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Aurora sign by‑law: what’s allowed

Sign By-law 5840-16, current to 26 May 2026 (By-law 6785-26). 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.

We calculate sizesverified 2026-09Stale copy liveUpdated 23 September 2026 →

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.

Lake Ontario Aurora
Approximate location

Check a specific address in Aurora

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.

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What the by-law allows in Aurora
Sign typeHereMost you’d getThe rule
On the building
Fascia, wall sign, channel letters
Depends on districts.5.3 with Table 6.2 — commercial 35 m² (377 sq ft), provided the aggregate facing any one direction stays under 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of wall read it · p.15 ↗
Freestanding
Pylon or monument out front
Depends on districts.5.4 with Table 6.2 — commercial 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft); 9.0 m (30 ft) from a Residential Zone, 7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light, 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs read it · p.16 ↗
Projecting
Blade sign off the wall
Depends on districtDepends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure.
Small directional
Entrance or drive-aisle sign
Depends on districtUsually falls under the ground sign rules unless the by-law carves out directional signs — s.5.4 with Table 6.2 — commercial 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft); 9.0 m (30 ft) from a Residential Zone, 7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light, 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs read it · p.16 ↗
New face, same frame
Replacing the face of a sign already there
UnresolvedA 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 neededWindow-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 onlyReview 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 onlyReview 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 onlyReview 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 onlyReview 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.

Can you light it?Depends where exactly

Depends where exactly

Permitted where the zone table allows it — no brightness cap, and none facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a Residential Zone. There is no free-standing permission. s.5.2(c) sends you to the Section 6 zone table for the method of illumination, and the tables grant internal or external illumination by sign type. s.5.2(a) is the only general constraint: a sign may not be illuminated in a way that creates a hazard or a nuisance.

BrightnessNo 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 dimmedNone stated.
Up-lightingNot addressed
The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission.
Near housings.5.2(b): notwithstanding any other provision, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated. Ground signs in non-Residential Zones must also be 9.0 m (30 ft) from any adjacent Residential Zone (s.5.4(c)).
s.5.2(b), s.5.4

Worth knowing before you design it

s.5.2(b) applies notwithstanding the zone tables, so a sign the table allows to be illuminated may not be lit if it faces and is within 20 m (66 ft) of a Residential Zone property. No portable sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

Read this first. The by-law gives no brightness figure for any sign, dynamic signs included. Our reading — not yet quoted from the by-law; confirm with the City

You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.5.5.

Read it yourself: s.5.2, s.5.5, Section 6 tables of Sign By-law 5840-16 ↗

What it costs and how long5 to budget

Permit fee

$183 base + $12.14/m² — needs the sign area to price

About the fee

$183.00 per application plus $12.14 per square metre of the total aggregate area of all proposed signs; $363.00 for a billboard or mural sign. Schedule A inside the by-law still prints the older $150.00 plus $10 per square metre.

How long the City takes

No verified processing target is recorded here for Aurora. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.

If it needs a variance $363

Decided by the Director within s.4.10(b) — up to one additional sign, or up to 20% more area and 10% more height on a permitted sign — and Council beyond it. Appeal: Council, within 30 days of receiving the notice of decision. $363.00 for a variance within the Director’s scope, $729.00 where it exceeds that scope, and $363.00 to appeal to Council. The fee schedule also lists a security deposit of $607.00 per sign.

Professional design and construction review — Professional design/review not resolved

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

The by-law itself
The governing document

Sign By-law 5840-16

5840-16 · Current to 26 May 2026 (By-law 6785-26) · PDF, 38 pages

Open the by-law ↗
The fee schedule inside the by-law is a decade out of date Schedule A inside the current consolidation still prints the old fees — $150 per application plus $10 per square metre — with no note deferring to the fee by-law. The governing 2026 figures are $183 plus $12.14 per square metre. Anyone quoting off the by-law PDF is quoting out-of-date money.
Read this before you read the by-law. The Town’s own sign permit page labels its by-law link with the wrong by-law number — that of a portable-signs amendment, not the by-law — and the link does not open the document at all, it drops you on the by-law landing page. The predecessor by-law is also still live in the records repository with nothing on its face saying it is dead.

Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:

What you wantWhere it is
Wall signss.5.3 with Table 6.2 — commercial 35 m² (377 sq ft), provided the aggregate facing any one direction stays under 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of wallopen · p.15 ↗
Ground signss.5.4 with Table 6.2 — commercial 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft); 9.0 m (30 ft) from a Residential Zone, 7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light, 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signsopen · p.16 ↗
Variances.4.10 — the Director may grant one extra sign, +20% area and +10% height; beyond that it is Council, with a 30-day appealopen ↗
Structures.4.1(b) and s.4.3(c) — conformity with the Ontario Building Code and structural-support specifications with the application; the words engineer, stamped, sealed and wind load do not appear anywhere in the by-lawopen · p.9 ↗

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:

Where these numbers came from
By-law textverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 2 separate checks
Section 6 (Tables 6.1(a) to 6.9) and ss.5.2–5.4 read on 26 September 2026 from the text layer (every quote matched on its page) and again from the page images of pages 24, 26 and 28; both agree on every cell.
Size and count rulesverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 2 separate checks
Split into seven rows (commercial, shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more, gas station, industrial, institutional, rural/open space, apartment lot) on 26 September 2026; text layer and page images agree.
Permit feesverified Sep 2026 · published fee schedule · checked once
⚠ Schedule A inside the current by-law consolidation still prints the 2016 fees with no cross-reference to the fee by-law — 20 to 25% below the governing 2026 figures.
Variance costverified Sep 2026 · published fee schedule · checked once
The by-law’s own words123 figures

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.

Where each rule sits in the by-law

Structure
“(b) A sign permit shall not be issued to erect or alter a sign unless an application for the sign has been submitted in accordance with subsection 4.3 and is in conformity with this by-law, the Ontario Building Code and all other applicable laws and laws regulating signage.”
What this means for your sign

Structure: s.4.1(b) and s.4.3(c) — conformity with the Ontario Building Code and structural-support specifications with the application; the words engineer, stamped, sealed and wind load do not appear anywhere in the by-law

Structure
“(c) plans and specifications drawn to scale showing sufficient detail to determine compliance with this by-law and the Ontario Building Code including location, size, height and graphics of all proposed and existing signs, construction materials and specifications respecting structural support and framework of the sign; plans and specifications are to be submitted in duplicate, unless otherwise stated;”
What this means for your sign

Structure: s.4.1(b) and s.4.3(c) — conformity with the Ontario Building Code and structural-support specifications with the application; the words engineer, stamped, sealed and wind load do not appear anywhere in the by-law

Rules for every sign

how to find your category
“6.2 Commercial Zones: Except for signs to which subsection 6.3 or 6.4 applies, sign types listed below in Table 6.2 that are erected or maintained in Commercial Zones shall comply with the requirements provided in Table 6.2.”
What this means for your sign

Read the zone off Aurora’s Zoning By-law, then go to the matching table in Section 6: 6.2 commercial, 6.3 a shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (a smaller one, or one in a C1 or C2 zone, reads Table 6.2), 6.4 gasoline stations, 6.6 industrial, 6.8 institutional, 6.9 rural and open space, 6.1 residential apartment lots. A business park reads 6.2 or 6.6 by the use (s.6.7). Then check Schedule B — inside the Aurora Promenade, and on any heritage property, the permit goes through Planning for design review first (s.4.7).

how to find your category
“6.3 Signs in Shopping Centres: Sign types listed below in Table 6.3 that are erected in shopping centres shall comply with the requirements provided in Table 6.3, except for signs located: (a) on a shopping centre located in a Local Commercial C1 Zone or a Central Commercial C2 Zone, as designated in the Zoning By-law, or (b) or on a shopping centre with a lot area less than 1.0 hectare, which shall comply with subsection 6.2.”
What this means for your sign

Read the zone off Aurora’s Zoning By-law, then go to the matching table in Section 6: 6.2 commercial, 6.3 a shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (a smaller one, or one in a C1 or C2 zone, reads Table 6.2), 6.4 gasoline stations, 6.6 industrial, 6.8 institutional, 6.9 rural and open space, 6.1 residential apartment lots. A business park reads 6.2 or 6.6 by the use (s.6.7). Then check Schedule B — inside the Aurora Promenade, and on any heritage property, the permit goes through Planning for design review first (s.4.7).

how to find your category
“6.4 Signs on Gasoline Stations: Sign types listed below in Table 6.4 that are erected or maintained on gasoline stations (including car washes), shall comply with the requirements provided in Table 6.4.”
What this means for your sign

Read the zone off Aurora’s Zoning By-law, then go to the matching table in Section 6: 6.2 commercial, 6.3 a shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (a smaller one, or one in a C1 or C2 zone, reads Table 6.2), 6.4 gasoline stations, 6.6 industrial, 6.8 institutional, 6.9 rural and open space, 6.1 residential apartment lots. A business park reads 6.2 or 6.6 by the use (s.6.7). Then check Schedule B — inside the Aurora Promenade, and on any heritage property, the permit goes through Planning for design review first (s.4.7).

how to find your category
“6.7 Signs in a Business Park Zone: (a) Signs for commercial uses located in a Business Park Zone, as identified and described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provisions of subsection 6.2 “Commercial Zones” as if the sign was located in a Commercial Zone. (b) Signs for industrial uses located in a Business Park Zone, as identified and described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provision of the subsection 6.6 “Industrial Zones” as if the sign was located in an Industrial Zone.”
What this means for your sign

Read the zone off Aurora’s Zoning By-law, then go to the matching table in Section 6: 6.2 commercial, 6.3 a shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (a smaller one, or one in a C1 or C2 zone, reads Table 6.2), 6.4 gasoline stations, 6.6 industrial, 6.8 institutional, 6.9 rural and open space, 6.1 residential apartment lots. A business park reads 6.2 or 6.6 by the use (s.6.7). Then check Schedule B — inside the Aurora Promenade, and on any heritage property, the permit goes through Planning for design review first (s.4.7).

how to find your category
“(iii) located within the area delineated as the Aurora Promenade on Schedule “B” of this by-law; are subject to review and approval by the Town’s Planning and Development Services Department for conformity with any applicable heritage, signage and streetscape policies, studies and guidelines, of the Town or otherwise, prior to the issuance of the permit.”
What this means for your sign

Read the zone off Aurora’s Zoning By-law, then go to the matching table in Section 6: 6.2 commercial, 6.3 a shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (a smaller one, or one in a C1 or C2 zone, reads Table 6.2), 6.4 gasoline stations, 6.6 industrial, 6.8 institutional, 6.9 rural and open space, 6.1 residential apartment lots. A business park reads 6.2 or 6.6 by the use (s.6.7). Then check Schedule B — inside the Aurora Promenade, and on any heritage property, the permit goes through Planning for design review first (s.4.7).

note
“(i) Up to one additional sign on a premises over the limit prescribed elsewhere in this by-law, provided the additional sign meets all other provisions of this by-law and is a permitted sign type.”
What this means for your sign

Variances: the Director may authorize either up to one additional sign, or, for a permitted sign, up to a 20% increase in area and a 10% increase in height plus location and projection relief, but not both (s.4.10(b)). Beyond that scope the variance goes to Council, and a Director’s refusal can be appealed to Council within 30 days (s.4.10(d)).

note
“• Up to 20% increase in the maximum permitted sign area under this by-law, and • Up to 10% increase in the maximum permitted sign height under this by-law, and • Location of the sign, and • Projection of the signs beyond the wall of the unit, building or canopy fascia.”
What this means for your sign

Variances: the Director may authorize either up to one additional sign, or, for a permitted sign, up to a 20% increase in area and a 10% increase in height plus location and projection relief, but not both (s.4.10(b)). Beyond that scope the variance goes to Council, and a Director’s refusal can be appealed to Council within 30 days (s.4.10(d)).

note
“where an application for a sign variance is denied by the Director, the applicant may choose to appeal to Council within 30 days of receiving the notice of decision”
What this means for your sign

Variances: the Director may authorize either up to one additional sign, or, for a permitted sign, up to a 20% increase in area and a 10% increase in height plus location and projection relief, but not both (s.4.10(b)). Beyond that scope the variance goes to Council, and a Director’s refusal can be appealed to Council within 30 days (s.4.10(d)).

Commercial zone — a standalone building, a unit, or a plaza under 1.0 ha · Wall sign

what the area is measured against, maximum area, number, note, area per metre of frontage
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs N/A 35 m², provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the premise wall on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way

The wall sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.2). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).

clearance above the ground, number, note
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.2). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

placement
“(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.”
What this means for your sign

the floor level with direct access to an exterior public way, unless the premises occupies every floor of the building (s.5.3(d))

Commercial zone — a standalone building, a unit, or a plaza under 1.0 ha · Ground sign

two signs on a long frontage, maximum area, number, number, note, height, minimum frontage
“Ground Signs One (1) per lot for lots with street line of 12.2 m up to 75 m; Two (2) per lot for lots with street line greater than 75 m; and One (1) additional ground sign for corner lots with minimum street line of 12.2 m No ground signs are permitted in C1 or C2 Zones 10 m² 7.5 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 75 m (246 ft), with the two at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

One per lot with a street line of 12.2 m (40 ft) up to 75 m (246 ft), two per lot over 75 m (246 ft), and one more on a corner lot with at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of street line. No ground signs at all in the C1 or C2 zones (Table 6.2).

The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).

Only allowed where the lot has at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of frontage.

two signs on a long frontage, maximum area, number, number, note, height, minimum frontage
“No ground signs are permitted in C1 or C2 Zones 10 m² 7.5 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 75 m (246 ft), with the two at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

One per lot with a street line of 12.2 m (40 ft) up to 75 m (246 ft), two per lot over 75 m (246 ft), and one more on a corner lot with at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of street line. No ground signs at all in the C1 or C2 zones (Table 6.2).

The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).

Only allowed where the lot has at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of frontage.

spacing of two signs, setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

Where two signs are allowed, they must stand at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Commercial zone — a standalone building, a unit, or a plaza under 1.0 ha · Projecting sign

maximum area, number, note
“Projecting Signs One (1) per premises 2.0 m² N/A Externally”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 2 m² (22 sq ft).

One projecting sign per premises.

Note: Externally lit only (Table 6.2).

Shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (not in a C1 or C2 zone) · Wall sign

what the area is measured against, maximum area, number, note, area per metre of frontage
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs N/A 35 m², provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the premises’ wall on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way

The wall sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.3). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).

clearance above the ground, number, note
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.3). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

placement
“(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.”
What this means for your sign

the floor level with direct access to an exterior public way, unless the premises occupies every floor of the building (s.5.3(d))

Shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (not in a C1 or C2 zone) · Ground sign

two signs on a long frontage, maximum area, number, number, note, height, minimum frontage
“Ground Signs One (1) per lot for lots with street line of 12.2 m up to 100 m; Two (2) per lot for lots with street line greater than 100 m; and One (1) additional ground sign for corner lots with minimum street line of 12.2 m 10 m² for a lot area of 1.0 ha to 4.0 ha 18 m² for a lot area greater than 4.0 ha 9.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 100 m (328 ft), with the two at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

10 m² (108 sq ft) on a lot of 1.0 ha to 4.0 ha, 18 m² (194 sq ft) on a lot over 4.0 ha, 9.0 m (30 ft) tall. One per lot with a street line of 12.2 m (40 ft) up to 100 m (328 ft), two over 100 m (328 ft), and one more on a corner lot with at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of street line (Table 6.3).

The ground sign can be no taller than 9 m (30 ft).

Only allowed where the lot has at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of frontage.

spacing of two signs, setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

Where two signs are allowed, they must stand at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Shopping centre of 1.0 ha or more (not in a C1 or C2 zone) · Projecting sign

note
“6.3 Signs in Shopping Centres: Sign types listed below in Table 6.3 that are erected in shopping centres shall comply with the requirements provided in Table 6.3, except for signs located: (a) on a shopping centre located in a Local Commercial C1 Zone or a Central Commercial C2 Zone, as designated in the Zoning By-law, or (b) or on a shopping centre with a lot area less than 1.0 hectare, which shall comply with subsection 6.2.”
What this means for your sign

Table 6.3 has no projecting-sign row, and s.6.3 sends shopping-centre signs to that table. Table 6.2 would give one per premises at 2.0 m² (22 sq ft); ask the Town which applies before quoting one.

note
“Projecting Signs One (1) per premises 2.0 m² N/A Externally”
What this means for your sign

Table 6.3 has no projecting-sign row, and s.6.3 sends shopping-centre signs to that table. Table 6.2 would give one per premises at 2.0 m² (22 sq ft); ask the Town which applies before quoting one.

Gasoline station or car wash · Wall sign

what the area is measured against, maximum area, number, note, area per metre of frontage
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs N/A 35 m², provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way

The wall sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.4). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).

clearance above the ground, number, note
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.4). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

placement
“(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.”
What this means for your sign

the floor level with direct access to an exterior public way, unless the premises occupies every floor of the building (s.5.3(d))

Gasoline station or car wash · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, minimum frontage
“Ground Signs One (1) per lot for lots with minimum street line of 12.2 m; and One (1) additional ground sign for corner lots 10 m² plus an additional 2.5 m² for posting price of the gas and/or other associated accessories 7.5 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

10 m² (108 sq ft) plus 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) more for posting the price of gas and accessories, 7.5 m (25 ft) tall; one per lot with at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of street line and one more on a corner lot (Table 6.4).

The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).

Only allowed where the lot has at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of frontage.

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Gasoline station or car wash · Projecting sign

note
“Free Standing Canopy Signs one (1) per gasoline station 50% of the canopy facia; provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the canopy facia on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

Table 6.4 lists wall, free-standing canopy and ground signs only. A free-standing canopy sign may take 50% of the canopy fascia, within the same 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre aggregate (Table 6.4).

Industrial zone, or an industrial use in a business park · Wall sign

what the area is measured against, maximum area, number, note, area per metre of frontage
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs N/A 20 m², provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way

The wall sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 20.0 m² (Table 6.6). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).

clearance above the ground, number, note
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 20.0 m² (Table 6.6). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

placement
“(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.”
What this means for your sign

the floor level with direct access to an exterior public way, unless the premises occupies every floor of the building (s.5.3(d))

Industrial zone, or an industrial use in a business park · Ground sign

two signs on a long frontage, maximum area, number, number, note, height, minimum frontage, area per metre of frontage
“Ground Signs One (1) per lot for lots with street line of 12.2 m up to 75 m; Two (2) per lot for lots with street line greater than 75 m; and One (1) additional ground sign for corner lots with minimum street line of 300 m 0.3 m² per linear metre of the street line to a maximum of 10 m² 7.5 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 75 m (246 ft), with the two at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

One ground sign per lot.

0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) per linear metre of the street line to a maximum of 10 m² (108 sq ft), 7.5 m (25 ft) tall. One per lot with a street line of 12.2 m (40 ft) up to 75 m (246 ft), two over 75 m (246 ft), and one more on a corner lot — the table asks for 300 m (984 ft) of street line for that corner sign (Table 6.6).

The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).

Only allowed where the lot has at least 12.2 m (40 ft) of frontage.

You get 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9 m² (97 sq ft).

spacing of two signs, setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

Where two signs are allowed, they must stand at least 15 m (49 ft) apart.

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Industrial zone, or an industrial use in a business park · Projecting sign

maximum area, number, note
“Projecting Signs One (1) per premises 0.5 m² N/A None”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).

One projecting sign per premises.

Note: Not illuminated (Table 6.6).

Institutional zone · Wall sign

what the area is measured against, maximum area, number, note, area per metre of frontage
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs N/A 35 m², provided that the total aggregate area of all signs in any one direction does not exceed 0.75 m² per horizontal linear metre of the premises’ wall on that direction N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way

The wall sign allowance tops out at 35 m² (377 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.8). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the premises wall facing that direction, counting every sign facing the same way. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).

clearance above the ground, number, note
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

No maximum number: the control is the aggregate, 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per horizontal linear metre of the premises wall facing one direction, to 35.0 m² (Table 6.8). A wall sign overhanging a walkway by more than 55 mm needs 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) of clearance (s.5.3(b)).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

placement
“(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.”
What this means for your sign

the floor level with direct access to an exterior public way, unless the premises occupies every floor of the building (s.5.3(d))

Institutional zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, height
“Ground Signs One (1) per lot 4.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

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.

The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Institutional zone · Projecting sign

maximum area, number, note
“Projecting Signs One (1) per premise 0.5 m² N/A None”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).

One projecting sign per premises.

Note: Not illuminated (Table 6.8).

Rural, open space or environmental protection zone · Wall sign

note
“Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area Maximum Height Permitted Illumination Method Ground Signs One (1) per lot 2.2 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally Additional Ground Signs for Rural Zones Two (2) per lot, each advertising the sale of edible farm produce grown on the premises 1.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

Table 6.9 lists ground signs only: one per lot of 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) and 4.0 m (13 ft), plus on a rural lot two more of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) each advertising edible farm produce grown on the premises. No wall-sign row is written.

Rural, open space or environmental protection zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height
“Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area Maximum Height Permitted Illumination Method Ground Signs One (1) per lot 2.2 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally Additional Ground Signs for Rural Zones Two (2) per lot, each advertising the sale of edible farm produce grown on the premises 1.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.2 m² (24 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.2 m² (24 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

One per lot at 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) and 4.0 m (13 ft); a rural lot may add two signs of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) each for edible farm produce grown on the premises (Table 6.9).

The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Rural, open space or environmental protection zone · Projecting sign

cite
“Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area Maximum Height Permitted Illumination Method Ground Signs One (1) per lot 2.2 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally Additional Ground Signs for Rural Zones Two (2) per lot, each advertising the sale of edible farm produce grown on the premises 1.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

Table 6.9 lists ground signs only

Residential apartment building lot · Wall sign

maximum area, number, note
“Wall, Awning or Canopy Signs One (1) per apartment building 9 m² N/A Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

The wall sign allowance tops out at 9 m² (97 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 9 m² (97 sq ft).

One wall sign per apartment building.

Wall, awning or canopy sign: one per apartment building, 9 m² (97 sq ft), internally or externally lit (Table 6.1(a)). Signs requiring a permit are otherwise not allowed in a residential zone (s.6.1).

clearance above the ground
“Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the walkway is provided.”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) above the ground or walkway below.

note
“6.1 Residential Zones: Signs requiring a permit are not allowed in any Residential Zones, unless: (a) on a lot containing a residential apartment building and such sign is in compliance with the requirements provided in Table 6.1(a);”
What this means for your sign

Wall, awning or canopy sign: one per apartment building, 9 m² (97 sq ft), internally or externally lit (Table 6.1(a)). Signs requiring a permit are otherwise not allowed in a residential zone (s.6.1).

projection from the wall
“No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall upon which it is placed.”
What this means for your sign

It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.

Residential apartment building lot · Ground sign

maximum area, number, height
“Ground Signs One (1) per apartment building 2.4 m² 4.0 m Internally or Externally”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).

One ground sign per apartment building.

The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).

setback, note, setback
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Signs facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a residential zone may not be illuminated (s.5.2(b)).

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light. (b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater. (c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres. (d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line. (f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign face.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

setback
“(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

7.5 m (25 ft) from a traffic light · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) or the sign’s height, whichever is greater, from a common lot boundary · 9.0 m (30 ft) from an adjacent residential zone · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) between ground signs on one lot · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) · clear of the daylight triangle on a corner

Residential apartment building lot · Projecting sign

cite
“6.1 Residential Zones: Signs requiring a permit are not allowed in any Residential Zones, unless: (a) on a lot containing a residential apartment building and such sign is in compliance with the requirements provided in Table 6.1(a);”
What this means for your sign

s.6.1 — in a residential zone only the signs in Table 6.1(a) are allowed

Lighting and digital signs

which signs may be digital
“5.5 Dynamic Signs: (a) Dynamic signs are permitted only as an integral part of a ground sign.”
What this means for your sign

Ground signs only: s.5.5(a) permits dynamic signs only as an integral part of a ground sign.

where a digital sign can go
“(b) The dynamic portion of a ground sign shall be located in a secure enclosure or equipped with tamper-proof mechanism that prevents unauthorized persons from changing or modifying the display message.”
What this means for your sign

The dynamic portion must be in a secure enclosure or have a tamper-proof mechanism against unauthorized message changes (s.5.5(b)). No dimming requirement is stated.

distance from an intersection
“Where display message changes use light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other illumination technology, a minimum distance of fifteen (15) metres shall be maintained between the sign and a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

15 metres from a traffic light where display message changes use LEDs or other illumination technology (s.5.5(c))

general permission to illuminate
“5.2 Illumination : (a) Signs shall not be illuminated in such a way that either the sign or the method of illumination creates a hazard or a nuisance.”
What this means for your sign

There is no free-standing permission. s.5.2(c) sends you to the Section 6 zone table for the method of illumination, and the tables grant internal or external illumination by sign type. s.5.2(a) is the only general constraint: a sign may not be illuminated in a way that creates a hazard or a nuisance.

general permission to illuminate
“(c) Where a sign is permitted to be illuminated, the method of illumination shall comply with the provisions contained within section 6 of this by-law.”
What this means for your sign

There is no free-standing permission. s.5.2(c) sends you to the Section 6 zone table for the method of illumination, and the tables grant internal or external illumination by sign type. s.5.2(a) is the only general constraint: a sign may not be illuminated in a way that creates a hazard or a nuisance.

lighting, in short, worth knowing, near housing
“Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated.”
What this means for your sign

Permitted where the zone table allows it — no brightness cap, and none facing and within 20 m (66 ft) of a Residential Zone

s.5.2(b) applies notwithstanding the zone tables, so a sign the table allows to be illuminated may not be lit if it faces and is within 20 m (66 ft) of a Residential Zone property. No portable sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

s.5.2(b): notwithstanding any other provision, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated. Ground signs in non-Residential Zones must also be 9.0 m (30 ft) from any adjacent Residential Zone (s.5.4(c)).

worth knowing
“no portable sign shall be internally or externally illuminated;”
What this means for your sign

s.5.2(b) applies notwithstanding the zone tables, so a sign the table allows to be illuminated may not be lit if it faces and is within 20 m (66 ft) of a Residential Zone property. No portable sign may be internally or externally illuminated.

near housing
“Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres.”
What this means for your sign

s.5.2(b): notwithstanding any other provision, signs facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not be illuminated. Ground signs in non-Residential Zones must also be 9.0 m (30 ft) from any adjacent Residential Zone (s.5.4(c)).

Fees and timelines

appeal
“where an application for a sign variance is denied by the Director, the applicant may choose to appeal to Council within 30 days of receiving the notice of decision”
base fee, note, permit fee per m²
“Application for General Sign Permit (unless specified below) each $183.00 per application plus $12.14/square metre of total aggregate areas of all proposed signs”
What this means for your sign

The permit starts at $183.

$183.00 per application plus $12.14 per square metre of the total aggregate area of all proposed signs; $363.00 for a billboard or mural sign. Schedule A inside the by-law still prints the older $150.00 plus $10 per square metre.

The permit costs $12.14 per m² of sign (about $1.13 per sq ft).

who decides a variance
“(i) Up to one additional sign on a premises over the limit prescribed elsewhere in this by-law, provided the additional sign meets all other provisions of this by-law and is a permitted sign type.”
What this means for your sign

the Director within s.4.10(b) — up to one additional sign, or up to 20% more area and 10% more height on a permitted sign — and Council beyond it

who decides a variance
“• Up to 20% increase in the maximum permitted sign area under this by-law, and • Up to 10% increase in the maximum permitted sign height under this by-law, and • Location of the sign, and • Projection of the signs beyond the wall of the unit, building or canopy fascia.”
What this means for your sign

the Director within s.4.10(b) — up to one additional sign, or up to 20% more area and 10% more height on a permitted sign — and Council beyond it

note
“Application for Billboard or Mural Sign per application $363.00”
What this means for your sign

$183.00 per application plus $12.14 per square metre of the total aggregate area of all proposed signs; $363.00 for a billboard or mural sign. Schedule A inside the by-law still prints the older $150.00 plus $10 per square metre.

note
“application fee for sign permit (unless specified below): $150.00 per application plus $10 per square metre of total aggregate areas of all proposed signs”
What this means for your sign

$183.00 per application plus $12.14 per square metre of the total aggregate area of all proposed signs; $363.00 for a billboard or mural sign. Schedule A inside the by-law still prints the older $150.00 plus $10 per square metre.

variance fee, variance fee, third-party
“Application for Sign Variance Request (within the scope limits described in 4.10(b) of By-law 5840.14) each $363.00”
What this means for your sign

Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $363.

$363.00 for a variance within the Director’s scope, $729.00 where it exceeds that scope, and $363.00 to appeal to Council. The fee schedule also lists a security deposit of $607.00 per sign.

variance fee, third-party
“Application for Appeal to Council (pursuant to 4.10(d) of By-law 5840.14) each $363.00”
What this means for your sign

$363.00 for a variance within the Director’s scope, $729.00 where it exceeds that scope, and $363.00 to appeal to Council. The fee schedule also lists a security deposit of $607.00 per sign.

variance fee, third-party
“Application for Sign Variance Request (exceeding the scope limits described in 4.10(e) of By-law 5840.14) each $729.00”
What this means for your sign

$363.00 for a variance within the Director’s scope, $729.00 where it exceeds that scope, and $363.00 to appeal to Council. The fee schedule also lists a security deposit of $607.00 per sign.

variance fee, third-party
“Security Deposit per sign $607.00”
What this means for your sign

$363.00 for a variance within the Director’s scope, $729.00 where it exceeds that scope, and $363.00 to appeal to Council. The fee schedule also lists a security deposit of $607.00 per sign.

fee schedule year
“Effective January 1, 2026”
What this means for your sign

These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.

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