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 automaticallyOakville uses land-use designations. Confirm the applicable category on the municipal map; ordinary zoning does not automatically settle it.
Don’t know it? Zoning by-law map ↗ — search your address there.
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 Oakville’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 2018-153 ↗ — consolidated 28 March 2022.
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 Oakville’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 Oakville’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 Oakville’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.
By-law 2018-153 · Consolidated 28 March 2022 · PDF
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fascia and ground signs | Part 5, by land-use designation — commercial, employment, mixed use and institutional each have their own section | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Motor vehicle uses | Part 6 | open · p.40 ↗ |
| Exceptions | Part 15 — Oakville’s equivalent of a variance | open · p.64 ↗ |
| Engineering | Part 2 s.6 — engineered drawings where the Designated Official requires them | open · p.14 ↗ |
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 Oakville’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 Oakville 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.
“are at no point more than three feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face”
Two parallel faces no more than three feet apart count as one face — the larger of the two if they differ. The by-law states this one distance in feet, not metres.
“or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area”
Two parallel faces no more than three feet apart count as one face — the larger of the two if they differ. The by-law states this one distance in feet, not metres.
“Any sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation is prohibited.”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“erect, locate or display a sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“part 15 exception s to the by - law”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is in cluded within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 25 m² (269 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 25 m² (269 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(D) For Community Commercial and Core Commercial designatio ns only, one (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage”
In the Community Commercial and Core Commercial designations only, one more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage. Frontage buys you COUNT in this by-law, never area.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 4.59 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(J) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (J)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 4.59 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (J)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (F) (G) 0.56 m² 8.0 m² (M) (By - law 2021 - 141) (F) (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 25 m² (269 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 25 m² (269 sq ft).
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(D) One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage, except for properties in the Industrial Designation”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“(B) Sign type only permitted for Office Employment Designation”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 7.5 m 2 (M) n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(K) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (K)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (F) (G) 0.56 m² 8.0 m² (M) (By - law 2021 - 141) (F) (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (K)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
no higher than 4.5 m (the table’s maximum sign height for a fascia sign); on a building of eight storeys or more a fascia sign may also go on the top-storey wall, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures
“(F) For buildings eight (8) stories or greater, fascia signs may be displayed on the wall of the top storey, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures”
no higher than 4.5 m (the table’s maximum sign height for a fascia sign); on a building of eight storeys or more a fascia sign may also go on the top-storey wall, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6.3 m² (68 sq ft).
No extra sign for frontage in this designation, unlike commercial, employment and institutional. The ground sign here is limited to 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), against 25.0 m² (269 sq ft) in a commercial designation.
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
One ground sign per frontage.
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
No extra sign for frontage in this designation, unlike commercial, employment and institutional. The ground sign here is limited to 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), against 25.0 m² (269 sq ft) in a commercial designation.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum message area ( By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 1.0 m 2 (N) n/a n/a 2.0 m 2 (N) n/a”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 2 m² (22 sq ft).
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m (K) 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m n/a”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to the front or flankage property line (this designation has no maximum setback, unlike commercial, employment, residential and institutional) · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m (L) n/a”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to the front or flankage property line (this designation has no maximum setback, unlike commercial, employment, residential and institutional) · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m (K) 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m n/a”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
One projecting sign.
“Maximum overhang onto public property 0.46 m prohibited 0.1 m prohibited 0.2 m prohibited 0.46 m”
This is the only designation in Oakville where a projecting sign appears as a permitted type. Maximum overhang onto public property is 0.46 m (1 ft 6 in), and an electronic message board is prohibited on it.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
no higher than 4.5 m (15 ft), and not projecting below the underside of an awning or canopy
“(E) Sign shall not project below the undersurface of the awning or canopy structure”
no higher than 4.5 m (15 ft), and not projecting below the underside of an awning or canopy
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20%”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“the ground floor along the building frontage(s). The use of window signs is limited to uses”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“located on the ground floor of the building”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² (E) (F) 20.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 20 m² (215 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 6 (B) n/a n/a 1 (C)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(C) One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, with no designation restriction — broader than the commercial allowance, which is limited to Community and Core Commercial.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 6.75 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(I) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (I)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² (E) (F) 20.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 6 (B) n/a n/a 1 (C)”
6 directional signs per property, not per frontage.
“(B) Maximum number of signs per property, not per frontage”
6 directional signs per property, not per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“(F) A maximum sign face area of five percent (5%) of the total wall area upon which the sign is affixed”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
Wall signs may cover up to 5% of the total wall area the sign is affixed to.
“(A) Sign types not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
“(I) Permitted on detached dwelling lots for day nurseries and short - term accommodations, to a maximum of 5% to the wall to which it is attached. Fascia signs shall only be permitted on the first storey of the building”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face ar ea permitted for fascia signs”
Awning and entrance-canopy sign face area is included within the fascia total. Window signs are separate; townhouses are excluded.
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² 5.25 m² (K) (By - law 2021 - 141) (E) (F) 6.25 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6.3 m² (68 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 2 1 n/a n/a 1”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(J) Permitted on detached dwelling lots for day nurseries and short - term accommodations, one per property, with a maximum message area of 0.5 m 2 and a maximum sign face area of 1 .5m 2”
A detached dwelling lot used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets one per property at 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) with a 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) message area.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 2.5 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 2.0 m 2 (K) n/a n/a 4.0 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“(G) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (G)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² 5.25 m² (K) (By - law 2021 - 141) (E) (F) 6.25 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 2 1 n/a n/a 1”
2 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 2.5 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (G)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Maximum sign face area (F)(G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 20.0 m² 20% (H)(I)”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 (B) n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 (C) 1 (C)”
3 directional signs per property.
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“(B) Maximum number of signs per property, not per frontage”
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“(A) One (1) sign positioned at the entrance to the stacking lane and one (1) sign positioned at the exit of the stacking lane”
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a (D) (E) 3.0 m 6.75 m 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“fail to dim an illuminated sign located within 90.0 m of a residential area between sunset and 11:00 p.m.;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“fail to turn off an illuminated sign located within 90.0 m of a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
Oakville states a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shut-off in Part 3.1(p) and a 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. shut-off for a message board in Table 8.1. These do not reconcile — confirm which governs before quoting a curfew.
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“fail to dim or turn off an illuminated sign beyond 90.0 m of a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when dire cted by the Designated Official;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
“fail to dim or turn off an illuminated sign beyond 90.0 m of a residential area as dire cted by conditions of a permit or exception;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
“b. any sign, in whole or part, with animation, scrolling content, motion, rotation, fading, flashing, blinking light, or any effects that create the illusion of movement;”
No animation, motion, scrolling, fading, flashing or blinking, and no sequential messaging — including across subsequent signs, which kills a multi-sign plaza campaign
“i. any sign that displays sequential messages, either on the same sign or on subsequent s igns;”
No animation, motion, scrolling, fading, flashing or blinking, and no sequential messaging — including across subsequent signs, which kills a multi-sign plaza campaign
“Table 8.1 Regulations for Static Electronic Message Boards (SEMB) Permitted sign types • SEMB are only permitted on permanent ground signs • notwithstanding, SEMB are not permitted on monolith ground signs, advertising ground signs, directory signs, directional signs”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“j. any static electronic message board that is affixed or displayed on a sign other than a ground sign and within the permitted land - use designation;”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“Static Electronic Message Board (SEMB) means a component of a ground sign that is designed to have alphanumeric characters and digital images that can be readily changed or rearranged by electronic means without altering the face of the sign and displays information in a pr earranged sequence.”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“Minimum dwell time 30 seconds”
30 seconds minimum
“Minimum character height 20.0 cm”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“only mono - spaced fonts are permitted”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“only mono colour for messages with text”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“requires a traffic safety assessment as part of the permit application.”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“Minimum setback from a residential property line 30.0m”
30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“Minimum setback from a signalized intersection 20.0m”
20 m (66 ft) from a signalized intersection, and 90 m (295 ft) from another message board
“Minimum separation distance from another SEMB 90.0m”
20 m (66 ft) from a signalized intersection, and 90 m (295 ft) from another message board
“Maximum transition time between messages limited to instantaneous transitions with no effects”
Instantaneous only, no effects
“turned off between 10 pm to 8 am for signs located within 90.0m of a residential property line”
Oakville states a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shut-off in Part 3.1(p) and a 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. shut-off for a message board in Table 8.1. These do not reconcile — confirm which governs before quoting a curfew.
“PART 3 Prohibitions 1. No pers on shall: a. erect, locate or display a sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation; b. erect, locate or display a sign without a permit if a permit is required under this By - law;”
The Part 5, 6 and 7 tables state per sign type and designation whether illumination is internal, external, both, or prohibited. A sign not specifically permitted in its land-use designation is prohibited, and a permit is required where the by-law calls for one (Part 3 s.1).
“Maximum Luminance Between Sunrise and Sunset 5000 Nits”
A digital or lit sign can be no brighter than 5,000 nits in daylight (a nit is the standard measure of screen brightness).
“Maximum Luminance Between Sunset and Sunrise 100 Nits”
At night it must dim to no more than 100 nits.
Night brightness on a message board is capped at 100 nits, and brightness relative to ambient light at 3 nits (Table 8.1).
“luminance related to ambient light shall not exceed 3 Nits”
Night brightness on a message board is capped at 100 nits, and brightness relative to ambient light at 3 nits (Table 8.1).
“Review of Level 1 Decision by”
review of a Level 1 decision by the Appeals Committee, $331
“Appeals Committee Per application N $310.00 $320.00 $331.00 N/A $331.00”
review of a Level 1 decision by the Appeals Committee, $331
“Ground, Fascia, Awning, Directional,”
The permit is a flat $460.
“per sign N $430.00 $444.00 $460.00 N/A $460.00”
The permit is a flat $460.
“Sign Exception Application - Level 1 initial application including 1”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $590.
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“sign N $553.00 $570.00 $590.00 N/A $590.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $590.
“Sign Exception Application - Level 1 2nd or subsequent under”
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“application N $255.00 $263.00 $273.00 N/A $273.00”
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“2026 Proposed Base Fee”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
Sign By-law 2018-153, consolidated 28 March 2022. 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 | Part 5, by land-use designation — commercial, employment, mixed use and institutional each have their own section read it · p.23 ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | Part 5, by land-use designation — commercial, employment, mixed use and institutional each have their own section 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 — Part 5, by land-use designation — commercial, employment, mixed use and institutional each have their own section 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.
Permitted by sign type and designation — a tight night cap. The Part 5, 6 and 7 tables state per sign type and designation whether illumination is internal, external, both, or prohibited. A sign not specifically permitted in its land-use designation is prohibited, and a permit is required where the by-law calls for one (Part 3 s.1).
| Brightness | 5,000 nits by day · 100 nits at night (nits: screen brightness) These apply to digital signs only. A conventional internally lit sign has no numeric cap in this by-law. |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition. Part 3.1(o.1)–(r) |
| Up-lighting | Not addressed The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission. |
| Near housing | 90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line. Part 3.1(p), Table 8.1 |
Night brightness on a message board is capped at 100 nits, and brightness relative to ambient light at 3 nits (Table 8.1).
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in Part 8 and Table 8.1.
Read it yourself: Part 3.1(m)–(s) of Sign By-law 2018-153 ↗
Calculated from Oakville’s published schedule — $460 per sign.
No verified processing target is recorded here for Oakville. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Appeal: review of a Level 1 decision by the Appeals Committee, $331. A Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application.
⚠ Part 15 of the by-law sets Oakville’s exception process, and the cost shown is from the Town’s 2026 fee schedule. We have not built in who decides or on what criteria — read Part 15 before relying on an exception.
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
By-law 2018-153 · Consolidated 28 March 2022 · PDF
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fascia and ground signs | Part 5, by land-use designation — commercial, employment, mixed use and institutional each have their own section | open · p.23 ↗ |
| Motor vehicle uses | Part 6 | open · p.40 ↗ |
| Exceptions | Part 15 — Oakville’s equivalent of a variance | open · p.64 ↗ |
| Engineering | Part 2 s.6 — engineered drawings where the Designated Official requires them | open · p.14 ↗ |
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.
“are at no point more than three feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face”
Two parallel faces no more than three feet apart count as one face — the larger of the two if they differ. The by-law states this one distance in feet, not metres.
“or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area”
Two parallel faces no more than three feet apart count as one face — the larger of the two if they differ. The by-law states this one distance in feet, not metres.
“Any sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation is prohibited.”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“erect, locate or display a sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“part 15 exception s to the by - law”
Oakville prohibits any sign not specifically permitted within a land use designation (Part 3 s.1(a)), so a sign type missing from your designation’s table is prohibited there. Relief is by an exception under Part 15. The designation maps are the schedules at the back of the by-law; the designation above is something you set rather than something we resolve.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is in cluded within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 25 m² (269 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 25 m² (269 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(D) For Community Commercial and Core Commercial designatio ns only, one (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage”
In the Community Commercial and Core Commercial designations only, one more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage. Frontage buys you COUNT in this by-law, never area.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 4.59 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(J) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (J)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 4.59 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (J)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (F) (G) 0.56 m² 8.0 m² (M) (By - law 2021 - 141) (F) (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 25 m² (269 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 25 m² (269 sq ft).
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(D) One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage, except for properties in the Industrial Designation”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“(B) Sign type only permitted for Office Employment Designation”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage — EXCEPT on a property in the Industrial designation, which is excluded from that allowance. A directory sign is available only in the Office Employment designation, at 8.0 m² (86 sq ft) and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 7.5 m 2 (M) n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(K) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (K)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (F) (G) 0.56 m² 8.0 m² (M) (By - law 2021 - 141) (F) (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 n/a n/a 1 (D)”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (E) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (K)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20% of the window area on windows located on the ground floor along the building frontage(s).”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
no higher than 4.5 m (the table’s maximum sign height for a fascia sign); on a building of eight storeys or more a fascia sign may also go on the top-storey wall, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures
“(F) For buildings eight (8) stories or greater, fascia signs may be displayed on the wall of the top storey, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures”
no higher than 4.5 m (the table’s maximum sign height for a fascia sign); on a building of eight storeys or more a fascia sign may also go on the top-storey wall, excluding mechanical and elevator enclosures
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6.3 m² (68 sq ft).
No extra sign for frontage in this designation, unlike commercial, employment and institutional. The ground sign here is limited to 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), against 25.0 m² (269 sq ft) in a commercial designation.
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
One ground sign per frontage.
“Maximum sign face area (G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 25.0 m²”
No extra sign for frontage in this designation, unlike commercial, employment and institutional. The ground sign here is limited to 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), against 25.0 m² (269 sq ft) in a commercial designation.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum message area ( By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 1.0 m 2 (N) n/a n/a 2.0 m 2 (N) n/a”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 2 m² (22 sq ft).
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m (K) 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m n/a”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to the front or flankage property line (this designation has no maximum setback, unlike commercial, employment, residential and institutional) · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m (L) n/a”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) to the front or flankage property line (this designation has no maximum setback, unlike commercial, employment, residential and institutional) · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
3 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m (K) 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m n/a”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Maximum sign face area (G) (H) 0.56 m² 2 .0 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141 ) (G) (H) 6.25 m² (N) ( By - law 2021 - 141) 0.56 m²”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 1 (C) n/a n/a 1 1”
One projecting sign.
“Maximum overhang onto public property 0.46 m prohibited 0.1 m prohibited 0.2 m prohibited 0.46 m”
This is the only designation in Oakville where a projecting sign appears as a permitted type. Maximum overhang onto public property is 0.46 m (1 ft 6 in), and an electronic message board is prohibited on it.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) (E) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) (E) 4.5 m (F) 2.5 m 4.5 m (E)”
no higher than 4.5 m (15 ft), and not projecting below the underside of an awning or canopy
“(E) Sign shall not project below the undersurface of the awning or canopy structure”
no higher than 4.5 m (15 ft), and not projecting below the underside of an awning or canopy
“Window sign(s) may cover a maximum of 20%”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“the ground floor along the building frontage(s). The use of window signs is limited to uses”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“located on the ground floor of the building”
The sign may cover up to 20% of the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face area permitted for fascia signs”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
“Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of 20 m 2 . Subsection 2 shall apply where the total wall area of any façade exceeds 100 m 2 .”
Other fascia, awning and entrance-canopy sign face area counts against the same applicable allowance. Window signs have separate limits. Confirm the applicable wall, tenancy and any special approvals.
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“the maximum sign face area is calculated as the greater of 20.0 m² or the number of m² equal to: 16 + (total area of the wall on which the sign is displayed) divided by 25.”
On a wall of up to 100 m² (1,076 sq ft): 20% of the wall, to a maximum of 20 m² (215 sq ft). On a bigger wall: 16 m² (172 sq ft) plus the wall area divided by 25.
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² (E) (F) 20.0 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 20 m² (215 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 6 (B) n/a n/a 1 (C)”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(C) One (1) additional ground sign is permitted for every 100.0 m of frontage”
One more ground sign for every 100 m (328 ft) of frontage, with no designation restriction — broader than the commercial allowance, which is limited to Community and Core Commercial.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 6.75 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 6.75 m (22 ft).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a n/a n/a 7.5 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“(I) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/flankage property line(s) 1.5 m 2.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (I)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² (E) (F) 20.0 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 6 (B) n/a n/a 1 (C)”
6 directional signs per property, not per frontage.
“(B) Maximum number of signs per property, not per frontage”
6 directional signs per property, not per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“(F) A maximum sign face area of five percent (5%) of the total wall area upon which the sign is affixed”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
Wall signs may cover up to 5% of the total wall area the sign is affixed to.
“(A) Sign types not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
“(I) Permitted on detached dwelling lots for day nurseries and short - term accommodations, to a maximum of 5% to the wall to which it is attached. Fascia signs shall only be permitted on the first storey of the building”
Five percent of the wall the sign is on; this table does not use the Part 5 formula. Awning, entrance canopy and fascia signs are not permitted for townhouses or townhouse developments. A detached dwelling used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets 5% of the wall, first storey only.
“No fascia sign may project more than 0.45m (18 inches) from the surface of the wall to which it is attached”
It can stick out no more than 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) from the wall.
“Sign face area is included within the total sign face ar ea permitted for fascia signs”
Awning and entrance-canopy sign face area is included within the fascia total. Window signs are separate; townhouses are excluded.
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² 5.25 m² (K) (By - law 2021 - 141) (E) (F) 6.25 m²”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 6.25 m² (67 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 6.3 m² (68 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 2 1 n/a n/a 1”
One ground sign per frontage.
“(J) Permitted on detached dwelling lots for day nurseries and short - term accommodations, one per property, with a maximum message area of 0.5 m 2 and a maximum sign face area of 1 .5m 2”
A detached dwelling lot used as a day nursery or short-term accommodation gets one per property at 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) with a 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) message area.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 2.5 m”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in).
“Maximum message area (By - law 2021 - 141) n/a n/a 2.0 m 2 (K) n/a n/a 4.0 m 2”
The changeable-message part can be no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“(G) A maximum setback of 17.0 m from front and flankage property lines”
It can be no further than 17 m (56 ft) back from the street.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“a 15.0 m daylight triangle at the intersection of an arterial road and any other road;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 15.0 m daylight tri angle at the intersection of two collector roads;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“a 7.5 m daylight triangle at the intersection of any other streets;”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“erect, locate or display a sign within a visibility triangle of 3m at the intersection of a street and a driveway”
Oakville controls corners and driveways with daylight triangles rather than linear setbacks: no sign within a 15.0 m (49 ft) triangle where an arterial road meets any road or two collector roads meet, a 7.5 m (25 ft) triangle at any other intersection, or a 3 m (9 ft 10 in) visibility triangle where a driveway meets the street (Part 3 s.1(y)–(z)). Road categories are set by Schedule B.
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (G)”
Keep it at least 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) back from the property line.
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Minimum separation distance n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 30.0 m”
no closer than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) and no further than 17.0 m (56 ft) from the front or flankage property line · 30.0 m (98 ft) between ground signs on the same property · clear of the daylight triangles at intersections and driveways
“Maximum sign face area (E)(F) 0.56 m² 5.25 m² (K) (By - law 2021 - 141) (E) (F) 6.25 m²”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 2 1 n/a n/a 1”
2 directional signs per frontage.
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 2.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a 2.5 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“Minimum setback from front/ flankage property line(s) n/a 2.0 m 17.0 m 1.5 m n/a 1.5 m (G)”
Keep it at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) back from the property line.
“Maximum sign face area (F)(G) 0.56 m² (F) (G) 20.0 m² 20% (H)(I)”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.56 m² (6 sq ft).
“Maximum number of signs per frontage n/a 3 (B) n/a n/a n/a n/a 1 (C) 1 (C)”
3 directional signs per property.
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“(B) Maximum number of signs per property, not per frontage”
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“(A) One (1) sign positioned at the entrance to the stacking lane and one (1) sign positioned at the exit of the stacking lane”
Three per property at a service station or dealership (Tables 6.1.1, 6.2.1). At a drive-through: one at the entrance to each stacking lane and one at its exit (Table 6.3.1 note A).
“Maximum sign height 3.75 m (D) 1.5 m 4.5 m (D) n/a (D) (E) 3.0 m 6.75 m 6.75 m”
The directional sign can be no taller than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in).
“fail to dim an illuminated sign located within 90.0 m of a residential area between sunset and 11:00 p.m.;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“fail to turn off an illuminated sign located within 90.0 m of a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
Oakville states a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shut-off in Part 3.1(p) and a 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. shut-off for a message board in Table 8.1. These do not reconcile — confirm which governs before quoting a curfew.
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“fail to dim or turn off an illuminated sign beyond 90.0 m of a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. when dire cted by the Designated Official;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
“fail to dim or turn off an illuminated sign beyond 90.0 m of a residential area as dire cted by conditions of a permit or exception;”
Within 90 m (295 ft) of a residential area: dim from sunset to 11 p.m., and off 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Beyond 90 m (295 ft) the Designated Official can direct dimming or shut-off, and can impose it as a permit condition.
“b. any sign, in whole or part, with animation, scrolling content, motion, rotation, fading, flashing, blinking light, or any effects that create the illusion of movement;”
No animation, motion, scrolling, fading, flashing or blinking, and no sequential messaging — including across subsequent signs, which kills a multi-sign plaza campaign
“i. any sign that displays sequential messages, either on the same sign or on subsequent s igns;”
No animation, motion, scrolling, fading, flashing or blinking, and no sequential messaging — including across subsequent signs, which kills a multi-sign plaza campaign
“Table 8.1 Regulations for Static Electronic Message Boards (SEMB) Permitted sign types • SEMB are only permitted on permanent ground signs • notwithstanding, SEMB are not permitted on monolith ground signs, advertising ground signs, directory signs, directional signs”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“j. any static electronic message board that is affixed or displayed on a sign other than a ground sign and within the permitted land - use designation;”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“Static Electronic Message Board (SEMB) means a component of a ground sign that is designed to have alphanumeric characters and digital images that can be readily changed or rearranged by electronic means without altering the face of the sign and displays information in a pr earranged sequence.”
A static electronic message board, permitted only as a component of a permanent ground sign — not on a monolith, advertising, directory or directional sign
“Minimum dwell time 30 seconds”
30 seconds minimum
“Minimum character height 20.0 cm”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“only mono - spaced fonts are permitted”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“only mono colour for messages with text”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“requires a traffic safety assessment as part of the permit application.”
Mono-spaced fonts and a single colour for text, minimum 20 cm character height, and a traffic safety assessment as part of the application.
“Minimum setback from a residential property line 30.0m”
30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line
90 m (295 ft) from a residential area triggers the dim and shut-off duties. A message board needs 30 m (98 ft) from a residential property line.
“Minimum setback from a signalized intersection 20.0m”
20 m (66 ft) from a signalized intersection, and 90 m (295 ft) from another message board
“Minimum separation distance from another SEMB 90.0m”
20 m (66 ft) from a signalized intersection, and 90 m (295 ft) from another message board
“Maximum transition time between messages limited to instantaneous transitions with no effects”
Instantaneous only, no effects
“turned off between 10 pm to 8 am for signs located within 90.0m of a residential property line”
Oakville states a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shut-off in Part 3.1(p) and a 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. shut-off for a message board in Table 8.1. These do not reconcile — confirm which governs before quoting a curfew.
“PART 3 Prohibitions 1. No pers on shall: a. erect, locate or display a sign not specifically permitted within a particular land use designation; b. erect, locate or display a sign without a permit if a permit is required under this By - law;”
The Part 5, 6 and 7 tables state per sign type and designation whether illumination is internal, external, both, or prohibited. A sign not specifically permitted in its land-use designation is prohibited, and a permit is required where the by-law calls for one (Part 3 s.1).
“Maximum Luminance Between Sunrise and Sunset 5000 Nits”
A digital or lit sign can be no brighter than 5,000 nits in daylight (a nit is the standard measure of screen brightness).
“Maximum Luminance Between Sunset and Sunrise 100 Nits”
At night it must dim to no more than 100 nits.
Night brightness on a message board is capped at 100 nits, and brightness relative to ambient light at 3 nits (Table 8.1).
“luminance related to ambient light shall not exceed 3 Nits”
Night brightness on a message board is capped at 100 nits, and brightness relative to ambient light at 3 nits (Table 8.1).
“Review of Level 1 Decision by”
review of a Level 1 decision by the Appeals Committee, $331
“Appeals Committee Per application N $310.00 $320.00 $331.00 N/A $331.00”
review of a Level 1 decision by the Appeals Committee, $331
“Ground, Fascia, Awning, Directional,”
The permit is a flat $460.
“per sign N $430.00 $444.00 $460.00 N/A $460.00”
The permit is a flat $460.
“Sign Exception Application - Level 1 initial application including 1”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $590.
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“sign N $553.00 $570.00 $590.00 N/A $590.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $590.
“Sign Exception Application - Level 1 2nd or subsequent under”
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“application N $255.00 $263.00 $273.00 N/A $273.00”
a Level 1 exception, including one sign; $273 for each further sign on the same application
“2026 Proposed Base Fee”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
What we collect, why, and who handles it
The check itself runs in your browser. The address you type, the measurements you enter, the answers you give the checklist, the result and the report are worked out on your own device. Address lookup and picked coordinates are processed as described below. Local checks stay on your device unless you explicitly choose Save to my account. That optional action sends the saved project name, address, measurements and selected answers to SignAllow, together with a dated result summary and the full research and customer-summary PDFs. These reports include the government map findings and source dates shown at the time of saving. Local history is never uploaded automatically.
While you fill in a check before submission, the tool automatically keeps one unfinished draft in this browser. It contains your address, municipality, sign type, form inputs and measurements, manual review choices, form step, last-edit time and, if you selected an address suggestion, its coordinates. Automatic map findings, calculated reports, account identifiers and payment details are not saved in the draft. Purpose: restore unfinished work without signing in or using a check. Drafts are not uploaded to your account or synchronized to other devices. Anyone using this browser profile can see the restored draft.
A draft expires 7 days after its last edit and is removed when the tool is next opened. Start fresh, a successful check, or clearing this site’s browser data removes it earlier. Opening a different check and editing it replaces the unfinished draft; existing saved projects and past checks are not deleted. Other tabs cannot silently overwrite a changed draft. Storage restrictions or private browsing may prevent saving or retaining it, and the tool shows a message when a save fails. On restoration, saved coordinates refresh the existing same-origin government map lookups described below; only the point is forwarded to those map servers. Old automatic findings are not treated as current.
Some things do leave your browser. This notice says exactly which, why, who handles them and for how long. It describes what the site does today.
To avoid charging again for a property refinement, your browser sends SignAllow a one-way fingerprint of the normalised address and municipality, plus a signed allowance when returning. The meter does not receive the raw address or measurements. A fingerprint may still be linkable to an address; we do not treat it as anonymous. The signed allowance contains that fingerprint, the municipality, issue and expiry times, and an opaque account or browser identifier. It is used only to validate the 90-day revision period, not for advertising or analytics, and is not sent to map providers.
Visitors receive an essential, secure browser-identification cookie lasting up to 90 days; each new visitor check can renew the cookie, but never extends an existing allowance. Browser storage keeps up to 100 recent allowances until removed or replaced. Clearing past checks removes those local allowances; clearing cookies removes visitor access to them. When you explicitly save a project, its allowance is stored with the inputs in our existing Cloudflare database and bound to your account, with the same expiry. People authorised to open the project can use it under that account. It remains with the project until updated or deleted; it is excluded from customer reports, share links and personal project-detail exports.
When you choose Notes & next steps and save, we store the current notes text (up to 4,000 characters), next step (up to 500 characters), completion status, last editor’s membership email, save date, revision and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare database. These are internal working notes to help you and selected project collaborators coordinate work. Anyone currently allowed to edit the project can read and update them; removing shared access also removes access to notes. They do not change the by-law assessment and are not included in report PDFs, web reports, shared check links or private project duplicates. Saving replaces the current notes; we do not keep a notes revision history. Clear text and save to remove it. The latest save date, editor email and revision remain with the project until its creator deletes the project or asks us to delete it. Project deletion removes these notes and metadata too. Existing database backups may retain deleted data temporarily as described below.
When you choose Give feedback and send the form, we store the category, message (up to 4,000 characters), optional reply email, a random submission reference, submission date and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare review queue. If you tick Include basic diagnostics, we also store the page category, screen-size group and site build shown in the form. We do not attach the URL, address, project, report, account identity or browsing history. We use this to investigate problems and plan improvements, and may use your supplied email to respond about your message. No marketing subscription is created. Feedback is deleted after 12 months when the next feedback submission triggers cleanup; you may request earlier deletion from the Privacy Officer. Existing provider backups may retain deleted records temporarily. A separate keyed connection counter limits submissions for one hour; the connection address is not stored with feedback.
You may optionally save an internal job number of up to 64 characters with a project, alongside its existing name. It follows the project’s existing access, sharing and deletion rules. It is used for account display and search and included in your personal project-details export. It is excluded from customer PDFs, web reports and shared check links. Editing names or job numbers changes current project metadata without replacing earlier report versions.
If you have an active membership, you can explicitly save up to 200 projects to your account. We store the project name, check inputs (including address, municipality, sign type, dimensions and selected checklist answers), creation and update dates, the Privacy Notice version confirmed when saving, and an account-linked identifier in our existing Cloudflare database. Each new save can also retain a dated result summary, report reference, software and rules versions, and both generated PDFs in the same database, including map findings and source dates contained in the reports. Up to 20 dated versions are retained per project, with no automatic removal of older versions. This lets you reopen inputs or view and download the original saved reports on another device after signing in. New projects are private to the person who saved them, including individual teammates. On an active Pro account, the creator can explicitly share a project and all its dated versions with selected current teammates. Those selected can view and edit inputs, save new versions, download reports and make private duplicates. Only the creator can manage sharing or delete the project and its versions. We store the sharing selection and update date, creator and selected teammate email addresses, and the email address of the person saving each new report version. Selected collaborators can see the creator and saver email addresses. The sharing chooser lists existing team email addresses so a creator can select the intended people; it does not add people to the billing account.
We retain saved projects and dated versions until the creator deletes them or asks us to delete them. Sharing selections remain until the creator changes them, deletes the project, or a relevant teammate is removed. Removing a teammate revokes their shared access, and removes sharing on projects they created; re-adding the person does not restore those grants. Shared access is paused without an active Pro plan. Removing access cannot recall reports already downloaded or private duplicates already created. The creator can delete an individual dated version, or delete a project and all its versions. Cancelling a membership does not automatically delete projects: the account holder can still sign in to open, download or delete them, but an active membership is required to save changes. A removed teammate loses access; contact the Privacy Officer for access or deletion assistance. Deleting a project removes it and all its dated versions from the active database; provider recovery copies may remain under Cloudflare’s backup retention. Clearing browser history does not delete account-saved projects.
When you choose System, Light or Dark while signed in, we store that choice, an account-linked identifier, a revision number and the latest save time in our existing Cloudflare database. Each teammate has a separate preference. It is used only to apply your theme across signed-in devices; it is not a marketing event and contains no check or project details. We keep the current preference until you replace it or ask the Privacy Officer to delete it. System follows each device’s own appearance setting. The effective browser choice is cached locally to apply it before the page loads; visitors use this browser-only storage. Clearing browser data removes the local copy, not the account preference. We do not upload an existing browser choice until you explicitly select or save a theme, or use the header theme switch while signed in.
SRD Media Group Inc., carrying on business as SignAllow, is responsible for personal information under its control, including information that service providers handle for us. Our privacy contact is the Privacy Officer: admin@signallow.ca.
For each top-up, our existing Cloudflare database stores your Stripe customer, payment and checkout identifiers, amount paid including tax, five-check credit amount, counts used and reversed following refunds or disputes, and creation and update times. We use these records to deliver the purchase once, show the remaining balance, preserve it after subscription cancellation and handle refunds without removing unrelated purchases. They contain no addresses, measurements or reports. The records are kept while a purchased balance remains available, then under the purchase-record retention period below. Purchased checks have no expiry.
Stripe processes payments for us. Your card details go directly to Stripe; we never see or store a card number. From Stripe we receive only the items listed under "If you pay". Stripe also handles some information under its own privacy policy for its own purposes, such as fraud prevention and its legal obligations. Cancelling, changing a card and downloading receipts happen in Stripe's billing portal, which we open for you.
If you choose to use Ask Scout, your questions, recent conversation, relevant project specifications and maintained by-law evidence are sent to OpenAI to prepare an answer. Scout is AI, is in beta and can make mistakes. Do not include confidential business information, personal information you do not need to share, credentials or payment details. Project names, internal job numbers, addresses, internal project notes, account emails, billing records, owner information and development records are not automatically sent. Information you type into chat may still contain those details; omit them.
Scout conversations are private to the signed-in person, including within a Pro team, and remain in our existing Cloudflare database. We keep up to 50 conversations with up to 60 questions each. Conversations expire after 90 days without activity and are removed during the next Scout cleanup request. You can delete a conversation in Ask Scout. Deletion removes the conversation content from our active database; it does not recall a request already processed by OpenAI or erase provider security logs. Saved projects and reports are separate and are not changed by chat.
OpenAI is an additional service provider for this optional feature. We use its API with response storage disabled. API content is not used to train OpenAI models by default; abuse-monitoring logs may contain content and ordinarily remain for up to 30 days, subject to OpenAI’s stated exceptions. We do not promise zero provider retention or Canada-only processing. See OpenAI API data controls.
We retain message counts, model names, token usage and estimated cost for up to 90 days, with removal during subsequent cleanup, to enforce allowances and control operating costs. These usage records do not contain question or answer text. Our normal service logs and backup handling also apply. Contact admin@signallow.ca for privacy requests, including after membership ends.
We use these service providers to run SignAllow. Each handles only what it needs to for the service it provides to us:
These providers process information in the United States and may do so in other countries. Information processed outside Canada is subject to the laws of those countries and may be accessible to their courts, law enforcement and national security authorities. We remain responsible for information we transfer to them for processing, and each provider also has its own privacy practices.
Project save and delete requests also use hourly counters linked to a hashed account identifier, to prevent automated abuse.
We collect as little as the service allows. Your proposed sign measurements and checklist answers stay on your device unless you explicitly save an account project. Generated reports stay on your device. Address suggestions and picked coordinates are processed only as described above. Beyond that, all traffic is encrypted, access tokens are random and held in cookies your browser's scripts cannot read, recovery codes are stored only as hashes, and access to the database and provider accounts is limited to the person who operates SignAllow.
If a breach of security safeguards involving personal information under our control creates a real risk of significant harm, we will report it to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and notify the people affected as soon as feasible. We keep a record of every breach of security safeguards involving personal information for at least 24 months.
You can ask what personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. Write to admin@signallow.ca from the email address concerned; that is how we confirm the request is yours. We answer within 30 days. Deleting a purchase record ends the access it holds, and records the law requires us to keep, such as tax records, are kept for the required period and then deleted.
If you are not satisfied with how we have handled your information or a request, tell us first at admin@signallow.ca. You can also complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Three cookies, all strictly functional, all unreadable by the page's scripts: one counts your free checks, one lists the municipalities you have checked in the last 24 hours, and one carries your access token if you have paid.
A fourth cookie is set only if you arrive from one of our ads: it holds that ad’s click identifier for up to 90 days, as described above. It is our own cookie, not Google’s. You can remove it by clearing this site’s cookies.
Your browser's own storage (not a cookie) also keeps things for your convenience, on your device only: which version of the terms you accepted and its reference number, so you are not asked again; the kind of user you said you are, if you chose one; and your past checks, with any project name you gave them (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice and measurements, and the headline answer). Local history is not sent to us automatically. Account projects are stored only when you choose to save them, as described above. You can see and clear local history on the Account page in the checker, or by clearing your browser's site data.
There is no analytics cookie and no third-party tracker: no Google, social media or other advertising script runs on this site, and no one else’s cookie is set. Page statistics come from Cloudflare Web Analytics, which does not use cookies.
When address suggestions are switched on, the text you type in the address field is sent to SignAllow as you type it, and SignAllow passes it to Geoapify, a geocoding service, which returns matching addresses. Geoapify receives only the text typed; it does not receive your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. Address suggestions do not create a saved project; SignAllow's server may hold a copy of the suggestions for up to an hour so the same partial address is not looked up twice. Purpose: to help you type an address and set the municipality. When suggestions are off, the address field is a plain text box and what you type there stays in your browser unless you explicitly save an account project. Whether suggestions are on is shown by whether a list appears under the field.
When you pick a suggested address in one of the municipalities that publishes its zoning as a map service (today: Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Mississauga, Burlington and Milton), SignAllow sends the coordinates of that address — a latitude and longitude, nothing else — to SignAllow and on to that municipality’s own public zoning map server, which returns the zone at that point. The municipality receives a point; it does not receive the address text, your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. SignAllow’s server may hold the answer for that point for up to an hour. Purpose: to set the sign district from the zoning, which you can change. This happens only after you choose a suggestion, never as you type, and only for those municipalities.
After you pick an address suggestion, your browser sends its latitude, longitude and selected municipality to SignAllow to screen available government map layers. External map servers receive only the point and fixed query parameters, not the address text, your IP address from us, your cookies, sign measurements or report. SignAllow may cache a map answer at the edge for up to one hour. Results and source dates are displayed in the check and included in the full PDF and saved web report; the customer summary excludes the overlay cards. Manual answers remain yours to change. Typing an address without selecting a suggestion does not trigger this lookup. If you go to checkout, the picked point is temporarily kept in your browser tab so the maps can be checked again when you return. This temporary copy is removed when the check is restored.
“Copy link for your team” makes a link that carries the details of your check (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice, measurements and project name) in the part of the link after the # sign. Browsers do not send that part to any server, so it does not reach us; anyone you send the link to can open it and see those details. Share it as you would share the address itself.
A PDF or web page you download is generated in your browser and saved to your device. We do not receive a copy.
Each version of this notice has a version number and an effective date, shown below, and earlier versions are kept.
Privacy Notice, version 2026-09-27.14, effective 27 September 2026.
The size and count rules are in, so you get a number rather than a reading list.
We hold the reference and the contacts. We would rather say that than guess.
