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 Clarington’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 2009-123 ↗ — office Consolidation 10 April 2017.
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.
—
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 Clarington’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 Clarington’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 Clarington’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.
2009-123 · Office Consolidation 10 April 2017 · PDF, 41 pages
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.7.10 Table 3 — wall and awning signs TOGETHER to 15% of the facade on a one-storey building, 10% on two or more; residential 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) | open ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.7.10 Table 3 and s.7.11 Table 4 — ground signs: 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) residential, 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) in Heritage Resource Areas, 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) for industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural and Courtice West Gateway uses; 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) residential. Pylon and monolith signs have separate limits | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.10 — the Director decides, but only on the location and number of signs; which signs are allowed (Table 1), heights (Table 4) and mobile-sign rules cannot be varied (s.10.3) | open ↗ |
| Structure | None in the sign by-law. s.8.13(iv) pushes an overhanging sign over 115 kg into the building permit stream | 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 Clarington’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 Clarington 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.
“iv) An overhanging sign that weighs more than 115 kg will require a building permit.”
Structure: None in the sign by-law. s.8.13(iv) pushes an overhanging sign over 115 kg into the building permit stream
“7.5 For the purposes of this By-law, the type of sign allowed on a property is based on the use of the property. The following land uses which are permitted on particular lands by the Municipality’s Zoning By-law are identified in the Tables to this By- law: RES residential IND industrial COM commercial INS institutional”
Clarington sorts by the use of the property rather than by zone directly — s.7.5 maps the uses Zoning By-law 84-63 permits onto five codes (RES, IND, COM, INS, AGR), and Tables 1 to 4 run off those. Two mapped areas override the use: the Heritage Resource Areas (Schedule 1) and the Courtice West Gateway (Schedule 2) have their own columns (s.7.6).
“7.6 Two special areas have been identified in Schedules 1 and 2, attached as part of this By-law, Heritage Resource Areas (HRA) and the Courtice West Gateway(CWG) respectively. Table 1 also shows the sign type allowed in the HRA or CWG , notwithstanding the use of the property or building as set out in the previous section 7.5.”
Clarington sorts by the use of the property rather than by zone directly — s.7.5 maps the uses Zoning By-law 84-63 permits onto five codes (RES, IND, COM, INS, AGR), and Tables 1 to 4 run off those. Two mapped areas override the use: the Heritage Resource Areas (Schedule 1) and the Courtice West Gateway (Schedule 2) have their own columns (s.7.6).
“Office Consolidation April 10, 2017”
In Clarington we found no second copy of the by-law anywhere — a single file, the office consolidation of April 10, 2017, linked from both the by-law index and the permit page. Table 3’s text layer drops the merged cells, so the column each figure belongs to was read from the page image.
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3.75 m² (40 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3.8 m² (41 sq ft).
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“i) Signs within the Heritage Resource Areas identified in Schedule 1 to this By-law shall comply with the provision of any applicable Community Improvement Plan.”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“ii) No person shall erect a sign which disfigures or conceals any significant architectural feature of a building, and no person shall erect a sign which distracts from the heritage nature of the surrounding area.”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 1.5 m² (16 sq ft).
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign N N N N N 1.0 m 2 N”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1; s.7.10 Table 3; s.8.13
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1; s.7.10 Table 3; s.8.13
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Overhanging Sign 1”
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“iii) Prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit, a Road Occupancy permit will be obtained for the installation of signs overhanging a road allowance, if required; iv) An overhanging sign that weighs more than 115 kg will require a building permit.”
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3.75 m² (40 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3.8 m² (41 sq ft).
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Menu Board N N 4.0 m 2 N N 4.0 m 2”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Menu/Pre-menu Board Sign 2.5 m”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: a flat maximum on a residential property
The wall sign allowance tops out at 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
One wall sign per residential property.
Number, per what: per residential property
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 3 75% of display surface 2M 2 when attached to landscape feature walls”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 5 1 per multi-unit development site entrance from a public road allowance”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 1.8m”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“8.12 Multi-Unit Residential Signs i) The sign display surface may be a maximum of 25% of the sign support structure as shown in Section 8.4. ii) The sign copy may be a maximum of 75% of the sign display surface.”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 0.6 m² (6.5 sq ft).
A residential ground sign is 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) tall (Table 3; s.8.7(ii)).
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
“ii) The maximum height of a ground sign on a residential property is 1.0 metre.”
A residential ground sign is 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) tall (Table 3; s.8.7(ii)).
The ground sign can be no taller than 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
“* Maximum sign height for residential ground signs is 1.0 metre.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1
“iv) Animated signs are not allowed as billboard signs .”
Animation is excluded by the definition (an animated sign is not a message board), and s.8.2(iv) bars animated billboards
““Animated Sign” means a sign which contains a video screen or any kinetic or illusionary motion of all or part of a sign , including rotations;”
Animation is excluded by the definition (an animated sign is not a message board), and s.8.2(iv) bars animated billboards
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Sign Type Section Property Use Category RES IND COM INS AGR (1) HRA (2) CWG”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Electronic Message Board 8 . 5 N A A A N N A”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Electronic Message Board Sign N 50% of the area of a ground, pylon, or monolith, sign”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“9.24 Notwithstanding Section 7.10 Table 3, electronic message board signs are not permitted on monolith or pylon signs on seasonal-related business properties.”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“but does not include an electronic message board sign or a spinning portable sign .”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“i) The minimum display time for any electronic message, without movement or change in colour, shall be thirty (30) seconds, and the intensity of the illumination shall be maintained at a constant level.”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
30 seconds minimum, “without movement or change in colour”
The intensity of the illumination shall be maintained at a constant level. No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement.
s.8.5 requires the illumination intensity of an electronic message board to be “maintained at a constant level”. Read literally, the automatic day/night dimming that most controllers do by default — and that most other municipalities REQUIRE — is non-compliant in Clarington. Get the interpretation before you commission the controller.
“6.1 Where a sign is illuminated , the sign and source of illumination shall be designed and located so as to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface area. Night sky friendly lights, down-lights that are of a full cut-off design, goose neck lights, and back lights are the preferred lighting methods, unless otherwise noted in this By-law.”
There is no affirmative clause. An illuminated sign is defined at s.2.1 and s.6.1 regulates how it must be built rather than whether it may be lit. Nothing in the prohibitions at s.5 bars illumination.
Apart from the constant-intensity rule for message boards (s.8.5(i)), the only lighting constraint is the qualitative test in s.6.1 — that a sign be designed and located so as to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and display surface area. That is a judgement call rather than a number, and a spec sheet showing a bright display does not by itself breach anything.
s.6.1 requires the sign and its light source to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface. Night-sky-friendly lights, full cut-off down-lights, gooseneck lights and back lights are preferred methods, unless the by-law states otherwise. In Heritage Resource Areas, s.8.8(iv) recommends ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key exterior lighting regardless of the building’s age.
“iv) Ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key lighting should be used for exterior lighting of all signs , regardless of the age of the building.”
s.6.1 requires the sign and its light source to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface. Night-sky-friendly lights, full cut-off down-lights, gooseneck lights and back lights are preferred methods, unless the by-law states otherwise. In Heritage Resource Areas, s.8.8(iv) recommends ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key exterior lighting regardless of the building’s age.
“10.1 The Director as the delegated authority, at his/her discretion, may approve minor variances to this Sign By-law in the following situations.”
the Director, as the delegated authority, at their discretion (s.10.1)
“Signs Fee HST Included/Exempt Unit Permanent Sign Permit $310.00 Exempt Temporary Sign Permit 170.00 Exempt Sign By-law Variance 1,090.00 Exempt Sign By-law Amendment 2,740.00 Exempt”
The permit is a flat $310.
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,090.
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“Consolidated as of: September 15, 2026”
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Temporary Mobile Sign Permit (By- law 2009-123) 150.00 Exempt Per licence”
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
“10.1.1 The Director may vary the following provisions of the Sign By-law at the time of site plan approval: a. The location of any sign on a building or property. b. The number of signs on a building or property, having regard for the sign type, property use and the size of the property.”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“10.1.2 The Director will consider minor variance applications for properties that are not subject to site plan approval for the provisions of the Sign By-law that are identified in Section 10.1.1.”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“10.3 The Director’s approval authority does not apply to the following sections of the Sign By-law: a. Table 1 – Signs Allowed by Property Use b. Table 4 – Maximum Height c. All Sign By-law provisions with regards to Mobile Signs”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“By-Law 2026-057 Office Consolidation”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
Sign By-law 2009-123, office Consolidation 10 April 2017. 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.7.10 Table 3 — wall and awning signs TOGETHER to 15% of the facade on a one-storey building, 10% on two or more; residential 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) read it ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | s.7.10 Table 3 and s.7.11 Table 4 — ground signs: 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) residential, 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) in Heritage Resource Areas, 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) for industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural and Courtice West Gateway uses; 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) residential. Pylon and monolith signs have separate limits read it ↗ | ||
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 | Usually falls under the ground sign rules unless the by-law carves out directional signs — s.7.10 Table 3 and s.7.11 Table 4 — ground signs: 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) residential, 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) in Heritage Resource Areas, 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) for industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural and Courtice West Gateway uses; 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) residential. Pylon and monolith signs have separate limits read it ↗ | ||
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, with a light-trespass rule and no brightness cap. There is no affirmative clause. An illuminated sign is defined at s.2.1 and s.6.1 regulates how it must be built rather than whether it may be lit. Nothing in the prohibitions at s.5 bars illumination.
| 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 | None stated. |
| Lighting method | s.6.1 requires the sign and its light source to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface. Night-sky-friendly lights, full cut-off down-lights, gooseneck lights and back lights are preferred methods, unless the by-law states otherwise. In Heritage Resource Areas, s.8.8(iv) recommends ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key exterior lighting regardless of the building’s age. |
| Near housing | None. There is no residential-proximity lighting rule and no residential separation distance in this by-law. |
Apart from the constant-intensity rule for message boards (s.8.5(i)), the only lighting constraint is the qualitative test in s.6.1 — that a sign be designed and located so as to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and display surface area. That is a judgement call rather than a number, and a spec sheet showing a bright display does not by itself breach anything.
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.8.5.
Read it yourself: s.6.1, s.8.5, s.8.8 of Sign By-law 2009-123 ↗
Calculated from Clarington’s published schedule — $310 per sign.
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
No verified processing target is recorded here for Clarington. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Decided by the Director, as the delegated authority, at their discretion (s.10.1). Appeal: None in the ordinary sense — the route is a by-law amendment. Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
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
2009-123 · Office Consolidation 10 April 2017 · PDF, 41 pages
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.7.10 Table 3 — wall and awning signs TOGETHER to 15% of the facade on a one-storey building, 10% on two or more; residential 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) | open ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.7.10 Table 3 and s.7.11 Table 4 — ground signs: 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) residential, 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) in Heritage Resource Areas, 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) for industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural and Courtice West Gateway uses; 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) residential. Pylon and monolith signs have separate limits | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.10 — the Director decides, but only on the location and number of signs; which signs are allowed (Table 1), heights (Table 4) and mobile-sign rules cannot be varied (s.10.3) | open ↗ |
| Structure | None in the sign by-law. s.8.13(iv) pushes an overhanging sign over 115 kg into the building permit stream | 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.
“iv) An overhanging sign that weighs more than 115 kg will require a building permit.”
Structure: None in the sign by-law. s.8.13(iv) pushes an overhanging sign over 115 kg into the building permit stream
“7.5 For the purposes of this By-law, the type of sign allowed on a property is based on the use of the property. The following land uses which are permitted on particular lands by the Municipality’s Zoning By-law are identified in the Tables to this By- law: RES residential IND industrial COM commercial INS institutional”
Clarington sorts by the use of the property rather than by zone directly — s.7.5 maps the uses Zoning By-law 84-63 permits onto five codes (RES, IND, COM, INS, AGR), and Tables 1 to 4 run off those. Two mapped areas override the use: the Heritage Resource Areas (Schedule 1) and the Courtice West Gateway (Schedule 2) have their own columns (s.7.6).
“7.6 Two special areas have been identified in Schedules 1 and 2, attached as part of this By-law, Heritage Resource Areas (HRA) and the Courtice West Gateway(CWG) respectively. Table 1 also shows the sign type allowed in the HRA or CWG , notwithstanding the use of the property or building as set out in the previous section 7.5.”
Clarington sorts by the use of the property rather than by zone directly — s.7.5 maps the uses Zoning By-law 84-63 permits onto five codes (RES, IND, COM, INS, AGR), and Tables 1 to 4 run off those. Two mapped areas override the use: the Heritage Resource Areas (Schedule 1) and the Courtice West Gateway (Schedule 2) have their own columns (s.7.6).
“Office Consolidation April 10, 2017”
In Clarington we found no second copy of the by-law anywhere — a single file, the office consolidation of April 10, 2017, linked from both the by-law index and the permit page. Table 3’s text layer drops the merged cells, so the column each figure belongs to was read from the page image.
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Monolith/Pylon Sign N 7.5 m 2 N N N”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7.5 m² (81 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“iii) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5 metres above finished grade. iv) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44 metres above finished grade.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“9 m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings from 5001-8000 m 2 floor area 11m2 for multi-tenant property with buildings 8001 m 2 + floor area”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 7.5 m”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“8.11 Monolith/Pylon Signs i) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height and size.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“v) No monolith/pylon sign is permitted for any building located within 6 metres of a road allowance.”
The figures are for a monolith or pylon sign: 7.5 m² (81 sq ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft) tall, one per property provided there is no ground sign (Table 2). A multi-tenant property with 5001–8000 m² (86,111 sq ft) of building floor area gets 9 m² (97 sq ft), and 8001 m² (86,122 sq ft) or more gets 11 m² (Table 3). A pylon’s display surface sits no lower than 2.44 m (8 ft) above grade, a monolith’s no lower than 1.5 m (s.8.11). The alternative is a ground sign: 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property provided there is no pylon or monolith (Tables 3 and 4). No monolith or pylon sign at all for a building within 6 m (20 ft) of a road allowance (s.8.11(v)) — there the 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) ground sign is the only freestanding option.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3.75 m² (40 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3.8 m² (41 sq ft).
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“i) Signs within the Heritage Resource Areas identified in Schedule 1 to this By-law shall comply with the provision of any applicable Community Improvement Plan.”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“ii) No person shall erect a sign which disfigures or conceals any significant architectural feature of a building, and no person shall erect a sign which distracts from the heritage nature of the surrounding area.”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property. Within a Heritage Resource Area the sign must also comply with any Community Improvement Plan, must not conceal a significant architectural feature, and wood or metal lettering is preferred (s.8.8).
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 1.5 m² (16 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 1.5 m² (16 sq ft).
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here.
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign N N N N N 1.0 m 2 N”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1; s.7.10 Table 3; s.8.13
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1; s.7.10 Table 3; s.8.13
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Overhanging Sign 1”
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“iii) Prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit, a Road Occupancy permit will be obtained for the installation of signs overhanging a road allowance, if required; iv) An overhanging sign that weighs more than 115 kg will require a building permit.”
An overhanging sign is allowed only in a Heritage Resource Area: one per property, up to 1.0 m² (11 sq ft), no lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade or the sidewalk, with liability insurance naming the Municipality where it hangs over a road allowance and a road occupancy permit if required (s.8.13). Over 115 kg it needs a building permit.
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
Combined area: Wall and awning signs share one combined display area (Table 3).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade.
Where a one-storey building or barn, the allowance is 15% instead.
Condition for the headline percentage: a two-storey or taller building or barn
““Façade” means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“The entire surface area of the façade including windows and doors.”
What the area is measured against: the building façade
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
Table 2 sets no maximum number of wall signs outside a residential property.
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“v) A sign located above the first storey of a building ;”
the first storey only — s.5.1(v) prohibits any sign above the first storey
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3.75 m² (40 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3.8 m² (41 sq ft).
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 1 per property provided there is no ground sign”
One ground sign per property.
“Ground Sign 3.0m*”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 3 m (9 ft 10 in).
“Monolith/Pylon Sign 8.11 N A A A N N N”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Menu Board N N 4.0 m 2 N N 4.0 m 2”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Menu/Pre-menu Board Sign 2.5 m”
A ground sign of 3.75 m² (40 sq ft) and 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in), one per property (Tables 2, 3 and 4). Table 1 allows no monolith or pylon sign here. A drive-through may add a menu board of 4.0 m² (43 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“8.13 Overhanging Signs Overhanging signs shall be erected in compliance with the following: i) No overhanging sign shall be erected less than 2.5 metres above finished grade or the surface of the road allowance or public sidewalk; ii) Every owner of an overhanging sign shall carry adequate liability insurance for any such sign and that insurance coverage shall also name the Municipality as an additional insured, where the overhanging sign is over a road allowance;”
Table 1 allows an overhanging sign only in a Heritage Resource Area (s.8.13)
“Wall and Awning Signs (combined display area) 0.55 m 2 15% of building façade area for one storey building or barn 10% of building façade area for two storey and higher building or barn”
What the area is measured against: a flat maximum on a residential property
The wall sign allowance tops out at 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Wall Sign 1 per residential property Unlimited for all other uses”
One wall sign per residential property.
Number, per what: per residential property
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 3 75% of display surface 2M 2 when attached to landscape feature walls”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 5 1 per multi-unit development site entrance from a public road allowance”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“Multi-Unit Residential Sign 1.8m”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“8.12 Multi-Unit Residential Signs i) The sign display surface may be a maximum of 25% of the sign support structure as shown in Section 8.4. ii) The sign copy may be a maximum of 75% of the sign display surface.”
Wall and awning signs share the 0.55 m² (Table 3). A multi-unit development also gets a multi-unit residential sign at each site entrance from a public road: copy at most 75% of the display surface, 2 m² (22 sq ft) when attached to a landscape feature wall, 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) tall (Tables 2, 3 and 4; s.8.12).
“i) A wall sign cannot project more than 0.3 metres from the wall of a building or structure .”
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“Ground Sign 0.55 m 2 3.75 m 2 1.5m 2 3.75 m 2”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 0.6 m² (6.5 sq ft).
A residential ground sign is 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) tall (Table 3; s.8.7(ii)).
“Ground Sign 1 per property provided there is no pylon sign or monolith sign”
One ground sign per property.
“ii) The maximum height of a ground sign on a residential property is 1.0 metre.”
A residential ground sign is 0.55 m² (5.9 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) tall (Table 3; s.8.7(ii)).
The ground sign can be no taller than 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
“* Maximum sign height for residential ground signs is 1.0 metre.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
“vi) No person shall erect a sign less than 1.0 metre from a street line ;”
Keep it at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) back from the property line.
Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line
“Directional Sign 0.3 m 2”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft).
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Directional Sign No maximum”
Directional signs of up to 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) each, no maximum number (Tables 2 and 3).
“Overhanging Sign 8.13 N N N N N A N”
Table 1
“iv) Animated signs are not allowed as billboard signs .”
Animation is excluded by the definition (an animated sign is not a message board), and s.8.2(iv) bars animated billboards
““Animated Sign” means a sign which contains a video screen or any kinetic or illusionary motion of all or part of a sign , including rotations;”
Animation is excluded by the definition (an animated sign is not a message board), and s.8.2(iv) bars animated billboards
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Sign Type Section Property Use Category RES IND COM INS AGR (1) HRA (2) CWG”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Electronic Message Board 8 . 5 N A A A N N A”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“Electronic Message Board Sign N 50% of the area of a ground, pylon, or monolith, sign”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“9.24 Notwithstanding Section 7.10 Table 3, electronic message board signs are not permitted on monolith or pylon signs on seasonal-related business properties.”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“but does not include an electronic message board sign or a spinning portable sign .”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
“i) The minimum display time for any electronic message, without movement or change in colour, shall be thirty (30) seconds, and the intensity of the illumination shall be maintained at a constant level.”
An electronic message board sign is its own type under s.8.5. Table 1 allows it on industrial, commercial and institutional properties and in the Courtice West Gateway — not on residential or agricultural properties or in the Heritage Resource Areas — and Table 3 caps it at 50% of the area of the ground, pylon or monolith sign it is part of. It is not permitted on the monolith or pylon sign of a seasonal-related business (s.9.24). The animated-sign definition covers a video screen or kinetic or illusionary motion but expressly excludes an electronic message board, and s.8.5(i) requires each message to hold for thirty seconds without movement or change in colour, so a display that shows motion cannot qualify as a message board.
30 seconds minimum, “without movement or change in colour”
The intensity of the illumination shall be maintained at a constant level. No certification, no dimming schedule, no photocell requirement.
s.8.5 requires the illumination intensity of an electronic message board to be “maintained at a constant level”. Read literally, the automatic day/night dimming that most controllers do by default — and that most other municipalities REQUIRE — is non-compliant in Clarington. Get the interpretation before you commission the controller.
“6.1 Where a sign is illuminated , the sign and source of illumination shall be designed and located so as to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface area. Night sky friendly lights, down-lights that are of a full cut-off design, goose neck lights, and back lights are the preferred lighting methods, unless otherwise noted in this By-law.”
There is no affirmative clause. An illuminated sign is defined at s.2.1 and s.6.1 regulates how it must be built rather than whether it may be lit. Nothing in the prohibitions at s.5 bars illumination.
Apart from the constant-intensity rule for message boards (s.8.5(i)), the only lighting constraint is the qualitative test in s.6.1 — that a sign be designed and located so as to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and display surface area. That is a judgement call rather than a number, and a spec sheet showing a bright display does not by itself breach anything.
s.6.1 requires the sign and its light source to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface. Night-sky-friendly lights, full cut-off down-lights, gooseneck lights and back lights are preferred methods, unless the by-law states otherwise. In Heritage Resource Areas, s.8.8(iv) recommends ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key exterior lighting regardless of the building’s age.
“iv) Ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key lighting should be used for exterior lighting of all signs , regardless of the age of the building.”
s.6.1 requires the sign and its light source to prevent light trespass beyond the sign support structure and/or display surface. Night-sky-friendly lights, full cut-off down-lights, gooseneck lights and back lights are preferred methods, unless the by-law states otherwise. In Heritage Resource Areas, s.8.8(iv) recommends ambient, overhead, gooseneck or low-key exterior lighting regardless of the building’s age.
“10.1 The Director as the delegated authority, at his/her discretion, may approve minor variances to this Sign By-law in the following situations.”
the Director, as the delegated authority, at their discretion (s.10.1)
“Signs Fee HST Included/Exempt Unit Permanent Sign Permit $310.00 Exempt Temporary Sign Permit 170.00 Exempt Sign By-law Variance 1,090.00 Exempt Sign By-law Amendment 2,740.00 Exempt”
The permit is a flat $310.
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,090.
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“Consolidated as of: September 15, 2026”
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Temporary Mobile Sign Permit (By- law 2009-123) 150.00 Exempt Per licence”
$310 for a permanent sign permit and $170 for a temporary sign permit, under User Fee By-law 2026-057 (office consolidation as of September 15, 2026). A temporary mobile sign permit is $150.
“10.1.1 The Director may vary the following provisions of the Sign By-law at the time of site plan approval: a. The location of any sign on a building or property. b. The number of signs on a building or property, having regard for the sign type, property use and the size of the property.”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“10.1.2 The Director will consider minor variance applications for properties that are not subject to site plan approval for the provisions of the Sign By-law that are identified in Section 10.1.1.”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“10.3 The Director’s approval authority does not apply to the following sections of the Sign By-law: a. Table 1 – Signs Allowed by Property Use b. Table 4 – Maximum Height c. All Sign By-law provisions with regards to Mobile Signs”
Changing the by-law itself (a Sign By-law amendment) is $2,740.00. The Director may vary only the location and the number of signs, at the time of site plan approval or on an application for a property not subject to site plan approval (s.10.1.1, s.10.1.2); Table 1 (which signs are allowed), Table 4 (heights) and the mobile-sign rules are outside that authority (s.10.3).
“By-Law 2026-057 Office Consolidation”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
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.
