic displays are outside this initial calculation.
Measure one rectangular window, excluding its frame. Use explicit units: m, cm, ft or inches; bare numbers mean feet. Do not combine panes or transfer spare area between windows. For the proposed sign, enter the enclosing rectangle around the complete message; irregular layouts need confirmation.
This is the building’s storey count, not the sign’s location. Clarington uses it to select the shared wall-and-awning allowance. Subdivision sales offices have a separate table provision.
Exclude the sign you are proposing or replacing and any signs being removed. Leave uncertain quantities blank. Your answer is not independently verified.
No single sign-count limit is calculated for this selection. Confirm how the municipality counts existing signs.
A size limit for one sign is not automatically spare capacity on a wall or property. No shared-area deduction is calculated for this selection.
Not sure about placement? Leave it as “Not sure” and review the limits first. A sign type that is not listed needs a separate review.
Review what the maps found, then work through one follow-up at a time. You can leave questions open while exploring a sign before it is designed.
You can download a preliminary report before a sign is designed. Missing dimensions and unresolved reviews remain clearly identified.
Local history and team links keep basic details: location, sign type, district, building type, lighting and building measurements. They do not keep proposed sign dimensions, site-review answers or reports. Choose Save to my account to retain the full proposal and dated reports. For a customer handoff, download the neutral customer assessment.
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No sign design yet? That is fine. A wall or frontage measurement helps calculate the size allowance; proposed sign dimensions are optional. Use feet/inches or metric: 12 ft, 6 in, 3.5m or 150mm. Numbers without a unit are read as feet. Leave anything unknown blank.
Wall signs are usually sized off the wall they sit on, so this is the measurement that turns the rule into a number. A rough answer is fine.
The length of the property along the relevant street. Building frontage can mean something different. Use the measurement basis in your result; do not add street edges together unless the rule allows it.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Ajax’s source ↗
The display area counted toward the sign-size limit. Separate letters, borders and multiple faces can be counted differently. Confirm the local method before entering the sign’s width and height.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Ajax’s source ↗
Sign height is the display’s vertical size. Overall height runs from the required ground reference to the top of the sign. Check the local ground reference and what must be included.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Ajax’s source ↗
Type them exactly as the drawing reads — 54'-1", 16m (52 ft), 11' 4" all work.
Manual review of the property and sign location. Address, zoning and heritage checks do not settle this overlay. Open the official district index and maps. If the boundary is unclear, ask Building Services and leave this unchecked.
Manual confirmation — an address or projecting sign does not establish an overhang. Compare the proposed sign with the property line on a survey or reliable site plan. Leave “Haven’t checked” if the location is undecided.
| Standard | Allowable | Proposed | Ref |
|---|
Every reference in that last column is a link into the by-law text itself.
27-2009 · Office consolidated January 2014, amending By-law 6-2014 · PDF, accessibility-remediated
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.14 with Tables 22.1 and 22.2 — 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy area, whichever is less (commercial and automotive tables); residential 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) on the Table 22.7 listed roads only | open ↗ |
| Pylon signs | s.13 and s.22.3 — one per street frontage, and NONE where the lot frontage is under 15 m (49 ft) or the main building is under 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.24 — Council has delegated the decision to the Director | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.5.6 — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification, but only if the Chief Building Official asks for it | open ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Permission requested to depart from a by-law requirement. Approval is not guaranteed, and a variance does not replace any other permits or approvals the proposal needs.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Ajax’s source ↗
Each figure shows when it was last checked and against what. Anything over a year old, or a fee we checked before the most recent January (when most cities raise their fees), is marked out of date and is not shown as current. How we keep it current →
Search quotes, rule labels and citations on file for Ajax across all sign districts. This is not the complete by-law. A match may not apply to your address; check its district and source.
Showing the original excerpts for this check below. Search uses no additional checks.
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“5.6 If required by the Chief Building Official, all plans and specifications covering the erection of the Sign and supporting framework shall be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer as to the structural adequacy of the Sign.”
Structure: s.5.6 — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification, but only if the Chief Building Official asks for it
“20.1 The following signs are prohibited under this by-law: (a) Abandoned or Obsolete Signs; (b) Animated Signs, with the exception of an electronic message board permitted under Section 18 of this by-law; (c) Roof Signs;”
The document the Town publishes as its sign by-law is an office consolidation dated January 2014. It was moved onto the new site but never re-consolidated, so it is as of January 2014 on its face. Separately, the Town’s sign permit guide publishes an engineering threshold for ROOF signs — a sign type s.20.1(c) of the by-law prohibits outright — and its vocabulary (“ground sign”) does not match the by-law’s (“pylon sign”).
“21.1 Table 21.1 establishes the permitted Signs for each of the use categories subject to Section 22 of this by-law. 21.2 No Person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, any Sign except in accordance with the provisions of Table 21.1”
Two steps. Table 21.1 sorts your use into one of six groups (commercial, automotive, home-based, employment, rural/open space, institutional); the zone tables in s.22 then give the numbers. Zoning categories come from Zoning By-law 95-2003. The zone tables are printed as pictures inside the PDF, so their cells are transcribed here rather than quoted from a text layer.
“Table 21.1 Permitted Signs by Land Use Type (1) Accessory Outdoor Patio, Art Gallery, Banquet Facility, Commercial Fitness School, Convenience Store, Crisis Care Facility, Day Care Facility, Drive-thru Facility, Dry Cleaning Depot, Dry Cleaning Establishment, Financial Institution, Funeral Home, Garden Centre, Hotel, Laundromat”
Two steps. Table 21.1 sorts your use into one of six groups (commercial, automotive, home-based, employment, rural/open space, institutional); the zone tables in s.22 then give the numbers. Zoning categories come from Zoning By-law 95-2003. The zone tables are printed as pictures inside the PDF, so their cells are transcribed here rather than quoted from a text layer.
“Office Consolidated Copy January 2014 - Amending By-law #6-2014”
The document Ajax publishes as its sign by-law is an office consolidation dated JANUARY 2014. It was re-uploaded to the Town’s new website, but it has not been re-consolidated since. Treat every figure as “as consolidated to January 2014” and confirm anything load-bearing with the Town. The zone tables in s.22 are pictures inside the PDF: the figures here are our transcription, read twice, and the weekly check watches the file’s fingerprint.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
By frontage: up to 30 m (98 ft) → 6 m² (65 sq ft); over 30 m (98 ft) → 10 m² (108 sq ft). Height steps up with it: 6 m (20 ft), 8 m (26 ft).
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“13.2 A maximum of one Pylon Sign is permitted per street frontage of a property, unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by-law.”
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 35 m² (377 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
One shopping-centre pylon of up to 35 m² (377 sq ft) and 9 m (30 ft) per lot frontage; a secondary pylon may be added provided the two together do not exceed 35 m² (Table 22.1 note 3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9 m (30 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
One shopping-centre pylon of up to 35 m² (377 sq ft) and 9 m (30 ft) per lot frontage; a secondary pylon may be added provided the two together do not exceed 35 m² (Table 22.1 note 3).
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (3): Height 8 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 2 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Fascia: 25% of Facade, n/a. Canopy: 25% of Façade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 2.5 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 1.5 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) one additional Pylon Sign not to exceed 7 m² may be located in the vicinity of the used cars area (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (3): Height 8 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 2 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Fascia: 25% of Facade, n/a. Canopy: 25% of Façade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 2.5 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 1.5 m², 1, 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 12.5 m² (135 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft).
2 ground signs per lot frontage on a public street.
Up to two pylons of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) and 8 m (26 ft), one per lot frontage (Table 22.2 note 1); one more pylon of up to 7 m² (75 sq ft) may sit near the used-car area (note 3). Menu board 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) and pre-menu board 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall.
The ground sign can be no taller than 8 m (26 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) one additional Pylon Sign not to exceed 7 m² may be located in the vicinity of the used cars area (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
2 ground signs per lot frontage on a public street.
Up to two pylons of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) and 8 m (26 ft), one per lot frontage (Table 22.2 note 1); one more pylon of up to 7 m² (75 sq ft) may sit near the used-car area (note 3). Menu board 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) and pre-menu board 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.3 Employment Zone Sign Standards: Pylon - Single Occupancy: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Pylon - Multiple Occupancy: 4.5 m, 12.5 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
What the area is measured against: the façade
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.3 Employment Zone Sign Standards: Pylon - Single Occupancy: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Pylon - Multiple Occupancy: 4.5 m, 12.5 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 12.5 m² (135 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
One pylon of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) per lot frontage: 6 m (20 ft) tall on a single-occupancy property, 4.5 m (15 ft) on a multiple-occupancy one (Table 22.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 6 m (20 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.4 Institutional Zone Sign Standards: Pylon: Max. Height 4.5 m, Max. Area 4 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, 1 (1), n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
What the area is measured against: the façade
One wall sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.4 Institutional Zone Sign Standards: Pylon: Max. Height 4.5 m, Max. Area 4 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, 1 (1), n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.5 Rural/Open Space Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (Agricultural Use): Max. Height 4 m, Max. Area 3 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 6 m. Pylon (Non-Agricultural Use): 4 m, 6 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia (Non-Agricultural Use): 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Bed & Breakfast: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. Home Based Business: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) Pylon Sign”
What the area is measured against: the façade — non-agricultural use only
Table 22.5 gives a fascia row for a non-agricultural use only; a farm gets the pylon row.
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.5 Rural/Open Space Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (Agricultural Use): Max. Height 4 m, Max. Area 3 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 6 m. Pylon (Non-Agricultural Use): 4 m, 6 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia (Non-Agricultural Use): 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Bed & Breakfast: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. Home Based Business: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) Pylon Sign”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6 m² (65 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6 m² (65 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
A non-agricultural use gets one pylon of 6 m² (65 sq ft) and 4 m (13 ft), 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back; an agricultural use one of 3 m² (32 sq ft) and 4 m (13 ft), 6 m (20 ft) back (Table 22.5). A bed and breakfast or home-based business sign is 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) and 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards: Home Based Business (1): Max. Height 1.5 m (3), Max. Area 0.3 m², Max. Number 1, Min. Setback 3 m. Live-Work Unit (2): n/a, 0.3 m², 1, n/a. Multi-Residential: 3.5 m, 3 m², 2 (4), 3 m.”
Table 22.7 has no fascia row for a multi-residential building. Its other rows are a home-based business sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) and 1.5 m (or 1.5 m² and 2 m as a fascia sign on the named arterial roads, note 1) and a live-work unit sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards (1) 1.5 m² maximum Area and 2 m maximum height on properties fronting Kingston Road, Westney Road, Lake Ridge Road, Salem Road, Church Street, Bayly Street, Rossland Road, Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue (2) Fascia Sign (3) Step Stake Signs are not permitted (4) one per lot frontage or driveway on a Public Street”
Table 22.7 has no fascia row for a multi-residential building. Its other rows are a home-based business sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) and 1.5 m (or 1.5 m² and 2 m as a fascia sign on the named arterial roads, note 1) and a live-work unit sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards: Home Based Business (1): Max. Height 1.5 m (3), Max. Area 0.3 m², Max. Number 1, Min. Setback 3 m. Live-Work Unit (2): n/a, 0.3 m², 1, n/a. Multi-Residential: 3.5 m, 3 m², 2 (4), 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
2 ground signs one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street.
Number, per what: one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street
The ground sign can be no taller than 3.5 m (11 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards (1) 1.5 m² maximum Area and 2 m maximum height on properties fronting Kingston Road, Westney Road, Lake Ridge Road, Salem Road, Church Street, Bayly Street, Rossland Road, Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue (2) Fascia Sign (3) Step Stake Signs are not permitted (4) one per lot frontage or driveway on a Public Street”
Number, per what: one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
s.20.2
“9.6 The lighting intensity of an illuminated Sign shall be turned off or dimmed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if so directed by an Officer, or the conditions of any permit.”
11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. — but conditional. s.9.6 requires an illuminated sign to be turned off or dimmed in those hours only “if so directed by an Officer, or the conditions of any permit”.
s.9.5 is written about light DIRECTED AT a sign, which is external floodlighting. It reads awkwardly against an internally illuminated cabinet or an LED face, which is the common case. And because the curfew is discretionary, a quote that assumes a hard curfew and a quote that assumes none can both be wrong on the same job — it depends what the permit says.
Nothing in this by-law caps brightness. The only control is s.9.6: dimming or switching off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if an Officer, or the conditions of the permit, direct it. That is not discoverable from the document, and it is the first thing to ask about before you order the sign.
“(b) Animated Signs, with the exception of an electronic message board permitted under Section 18 of this by-law;”
s.20.1(b) prohibits animated signs except an electronic message board under s.18. Within s.18 the only display rule is s.18.1(b): the intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level — a constancy requirement, not a ceiling.
“18.1 Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided: (a) A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the purpose of an electronic message board; and, (b) The intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level.”
s.20.1(b) prohibits animated signs except an electronic message board under s.18. Within s.18 the only display rule is s.18.1(b): the intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level — a constancy requirement, not a ceiling.
pylon SIGNS only. s.18.1 opens “Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided”, and nothing anywhere authorises a board on a fascia, canopy, overhanging or billboard sign. Read with s.20.2, which deems anything not expressly permitted to be prohibited, a digital WALL sign in Ajax has no route to approval short of a variance.
A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the electronic message board (s.18.1(a)). No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement. A change in the message displayed is not an alteration and needs no permit, provided the material, structure and sign area do not change (s.10.1).
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
pylon SIGNS only. s.18.1 opens “Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided”, and nothing anywhere authorises a board on a fascia, canopy, overhanging or billboard sign. Read with s.20.2, which deems anything not expressly permitted to be prohibited, a digital WALL sign in Ajax has no route to approval short of a variance.
“10.1 A change in the message displayed by a Sign does not constitute an alteration so as to require a permit, provided that this does not constitute a change in the material, structure or Sign Area.”
A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the electronic message board (s.18.1(a)). No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement. A change in the message displayed is not an alteration and needs no permit, provided the material, structure and sign area do not change (s.10.1).
“9.5 The light directed at an illuminated Sign shall be directed away from an adjacent property and the path of vehicular traffic.”
s.9.5 is written about light DIRECTED AT a sign, which is external floodlighting. It reads awkwardly against an internally illuminated cabinet or an LED face, which is the common case. And because the curfew is discretionary, a quote that assumes a hard curfew and a quote that assumes none can both be wrong on the same job — it depends what the permit says.
There is no residential-proximity rule and no distance figure. The only adjacency rule is s.9.5: the light directed at an illuminated sign shall be directed away from an adjacent property and the path of vehicular traffic — any adjacent property, residential or not, with no separation, no lux limit and no angle stated.
“24.1 Council delegates the authority for sign variances to the Director.”
the Director, by delegation from Council (s.24.1) — though s.24.3 says the Director “may recommend authorization”, which leaves unclear who gives the final approval
“24.3 The Director may recommend authorization for a sign variance from the provisions of this by-law, if the general intent and purpose of the by-law is being maintained.”
the Director, by delegation from Council (s.24.1) — though s.24.3 says the Director “may recommend authorization”, which leaves unclear who gives the final approval
“7. Signs Permit (regulated by the building code) 5.8 $274 per sign”
$274 per sign under Building By-law 48-2023, Schedule “A”, dated January 1, 2026. Older copies with a lower figure may still turn up in search — see the document warning.
Each sign adds $274 to the permit fee.
“SCHEDULE “A” TO BY-LAW NUMBER 48-2023 CLASSES OF PERMITS, FEES AND REFUNDS January 1, 2026”
$274 per sign under Building By-law 48-2023, Schedule “A”, dated January 1, 2026. Older copies with a lower figure may still turn up in search — see the document warning.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Sign By-law Amendment $3,036.00 Sign By-law Variance $1,170.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,170.
A Sign By-law Amendment — changing the by-law rather than varying it — is $3,036.00
Sign By-law 27-2009, office consolidated January 2014, amending By-law 6-2014. What the published by-law allows, how big, whether a sign can be lit, what it costs, and which copy of the by-law to trust.
What we hold: we calculate the size and count limits, so a check here gives you a number · lighting and digital rules read in full · fees and timelines from the published schedule.
Two questions, no dimensions needed. You get the maximum for your sign type, the lighting rules, the fee and the sections it all came from.
Start a check →| Sign type | Here | Most you’d get | The rule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
On the building Fascia, wall sign, channel letters | Depends on district | s.14 with Tables 22.1 and 22.2 — 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy area, whichever is less (commercial and automotive tables); residential 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) on the Table 22.7 listed roads only read it ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | Depends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure. | ||
Projecting Blade sign off the wall | Depends on district | Depends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure. | ||
Small directional Entrance or drive-aisle sign | Depends on district | Depends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure. | ||
New face, same frame Replacing the face of a sign already there | Unresolved | A face replacement may be a copy change, maintenance or an alteration under the applicable by-law. Confirm the existing sign’s lawful status and whether changes to its face, structure, area or illumination require a permit. A permit exemption does not establish permission to install. | ||
Window signs & graphics Lettering, decals and signs behind glass | Review needed | Window-sign calculations are not yet verified for this municipality and category. Confirm classification, coverage, placement and permit requirements with the municipality. | ||
Temporary promotional Banners, mobile signs and short-term promotions | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the exact sign format, location, display period and any renewal or repeat-display limits. Temporary use does not itself establish a permit exemption. | ||
Construction & development Development marketing, builder signs and hoarding | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm whether this is development advertising, builder identification, hoarding graphics or a required notice. Provide the project stage, proposed copy and location; these purposes may follow different requirements. | ||
Real estate For sale, for lease and open-house signs | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the property use, whether the sign is at the listed property or off-site, and the applicable removal deadline. New-development marketing may be classified separately from an ordinary sale or lease sign. | ||
Event signage Commercial, community and private events | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the organizer, commercial content, sign format, location and display dates. Community events, private celebrations and election signs may follow separate rules; an event permit does not establish permission for every sign. |
“Up to” means we have the rule but not your dimensions — start a check and enter them to get your actual numbers. “Rule on file” means we have read the section and can take you to it, but have not turned it into a calculation — so no number, on purpose. “Depends on district” means we do calculate it, but the figure changes with the sign district, so pick one to see it.
Permitted by omission — no cap, and a curfew that only bites if someone tells you it does. There is no general permission clause. The by-law defines an illuminated sign and regulates how it may be lit, but nowhere states that signs may be illuminated. Illumination is lawful by omission. Our reading — not yet quoted from the by-law; confirm with the City
| Brightness | No numeric limit in this by-law No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance. |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. — but conditional. s.9.6 requires an illuminated sign to be turned off or dimmed in those hours only “if so directed by an Officer, or the conditions of any permit”. s.9.6 |
| Up-lighting | Not addressed The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission. |
| Near housing | There is no residential-proximity rule and no distance figure. The only adjacency rule is s.9.5: the light directed at an illuminated sign shall be directed away from an adjacent property and the path of vehicular traffic — any adjacent property, residential or not, with no separation, no lux limit and no angle stated. s.9.5 |
s.9.5 is written about light DIRECTED AT a sign, which is external floodlighting. It reads awkwardly against an internally illuminated cabinet or an LED face, which is the common case. And because the curfew is discretionary, a quote that assumes a hard curfew and a quote that assumes none can both be wrong on the same job — it depends what the permit says.
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.18.1.
Read it yourself: s.3.2, s.9.5, s.9.6, s.18.1 of Sign By-law 27-2009 ↗
Calculated from Ajax’s published schedule — $274 per sign.
⚠ A superseded Building By-law still live on the Town’s old domain gives $250 per sign against the current $274.
$274 per sign under Building By-law 48-2023, Schedule “A”, dated January 1, 2026. Older copies with a lower figure may still turn up in search — see the document warning.
No verified processing target is recorded here for Ajax. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Decided by the Director, by delegation from Council (s.24.1) — though s.24.3 says the Director “may recommend authorization”, which leaves unclear who gives the final approval. No appeal route is stated in the by-law — ask the municipality whether there is one. A Sign By-law Amendment — changing the by-law rather than varying it — is $3,036.00.
The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf
27-2009 · Office consolidated January 2014, amending By-law 6-2014 · PDF, accessibility-remediated
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.14 with Tables 22.1 and 22.2 — 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy area, whichever is less (commercial and automotive tables); residential 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) on the Table 22.7 listed roads only | open ↗ |
| Pylon signs | s.13 and s.22.3 — one per street frontage, and NONE where the lot frontage is under 15 m (49 ft) or the main building is under 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.24 — Council has delegated the decision to the Director | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.5.6 — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification, but only if the Chief Building Official asks for it | open ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“5.6 If required by the Chief Building Official, all plans and specifications covering the erection of the Sign and supporting framework shall be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer as to the structural adequacy of the Sign.”
Structure: s.5.6 — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification, but only if the Chief Building Official asks for it
“20.1 The following signs are prohibited under this by-law: (a) Abandoned or Obsolete Signs; (b) Animated Signs, with the exception of an electronic message board permitted under Section 18 of this by-law; (c) Roof Signs;”
The document the Town publishes as its sign by-law is an office consolidation dated January 2014. It was moved onto the new site but never re-consolidated, so it is as of January 2014 on its face. Separately, the Town’s sign permit guide publishes an engineering threshold for ROOF signs — a sign type s.20.1(c) of the by-law prohibits outright — and its vocabulary (“ground sign”) does not match the by-law’s (“pylon sign”).
“21.1 Table 21.1 establishes the permitted Signs for each of the use categories subject to Section 22 of this by-law. 21.2 No Person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, any Sign except in accordance with the provisions of Table 21.1”
Two steps. Table 21.1 sorts your use into one of six groups (commercial, automotive, home-based, employment, rural/open space, institutional); the zone tables in s.22 then give the numbers. Zoning categories come from Zoning By-law 95-2003. The zone tables are printed as pictures inside the PDF, so their cells are transcribed here rather than quoted from a text layer.
“Table 21.1 Permitted Signs by Land Use Type (1) Accessory Outdoor Patio, Art Gallery, Banquet Facility, Commercial Fitness School, Convenience Store, Crisis Care Facility, Day Care Facility, Drive-thru Facility, Dry Cleaning Depot, Dry Cleaning Establishment, Financial Institution, Funeral Home, Garden Centre, Hotel, Laundromat”
Two steps. Table 21.1 sorts your use into one of six groups (commercial, automotive, home-based, employment, rural/open space, institutional); the zone tables in s.22 then give the numbers. Zoning categories come from Zoning By-law 95-2003. The zone tables are printed as pictures inside the PDF, so their cells are transcribed here rather than quoted from a text layer.
“Office Consolidated Copy January 2014 - Amending By-law #6-2014”
The document Ajax publishes as its sign by-law is an office consolidation dated JANUARY 2014. It was re-uploaded to the Town’s new website, but it has not been re-consolidated since. Treat every figure as “as consolidated to January 2014” and confirm anything load-bearing with the Town. The zone tables in s.22 are pictures inside the PDF: the figures here are our transcription, read twice, and the weekly check watches the file’s fingerprint.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
By frontage: up to 30 m (98 ft) → 6 m² (65 sq ft); over 30 m (98 ft) → 10 m² (108 sq ft). Height steps up with it: 6 m (20 ft), 8 m (26 ft).
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“13.2 A maximum of one Pylon Sign is permitted per street frontage of a property, unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by-law.”
Ajax calls it a pylon sign and never uses the term ground sign. One per lot frontage on a public street (Table 22.1 note 1, s.13.2). A drive-through may add a menu board of 4 m² (43 sq ft) and a pre-menu board of 2 m² (22 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade.
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards: Pylon - Frontage less than 30 m: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 6 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Pylon - Frontage greater than 30 m: 8 m, 10 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Pylon - Shopping Centre (3): 9 m, 35 m², 1 (1), 3 m (2). Fascia - First Storey Facade: n/a, 25% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Fascia - Above First Storey: n/a, 15% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Canopy: n/a, 25% of Facade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 4 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 2 m², 1, 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 35 m² (377 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
One shopping-centre pylon of up to 35 m² (377 sq ft) and 9 m (30 ft) per lot frontage; a secondary pylon may be added provided the two together do not exceed 35 m² (Table 22.1 note 3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9 m (30 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“Table 22.1 Commercial Zone Signs Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) a secondary pylon may be displayed provided that the total Area of the Signs do not exceed 35 m² (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
One shopping-centre pylon of up to 35 m² (377 sq ft) and 9 m (30 ft) per lot frontage; a secondary pylon may be added provided the two together do not exceed 35 m² (Table 22.1 note 3).
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (3): Height 8 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 2 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Fascia: 25% of Facade, n/a. Canopy: 25% of Façade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 2.5 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 1.5 m², 1, 3 m.”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) one additional Pylon Sign not to exceed 7 m² may be located in the vicinity of the used cars area (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
What the area is measured against: the façade
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
The table gives one row for the first-storey façade and one for above it; a canopy sign may take 25% of the façade or 100% of the canopy structure’s area, whichever is less (note 4). No sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.14.2).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (3): Height 8 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 2 (1), Min. Setback 3 m (2). Fascia: 25% of Facade, n/a. Canopy: 25% of Façade (4), n/a. Drive-Through - Menu Board: 3 m, 2.5 m², 1, 3 m. Drive-Through - Pre-menu Board: 3 m, 1.5 m², 1, 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 12.5 m² (135 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft).
2 ground signs per lot frontage on a public street.
Up to two pylons of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) and 8 m (26 ft), one per lot frontage (Table 22.2 note 1); one more pylon of up to 7 m² (75 sq ft) may sit near the used-car area (note 3). Menu board 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) and pre-menu board 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall.
The ground sign can be no taller than 8 m (26 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“Table 22.2 Automotive Zone Sign Standards (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) minimum setback of 5 m from a residential land use (3) one additional Pylon Sign not to exceed 7 m² may be located in the vicinity of the used cars area (4) 25% of Façade or 100% the area of the canopy structure whichever is less”
2 ground signs per lot frontage on a public street.
Up to two pylons of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) and 8 m (26 ft), one per lot frontage (Table 22.2 note 1); one more pylon of up to 7 m² (75 sq ft) may sit near the used-car area (note 3). Menu board 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) and pre-menu board 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), each 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall.
Setback: 3 m (9 ft 10 in) · 5 m (16 ft) from a residential land use
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.3 Employment Zone Sign Standards: Pylon - Single Occupancy: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Pylon - Multiple Occupancy: 4.5 m, 12.5 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
What the area is measured against: the façade
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.3 Employment Zone Sign Standards: Pylon - Single Occupancy: Max. Height 6 m, Max. Area 12.5 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Pylon - Multiple Occupancy: 4.5 m, 12.5 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 12.5 m² (135 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
One pylon of 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) per lot frontage: 6 m (20 ft) tall on a single-occupancy property, 4.5 m (15 ft) on a multiple-occupancy one (Table 22.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 6 m (20 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.4 Institutional Zone Sign Standards: Pylon: Max. Height 4.5 m, Max. Area 4 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, 1 (1), n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
What the area is measured against: the façade
One wall sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.4 Institutional Zone Sign Standards: Pylon: Max. Height 4.5 m, Max. Area 4 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 3 m. Fascia: 10% of Facade, 1 (1), n/a. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.5 Rural/Open Space Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (Agricultural Use): Max. Height 4 m, Max. Area 3 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 6 m. Pylon (Non-Agricultural Use): 4 m, 6 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia (Non-Agricultural Use): 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Bed & Breakfast: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. Home Based Business: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) Pylon Sign”
What the area is measured against: the façade — non-agricultural use only
Table 22.5 gives a fascia row for a non-agricultural use only; a farm gets the pylon row.
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“14.2 No Fascia Sign or Canopy Sign shall project more than 0.5 metres from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“Table 22.5 Rural/Open Space Zone Sign Standards: Pylon (Agricultural Use): Max. Height 4 m, Max. Area 3 m², Max. Number 1 (1), Min. Setback 6 m. Pylon (Non-Agricultural Use): 4 m, 6 m², 1 (1), 3 m. Fascia (Non-Agricultural Use): 10% of Facade, n/a, n/a. Bed & Breakfast: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. Home Based Business: 1.8 m (2), 0.4 m², 1, 3 m. (1) one per lot frontage on a Public Street (2) Pylon Sign”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6 m² (65 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6 m² (65 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot frontage on a public street.
Number, per what: per lot frontage on a public street
A non-agricultural use gets one pylon of 6 m² (65 sq ft) and 4 m (13 ft), 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back; an agricultural use one of 3 m² (32 sq ft) and 4 m (13 ft), 6 m (20 ft) back (Table 22.5). A bed and breakfast or home-based business sign is 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) and 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“22.3 A Pylon Sign shall not be permitted on a lot where the frontage is less than 15 m or on a lot where the main building is set back less than 7 m from the front lot line.”
Only allowed where the lot has at least 15 m (49 ft) of frontage.
s.22.3 allows no pylon sign where the lot frontage is less than 15 m (49 ft), or where the main building is set back less than 7 m (23 ft) from the front lot line. The frontage is answered above; the setback is not something the address tells you — it is measured off the site plan. Under 7 m (23 ft) of front setback, the by-law leaves fascia signs only.
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“22.1 Tables 22.1 through 22.9 establishes the standards for the Signs for each use identified in Table 21.1. 22.2 No person shall Erect, or cause to be Erected, a Sign except in accordance with Tables 22.1 through 22.9.”
Tables 22.1–22.7 list pylon, fascia and canopy signs only, and s.20.2 deems any sign not expressly permitted to be prohibited
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards: Home Based Business (1): Max. Height 1.5 m (3), Max. Area 0.3 m², Max. Number 1, Min. Setback 3 m. Live-Work Unit (2): n/a, 0.3 m², 1, n/a. Multi-Residential: 3.5 m, 3 m², 2 (4), 3 m.”
Table 22.7 has no fascia row for a multi-residential building. Its other rows are a home-based business sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) and 1.5 m (or 1.5 m² and 2 m as a fascia sign on the named arterial roads, note 1) and a live-work unit sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards (1) 1.5 m² maximum Area and 2 m maximum height on properties fronting Kingston Road, Westney Road, Lake Ridge Road, Salem Road, Church Street, Bayly Street, Rossland Road, Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue (2) Fascia Sign (3) Step Stake Signs are not permitted (4) one per lot frontage or driveway on a Public Street”
Table 22.7 has no fascia row for a multi-residential building. Its other rows are a home-based business sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) and 1.5 m (or 1.5 m² and 2 m as a fascia sign on the named arterial roads, note 1) and a live-work unit sign of 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards: Home Based Business (1): Max. Height 1.5 m (3), Max. Area 0.3 m², Max. Number 1, Min. Setback 3 m. Live-Work Unit (2): n/a, 0.3 m², 1, n/a. Multi-Residential: 3.5 m, 3 m², 2 (4), 3 m.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
2 ground signs one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street.
Number, per what: one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street
The ground sign can be no taller than 3.5 m (11 ft).
Keep it at least 3 m (9 ft 10 in) back from the property line.
“Table 22.7 Residential Zone Sign Standards (1) 1.5 m² maximum Area and 2 m maximum height on properties fronting Kingston Road, Westney Road, Lake Ridge Road, Salem Road, Church Street, Bayly Street, Rossland Road, Taunton Road and Harwood Avenue (2) Fascia Sign (3) Step Stake Signs are not permitted (4) one per lot frontage or driveway on a Public Street”
Number, per what: one per lot frontage or driveway on a public street
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
s.20.2
“9.6 The lighting intensity of an illuminated Sign shall be turned off or dimmed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if so directed by an Officer, or the conditions of any permit.”
11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. — but conditional. s.9.6 requires an illuminated sign to be turned off or dimmed in those hours only “if so directed by an Officer, or the conditions of any permit”.
s.9.5 is written about light DIRECTED AT a sign, which is external floodlighting. It reads awkwardly against an internally illuminated cabinet or an LED face, which is the common case. And because the curfew is discretionary, a quote that assumes a hard curfew and a quote that assumes none can both be wrong on the same job — it depends what the permit says.
Nothing in this by-law caps brightness. The only control is s.9.6: dimming or switching off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if an Officer, or the conditions of the permit, direct it. That is not discoverable from the document, and it is the first thing to ask about before you order the sign.
“(b) Animated Signs, with the exception of an electronic message board permitted under Section 18 of this by-law;”
s.20.1(b) prohibits animated signs except an electronic message board under s.18. Within s.18 the only display rule is s.18.1(b): the intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level — a constancy requirement, not a ceiling.
“18.1 Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided: (a) A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the purpose of an electronic message board; and, (b) The intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level.”
s.20.1(b) prohibits animated signs except an electronic message board under s.18. Within s.18 the only display rule is s.18.1(b): the intensity of illumination shall be maintained at a constant level — a constancy requirement, not a ceiling.
pylon SIGNS only. s.18.1 opens “Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided”, and nothing anywhere authorises a board on a fascia, canopy, overhanging or billboard sign. Read with s.20.2, which deems anything not expressly permitted to be prohibited, a digital WALL sign in Ajax has no route to approval short of a variance.
A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the electronic message board (s.18.1(a)). No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement. A change in the message displayed is not an alteration and needs no permit, provided the material, structure and sign area do not change (s.10.1).
“20.2 Where a Sign is not expressly permitted under the by-law, it shall be deemed to be prohibited.”
pylon SIGNS only. s.18.1 opens “Electronic Message Boards are permitted on a Pylon Sign provided”, and nothing anywhere authorises a board on a fascia, canopy, overhanging or billboard sign. Read with s.20.2, which deems anything not expressly permitted to be prohibited, a digital WALL sign in Ajax has no route to approval short of a variance.
“10.1 A change in the message displayed by a Sign does not constitute an alteration so as to require a permit, provided that this does not constitute a change in the material, structure or Sign Area.”
A maximum of 50% of the sign area may be used for the electronic message board (s.18.1(a)). No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement. A change in the message displayed is not an alteration and needs no permit, provided the material, structure and sign area do not change (s.10.1).
“9.5 The light directed at an illuminated Sign shall be directed away from an adjacent property and the path of vehicular traffic.”
s.9.5 is written about light DIRECTED AT a sign, which is external floodlighting. It reads awkwardly against an internally illuminated cabinet or an LED face, which is the common case. And because the curfew is discretionary, a quote that assumes a hard curfew and a quote that assumes none can both be wrong on the same job — it depends what the permit says.
There is no residential-proximity rule and no distance figure. The only adjacency rule is s.9.5: the light directed at an illuminated sign shall be directed away from an adjacent property and the path of vehicular traffic — any adjacent property, residential or not, with no separation, no lux limit and no angle stated.
“24.1 Council delegates the authority for sign variances to the Director.”
the Director, by delegation from Council (s.24.1) — though s.24.3 says the Director “may recommend authorization”, which leaves unclear who gives the final approval
“24.3 The Director may recommend authorization for a sign variance from the provisions of this by-law, if the general intent and purpose of the by-law is being maintained.”
the Director, by delegation from Council (s.24.1) — though s.24.3 says the Director “may recommend authorization”, which leaves unclear who gives the final approval
“7. Signs Permit (regulated by the building code) 5.8 $274 per sign”
$274 per sign under Building By-law 48-2023, Schedule “A”, dated January 1, 2026. Older copies with a lower figure may still turn up in search — see the document warning.
Each sign adds $274 to the permit fee.
“SCHEDULE “A” TO BY-LAW NUMBER 48-2023 CLASSES OF PERMITS, FEES AND REFUNDS January 1, 2026”
$274 per sign under Building By-law 48-2023, Schedule “A”, dated January 1, 2026. Older copies with a lower figure may still turn up in search — see the document warning.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Sign By-law Amendment $3,036.00 Sign By-law Variance $1,170.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,170.
A Sign By-law Amendment — changing the by-law rather than varying it — is $3,036.00
What we collect, why, and who handles it
The check itself runs in your browser. The address you type, the measurements you enter, the answers you give the checklist, the result and the report are worked out on your own device. Address lookup and picked coordinates are processed as described below. Local checks stay on your device unless you explicitly choose Save to my account. That optional action sends the saved project name, address, measurements and selected answers to SignAllow, together with a dated result summary and the full research and customer-summary PDFs. These reports include the government map findings and source dates shown at the time of saving. Local history is never uploaded automatically.
While you fill in a check before submission, the tool automatically keeps one unfinished draft in this browser. It contains your address, municipality, sign type, form inputs and measurements, manual review choices, form step, last-edit time and, if you selected an address suggestion, its coordinates. Automatic map findings, calculated reports, account identifiers and payment details are not saved in the draft. Purpose: restore unfinished work without signing in or using a check. Drafts are not uploaded to your account or synchronized to other devices. Anyone using this browser profile can see the restored draft.
A draft expires 7 days after its last edit and is removed when the tool is next opened. Start fresh, a successful check, or clearing this site’s browser data removes it earlier. Opening a different check and editing it replaces the unfinished draft; existing saved projects and past checks are not deleted. Other tabs cannot silently overwrite a changed draft. Storage restrictions or private browsing may prevent saving or retaining it, and the tool shows a message when a save fails. On restoration, saved coordinates refresh the existing same-origin government map lookups described below; only the point is forwarded to those map servers. Old automatic findings are not treated as current.
Some things do leave your browser. This notice says exactly which, why, who handles them and for how long. It describes what the site does today.
To avoid charging again for a property refinement, your browser sends SignAllow a one-way fingerprint of the normalised address and municipality, plus a signed allowance when returning. The meter does not receive the raw address or measurements. A fingerprint may still be linkable to an address; we do not treat it as anonymous. The signed allowance contains that fingerprint, the municipality, issue and expiry times, and an opaque account or browser identifier. It is used only to validate the 90-day revision period, not for advertising or analytics, and is not sent to map providers.
Visitors receive an essential, secure browser-identification cookie lasting up to 90 days; each new visitor check can renew the cookie, but never extends an existing allowance. Browser storage keeps up to 100 recent allowances until removed or replaced. Clearing past checks removes those local allowances; clearing cookies removes visitor access to them. When you explicitly save a project, its allowance is stored with the inputs in our existing Cloudflare database and bound to your account, with the same expiry. People authorised to open the project can use it under that account. It remains with the project until updated or deleted; it is excluded from customer reports, share links and personal project-detail exports.
When you choose Notes & next steps and save, we store the current notes text (up to 4,000 characters), next step (up to 500 characters), completion status, last editor’s membership email, save date, revision and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare database. These are internal working notes to help you and selected project collaborators coordinate work. Anyone currently allowed to edit the project can read and update them; removing shared access also removes access to notes. They do not change the by-law assessment and are not included in report PDFs, web reports, shared check links or private project duplicates. Saving replaces the current notes; we do not keep a notes revision history. Clear text and save to remove it. The latest save date, editor email and revision remain with the project until its creator deletes the project or asks us to delete it. Project deletion removes these notes and metadata too. Existing database backups may retain deleted data temporarily as described below.
When you choose Give feedback and send the form, we store the category, message (up to 4,000 characters), optional reply email, a random submission reference, submission date and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare review queue. If you tick Include basic diagnostics, we also store the page category, screen-size group and site build shown in the form. We do not attach the URL, address, project, report, account identity or browsing history. We use this to investigate problems and plan improvements, and may use your supplied email to respond about your message. No marketing subscription is created. Feedback is deleted after 12 months when the next feedback submission triggers cleanup; you may request earlier deletion from the Privacy Officer. Existing provider backups may retain deleted records temporarily. A separate keyed connection counter limits submissions for one hour; the connection address is not stored with feedback.
You may optionally save an internal job number of up to 64 characters with a project, alongside its existing name. It follows the project’s existing access, sharing and deletion rules. It is used for account display and search and included in your personal project-details export. It is excluded from customer PDFs, web reports and shared check links. Editing names or job numbers changes current project metadata without replacing earlier report versions.
If you have an active membership, you can explicitly save up to 200 projects to your account. We store the project name, check inputs (including address, municipality, sign type, dimensions and selected checklist answers), creation and update dates, the Privacy Notice version confirmed when saving, and an account-linked identifier in our existing Cloudflare database. Each new save can also retain a dated result summary, report reference, software and rules versions, and both generated PDFs in the same database, including map findings and source dates contained in the reports. Up to 20 dated versions are retained per project, with no automatic removal of older versions. This lets you reopen inputs or view and download the original saved reports on another device after signing in. New projects are private to the person who saved them, including individual teammates. On an active Pro account, the creator can explicitly share a project and all its dated versions with selected current teammates. Those selected can view and edit inputs, save new versions, download reports and make private duplicates. Only the creator can manage sharing or delete the project and its versions. We store the sharing selection and update date, creator and selected teammate email addresses, and the email address of the person saving each new report version. Selected collaborators can see the creator and saver email addresses. The sharing chooser lists existing team email addresses so a creator can select the intended people; it does not add people to the billing account.
We retain saved projects and dated versions until the creator deletes them or asks us to delete them. Sharing selections remain until the creator changes them, deletes the project, or a relevant teammate is removed. Removing a teammate revokes their shared access, and removes sharing on projects they created; re-adding the person does not restore those grants. Shared access is paused without an active Pro plan. Removing access cannot recall reports already downloaded or private duplicates already created. The creator can delete an individual dated version, or delete a project and all its versions. Cancelling a membership does not automatically delete projects: the account holder can still sign in to open, download or delete them, but an active membership is required to save changes. A removed teammate loses access; contact the Privacy Officer for access or deletion assistance. Deleting a project removes it and all its dated versions from the active database; provider recovery copies may remain under Cloudflare’s backup retention. Clearing browser history does not delete account-saved projects.
When you choose System, Light or Dark while signed in, we store that choice, an account-linked identifier, a revision number and the latest save time in our existing Cloudflare database. Each teammate has a separate preference. It is used only to apply your theme across signed-in devices; it is not a marketing event and contains no check or project details. We keep the current preference until you replace it or ask the Privacy Officer to delete it. System follows each device’s own appearance setting. The effective browser choice is cached locally to apply it before the page loads; visitors use this browser-only storage. Clearing browser data removes the local copy, not the account preference. We do not upload an existing browser choice until you explicitly select or save a theme, or use the header theme switch while signed in.
SRD Media Group Inc., carrying on business as SignAllow, is responsible for personal information under its control, including information that service providers handle for us. Our privacy contact is the Privacy Officer: admin@signallow.ca.
For each top-up, our existing Cloudflare database stores your Stripe customer, payment and checkout identifiers, amount paid including tax, five-check credit amount, counts used and reversed following refunds or disputes, and creation and update times. We use these records to deliver the purchase once, show the remaining balance, preserve it after subscription cancellation and handle refunds without removing unrelated purchases. They contain no addresses, measurements or reports. The records are kept while a purchased balance remains available, then under the purchase-record retention period below. Purchased checks have no expiry.
Stripe processes payments for us. Your card details go directly to Stripe; we never see or store a card number. From Stripe we receive only the items listed under "If you pay". Stripe also handles some information under its own privacy policy for its own purposes, such as fraud prevention and its legal obligations. Cancelling, changing a card and downloading receipts happen in Stripe's billing portal, which we open for you.
If you choose to use Ask Scout, your questions, recent conversation, relevant project specifications and maintained by-law evidence are sent to OpenAI to prepare an answer. Scout is AI, is in beta and can make mistakes. Do not include confidential business information, personal information you do not need to share, credentials or payment details. Project names, internal job numbers, addresses, internal project notes, account emails, billing records, owner information and development records are not automatically sent. Information you type into chat may still contain those details; omit them.
Scout conversations are private to the signed-in person, including within a Pro team, and remain in our existing Cloudflare database. We keep up to 50 conversations with up to 60 questions each. Conversations expire after 90 days without activity and are removed during the next Scout cleanup request. You can delete a conversation in Ask Scout. Deletion removes the conversation content from our active database; it does not recall a request already processed by OpenAI or erase provider security logs. Saved projects and reports are separate and are not changed by chat.
OpenAI is an additional service provider for this optional feature. We use its API with response storage disabled. API content is not used to train OpenAI models by default; abuse-monitoring logs may contain content and ordinarily remain for up to 30 days, subject to OpenAI’s stated exceptions. We do not promise zero provider retention or Canada-only processing. See OpenAI API data controls.
We retain message counts, model names, token usage and estimated cost for up to 90 days, with removal during subsequent cleanup, to enforce allowances and control operating costs. These usage records do not contain question or answer text. Our normal service logs and backup handling also apply. Contact admin@signallow.ca for privacy requests, including after membership ends.
We use these service providers to run SignAllow. Each handles only what it needs to for the service it provides to us:
These providers process information in the United States and may do so in other countries. Information processed outside Canada is subject to the laws of those countries and may be accessible to their courts, law enforcement and national security authorities. We remain responsible for information we transfer to them for processing, and each provider also has its own privacy practices.
Project save and delete requests also use hourly counters linked to a hashed account identifier, to prevent automated abuse.
We collect as little as the service allows. Your proposed sign measurements and checklist answers stay on your device unless you explicitly save an account project. Generated reports stay on your device. Address suggestions and picked coordinates are processed only as described above. Beyond that, all traffic is encrypted, access tokens are random and held in cookies your browser's scripts cannot read, recovery codes are stored only as hashes, and access to the database and provider accounts is limited to the person who operates SignAllow.
If a breach of security safeguards involving personal information under our control creates a real risk of significant harm, we will report it to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and notify the people affected as soon as feasible. We keep a record of every breach of security safeguards involving personal information for at least 24 months.
You can ask what personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. Write to admin@signallow.ca from the email address concerned; that is how we confirm the request is yours. We answer within 30 days. Deleting a purchase record ends the access it holds, and records the law requires us to keep, such as tax records, are kept for the required period and then deleted.
If you are not satisfied with how we have handled your information or a request, tell us first at admin@signallow.ca. You can also complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Three cookies, all strictly functional, all unreadable by the page's scripts: one counts your free checks, one lists the municipalities you have checked in the last 24 hours, and one carries your access token if you have paid.
A fourth cookie is set only if you arrive from one of our ads: it holds that ad’s click identifier for up to 90 days, as described above. It is our own cookie, not Google’s. You can remove it by clearing this site’s cookies.
Your browser's own storage (not a cookie) also keeps things for your convenience, on your device only: which version of the terms you accepted and its reference number, so you are not asked again; the kind of user you said you are, if you chose one; and your past checks, with any project name you gave them (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice and measurements, and the headline answer). Local history is not sent to us automatically. Account projects are stored only when you choose to save them, as described above. You can see and clear local history on the Account page in the checker, or by clearing your browser's site data.
There is no analytics cookie and no third-party tracker: no Google, social media or other advertising script runs on this site, and no one else’s cookie is set. Page statistics come from Cloudflare Web Analytics, which does not use cookies.
When address suggestions are switched on, the text you type in the address field is sent to SignAllow as you type it, and SignAllow passes it to Geoapify, a geocoding service, which returns matching addresses. Geoapify receives only the text typed; it does not receive your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. Address suggestions do not create a saved project; SignAllow's server may hold a copy of the suggestions for up to an hour so the same partial address is not looked up twice. Purpose: to help you type an address and set the municipality. When suggestions are off, the address field is a plain text box and what you type there stays in your browser unless you explicitly save an account project. Whether suggestions are on is shown by whether a list appears under the field.
When you pick a suggested address in one of the municipalities that publishes its zoning as a map service (today: Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Mississauga, Burlington and Milton), SignAllow sends the coordinates of that address — a latitude and longitude, nothing else — to SignAllow and on to that municipality’s own public zoning map server, which returns the zone at that point. The municipality receives a point; it does not receive the address text, your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. SignAllow’s server may hold the answer for that point for up to an hour. Purpose: to set the sign district from the zoning, which you can change. This happens only after you choose a suggestion, never as you type, and only for those municipalities.
After you pick an address suggestion, your browser sends its latitude, longitude and selected municipality to SignAllow to screen available government map layers. External map servers receive only the point and fixed query parameters, not the address text, your IP address from us, your cookies, sign measurements or report. SignAllow may cache a map answer at the edge for up to one hour. Results and source dates are displayed in the check and included in the full PDF and saved web report; the customer summary excludes the overlay cards. Manual answers remain yours to change. Typing an address without selecting a suggestion does not trigger this lookup. If you go to checkout, the picked point is temporarily kept in your browser tab so the maps can be checked again when you return. This temporary copy is removed when the check is restored.
“Copy link for your team” makes a link that carries the details of your check (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice, measurements and project name) in the part of the link after the # sign. Browsers do not send that part to any server, so it does not reach us; anyone you send the link to can open it and see those details. Share it as you would share the address itself.
A PDF or web page you download is generated in your browser and saved to your device. We do not receive a copy.
Each version of this notice has a version number and an effective date, shown below, and earlier versions are kept.
Privacy Notice, version 2026-09-27.14, effective 27 September 2026.
The size and count rules are in, so you get a number rather than a reading list.
We hold the reference and the contacts. We would rather say that than guess.
