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 Halton Hills’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 2003-0065 ↗ — consolidated — no date printed; amendments run through By-law 2026-0032. An out-of-date copy of it is also still online — we flag which one is current.
Choose the type that matches your sign. Dimensions can come later.
Other sign purposes
These categories currently prepare a municipal review. Size limits, fees and permit exemptions are not calculated yet.
Count display faces on this one sign, not separate signs. Dimensions can come later.
Each municipality can count faces differently. A per-face limit is not permission to multiply the total allowance.
Review guidance only: no size allowance, permit exemption, fee or permitted display period is calculated for these categories yet. You can record a proposal and save a preliminary report with the open questions.
Enter your intended dates, not a permitted duration. Renewal, repeat displays and removal deadlines still need confirmation.
Initial coverage: Oakville’s commercial, employment, mixed-use and institutional categories. Other municipalities and special uses need a separate review. This is a preliminary check against the published 2022 consolidation; later amendments remain unverified.
Motor vehicle businesses, drive-through facilities and third-party advertising need separate review. Choose “Other content or a special use” above. Illuminated signs and electronic displays are outside this initial calculation.
Measure one rectangular window, excluding its frame. Use explicit units: m, cm, ft or inches; bare numbers mean feet. Do not combine panes or transfer spare area between windows. For the proposed sign, enter the enclosing rectangle around the complete message; irregular layouts need confirmation.
This is the building’s storey count, not the sign’s location. Clarington uses it to select the shared wall-and-awning allowance. Subdivision sales offices have a separate table provision.
Exclude the sign you are proposing or replacing and any signs being removed. Leave uncertain quantities blank. Your answer is not independently verified.
No single sign-count limit is calculated for this selection. Confirm how the municipality counts existing signs.
A size limit for one sign is not automatically spare capacity on a wall or property. No shared-area deduction is calculated for this selection.
Not sure about placement? Leave it as “Not sure” and review the limits first. A sign type that is not listed needs a separate review.
Review what the maps found, then work through one follow-up at a time. You can leave questions open while exploring a sign before it is designed.
You can download a preliminary report before a sign is designed. Missing dimensions and unresolved reviews remain clearly identified.
Local history and team links keep basic details: location, sign type, district, building type, lighting and building measurements. They do not keep proposed sign dimensions, site-review answers or reports. Choose Save to my account to retain the full proposal and dated reports. For a customer handoff, download the neutral customer assessment.
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No sign design yet? That is fine. A wall or frontage measurement helps calculate the size allowance; proposed sign dimensions are optional. Use feet/inches or metric: 12 ft, 6 in, 3.5m or 150mm. Numbers without a unit are read as feet. Leave anything unknown blank.
Wall signs are usually sized off the wall they sit on, so this is the measurement that turns the rule into a number. A rough answer is fine.
The length of the property along the relevant street. Building frontage can mean something different. Use the measurement basis in your result; do not add street edges together unless the rule allows it.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Halton Hills’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 Halton Hills’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 Halton Hills’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.
2003-0065 · Consolidated — no date printed; amendments run through By-law 2026-0032 · PDF, 43 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.8.1.17.2 — the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 sq ft) or 20% of the building wall face; fascia, framed poster panels and directional signs all count together | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.8.1.17.3.1 — 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, 4.572 to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line; the 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial Zone gets 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 3.6 m (12 ft) | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Variance | s.14 — the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) decides at staff level; where there is an objection it goes to the Community Affairs Committee and then Council | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2) | open · p.9 ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
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 Halton Hills’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 Halton Hills across all sign districts. This is not the complete by-law. A match may not apply to your address; check its district and source.
Showing the original excerpts for this check below. Search uses no additional checks.
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“5.3 All Signs shall be constructed, designed, and erected in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code as amended from time to time.”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“5.4.1.4 drawings and specifications covering the construction of the Sign and its supporting framework along with the identification of the materials which are to be used in the construction of the Sign.”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“5.7.1.2.2 in the case of an Inflatable Sign, a report by a Professional Structural Engineer registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario detailing the method of anchoring an Inflatable Sign to the ground, a Building, or other structure;”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.1 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) or 20% of the Building Wall Face of each separate business establishment in the Shopping Centre or Plaza;”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“13.2 Notwithstanding any other regulations in this By-law, the following Signs are not permitted in the Hamlet Community Core areas of Norval (identified on Schedule D to this By-law) and Glen Williams (identified on Schedule E to this By-law) and the Georgetown B.I.A. (identified on Schedule B to this By-law) and the Acton B.I.A. (identified on Schedule C to this By-law):”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.4.1 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a Sign on a Building facade shall: 8.4.1.1 be limited to individual block letters and logos; and 8.4.1.2 have a total surface area not exceeding the lesser of 23.97 m² (258 square feet) and 15% of the Building Wall Face.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.1.8 Multi-Storey Commercial or Industrial Fascia Sign provided the Sign:”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.8.1 is limited to the ground floor level of the Building, subject to Subsection 8.1.8.3; 8.1.8.2 does not exceed 20 % of the Building Wall Face of each ground floor tenancy; and 8.1.8.3 on the remainder of the Building consists only of a Building Identification Sign logo or symbol up to a maximum of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) in area.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.17.3 One Primary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted provided the Sign: 8.1.17.3.1 does not exceed 5.946 m² (64 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.95 m² (64 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.9 m² (64 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.4 One additional Secondary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted, provided the Sign: 8.1.17.4.1 is located on a principal Lot frontage that exceeds 45.72 m (150 feet) or in the case of a corner Lot, is located on the other separate frontage; 8.1.17.4.2 is 25% smaller in scale than the primary Ground Sign; and 8.1.17.4.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting. 8.1.17.5 An additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 2.04 m² (22 square feet) per Sign Face Area is permitted on the Primary Ground Sign provided that the additional area is used for Read-o-graph purposes only; and”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.6 One Menu Board Sign is permitted, provided that it has a maximum Sign area of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (Schedules B and C)
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.1.8 Multi-Storey Commercial or Industrial Fascia Sign provided the Sign:”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.8.1 is limited to the ground floor level of the Building, subject to Subsection 8.1.8.3; 8.1.8.2 does not exceed 20 % of the Building Wall Face of each ground floor tenancy; and 8.1.8.3 on the remainder of the Building consists only of a Building Identification Sign logo or symbol up to a maximum of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) in area.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.17.3 One Primary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted provided the Sign: 8.1.17.3.1 does not exceed 5.946 m² (64 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.95 m² (64 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.9 m² (64 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.4 One additional Secondary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted, provided the Sign: 8.1.17.4.1 is located on a principal Lot frontage that exceeds 45.72 m (150 feet) or in the case of a corner Lot, is located on the other separate frontage; 8.1.17.4.2 is 25% smaller in scale than the primary Ground Sign; and 8.1.17.4.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting. 8.1.17.5 An additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 2.04 m² (22 square feet) per Sign Face Area is permitted on the Primary Ground Sign provided that the additional area is used for Read-o-graph purposes only; and”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.6 One Menu Board Sign is permitted, provided that it has a maximum Sign area of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13
Within the Georgetown or Acton BIA a projecting sign is permitted for each business occupancy IN ADDITION to the property’s sign area entitlement, provided it is in keeping with the BIA signage (s.8.1.13). The by-law sets no area for it. A plaza in a BIA reads its wall and ground figures under the shopping centre row.
“8.1.16.1 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) or 20% of the Building Wall Face of each separate business establishment in the Shopping Centre or Plaza;”
the building wall face of your own business establishment, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs count together for each separate business establishment (s.8.1.16.1). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face of your own business establishment, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs count together for each separate business establishment (s.8.1.16.1). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements (s.8.2).
“8.1.16.2.1 does not exceed 13.935 m² (150 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 13.94 m² (150 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 13.9 m² (150 sq ft).
“8.1.16.2 One Primary Ground Sign to identify the Shopping Centre or Plaza, display the names of its respective establishments in the centre or to provide direction, is permitted for every 45.72 m (150 feet) or part thereof of the principal Lot frontage, provided the Sign:”
One ground sign per 45.72 m (150 ft) of principal lot frontage.
Number, per what: per 45.72 m (150 ft) of principal lot frontage
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.2.1 does not exceed 13.935 m² (150 square feet) per Sign Face Area; 8.1.16.2.2 is of the same or of a complimentary style to the Building with respect to design, colour, and materials; 8.1.16.2.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting; and 8.1.16.2.4 notwithstanding Subsection 8.1.16.2.1, may include an additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 4.64 m² (50 square feet) per Sign Face Area provided it is used for Read-o- graph purposes only and represents no more than 25% of the total Sign Face Area of the Sign.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.3 One additional Secondary Ground Sign to identify the Shopping Centre or Plaza, display the names of its respective establishments, or provide direction is permitted for every additional 45.72 m (150 feet) of Lot frontage, provided that such additional Sign: 8.1.16.3.1 shall not exceed a maximum of two (2) Signs located on the principal Lot frontage or one per Street frontage; 8.1.16.3.2 shall be 25% smaller in scale but identical in design, colour, and materials to the primary Ground Sign;”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.4 One Directory Board Sign to provide direction to individual business units, provided that such Sign does not exceed 3.342 m² (36 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.5 Entrance Identification Sign or Signs to identify entrances in a Shopping Centre or Plaza, provided that such Signs have a combined area of not more than 3.72 m² (40 square feet) to identify entrances in a Shopping Centre or Plaza per entrance way.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (Schedules B and C)
“8.4.1 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a Sign on a Building facade shall: 8.4.1.1 be limited to individual block letters and logos; and 8.4.1.2 have a total surface area not exceeding the lesser of 23.97 m² (258 square feet) and 15% of the Building Wall Face.”
What the area is measured against: the building wall face, or 23.97 m² (258 sq ft), whichever is less
Note: Individual block letters and logos only (s.8.4.1.1).
Wall signs may cover up to 15% of the building wall face, or 23.97 m² (258 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 6 m² (65 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 23.97 m² (258 sq ft).
“8.4.2 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a freestanding Ground Sign shall: 8.4.2.1 be limited to a single Ground Sign; 8.4.2.2 have a maximum Sign Face Area of 10 m² (108 square feet) per face; 8.4.2.3 have a maximum height of 3.6 m (11 feet 10 inches) above Grade; and”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
A single ground sign of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) per face and 3.6 m (12 ft) tall, plus one more for every additional 80 m (262 ft) of frontage beyond 100 m (s.8.4.2, s.8.4.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 3.6 m (12 ft).
“8.4.2.4 be located such that no part of such Sign or structure is located closer than 1.5 m (5 feet) from a Street Line. 8.4.3 Notwithstanding, Subsection 8.4.2.1, one additional Ground Sign shall be permitted for every additional 80 m (262 feet 6 inches) of frontage in excess of 100 m (328 feet).”
A single ground sign of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) per face and 3.6 m (12 ft) tall, plus one more for every additional 80 m (262 ft) of frontage beyond 100 m (s.8.4.2, s.8.4.3).
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
Setback: no part closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to a street line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs
“7.1.8 Institution Identification Sign provided the Ground Sign: 7.1.8.1 does not exceed one in number per Lot; and 7.1.8.2 does not exceed 18.581 m² (200 square feet) or 0.093 m² (one square foot) of Sign Face Area for 0.610 metres (2 linear feet) of Lot or Street frontage, whichever is lesser.”
s.7.1 lists identification signs only. An institution gets a ground identification sign (s.7.1.8) and wall-mounted or ground directional signs of 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined (s.7.1.9); no fascia identification sign is written for it.
“7.1.9 Institution Directional Sign provided the Sign: 7.1.9.1 is wall-mounted or a Ground Sign; 7.1.9.2 does not exceed a combined total of 2.323 m² (25 square feet) in Sign Face Area per Lot; and 7.1.9.3 is required for direction of traffic or pedestrians on an institutionally zoned property.”
s.7.1 lists identification signs only. An institution gets a ground identification sign (s.7.1.8) and wall-mounted or ground directional signs of 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined (s.7.1.9); no fascia identification sign is written for it.
“7.1.8 Institution Identification Sign provided the Ground Sign: 7.1.8.1 does not exceed one in number per Lot; and 7.1.8.2 does not exceed 18.581 m² (200 square feet) or 0.093 m² (one square foot) of Sign Face Area for 0.610 metres (2 linear feet) of Lot or Street frontage, whichever is lesser.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 18.58 m² (200 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per lot.
One institution identification ground sign per lot, at the lesser of 18.581 m² (200 sq ft) or 0.093 m² (1 sq ft) of sign face for every 0.610 m (2 ft) of lot or street frontage (s.7.1.8). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
You get 0.15 m² (1.6 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4.6 m² (50 sq ft).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One institution identification ground sign per lot, at the lesser of 18.581 m² (200 sq ft) or 0.093 m² (1 sq ft) of sign face for every 0.610 m (2 ft) of lot or street frontage (s.7.1.8). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“7.2 Setback Requirements For Ground Signs Ground Signs located on private property in a residential, Institutional, or open space Zone are subject to the following setback requirements and shall be located no closer: 7.2.1 than 3.048 m (10 feet) from a Street Line; 7.2.2 than 4.572 m (15 feet) to any rear Lot line; and 7.2.3 than 1.219 m (4 feet) to any internal side Lot line.”
3.048 m (10 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from an internal side lot line
“7.1.9 Institution Directional Sign provided the Sign: 7.1.9.1 is wall-mounted or a Ground Sign; 7.1.9.2 does not exceed a combined total of 2.323 m² (25 square feet) in Sign Face Area per Lot; and 7.1.9.3 is required for direction of traffic or pedestrians on an institutionally zoned property.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 2.32 m² (25 sq ft).
Institution directional signs, wall-mounted or ground, of no more than 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined per lot, where required for the direction of traffic or pedestrians (s.7.1.9).
“7.4 No Signs other than those provided for in Subsections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 6.1 shall be permitted to be erected on private property in any residential, institutional, or open space Zone.”
s.7.4 — no signs other than those in s.7.1 in a residential, institutional or open space zone
“7.1.6 High Density Residential Signs erected upon completion of the construction of a residential Building”
s.7.1.6 allows a ground sign, a for-sale or for-rent sign, a banner of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) on an apartment building and parking lot signs; no fascia identification sign is written for the building.
“of a higher density than a single family dwelling provided that: 7.1.6.1 one Ground Sign does not exceed a maximum of 9.29 m² (100 square feet) per Lot; 7.1.6.2 one For Sale or For Rent Sign does not exceed 2.323 m² (25 square feet) per Sign Face Area per Lot provided that two Signs, identical in design, are allowed when such Building abuts on more than one Street; 7.1.6.3 a Banner Sign does not exceed 10 m² (108 square feet) in Sign Face Area securely attached to an apartment building; and 7.1.6.4 Parking Lot Signs do not exceed 0.279 m² (3 square feet) per Sign Face Area located at each point of ingress and egress to and from the parking area of the Building.”
s.7.1.6 allows a ground sign, a for-sale or for-rent sign, a banner of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) on an apartment building and parking lot signs; no fascia identification sign is written for the building.
“of a higher density than a single family dwelling provided that: 7.1.6.1 one Ground Sign does not exceed a maximum of 9.29 m² (100 square feet) per Lot; 7.1.6.2 one For Sale or For Rent Sign does not exceed 2.323 m² (25 square feet) per Sign Face Area per Lot provided that two Signs, identical in design, are allowed when such Building abuts on more than one Street; 7.1.6.3 a Banner Sign does not exceed 10 m² (108 square feet) in Sign Face Area securely attached to an apartment building; and 7.1.6.4 Parking Lot Signs do not exceed 0.279 m² (3 square feet) per Sign Face Area located at each point of ingress and egress to and from the parking area of the Building.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 9.29 m² (100 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9.3 m² (100 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot.
One ground sign of up to 9.29 m² (100 sq ft) per lot on completion of a residential building denser than a single-family dwelling (s.7.1.6.1), plus parking lot signs of 0.279 m² (3 sq ft) at each entrance (s.7.1.6.4).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“7.2 Setback Requirements For Ground Signs Ground Signs located on private property in a residential, Institutional, or open space Zone are subject to the following setback requirements and shall be located no closer: 7.2.1 than 3.048 m (10 feet) from a Street Line; 7.2.2 than 4.572 m (15 feet) to any rear Lot line; and 7.2.3 than 1.219 m (4 feet) to any internal side Lot line.”
3.048 m (10 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from an internal side lot line
“7.4 No Signs other than those provided for in Subsections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 6.1 shall be permitted to be erected on private property in any residential, institutional, or open space Zone.”
s.7.4
“9.1 The following types of Signs may be erected on private property in a rural or agricultural Zone: 9.1.1 Bed & Breakfast Sign up to 1.48 m² (16 square feet) per Sign Face Area to indicate that the premise, or part thereof, is being used as a bed & breakfast. 9.1.2 Home Craft Fascia non-illuminated Sign or Signs having a combined area of not more than 1.48 m² (16 square feet) affixed to the exterior wall of one Building to indicate that part of the premise is being used for a home craft. 9.1.3 Lettering On Barn for the identification of a farm.”
s.9.1 allows lettering on a barn to identify a farm, a non-illuminated home craft sign of 1.48 m² (16 sq ft) combined on one building, and a bed and breakfast sign of 1.48 m² (16 sq ft); no general fascia entitlement is written.
“9.1.5 Ground Sign up to a maximum combined total of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area , subject to compliance with all other applicable regulations and prohibitions contained in this By-law. 9.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 9.1, where a farm is located adjacent to a residential Zone, the size of a permitted Sign is restricted to a maximum of 1.115 m² (12 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.97 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
Ground signs up to a combined total of 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) per sign face (s.9.1.5); where the farm is next to a residential zone, 1.115 m² (12 sq ft) per face (s.9.2).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“9.3 No Sign erected in a rural or agricultural Zone shall be located closer than 3.048 m (10 feet) to any property line”
Setback: 3.048 m (10 ft) from any property line
“9.1 The following types of Signs may be erected on private property in a rural or agricultural Zone: 9.1.1 Bed & Breakfast Sign up to 1.48 m² (16 square feet) per Sign Face Area to indicate that the premise, or part thereof, is being used as a bed & breakfast. 9.1.2 Home Craft Fascia non-illuminated Sign or Signs having a combined area of not more than 1.48 m² (16 square feet) affixed to the exterior wall of one Building to indicate that part of the premise is being used for a home craft. 9.1.3 Lettering On Barn for the identification of a farm.”
s.9.1 lists the sign types allowed in a rural or agricultural zone and a projecting sign is not among them
“13.1.1 All signs having intermittent, flashing, animation, or sequential illumination of any kind, but shall not include: 13.1.1.1 Electronic Message Centres having stationary illumination of information and changes in not less than four (4) hour intervals; 13.1.1.2 A time, date, or temperature Sign having intermittent information changes in not less than ten (10) second intervals;”
Prohibited. The exemption requires stationary illumination of the information.
Four HOURS minimum between changes
Illuminated signs are fine — but a digital sign may change only once every four HOURS
This is the most consequential single clause we hold. s.13.1.1 prohibits all signs having intermittent, flashing, animation or sequential illumination of any kind. An electronic message centre escapes that prohibition only if it has stationary illumination and “changes in not less than four (4) hour intervals”. Four HOURS, not four seconds. Conventional digital signage, with a dwell of a few seconds, is unlawful in Halton Hills as the by-law is drafted. The ten-second figure people remember belongs to s.13.1.1.2, which is the time, date and temperature sign, not the general rule.
“13.2 Notwithstanding any other regulations in this By-law, the following Signs are not permitted in the Hamlet Community Core areas of Norval (identified on Schedule D to this By-law) and Glen Williams (identified on Schedule E to this By-law) and the Georgetown B.I.A. (identified on Schedule B to this By-law) and the Acton B.I.A. (identified on Schedule C to this By-law):”
Inside the Georgetown BIA, the Acton BIA and the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores, moving and stationary track lighting and illuminated portable signs are both prohibited outright (s.13.2.1, s.13.2.2). An illuminated portable sign that is fine elsewhere in Town is prohibited on the main streets of Georgetown and Acton. Those boundaries are Schedules B to F, which are map images we could not read.
“13.2.1 Signs having moving or stationary track lighting; and 13.2.2 Illuminated Portable Signs.”
Inside the Georgetown BIA, the Acton BIA and the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores, moving and stationary track lighting and illuminated portable signs are both prohibited outright (s.13.2.1, s.13.2.2). An illuminated portable sign that is fine elsewhere in Town is prohibited on the main streets of Georgetown and Acton. Those boundaries are Schedules B to F, which are map images we could not read.
“14.4 Where the appropriate staff and affected public authorities circulated in Section 14.3 have no objection to the variance or exception request or do not respond on time then the Director of Corporate Services or his/her desginate, upon reviewing the application, may approve the requested variance or exception”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“the application shall be put before the Community Affairs Committee for consideration at the next opportunity with a Staff Report describing the application.”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“14.7 The Committee, upon reviewing any application and hearing the submissions by the applicant, may recommend to Council that a variance or exception be granted”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“Sign - Fascia/Roof Flat Rate Exempt 0% 262.50 $ - $ 262.50 $ 270.37 $ - $ 270.37 $ 3.00% Signs - Self Standing Flat Rate Exempt 0% 402.14 $ - $ 402.14 $ 414.21 $ - $ 414.21 $ 3.00%”
The permit is a flat $414.21.
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“2025 Rate (No Tax) HST 2025 Rate (Incl HST) 2026 Rate (No Tax) HST 2026 Rate (Incl HST) Increase (%)”
The permit is a flat $414.21.
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“Appendix A to By-law No. 2025-0104 2026 Rates and Fees Schedule”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Portable Sign Permit Flat rate Exempt 0% 142.00 $ - $ 142.00 $ 146.00 $ - $ 146.00 $ 2.82%”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“SELF STANDING SIGNS: $332.00 (FLAT FEE) (Pylon) FASCIA SIGNS $220.00 (FLAT FEE)”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“Sign Variance Application Flat rate Exempt 0% 714.00 $ - $ 714.00 $ 735.00 $ - $ 735.00 $ 2.94%”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $735.
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“2025 Rate (No Tax) HST 2025 Rate (Incl HST) 2026 Rate (No Tax) HST 2026 Rate (Incl HST) Increase (%)”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $735.
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“The fee of $714.00 for the processing of a Sign Variance application for permanent signs”
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“A variance process is available where the sign cannot be erected in compliance with the by-law. The process takes approximately 3 months.”
The Town’s webpage says about three months; the application form says the minimum is ten days. Both are reported as printed.
“Please note that the minimum time required for an application to be reviewed and a decision rendered by the Town is ten days.”
The Town’s webpage says about three months; the application form says the minimum is ten days. Both are reported as printed.
Sign By-law 2003-0065, consolidated — no date printed; amendments run through By-law 2026-0032. 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.8.1.17.2 — the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 sq ft) or 20% of the building wall face; fascia, framed poster panels and directional signs all count together read it · p.23 ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | s.8.1.17.3.1 — 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, 4.572 to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line; the 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial Zone gets 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 3.6 m (12 ft) read it · p.23 ↗ | ||
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.8.1.17.3.1 — 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, 4.572 to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line; the 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial Zone gets 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 3.6 m (12 ft) read it · p.23 ↗ | ||
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.
Illuminated signs are fine — but a digital sign may change only once every four HOURS. There is no affirmative clause. Illumination is permitted by implication and controlled by the prohibition at s.13.1.1 rather than by a grant. Our reading — not yet quoted from the by-law; confirm with the City
| Brightness | No numeric limit in this by-law No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance. |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | None stated. |
| Up-lighting | Not addressed The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission. |
| Near housing | None. There is no residential-proximity lighting rule anywhere in this by-law. |
This is the most consequential single clause we hold. s.13.1.1 prohibits all signs having intermittent, flashing, animation or sequential illumination of any kind. An electronic message centre escapes that prohibition only if it has stationary illumination and “changes in not less than four (4) hour intervals”. Four HOURS, not four seconds. Conventional digital signage, with a dwell of a few seconds, is unlawful in Halton Hills as the by-law is drafted. The ten-second figure people remember belongs to s.13.1.1.2, which is the time, date and temperature sign, not the general rule.
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.13.1.1.1.
Read it yourself: s.13.1.1, s.13.2.1, s.13.2.2, s.4.1.9 of Sign By-law 2003-0065 ↗
Calculated from Halton Hills’s published schedule — $414.21 per sign.
⚠ Three sign fee schedules are live on the Town’s domain at once and none agree. The 2025 building fees PDF inverts the self-standing and fascia prices relative to every other source.
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
No verified processing target is recorded here for Halton Hills. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Decided by the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council. No appeal route is stated in the by-law — ask the municipality whether there is one. Allow The Town’s webpage says about three months; the application form says the minimum is ten days. Both are reported as printed. The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf
2003-0065 · Consolidated — no date printed; amendments run through By-law 2026-0032 · PDF, 43 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.8.1.17.2 — the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 sq ft) or 20% of the building wall face; fascia, framed poster panels and directional signs all count together | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.8.1.17.3.1 — 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, 4.572 to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line; the 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial Zone gets 10 m² (108 sq ft) and 3.6 m (12 ft) | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Variance | s.14 — the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) decides at staff level; where there is an objection it goes to the Community Affairs Committee and then Council | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2) | open · p.9 ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“5.3 All Signs shall be constructed, designed, and erected in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code as amended from time to time.”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“5.4.1.4 drawings and specifications covering the construction of the Sign and its supporting framework along with the identification of the materials which are to be used in the construction of the Sign.”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“5.7.1.2.2 in the case of an Inflatable Sign, a report by a Professional Structural Engineer registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario detailing the method of anchoring an Inflatable Sign to the ground, a Building, or other structure;”
Structure: s.5.3 — built to the Ontario Building Code; s.5.4.1.4 — construction and supporting-framework drawings with the application; an engineer’s anchoring report only for inflatable signs (s.5.7.1.2.2)
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.1 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) or 20% of the Building Wall Face of each separate business establishment in the Shopping Centre or Plaza;”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“13.2 Notwithstanding any other regulations in this By-law, the following Signs are not permitted in the Hamlet Community Core areas of Norval (identified on Schedule D to this By-law) and Glen Williams (identified on Schedule E to this By-law) and the Georgetown B.I.A. (identified on Schedule B to this By-law) and the Acton B.I.A. (identified on Schedule C to this By-law):”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.4.1 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a Sign on a Building facade shall: 8.4.1.1 be limited to individual block letters and logos; and 8.4.1.2 have a total surface area not exceeding the lesser of 23.97 m² (258 square feet) and 15% of the Building Wall Face.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
Part III splits by zone group — s.7 residential, institutional and open space; s.8 commercial and industrial, itself split between a single or double occupancy property (s.8.1.17) and a shopping centre or plaza (s.8.1.16); s.9 rural and agricultural. Then check Schedules B to F: the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (projecting signs allowed), the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores (no billboards, no track lighting or lit portable signs) and the 401 corridor (s.8.4) each carry their own rules. No sign anywhere may exceed 9.2 m (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.1.8 Multi-Storey Commercial or Industrial Fascia Sign provided the Sign:”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.8.1 is limited to the ground floor level of the Building, subject to Subsection 8.1.8.3; 8.1.8.2 does not exceed 20 % of the Building Wall Face of each ground floor tenancy; and 8.1.8.3 on the remainder of the Building consists only of a Building Identification Sign logo or symbol up to a maximum of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) in area.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.17.3 One Primary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted provided the Sign: 8.1.17.3.1 does not exceed 5.946 m² (64 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.95 m² (64 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.9 m² (64 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.4 One additional Secondary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted, provided the Sign: 8.1.17.4.1 is located on a principal Lot frontage that exceeds 45.72 m (150 feet) or in the case of a corner Lot, is located on the other separate frontage; 8.1.17.4.2 is 25% smaller in scale than the primary Ground Sign; and 8.1.17.4.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting. 8.1.17.5 An additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 2.04 m² (22 square feet) per Sign Face Area is permitted on the Primary Ground Sign provided that the additional area is used for Read-o-graph purposes only; and”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.6 One Menu Board Sign is permitted, provided that it has a maximum Sign area of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (Schedules B and C)
“8.1.17.2 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed a maximum of the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) in area or 20% of the Building Wall Face adjacent to the Road Allowance.”
the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face adjacent to the road allowance, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.1.8 Multi-Storey Commercial or Industrial Fascia Sign provided the Sign:”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.8.1 is limited to the ground floor level of the Building, subject to Subsection 8.1.8.3; 8.1.8.2 does not exceed 20 % of the Building Wall Face of each ground floor tenancy; and 8.1.8.3 on the remainder of the Building consists only of a Building Identification Sign logo or symbol up to a maximum of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) in area.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs all count against the one entitlement together (s.8.1.17.2). On a multi-storey building the fascia sign stays at the ground floor at 20% of each ground-floor tenancy’s wall face, with only a building identification logo of up to 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) above (s.8.1.8). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements that cannot be pooled onto one frontage (s.8.2).
“8.1.17.3 One Primary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted provided the Sign: 8.1.17.3.1 does not exceed 5.946 m² (64 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.95 m² (64 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.9 m² (64 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.4 One additional Secondary Business Identification Ground Sign is permitted, provided the Sign: 8.1.17.4.1 is located on a principal Lot frontage that exceeds 45.72 m (150 feet) or in the case of a corner Lot, is located on the other separate frontage; 8.1.17.4.2 is 25% smaller in scale than the primary Ground Sign; and 8.1.17.4.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting. 8.1.17.5 An additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 2.04 m² (22 square feet) per Sign Face Area is permitted on the Primary Ground Sign provided that the additional area is used for Read-o-graph purposes only; and”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“8.1.17.6 One Menu Board Sign is permitted, provided that it has a maximum Sign area of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary business identification ground sign of up to 5.946 m² (64 sq ft) per face, plus 2.04 m² (22 sq ft) per face more if the extra is a read-o-graph; one secondary ground sign, 25% smaller, where the principal frontage exceeds 45.72 m (150 ft) or on the other frontage of a corner lot; and one menu board of up to 2.973 m² (s.8.1.17.3–8.1.17.6). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling in s.4.1.22; s.8 sets no lower one.
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13
Within the Georgetown or Acton BIA a projecting sign is permitted for each business occupancy IN ADDITION to the property’s sign area entitlement, provided it is in keeping with the BIA signage (s.8.1.13). The by-law sets no area for it. A plaza in a BIA reads its wall and ground figures under the shopping centre row.
“8.1.16.1 Fascia Signs, Framed Poster Panels, and Directional Signs do not exceed the lesser of 27.871 m² (300 square feet) or 20% of the Building Wall Face of each separate business establishment in the Shopping Centre or Plaza;”
the building wall face of your own business establishment, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs count together for each separate business establishment (s.8.1.16.1). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements (s.8.2).
Wall signs may cover up to 20% of the building wall face of your own business establishment, or 27.871 m² (300 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 8 m² (86 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 27.87 m² (300 sq ft).
“8.2 Corner Lot- Maximum Sign Area Entitlement The Street frontages on a corner Lot, or of a Lot at the intersection of two or more Street Lines shall be deemed to be separate street frontages for the purpose of calculating the permitted Sign Face Area of, and the erection of, separate Signs for each street frontage; however, the permitted Sign Face Area for each separate frontage shall not be combined to erect one or more Signs on any one separate Building frontage.”
Fascia signs, framed poster panels and directional signs count together for each separate business establishment (s.8.1.16.1). A corner lot’s frontages are separate entitlements (s.8.2).
“8.1.16.2.1 does not exceed 13.935 m² (150 square feet) per Sign Face Area;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 13.94 m² (150 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 13.9 m² (150 sq ft).
“8.1.16.2 One Primary Ground Sign to identify the Shopping Centre or Plaza, display the names of its respective establishments in the centre or to provide direction, is permitted for every 45.72 m (150 feet) or part thereof of the principal Lot frontage, provided the Sign:”
One ground sign per 45.72 m (150 ft) of principal lot frontage.
Number, per what: per 45.72 m (150 ft) of principal lot frontage
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.2.1 does not exceed 13.935 m² (150 square feet) per Sign Face Area; 8.1.16.2.2 is of the same or of a complimentary style to the Building with respect to design, colour, and materials; 8.1.16.2.3 is mounted in a Landscaped Setting; and 8.1.16.2.4 notwithstanding Subsection 8.1.16.2.1, may include an additional maximum Sign area entitlement of 4.64 m² (50 square feet) per Sign Face Area provided it is used for Read-o- graph purposes only and represents no more than 25% of the total Sign Face Area of the Sign.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.3 One additional Secondary Ground Sign to identify the Shopping Centre or Plaza, display the names of its respective establishments, or provide direction is permitted for every additional 45.72 m (150 feet) of Lot frontage, provided that such additional Sign: 8.1.16.3.1 shall not exceed a maximum of two (2) Signs located on the principal Lot frontage or one per Street frontage; 8.1.16.3.2 shall be 25% smaller in scale but identical in design, colour, and materials to the primary Ground Sign;”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.4 One Directory Board Sign to provide direction to individual business units, provided that such Sign does not exceed 3.342 m² (36 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“8.1.16.5 Entrance Identification Sign or Signs to identify entrances in a Shopping Centre or Plaza, provided that such Signs have a combined area of not more than 3.72 m² (40 square feet) to identify entrances in a Shopping Centre or Plaza per entrance way.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One primary ground sign for every 45.72 m (150 ft) or part of the principal lot frontage, up to 13.935 m² (150 sq ft) per face, in a landscaped setting, plus 4.64 m² (50 sq ft) per face more as a read-o-graph if it is no more than 25% of the face (s.8.1.16.2). One secondary sign, 25% smaller, for every additional 45.72 m (150 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two on the principal frontage or one per street frontage (s.8.1.16.3). Also one directory board of up to 3.342 m² (s.8.1.16.4) and entrance signs of 3.72 m² (40 sq ft) combined per entrance (s.8.1.16.5). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“8.3.1.1 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) to a maximum of 7.6 m (25 feet) from a Street Line; 8.3.1.2 a minimum distance of 4.572 m (15 feet) from any rear lot line; and 8.3.1.3 a minimum distance of 1.219 m (4 feet) from any side lot line.”
4.572 m (15 ft) to 7.6 m (25 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from a side lot line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs (Schedules B and C)
“8.4.1 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a Sign on a Building facade shall: 8.4.1.1 be limited to individual block letters and logos; and 8.4.1.2 have a total surface area not exceeding the lesser of 23.97 m² (258 square feet) and 15% of the Building Wall Face.”
What the area is measured against: the building wall face, or 23.97 m² (258 sq ft), whichever is less
Note: Individual block letters and logos only (s.8.4.1.1).
Wall signs may cover up to 15% of the building wall face, or 23.97 m² (258 sq ft), whichever is less. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 6 m² (65 sq ft).
Whatever the percentage gives, the allowance stops at 23.97 m² (258 sq ft).
“8.4.2 Within a 401 Corridor Prestige Industrial (M7), Gateway (G) and Gateway Special (G-1, G-2) Zone (as identified in Schedule F to this By-law), a freestanding Ground Sign shall: 8.4.2.1 be limited to a single Ground Sign; 8.4.2.2 have a maximum Sign Face Area of 10 m² (108 square feet) per face; 8.4.2.3 have a maximum height of 3.6 m (11 feet 10 inches) above Grade; and”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
One ground sign per property.
A single ground sign of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) per face and 3.6 m (12 ft) tall, plus one more for every additional 80 m (262 ft) of frontage beyond 100 m (s.8.4.2, s.8.4.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 3.6 m (12 ft).
“8.4.2.4 be located such that no part of such Sign or structure is located closer than 1.5 m (5 feet) from a Street Line. 8.4.3 Notwithstanding, Subsection 8.4.2.1, one additional Ground Sign shall be permitted for every additional 80 m (262 feet 6 inches) of frontage in excess of 100 m (328 feet).”
A single ground sign of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) per face and 3.6 m (12 ft) tall, plus one more for every additional 80 m (262 ft) of frontage beyond 100 m (s.8.4.2, s.8.4.3).
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
Setback: no part closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to a street line
“8.1.13 Projecting Sign provided the Sign: 8.1.13.1 is located in the area identified as the Georgetown B.I.A. as identified on Schedule B attached to this By-law and the Acton B.I.A. as identified on Schedule C attached to this By-law; 8.1.13.2 is permitted for each business occupancy in addition to its maximum Sign area entitlement; and 8.1.13.3 is in keeping with the B.I.A. Signage.”
s.8.1.13 allows a projecting sign only within the Georgetown and Acton BIAs
“7.1.8 Institution Identification Sign provided the Ground Sign: 7.1.8.1 does not exceed one in number per Lot; and 7.1.8.2 does not exceed 18.581 m² (200 square feet) or 0.093 m² (one square foot) of Sign Face Area for 0.610 metres (2 linear feet) of Lot or Street frontage, whichever is lesser.”
s.7.1 lists identification signs only. An institution gets a ground identification sign (s.7.1.8) and wall-mounted or ground directional signs of 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined (s.7.1.9); no fascia identification sign is written for it.
“7.1.9 Institution Directional Sign provided the Sign: 7.1.9.1 is wall-mounted or a Ground Sign; 7.1.9.2 does not exceed a combined total of 2.323 m² (25 square feet) in Sign Face Area per Lot; and 7.1.9.3 is required for direction of traffic or pedestrians on an institutionally zoned property.”
s.7.1 lists identification signs only. An institution gets a ground identification sign (s.7.1.8) and wall-mounted or ground directional signs of 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined (s.7.1.9); no fascia identification sign is written for it.
“7.1.8 Institution Identification Sign provided the Ground Sign: 7.1.8.1 does not exceed one in number per Lot; and 7.1.8.2 does not exceed 18.581 m² (200 square feet) or 0.093 m² (one square foot) of Sign Face Area for 0.610 metres (2 linear feet) of Lot or Street frontage, whichever is lesser.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 18.58 m² (200 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per lot.
One institution identification ground sign per lot, at the lesser of 18.581 m² (200 sq ft) or 0.093 m² (1 sq ft) of sign face for every 0.610 m (2 ft) of lot or street frontage (s.7.1.8). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
You get 0.15 m² (1.6 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4.6 m² (50 sq ft).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
One institution identification ground sign per lot, at the lesser of 18.581 m² (200 sq ft) or 0.093 m² (1 sq ft) of sign face for every 0.610 m (2 ft) of lot or street frontage (s.7.1.8). The 9.2 m (30 ft) height is the Town-wide ceiling (s.4.1.22).
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“7.2 Setback Requirements For Ground Signs Ground Signs located on private property in a residential, Institutional, or open space Zone are subject to the following setback requirements and shall be located no closer: 7.2.1 than 3.048 m (10 feet) from a Street Line; 7.2.2 than 4.572 m (15 feet) to any rear Lot line; and 7.2.3 than 1.219 m (4 feet) to any internal side Lot line.”
3.048 m (10 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from an internal side lot line
“7.1.9 Institution Directional Sign provided the Sign: 7.1.9.1 is wall-mounted or a Ground Sign; 7.1.9.2 does not exceed a combined total of 2.323 m² (25 square feet) in Sign Face Area per Lot; and 7.1.9.3 is required for direction of traffic or pedestrians on an institutionally zoned property.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 2.32 m² (25 sq ft).
Institution directional signs, wall-mounted or ground, of no more than 2.323 m² (25 sq ft) combined per lot, where required for the direction of traffic or pedestrians (s.7.1.9).
“7.4 No Signs other than those provided for in Subsections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 6.1 shall be permitted to be erected on private property in any residential, institutional, or open space Zone.”
s.7.4 — no signs other than those in s.7.1 in a residential, institutional or open space zone
“7.1.6 High Density Residential Signs erected upon completion of the construction of a residential Building”
s.7.1.6 allows a ground sign, a for-sale or for-rent sign, a banner of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) on an apartment building and parking lot signs; no fascia identification sign is written for the building.
“of a higher density than a single family dwelling provided that: 7.1.6.1 one Ground Sign does not exceed a maximum of 9.29 m² (100 square feet) per Lot; 7.1.6.2 one For Sale or For Rent Sign does not exceed 2.323 m² (25 square feet) per Sign Face Area per Lot provided that two Signs, identical in design, are allowed when such Building abuts on more than one Street; 7.1.6.3 a Banner Sign does not exceed 10 m² (108 square feet) in Sign Face Area securely attached to an apartment building; and 7.1.6.4 Parking Lot Signs do not exceed 0.279 m² (3 square feet) per Sign Face Area located at each point of ingress and egress to and from the parking area of the Building.”
s.7.1.6 allows a ground sign, a for-sale or for-rent sign, a banner of up to 10 m² (108 sq ft) on an apartment building and parking lot signs; no fascia identification sign is written for the building.
“of a higher density than a single family dwelling provided that: 7.1.6.1 one Ground Sign does not exceed a maximum of 9.29 m² (100 square feet) per Lot; 7.1.6.2 one For Sale or For Rent Sign does not exceed 2.323 m² (25 square feet) per Sign Face Area per Lot provided that two Signs, identical in design, are allowed when such Building abuts on more than one Street; 7.1.6.3 a Banner Sign does not exceed 10 m² (108 square feet) in Sign Face Area securely attached to an apartment building; and 7.1.6.4 Parking Lot Signs do not exceed 0.279 m² (3 square feet) per Sign Face Area located at each point of ingress and egress to and from the parking area of the Building.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 9.29 m² (100 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9.3 m² (100 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot.
One ground sign of up to 9.29 m² (100 sq ft) per lot on completion of a residential building denser than a single-family dwelling (s.7.1.6.1), plus parking lot signs of 0.279 m² (3 sq ft) at each entrance (s.7.1.6.4).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“7.2 Setback Requirements For Ground Signs Ground Signs located on private property in a residential, Institutional, or open space Zone are subject to the following setback requirements and shall be located no closer: 7.2.1 than 3.048 m (10 feet) from a Street Line; 7.2.2 than 4.572 m (15 feet) to any rear Lot line; and 7.2.3 than 1.219 m (4 feet) to any internal side Lot line.”
3.048 m (10 ft) from a street line · 4.572 m (15 ft) from a rear lot line · 1.219 m (4 ft) from an internal side lot line
“7.4 No Signs other than those provided for in Subsections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 6.1 shall be permitted to be erected on private property in any residential, institutional, or open space Zone.”
s.7.4
“9.1 The following types of Signs may be erected on private property in a rural or agricultural Zone: 9.1.1 Bed & Breakfast Sign up to 1.48 m² (16 square feet) per Sign Face Area to indicate that the premise, or part thereof, is being used as a bed & breakfast. 9.1.2 Home Craft Fascia non-illuminated Sign or Signs having a combined area of not more than 1.48 m² (16 square feet) affixed to the exterior wall of one Building to indicate that part of the premise is being used for a home craft. 9.1.3 Lettering On Barn for the identification of a farm.”
s.9.1 allows lettering on a barn to identify a farm, a non-illuminated home craft sign of 1.48 m² (16 sq ft) combined on one building, and a bed and breakfast sign of 1.48 m² (16 sq ft); no general fascia entitlement is written.
“9.1.5 Ground Sign up to a maximum combined total of 2.973 m² (32 square feet) per Sign Face Area , subject to compliance with all other applicable regulations and prohibitions contained in this By-law. 9.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 9.1, where a farm is located adjacent to a residential Zone, the size of a permitted Sign is restricted to a maximum of 1.115 m² (12 square feet) per Sign Face Area.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.97 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
Ground signs up to a combined total of 2.973 m² (32 sq ft) per sign face (s.9.1.5); where the farm is next to a residential zone, 1.115 m² (12 sq ft) per face (s.9.2).
“4.1.22 any Sign exceeding 9.2 m (30 feet) in height above the adjacent finished Grade.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 9.2 m (30 ft).
“9.3 No Sign erected in a rural or agricultural Zone shall be located closer than 3.048 m (10 feet) to any property line”
Setback: 3.048 m (10 ft) from any property line
“9.1 The following types of Signs may be erected on private property in a rural or agricultural Zone: 9.1.1 Bed & Breakfast Sign up to 1.48 m² (16 square feet) per Sign Face Area to indicate that the premise, or part thereof, is being used as a bed & breakfast. 9.1.2 Home Craft Fascia non-illuminated Sign or Signs having a combined area of not more than 1.48 m² (16 square feet) affixed to the exterior wall of one Building to indicate that part of the premise is being used for a home craft. 9.1.3 Lettering On Barn for the identification of a farm.”
s.9.1 lists the sign types allowed in a rural or agricultural zone and a projecting sign is not among them
“13.1.1 All signs having intermittent, flashing, animation, or sequential illumination of any kind, but shall not include: 13.1.1.1 Electronic Message Centres having stationary illumination of information and changes in not less than four (4) hour intervals; 13.1.1.2 A time, date, or temperature Sign having intermittent information changes in not less than ten (10) second intervals;”
Prohibited. The exemption requires stationary illumination of the information.
Four HOURS minimum between changes
Illuminated signs are fine — but a digital sign may change only once every four HOURS
This is the most consequential single clause we hold. s.13.1.1 prohibits all signs having intermittent, flashing, animation or sequential illumination of any kind. An electronic message centre escapes that prohibition only if it has stationary illumination and “changes in not less than four (4) hour intervals”. Four HOURS, not four seconds. Conventional digital signage, with a dwell of a few seconds, is unlawful in Halton Hills as the by-law is drafted. The ten-second figure people remember belongs to s.13.1.1.2, which is the time, date and temperature sign, not the general rule.
“13.2 Notwithstanding any other regulations in this By-law, the following Signs are not permitted in the Hamlet Community Core areas of Norval (identified on Schedule D to this By-law) and Glen Williams (identified on Schedule E to this By-law) and the Georgetown B.I.A. (identified on Schedule B to this By-law) and the Acton B.I.A. (identified on Schedule C to this By-law):”
Inside the Georgetown BIA, the Acton BIA and the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores, moving and stationary track lighting and illuminated portable signs are both prohibited outright (s.13.2.1, s.13.2.2). An illuminated portable sign that is fine elsewhere in Town is prohibited on the main streets of Georgetown and Acton. Those boundaries are Schedules B to F, which are map images we could not read.
“13.2.1 Signs having moving or stationary track lighting; and 13.2.2 Illuminated Portable Signs.”
Inside the Georgetown BIA, the Acton BIA and the Norval and Glen Williams hamlet cores, moving and stationary track lighting and illuminated portable signs are both prohibited outright (s.13.2.1, s.13.2.2). An illuminated portable sign that is fine elsewhere in Town is prohibited on the main streets of Georgetown and Acton. Those boundaries are Schedules B to F, which are map images we could not read.
“14.4 Where the appropriate staff and affected public authorities circulated in Section 14.3 have no objection to the variance or exception request or do not respond on time then the Director of Corporate Services or his/her desginate, upon reviewing the application, may approve the requested variance or exception”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“the application shall be put before the Community Affairs Committee for consideration at the next opportunity with a Staff Report describing the application.”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“14.7 The Committee, upon reviewing any application and hearing the submissions by the applicant, may recommend to Council that a variance or exception be granted”
the Director of Corporate Services (or designate) at staff level; on objection, the Community Affairs Committee and then Council
“Sign - Fascia/Roof Flat Rate Exempt 0% 262.50 $ - $ 262.50 $ 270.37 $ - $ 270.37 $ 3.00% Signs - Self Standing Flat Rate Exempt 0% 402.14 $ - $ 402.14 $ 414.21 $ - $ 414.21 $ 3.00%”
The permit is a flat $414.21.
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“2025 Rate (No Tax) HST 2025 Rate (Incl HST) 2026 Rate (No Tax) HST 2026 Rate (Incl HST) Increase (%)”
The permit is a flat $414.21.
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“Appendix A to By-law No. 2025-0104 2026 Rates and Fees Schedule”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Portable Sign Permit Flat rate Exempt 0% 142.00 $ - $ 142.00 $ 146.00 $ - $ 146.00 $ 2.82%”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“SELF STANDING SIGNS: $332.00 (FLAT FEE) (Pylon) FASCIA SIGNS $220.00 (FLAT FEE)”
$414.21 for a self-standing sign, $270.37 for a fascia or roof sign, $146.00 for a portable sign permit (2026 column of Fees By-law 2025-0104). Schedule A inside the sign by-law still prints older figures, $332.00 and $220.00 — see the document warning.
“Sign Variance Application Flat rate Exempt 0% 714.00 $ - $ 714.00 $ 735.00 $ - $ 735.00 $ 2.94%”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $735.
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“2025 Rate (No Tax) HST 2025 Rate (Incl HST) 2026 Rate (No Tax) HST 2026 Rate (Incl HST) Increase (%)”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $735.
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“The fee of $714.00 for the processing of a Sign Variance application for permanent signs”
The Town’s own variance application form still prints $714.00, which was the 2025 rate; the fee by-law’s 2026 column gives $735.00.
“A variance process is available where the sign cannot be erected in compliance with the by-law. The process takes approximately 3 months.”
The Town’s webpage says about three months; the application form says the minimum is ten days. Both are reported as printed.
“Please note that the minimum time required for an application to be reviewed and a decision rendered by the Town is ten days.”
The Town’s webpage says about three months; the application form says the minimum is ten days. Both are reported as printed.
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.
