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Markham sign by‑law: what’s allowed

Sign By-law 2002-94, consolidated to April 2024. What the published by-law allows, how big, whether a sign can be lit, what it costs, and which copy of the by-law to trust.

We calculate sizesverified 2026-09Stale copy liveUpdated 25 September 2026 →

What we hold: we calculate the size and count limits, so a check here gives you a number · lighting and digital rules read in full · fees and timelines from the published schedule · engineering trigger confirmed.

Lake Ontario Markham
Approximate location

Check a specific address in Markham

Two questions, no dimensions needed. You get the maximum for your sign type, the lighting rules, the fee and the sections it all came from.

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What the by-law allows in Markham
Sign typeHereMost you’d getThe rule
On the building
Fascia, wall sign, channel letters
Depends on districts.5.4; Table B — 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per linear metre of facade, max 35 m² (377 sq ft) in commercial read it · p.17 ↗
Freestanding
Pylon or monument out front
Depends on districts.5.3; Table B — 4 to 6 m² (65 sq ft), 4 to 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in commercial read it · p.16 ↗
Projecting
Blade sign off the wall
Depends on districtDepends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure.
Small directional
Entrance or drive-aisle sign
Depends on districtUsually falls under the ground sign rules unless the by-law carves out directional signs — s.5.3; Table B — 4 to 6 m² (65 sq ft), 4 to 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in commercial read it · p.16 ↗
New face, same frame
Replacing the face of a sign already there
UnresolvedA face replacement may be a copy change, maintenance or an alteration under the applicable by-law. Confirm the existing sign’s lawful status and whether changes to its face, structure, area or illumination require a permit. A permit exemption does not establish permission to install.
Window signs & graphics
Lettering, decals and signs behind glass
Review neededWindow-sign calculations are not yet verified for this municipality and category. Confirm classification, coverage, placement and permit requirements with the municipality.
Temporary promotional
Banners, mobile signs and short-term promotions
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the exact sign format, location, display period and any renewal or repeat-display limits. Temporary use does not itself establish a permit exemption.
Construction & development
Development marketing, builder signs and hoarding
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm whether this is development advertising, builder identification, hoarding graphics or a required notice. Provide the project stage, proposed copy and location; these purposes may follow different requirements.
Real estate
For sale, for lease and open-house signs
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the property use, whether the sign is at the listed property or off-site, and the applicable removal deadline. New-development marketing may be classified separately from an ordinary sale or lease sign.
Event signage
Commercial, community and private events
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the organizer, commercial content, sign format, location and display dates. Community events, private celebrations and election signs may follow separate rules; an event permit does not establish permission for every sign.

“Up to” means we have the rule but not your dimensions — start a check and enter them to get your actual numbers. “Rule on file” means we have read the section and can take you to it, but have not turned it into a calculation — so no number, on purpose. “Depends on district” means we do calculate it, but the figure changes with the sign district, so pick one to see it.

Can you light it?Yes

Yes

Permitted — loose on light, tight on digital. The zone tables list illumination as “internal or external” for most permanent sign types in Residential and Commercial zones; awnings are external only.

BrightnessNo numeric limit in this by-law
No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance.
Hours it must be off or dimmedNone stated.
Up-lightingNot addressed
The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission.
Near housingNo lux limit and no setback tied to illumination. The only control is s.5.1: the light source must be shielded so it is not visible from off the property.
s.5.1

Worth knowing before you design it

In a Special Sign District, internally illuminated signs and readographs are prohibited outright — external illumination only (s.10.4.2).

You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.5.3.4, s.4.7.1, s.5.3.7.

Read it yourself: s.5.1, Tables A–C of Sign By-law 2002-94 ↗

What it costs and how long4 to budget

Permit fee $449

Calculated from Markham’s published schedule — $449 per sign.

About the fee

$449 each for a sign regulated by the Building Code; the fee for other signs is not in the row we quote.

How long the City takes

Target of 10 or 20 business days for the first review cycle; the schedule does not say which applies.

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

The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Local source note (confirm applicability): Markham requires an engineer’s certification only where the Chief Building Official asks for it. There is no size, height or weight threshold published anywhere. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf

The by-law itself
The governing document

Sign By-law 2002-94

By-law 2002-94 · Consolidated to April 2024 · PDF, 70 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 ↗
An out-of-date copy of this by-law is still online. Markham’s own by-law index links an older consolidation of this by-law, years out of date. Navigating the City’s site the obvious way lands you on the wrong file. The link above is the April 2024 one.

Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:

What you wantWhere it is
Wall signss.5.4; Table B — 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per linear metre of facade, max 35 m² (377 sq ft) in commercialopen · p.17 ↗
Ground signss.5.3; Table B — 4 to 6 m² (65 sq ft), 4 to 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in commercialopen · p.16 ↗
Variances.19.0open · p.32 ↗
Engineerings.4.4.7 — plans certified by a registered professional engineer for structural adequacyopen · p.12 ↗

Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.

Also worth having open:

Where these numbers came from
By-law textverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 3 separate checks
Table B sets 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) of linear building facade; s.5.4.7 divides that among tenants in proportion to the frontage each controls, unless a sign uniformity plan allocates it. Checked against the by-law text on 24 September 2026.
Size and count rulesverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 2 separate checks
⚠ Two things the by-law leaves open. Tables A, B and C head the area column “Maximum Area Per Face” while Tables D and E head it “Maximum Area” — so whether an institutional or heritage-district figure is per face or across all faces is unstated. And s.4.7.1(d) prohibits billboards outright while three of the tables carry permitted billboard rows. Section 18.0 lists site-specific exceptions that displace the tables for named properties.
Permit feesverified Sep 2026 · published fee schedule · checked once
The underlying fee by-law PDF is a scan; figure read from the City’s fee-schedule page.
Variance costnot verified
The by-law’s own words108 figures

Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.

Commercial — a standalone building or a unit · Wall sign

maximum area, additional rule, area per metre of frontage
“0.75 m 2 per 1.0 m of linear building facade, maximum 35.0 m 2 for an indi vidual sign”
What this means for your sign

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

Table B sets 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) of linear building facade, to 35.0 m² (377 sq ft) for any one sign. In a multi-tenant building, where a sign uniformity plan does not allocate the wall sign space, s.5.4.7 gives each tenant a share in proportion to the frontage it controls on that facade — in effect 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre of your own unit’s frontage. Where a uniformity plan allocates it, the plan governs.

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

additional rule
“Where the allocation of wall sign space in a multi - tenant building is not specified in a sign uniformity plan, the area of wall signs f or tenants shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant con trols on the applicable wall facade.”
What this means for your sign

Table B sets 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) of linear building facade, to 35.0 m² (377 sq ft) for any one sign. In a multi-tenant building, where a sign uniformity plan does not allocate the wall sign space, s.5.4.7 gives each tenant a share in proportion to the frontage it controls on that facade — in effect 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre of your own unit’s frontage. Where a uniformity plan allocates it, the plan governs.

placement
“For a two storey commercial building , a wall sign shall onl y be erected on the wall of the second storey in accordance with the sign uniformity plan approved by the Town.”
What this means for your sign

on a two-storey commercial building, the second storey only, under a sign uniformity plan approved by the City; this does not apply to a single-storey building

Commercial — a standalone building or a unit · Ground sign

copy area
“having a height of 3 metr es or greater, shall not contain any copy except the municipal address number, within 1.5 metres above grade.”
What this means for your sign

A ground sign 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) or taller may carry no copy below 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from grade, except the municipal address (s.5.3.5).

number, number, note
“A maximum of one ground sign is permitted per street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by - law.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per street frontage.

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

number, note
“A second ground sign shall b e permitted in a commercial or industrial zone, excluding a Shopping Ce ntre, where all of the following conditions exist; a) There is more than one main building on a lot, b) The lot fronts onto a single street and, c) The lot has a frontage of 100 me tres or greater.”
What this means for your sign

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

number, note
“no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

area, tier 1, height, tier 1, tier 1 threshold
“Ground Lot frontage 20 m or less 4.0 m 2 4.0 m”
What this means for your sign

By frontage: up to 20 m (66 ft) → 4 m² (43 sq ft); over 20 m (66 ft) → 6 m² (65 sq ft). Height steps up with it: 4 m (13 ft), 7.5 m (25 ft).

area, tier 2, height, tier 2
“Ground Lot frontage greater than 20 m 6.0 m 2 7.5 m”
What this means for your sign

By frontage: up to 20 m (66 ft) → 4 m² (43 sq ft); over 20 m (66 ft) → 6 m² (65 sq ft). Height steps up with it: 4 m (13 ft), 7.5 m (25 ft).

Commercial — a standalone building or a unit · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Commercial — a standalone building or a unit · Projecting sign

maximum area
“Projecting N/A 1.0 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).

Shopping centre, site area 1.0 to 4.0 hectares · Wall sign

maximum area, area per metre of frontage
“0.75 m 2 per 1.0 m of building facade, maximum 35.0 m 2 for an individual sign”
What this means for your sign

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

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

Shopping centre, site area 1.0 to 4.0 hectares · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, per what, number, note, height
“Ground 1 for each 100 m of front age to a maximum of 2 ground signs per street 10.0 m 2 7.5 m”
What this means for your sign

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

2 ground signs per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage.

Number, per what: per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage

One ground sign for each 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two per street, and no two closer than 45 m (148 ft).

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

copy area
“having a height of 3 metr es or greater, shall not contain any copy except the municipal address number, within 1.5 metres above grade.”
What this means for your sign

A ground sign 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) or taller may carry no copy below 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from grade, except the municipal address (s.5.3.5).

number, note
“Minimum 45 m separation between the ground signs”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign for each 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two per street, and no two closer than 45 m (148 ft).

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Shopping centre, site area 1.0 to 4.0 hectares · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Shopping centre, site area 1.0 to 4.0 hectares · Projecting sign

maximum area
“Projecting N/A 1.0 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).

Shopping centre, site area over 4.0 hectares · Wall sign

maximum area, area per metre of frontage
“0.75 m 2 per 1.0 m of building facade, maximum 35.0 m 2 for an individual sign”
What this means for your sign

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

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

Shopping centre, site area over 4.0 hectares · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, per what, number, note, height
“Ground 1 for each 100 m of frontage to a maximum of 2 ground signs per street 18.0 m 2 7.5 m”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 18 m² (194 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 18 m² (194 sq ft).

2 ground signs per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage.

Number, per what: per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage

One ground sign per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two per street, and no two closer than 45 m (148 ft).

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

copy area
“having a height of 3 metr es or greater, shall not contain any copy except the municipal address number, within 1.5 metres above grade.”
What this means for your sign

A ground sign 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) or taller may carry no copy below 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from grade, except the municipal address (s.5.3.5).

number, note
“Minimum 45 m separation between the ground signs”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, to a maximum of two per street, and no two closer than 45 m (148 ft).

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Shopping centre, site area over 4.0 hectares · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Shopping centre, site area over 4.0 hectares · Projecting sign

maximum area
“Projecting N/A 1.0 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).

Enclosed two-storey shopping centre over 4.0 hectares · Wall sign

maximum area, additional rule, area per metre of frontage
“0.75 m 2 per 1.0 m of building facade, maximum 40.0 m 2 for an ind ividual sign.”
What this means for your sign

The wall sign allowance tops out at 40 m² (431 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

An individual wall sign may be up to 40.0 m² (431 sq ft) here. Non-tenant graphics and signs are limited to 50% of the permitted sign area for the building facade.

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

additional rule
“Non - tenant graphics and signs shall be limited to a maximu m of 50% of the permitted sign area for the building facade”
What this means for your sign

An individual wall sign may be up to 40.0 m² (431 sq ft) here. Non-tenant graphics and signs are limited to 50% of the permitted sign area for the building facade.

Enclosed two-storey shopping centre over 4.0 hectares · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, per what, number, note, height
“Ground 1 for each 100 m of frontage to a maximum of 2 ground signs per street 18.0 m 2 7.5 m”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 18 m² (194 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 18 m² (194 sq ft).

2 ground signs per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage.

Number, per what: per street — one per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage

Number, note: One per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, maximum two per street, 45 m (148 ft) apart.

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

number, note
“Minimum 45 m separation between the ground signs”
What this means for your sign

Number, note: One per 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, maximum two per street, 45 m (148 ft) apart.

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Enclosed two-storey shopping centre over 4.0 hectares · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Enclosed two-storey shopping centre over 4.0 hectares · Projecting sign

maximum area
“Projecting N/A 1.0 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).

Industrial · Wall sign

maximum area, area per metre of frontage
“0.5 m 2 per 1.0 m of building facade, maximum 25.0 m 2 for an individual sign”
What this means for your sign

The wall sign allowance tops out at 25 m² (269 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of premises wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).

Industrial · Ground sign

number, number, note
“A maximum of one ground sign is permitted per street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by - law.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per street frontage.

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

number, note
“A second ground sign shall b e permitted in a commercial or industrial zone, excluding a Shopping Ce ntre, where all of the following conditions exist; a) There is more than one main building on a lot, b) The lot fronts onto a single street and, c) The lot has a frontage of 100 me tres or greater.”
What this means for your sign

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

number, note
“no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

One per street frontage. A SECOND ground sign is permitted on a commercial or industrial lot (not a shopping centre) where there is more than one main building on the lot, the lot fronts a single street, and that frontage is 100 m (328 ft) or more; they must be at least 45 m (148 ft) apart (s.5.3.10, s.5.3.8).

minimum allowance, maximum area, per metre of frontage, area per metre of frontage, height
“Ground N/A 3.0m 2 , or 1.0 m 2 per 30.0 m of street frontage, up to a maximum 5.0 m 2 , whichever is the greater. 4.0 m”
What this means for your sign

The larger of 3 m² (32 sq ft) or 1 m² (11 sq ft) for every 30 m (98 ft) of frontage, but never more than 5 m² (54 sq ft). For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).

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

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Industrial · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Institutional, or any use not in another table · Wall sign

maximum area, area per metre of frontage
“Ground N/A 4.0 m 2 4.0 m Internal or external Wall N/A 0.5 m 2 per 1.0 m of bu ilding facade, to maximum 20.0 m 2”
What this means for your sign

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

You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of premises wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).

Institutional, or any use not in another table · Ground sign

maximum area, height
“Ground N/A 4.0 m 2 4.0 m Internal or external Wall N/A 0.5 m 2 per 1.0 m of bu ilding facade, to maximum 20.0 m 2”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).

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

number
“A maximum of one ground sign is permitted per street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by - law.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per street frontage.

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Institutional, or any use not in another table · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Special Sign District — a heritage main street · Wall sign

maximum area, additional rule, area per metre of frontage
“0.30m 2 per 1.0m of building façade, to a maximum of 5.0m 2 (Except for Main Street, Unionville) 0.25m 2 per 1.0m of building façade to a maximum of 2.25m 2 (Main Street Unionville on ly)”
What this means for your sign

The wall sign allowance tops out at 5 m² (54 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

Main Street Unionville is tighter still at 0.25 m² (2.7 sq ft) per metre and a 2.25 m² (24 sq ft) cap. Confirm which district the address falls in before sizing anything.

You get 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of premises wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).

Special Sign District — a heritage main street · Ground sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“Single Occupant Sign Type Minimum Frontage Ma ximum Area Maximum Height Illumination Ground N/A 1.5 m 2 2.0 m External Multiple Occupant Sign Type Minimum Frontage Maximum Area Maximum Height Illumination Ground N/A 2.0 m 2 2.5 m External”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 2 m² (22 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2 m² (22 sq ft).

2.0 m² (22 sq ft) at 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) applies to a multiple-occupancy property. A single-occupant property is smaller again: 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) at 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in).

The ground sign can be no taller than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).

number
“A maximum of one ground sign is permitted per street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by - law.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per street frontage.

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Special Sign District — a heritage main street · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Special Sign District — a heritage main street · Projecting sign

maximum area
“Projecting N/A 0.75 m 2 N/A External”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

Residential · Wall sign

maximum area
“Ground N/A 2.4 m 2 2.0 m Internal or external Wall N/A 2.4 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

The wall sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).

Residential · Ground sign

maximum area, height
“Ground N/A 2.4 m 2 2.0 m Internal or external Wall N/A 2.4 m 2 N/A”
What this means for your sign

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

The ground sign can be no taller than 2 m (6 ft 7 in).

number
“A maximum of one ground sign is permitted per street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this by - law.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per street frontage.

setback
“A ground sign shall not be located within 3 metres of a driveway entrance or exit at the streetline.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“Where this By - law permits more than one ground sign along a street frontage, no ground s ign shall be located within 45 m of another ground sign on the same lot.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

setback
“A sign located within a daylight triangle.”
What this means for your sign

3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic signal · 45.0 m (148 ft) between ground signs where more than one is permitted · clear of the daylight triangle at a corner

Residential · Directional sign

maximum area, number, note, height
“A directional sign shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m 2 a nd shall have a maximum height of 1.2 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A directional sign can be no larger than 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft).

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

The directional sign can be no taller than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).

number, note
“directional sign not exceeding 0.5 m 2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

number, note
“The number of direc tional signs shall be limited to 2 per entrance.”
What this means for your sign

No permit is needed for a directional sign up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) and 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall (s.4.6(m)); up to 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) needs a permit (s.5.6.1). No more than 2 per entrance (s.5.6.2).

Lighting and digital signs

movement and animation
“(d) A video display or billboard.”
What this means for your sign

A video display is prohibited (s.4.7.1(d)), and an electronic message display is defined as a sign whose illumination is held at a constant level.

movement and animation
“"electronic message display" means a permanent sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a pre - arranged sequence, and on which the intensity of illumination is maintained at a constant level.”
What this means for your sign

A video display is prohibited (s.4.7.1(d)), and an electronic message display is defined as a sign whose illumination is held at a constant level.

which signs may be digital
“The sign face of a ground sign may allocate a maximum 50% of the sign face to a readograph or electronic display.”
What this means for your sign

A ground sign only, up to 50% of the sign face. There is no wall-mounted allowance

distance from an intersection
“No ground sign shall be located within 15.0 m of a traffic light.”
What this means for your sign

No ground sign within 15 m (49 ft) of a traffic light (s.5.3.7)

general permission to illuminate
“Ground N/A 2.4 m 2 2.0 m Internal or external Wall N/A 2.4 m 2 N/A Internal or external”
What this means for your sign

The zone tables list illumination as “internal or external” for most permanent sign types in Residential and Commercial zones; awnings are external only.

general permission to illuminate
“Awning N/A 10% of the area of the awning N/A External Building Canopy N/A 0.25 m 2 per 1.0 m of linear length N/A Internal or external Projecting N/A 1.0 m 2 N/A Internal or external”
What this means for your sign

The zone tables list illumination as “internal or external” for most permanent sign types in Residential and Commercial zones; awnings are external only.

worth knowing
“10.4.2 The following types o f signs are prohibited: mobile sign, readograph sign, internally illumin ated sign, billboard, and banner sign.”
What this means for your sign

In a Special Sign District, internally illuminated signs and readographs are prohibited outright — external illumination only (s.10.4.2).

near housing
“Light sources which illuminate signs shall be shi elded so that the light source is not visible from off the property on w hich the sign is located.”
What this means for your sign

No lux limit and no setback tied to illumination. The only control is s.5.1: the light source must be shielded so it is not visible from off the property.

Fees and timelines

flat fee, note, fee schedule year
“2026 Fees 2025 Fees 2024 Fees 2023 Fees Previous Fees”
What this means for your sign

The permit is a flat $449.

$449 each for a sign regulated by the Building Code; the fee for other signs is not in the row we quote.

These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.

flat fee, note, fee schedule year
“A51 Sign regulated by the Building Code $449 each”
What this means for your sign

The permit is a flat $449.

$449 each for a sign regulated by the Building Code; the fee for other signs is not in the row we quote.

These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.

permit timeline
“Below is a summary of our target review deadlines for the first review cycle, measured in business days.”
What this means for your sign

Target of 10 or 20 business days for the first review cycle; the schedule does not say which applies

permit timeline
“Sign Permits 10 20”
What this means for your sign

Target of 10 or 20 business days for the first review cycle; the schedule does not say which applies

Which cities we can answer for 29 cities

We calculate your maximum

28

The size and count rules are in, so you get a number rather than a reading list.

We can point you to the by-law, not the numbers

1

We hold the reference and the contacts. We would rather say that than guess.

Don’t see your city? Tell us which one you need — we add the ones people actually ask for.