What the published sign by-law allows at an address, with the source behind every number — early, while you are still estimating. Two short steps to an answer. Start with the location; add dimensions when you have them.
Start with the location. You do not need sign dimensions yet.
Saved in this browser only. Nothing here is sent to SignAllow. Loading one fills in the form; running it again follows the normal check rules.
Choose an address suggestion to check available government maps. You can also type an address and select the municipality for a manual check, or leave the address blank to explore the general rules.
Not identified automaticallyChoose an address suggestion for available automatic map checks, or confirm this category manually. Coverage varies by municipality.
Leave it as it is and we will show you what each category allows, so you can pick yours.
The map area or by-law category used to select sign rules. It may differ from zoning. Confirm the applicable category using the municipality’s map or written advice.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Scugog’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 40-15, office consolidation ↗ — passed 29 June 2015; the amendment table on the cover is blank.
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.
Start with the overview. Add measurements when you have them.
Review what the maps found, then work through one follow-up at a time. You can leave questions open while exploring a sign before it is designed.
You can download a preliminary report before a sign is designed. Missing dimensions and unresolved reviews remain clearly identified.
Local history and team links keep basic details: location, sign type, district, building type, lighting and building measurements. They do not keep proposed sign dimensions, site-review answers or reports. Choose Save to my account to retain the full proposal and dated reports. For a customer handoff, download the neutral customer assessment.
—
No sign design yet? That is fine. A wall or frontage measurement helps calculate the size allowance; proposed sign dimensions are optional. Use feet/inches or metric: 12 ft, 6 in, 3.5m or 150mm. Numbers without a unit are read as feet. Leave anything unknown blank.
Wall signs are usually sized off the wall they sit on, so this is the measurement that turns the rule into a number. A rough answer is fine.
The length of the property along the relevant street. Building frontage can mean something different. Use the measurement basis in your result; do not add street edges together unless the rule allows it.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Scugog’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 Scugog’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 Scugog’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.
40-15 · Passed 29 June 2015; the amendment table on the cover is blank · PDF, 40 pages
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.3.7 — 10% of any building wall, one per wall, 150 mm maximum projection, external illumination only | open ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.3.8 — one per street frontage; area and height come from the Section 4 zone tables | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.2.7 — Council decides | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.2.4.4(f) — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification if the Chief Building Official asks | open ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Permission requested to depart from a by-law requirement. Approval is not guaranteed, and a variance does not replace any other permits or approvals the proposal needs.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Scugog’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 Scugog 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.
“f) plans and specifications for the erection of the Sign and supporting framework certified by a Registered Professional Engineer if so required by the Chief Building Official;”
Structure: s.2.4.4(f) — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification if the Chief Building Official asks
“SECTION 4 SIGNS IN ZONES Signs shall be permitted in various Zones in accordance with the Sign Permission Matrix attached as Appendix 1.”
Section 4 splits by zone under Zoning By-law 14-14, but the commercial part splits GEOGRAPHICALLY instead: the Main Central Area, the rest of the Port Perry urban area, and everything outside it. The Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District sits on top of all of it. Appendix 1 lists which sign types each zone allows.
“3.16.1 Video Display Signs are not permitted.”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
““Electronic Message Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a pre-arranged sequence using only letters and numbers, and on which the intensity of illumination is maintained at constant level, such Sign to be dimmed at night after business or facility closing;”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
““Video Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a video format similar to a televised image or broadcast;”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign shall not be Back-Lit. Where any such business consists of more than one building on the lot, only one building fronting a Street shall be permitted such signage; e) Where more than one business is located on any lot in this area, each business shall be permitted one (1) Wall Sign that covers no more than ten percent (10%) of the façade or linear frontage of any one building the business occupies and such Signs shall not be Back-Lit; f) Where any such business fronts on more than one Street an additional Wall Sign shall be permitted for that additional Street, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; and”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign on each façade that fronts a road; a business on more than one street may have one more, to a maximum of two. Where several businesses share the lot, each gets one wall sign of 10% of the façade or linear frontage it occupies (s.4.3.2(d)–(f)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) Where only one business occupies the lot in any such commercial zone, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each Street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) Where more than one business is located on any lot, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted to identify the business names and type of businesses and such Sign may be illuminated. In cases where a commercial or industrial development operates as a single centre, including shared access and parking facilities, it shall be regarded as a single lot for the purpose of this By-law; c) Any such Ground Sign shall not exceed 7 m 2 (75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and no such Sign shall be higher than 5 metres (15 feet);”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7 m² (75 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7 m² (75 sq ft).
s.4.3.2(c) gives the height as “5 metres (15 feet)”, and 15 ft is 4.572 m (15 ft). The by-law does not say which unit governs, so we publish the lower figure, the 15 ft. The area, 7 m² (75 ft²), agrees within rounding.
The by-law’s metric and imperial heights disagree
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two (one per lot where several businesses share it).
per street frontage, to a maximum of two (one per lot where several businesses share it)
One per street frontage to a maximum of two where one business occupies the lot; where more than one business is on the lot, one ground sign for all of them, which may be illuminated (s.4.3.2(a)–(b)). A readograph or electronic message display may take up to half the face, except in the Heritage Conservation District (s.3.8.5).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.57 m (15 ft).
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
One per street frontage to a maximum of two where one business occupies the lot; where more than one business is on the lot, one ground sign for all of them, which may be illuminated (s.4.3.2(a)–(b)). A readograph or electronic message display may take up to half the face, except in the Heritage Conservation District (s.3.8.5).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign may be illuminated; e) Where any such business consists of more than one building on the lot, only one building fronting a Street shall be permitted such signage; f) Where more than one business is located on any lot in this area, each business shall be permitted one (1) Wall Sign that covers no more than ten percent (10%) of the façade or linear frontage of any one building the business occupies; g) Where any such business fronts on more than one Street, an additional Wall Sign shall be permitted for that additional Street to a maximum of two (2) Signs; and”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign on each façade that fronts a road; a business on more than one street may have one more, to a maximum of two. Where several businesses share the lot, each gets one wall sign of 10% of the façade or linear frontage it occupies (s.4.3.3(d)–(g)). Outside the urban area a wall sign may be illuminated (s.4.3.3(d)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) Where only one business occupies the lot in any such commercial zone, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each Street frontage for the Property. Such Ground Signs may be illuminated; b) Any such Ground Sign shall be no closer to any lot line than 3 metres (10 feet) and where such Sign is located on a provincial or Regional highway, the set-back requirements of the provincial or Regional governments, as the case may be, shall be taken as the required set-back, or the distance noted in this subsection, whichever is the furthest distance from any lot line; c) Any such Ground Sign shall not exceed 7 m 2 (75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and so such Sign will be higher than 6 metres (20 feet) in Sign Height;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7 m² (75 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7 m² (75 sq ft).
One ground sign per street frontage where one business occupies the lot.
Number, per what: per street frontage where one business occupies the lot
One per street frontage where one business occupies the lot; it may be illuminated (s.4.3.3(a)). On a provincial or Regional highway that government’s setback applies if it is greater (s.4.3.3(b)). The height is “6 metres (20 feet)”; 20 ft is slightly more than 6 m (20 ft), so the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
The ground sign can be no taller than 6 m (20 ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“4.4.1 SINGLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum of 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) for each 10 metres (33 feet) of frontage or fraction thereof one (1) such Sign for each street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) Signs shall be permitted. Such Sign shall have a maximum Sign Area of 8 m 2 (86 ft 2 ) and a maximum Sign Height of 4.5 metres (15 feet); and b) One (1) Wall Sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the building’s façade upon which the Sign is attached. One (1) Sign for each road frontage will be permitted to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign of 10% of the façade for each road frontage, to a maximum of two (s.4.4.1(b)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“4.4.1 SINGLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum of 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) for each 10 metres (33 feet) of frontage or fraction thereof one (1) such Sign for each street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) Signs shall be permitted. Such Sign shall have a maximum Sign Area of 8 m 2 (86 ft 2 ) and a maximum Sign Height of 4.5 metres (15 feet); and b) One (1) Wall Sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the building’s façade upon which the Sign is attached. One (1) Sign for each road frontage will be permitted to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 8 m² (86 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per street frontage, to a maximum of two
1 m² (11 sq ft) for each 10 m (33 ft) of frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 8 m² (86 sq ft) and 4.5 m (15 ft) tall, one per street frontage to a maximum of two (s.4.4.1(a)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown.
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
You get 0.1 m² (1.1 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“4.4.2 MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign not exceeding 9 m 2 (97 ft 2 ) in Sign Area and not exceeding 4.5 metres (15 feet) in height, shall be permitted; b) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each road frontage for the lot upon which the building is located, up to a maximum of two (2) such Signs; c) One (1) Wall Sign for each business located in the building shall be permitted, indicating the name and type of business for each; d) A Wall Sign permitted in this Section shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the façade of the portion of the building wall occupied by that business;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign for each business in the building, of no more than 10% of the part of the façade that business occupies (s.4.4.2(c)–(d)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“4.4.2 MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign not exceeding 9 m 2 (97 ft 2 ) in Sign Area and not exceeding 4.5 metres (15 feet) in height, shall be permitted; b) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each road frontage for the lot upon which the building is located, up to a maximum of two (2) such Signs; c) One (1) Wall Sign for each business located in the building shall be permitted, indicating the name and type of business for each; d) A Wall Sign permitted in this Section shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the façade of the portion of the building wall occupied by that business;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 9 m² (97 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9 m² (97 sq ft).
One ground sign per road frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per road frontage, to a maximum of two
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“a) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum Sign Area of 1 m 2 (11 ft 2 ) for every 10 metres (33 feet) of lot frontage or fraction thereof shall be permitted to a maximum of 4 m 2 (43 ft 2 ); c) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, a Façade or Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each façade to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign of 10% of any façade fronting a street, one per façade to a maximum of two (s.4.5(c)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum Sign Area of 1 m 2 (11 ft 2 ) for every 10 metres (33 feet) of lot frontage or fraction thereof shall be permitted to a maximum of 4 m 2 (43 ft 2 ); c) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, a Façade or Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each façade to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per street frontage, to a maximum of two
1 m² (11 sq ft) for every 10 m (33 ft) of lot frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 4 m² (43 sq ft); 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line (s.4.5(b), (d)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown. The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
You get 0.1 m² (1.1 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
“d) No Ground Sign is permitted to be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) from any lot line; and e) A Ground Sign permitted under this Section of the By-law shall not exceed 4 metres (15 feet) in Sign Height.”
1 m² (11 sq ft) for every 10 m (33 ft) of lot frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 4 m² (43 sq ft); 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line (s.4.5(b), (d)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown. The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“e) One (1) Facia or Wall Sign shall be permitted on one non- residential building on each lot, the Sign Area of which shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the façade upon which the Sign is affixed and which shall identify the name of the farm or business;”
What the area is measured against: the façade of one non-residential building on the lot
One wall sign per lot, on one non-residential building.
Number, per what: per lot, on one non-residential building
One facia or wall sign on one non-residential building on each lot, naming the farm or business (s.4.1(e)). External illumination only (s.3.7.10).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade of one non-residential building on the lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
One facia or wall sign on one non-residential building on each lot, naming the farm or business (s.4.1(e)). External illumination only (s.3.7.10).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“c) A non-illuminated Ground Sign not exceeding 3 m 2 (32 ft 2 ) in Sign Area advertising or identifying a permitted commercial activity associated with the agricultural undertaking, home industry or home occupation shall be permitted;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
“a) One Ground Sign may be located at the front of the Property, not closer than 6 metres (20 feet) from any lot line;”
One ground sign per property, at the front.
Number, per what: per property, at the front
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
Setback: 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line
“d) Ground Signs permitted under this Section shall not exceed 4 metres (15 feet) in Sign Height;”
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“Fascia / Wall Sign X - X X X X Garage Sale Sign - X - - - - Ground Sign X X - X X X”
Appendix 1
The sign permission matrix at the back of the by-law does not permit a facia or wall sign in a residential zone.
“b) One (1) non-illuminated identification Ground Sign not exceeding 2.5 m 2 (27 ft 2 ) in Sign Area for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three (3) units or more;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.5 m² (27 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft).
One ground sign per development of three units or more.
Number, per what: per development of three units or more
One non-illuminated identification ground sign of up to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three units or more, plus one directional sign of 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) showing the internal roads and unit numbers (s.4.2(b)–(c)). Section 4 sets no height for it.
“c) One (1) Directional Sign not exceeding 2.5 m 2 (27 ft 2 ) in Sign Area for a condominium townhouse development indicating the internal road patterns and unit numbers,”
One non-illuminated identification ground sign of up to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three units or more, plus one directional sign of 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) showing the internal roads and unit numbers (s.4.2(b)–(c)). Section 4 sets no height for it.
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“c) One (1) Facia or Wall Sign, covering not more than ten percent (10%) of any building façade, or in the case of a multi-tenant building, ten percent (10%) of the linear frontage each tenant occupies, shall be permitted. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each road allowance to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
any building façade (a multi-tenant building: 10% of the linear frontage each tenant occupies)
One wall sign per road allowance, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per road allowance, to a maximum of two
One for each road allowance, to a maximum of two (s.4.3.1(c)). In a multi-tenant building each tenant gets 10% of the linear frontage it occupies.
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of any building façade (a multi-tenant building: 10% of the linear frontage each tenant occupies). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“a) All new Signs and Sign Copy, and existing Signs that are altered in appearance shall be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee;”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“b) All Signs shall be of heritage colour and design as defined in the Township’s Heritage Design Guidelines;”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“g) No Sign in the Main Central Area shall be illuminated as a Back-Lit Sign”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“e) Ground Signs shall not be permitted in the Main Central Area;”
Section 4 says in terms that ground signs shall not be permitted in the Main Central Area of Port Perry (the area defined in the Township’s Official Plan). Wall and hanging signs are the route here.
“d) One (1) Hanging Sign shall be permitted for each building façade belonging to a single business. No Hanging Sign shall be more than 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and no such Sign shall be located closer to the ground than 2.5 metres (8 feet).”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
One projecting sign per building façade of a single business.
Number, per what: per building façade of a single business
A hanging sign: one per building façade belonging to a single business, up to 1 m² (11 sq ft), 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, extending no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall with its face starting within 0.3 m (1 ft) of it, no wider than 1:2; over a Township right-of-way it needs an encroachment agreement (s.4.3.1(d); s.3.10).
“3.10.1 The owner of a Hanging Sign that overhangs a public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the Township shall enter into an encroachment agreement with the Township. 3.10.2 No portion of a Hanging Sign shall be less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign. 3.10.3 No portion of a Hanging Sign shall extend more than 1.2 metres (4 feet) beyond the wall to which it is affixed. 3.10.4 The Sign Area of a Hanging Sign shall begin no more than 0.3 metres (1 foot) beyond the wall to which it is affixed. 3.10.5 The Sign Area of a Hanging Sign shall have a maximum 1:2 ratio in width to length.”
A hanging sign: one per building façade belonging to a single business, up to 1 m² (11 sq ft), 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, extending no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall with its face starting within 0.3 m (1 ft) of it, no wider than 1:2; over a Township right-of-way it needs an encroachment agreement (s.4.3.1(d); s.3.10).
““Electronic Message Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a pre-arranged sequence using only letters and numbers, and on which the intensity of illumination is maintained at constant level, such Sign to be dimmed at night after business or facility closing;”
No hours curfew. The only timing rule is buried in the definitions: an electronic message display must hold a constant illumination intensity and be dimmed at night after the business closes. No level and no clock time are stated.
No certification, no photometric standard and no dimming sensor. The only brightness duty is the night dimming in the definitions.
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“c) A Flashing or animated Sign;”
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited, but a compliant message display is carved out of that prohibition
““Flashing” means an intermittent or flashing light source, or which gives the illusion of intermittent or flashing light, but does not include a time, temperature or date Sign, or an Electronic Message Display Sign;”
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited, but a compliant message display is carved out of that prohibition
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
A ground SIGN only, to a maximum of half the sign face, and never inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light — a general ground sign rule, but it binds every message display because they can only go on ground signs
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
There is no general grant. Illumination is permitted sign type by sign type: a ground sign may be lit externally or back-lit, while a facia or wall sign may only be lit externally and may never be back-lit.
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
There is no general grant. Illumination is permitted sign type by sign type: a ground sign may be lit externally or back-lit, while a facia or wall sign may only be lit externally and may never be back-lit.
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“g) No Sign in the Main Central Area shall be illuminated as a Back-Lit Sign”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“4.3.2 COMMERCIAL ZONES WITHIN THE PORT PERRY URBAN AREA (OTHER THAN MAIN CENTRAL AREA) The following provisions shall apply on those lands zoned Commercial and located within the Port Perry Urban Area, outside of the Main Central Area;”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign shall not be Back-Lit.”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“3.16.1 Video Display Signs are not permitted.”
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
““Video Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a video format similar to a televised image or broadcast;”
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“2.7.1 Where the Owner or Person in control of a Sign for any reason is unable to comply with the provisions and regulations under this By- law, such Person may apply to the Council of the Township for a variance”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“2.7.3 The Council of the Township shall hear all applications and may authorize such variances”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“a) All new Signs and Sign Copy, and existing Signs that are altered in appearance shall be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee;”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“Sign Permit - Outside HCD HST Exempt Each $264.00 Sign Permit - Within HCD - - $0.00 Sign Variance Application - Outside HCD HST Exempt Each $645.00 Sign Variance Application - Within HCD - - $0.00”
The permit is a flat $264.
$264 per sign outside the Heritage Conservation District. Outside the HCD, a sign put up before the permit issues doubles the fee.
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $645.
Every sign fee is listed twice, once for outside the Heritage Conservation District and once for inside it, and every inside-the-District figure is printed as $0.00.
“Any Sign Erected Without a Prior Permit Issued (Outside HCD) HST Exempt - Double all applicable fees”
$264 per sign outside the Heritage Conservation District. Outside the HCD, a sign put up before the permit issues doubles the fee.
“Schedule D - Development Services Department - Signs 2026 Fees and Charges”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
Sign By-law 40-15, office consolidation, passed 29 June 2015; the amendment table on the cover is blank. What the published by-law allows, how big, whether a sign can be lit, what it costs, and which copy of the by-law to trust.
What we hold: we calculate the size and count limits, so a check here gives you a number · lighting and digital rules read in full · fees and timelines from the published schedule.
Two questions, no dimensions needed. You get the maximum for your sign type, the lighting rules, the fee and the sections it all came from.
Start a check →| Sign type | Here | Most you’d get | The rule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
On the building Fascia, wall sign, channel letters | Depends on district | s.3.7 — 10% of any building wall, one per wall, 150 mm maximum projection, external illumination only read it ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | s.3.8 — one per street frontage; area and height come from the Section 4 zone tables read it ↗ | ||
Projecting Blade sign off the wall | Depends on district | Depends on the sign district. Start a check and pick the district to get the figure. | ||
Small directional Entrance or drive-aisle sign | Depends on district | Usually falls under the ground sign rules unless the by-law carves out directional signs — s.3.8 — one per street frontage; area and height come from the Section 4 zone tables read it ↗ | ||
New face, same frame Replacing the face of a sign already there | Unresolved | A face replacement may be a copy change, maintenance or an alteration under the applicable by-law. Confirm the existing sign’s lawful status and whether changes to its face, structure, area or illumination require a permit. A permit exemption does not establish permission to install. | ||
Window signs & graphics Lettering, decals and signs behind glass | Review needed | Window-sign calculations are not yet verified for this municipality and category. Confirm classification, coverage, placement and permit requirements with the municipality. | ||
Temporary promotional Banners, mobile signs and short-term promotions | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the exact sign format, location, display period and any renewal or repeat-display limits. Temporary use does not itself establish a permit exemption. | ||
Construction & development Development marketing, builder signs and hoarding | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm whether this is development advertising, builder identification, hoarding graphics or a required notice. Provide the project stage, proposed copy and location; these purposes may follow different requirements. | ||
Real estate For sale, for lease and open-house signs | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the property use, whether the sign is at the listed property or off-site, and the applicable removal deadline. New-development marketing may be classified separately from an ordinary sale or lease sign. | ||
Event signage Commercial, community and private events | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the organizer, commercial content, sign format, location and display dates. Community events, private celebrations and election signs may follow separate rules; an event permit does not establish permission for every sign. |
“Up to” means we have the rule but not your dimensions — start a check and enter them to get your actual numbers. “Rule on file” means we have read the section and can take you to it, but have not turned it into a calculation — so no number, on purpose. “Depends on district” means we do calculate it, but the figure changes with the sign district, so pick one to see it.
Permitted, with no brightness cap — and back-lighting allowed on a pylon but banned on a wall. There is no general grant. Illumination is permitted sign type by sign type: a ground sign may be lit externally or back-lit, while a facia or wall sign may only be lit externally and may never be back-lit.
| Brightness | No numeric limit in this by-law No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance. |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | No hours curfew. The only timing rule is buried in the definitions: an electronic message display must hold a constant illumination intensity and be dimmed at night after the business closes. No level and no clock time are stated. s.1, definition of Electronic Message Display Sign |
| Up-lighting | Not addressed The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission. |
| Near housing | None stated. |
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.3.8.5; s.3.16.1.
Read it yourself: s.3.7.10; s.3.8.12; s.4.3.1(g) of Sign By-law 40-15, office consolidation ↗
Calculated from Scugog’s published schedule — $264 per sign.
$264 per sign outside the Heritage Conservation District. Outside the HCD, a sign put up before the permit issues doubles the fee.
No verified processing target is recorded here for Scugog. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Decided by Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)). No appeal route is stated in the by-law — ask the municipality whether there is one. Every sign fee is listed twice, once for outside the Heritage Conservation District and once for inside it, and every inside-the-District figure is printed as $0.00.
The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf
40-15 · Passed 29 June 2015; the amendment table on the cover is blank · PDF, 40 pages
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.3.7 — 10% of any building wall, one per wall, 150 mm maximum projection, external illumination only | open ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.3.8 — one per street frontage; area and height come from the Section 4 zone tables | open ↗ |
| Variance | s.2.7 — Council decides | open ↗ |
| Structure | s.2.4.4(f) — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification if the Chief Building Official asks | open ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“f) plans and specifications for the erection of the Sign and supporting framework certified by a Registered Professional Engineer if so required by the Chief Building Official;”
Structure: s.2.4.4(f) — a Registered Professional Engineer’s certification if the Chief Building Official asks
“SECTION 4 SIGNS IN ZONES Signs shall be permitted in various Zones in accordance with the Sign Permission Matrix attached as Appendix 1.”
Section 4 splits by zone under Zoning By-law 14-14, but the commercial part splits GEOGRAPHICALLY instead: the Main Central Area, the rest of the Port Perry urban area, and everything outside it. The Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District sits on top of all of it. Appendix 1 lists which sign types each zone allows.
“3.16.1 Video Display Signs are not permitted.”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
““Electronic Message Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a pre-arranged sequence using only letters and numbers, and on which the intensity of illumination is maintained at constant level, such Sign to be dimmed at night after business or facility closing;”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
““Video Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a video format similar to a televised image or broadcast;”
The rule that catches people: a video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog, while an electronic message display (or readograph) is permitted on a ground sign at up to half the face — except inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District, where s.3.8.5 withholds it. The line between them is in the definitions — a message display uses letters and numbers only, a video display shows anything resembling a televised image. A panel that shows video or images like a televised broadcast is a video display sign and cannot be permitted here at all. Our reading is that what matters is what it displays, not what the hardware could do; confirm that with the Township.
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign shall not be Back-Lit. Where any such business consists of more than one building on the lot, only one building fronting a Street shall be permitted such signage; e) Where more than one business is located on any lot in this area, each business shall be permitted one (1) Wall Sign that covers no more than ten percent (10%) of the façade or linear frontage of any one building the business occupies and such Signs shall not be Back-Lit; f) Where any such business fronts on more than one Street an additional Wall Sign shall be permitted for that additional Street, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; and”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign on each façade that fronts a road; a business on more than one street may have one more, to a maximum of two. Where several businesses share the lot, each gets one wall sign of 10% of the façade or linear frontage it occupies (s.4.3.2(d)–(f)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) Where only one business occupies the lot in any such commercial zone, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each Street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) Where more than one business is located on any lot, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted to identify the business names and type of businesses and such Sign may be illuminated. In cases where a commercial or industrial development operates as a single centre, including shared access and parking facilities, it shall be regarded as a single lot for the purpose of this By-law; c) Any such Ground Sign shall not exceed 7 m 2 (75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and no such Sign shall be higher than 5 metres (15 feet);”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7 m² (75 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7 m² (75 sq ft).
s.4.3.2(c) gives the height as “5 metres (15 feet)”, and 15 ft is 4.572 m (15 ft). The by-law does not say which unit governs, so we publish the lower figure, the 15 ft. The area, 7 m² (75 ft²), agrees within rounding.
The by-law’s metric and imperial heights disagree
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two (one per lot where several businesses share it).
per street frontage, to a maximum of two (one per lot where several businesses share it)
One per street frontage to a maximum of two where one business occupies the lot; where more than one business is on the lot, one ground sign for all of them, which may be illuminated (s.4.3.2(a)–(b)). A readograph or electronic message display may take up to half the face, except in the Heritage Conservation District (s.3.8.5).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.57 m (15 ft).
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
One per street frontage to a maximum of two where one business occupies the lot; where more than one business is on the lot, one ground sign for all of them, which may be illuminated (s.4.3.2(a)–(b)). A readograph or electronic message display may take up to half the face, except in the Heritage Conservation District (s.3.8.5).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign may be illuminated; e) Where any such business consists of more than one building on the lot, only one building fronting a Street shall be permitted such signage; f) Where more than one business is located on any lot in this area, each business shall be permitted one (1) Wall Sign that covers no more than ten percent (10%) of the façade or linear frontage of any one building the business occupies; g) Where any such business fronts on more than one Street, an additional Wall Sign shall be permitted for that additional Street to a maximum of two (2) Signs; and”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign on each façade that fronts a road; a business on more than one street may have one more, to a maximum of two. Where several businesses share the lot, each gets one wall sign of 10% of the façade or linear frontage it occupies (s.4.3.3(d)–(g)). Outside the urban area a wall sign may be illuminated (s.4.3.3(d)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) Where only one business occupies the lot in any such commercial zone, one (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each Street frontage for the Property. Such Ground Signs may be illuminated; b) Any such Ground Sign shall be no closer to any lot line than 3 metres (10 feet) and where such Sign is located on a provincial or Regional highway, the set-back requirements of the provincial or Regional governments, as the case may be, shall be taken as the required set-back, or the distance noted in this subsection, whichever is the furthest distance from any lot line; c) Any such Ground Sign shall not exceed 7 m 2 (75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and so such Sign will be higher than 6 metres (20 feet) in Sign Height;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 7 m² (75 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 7 m² (75 sq ft).
One ground sign per street frontage where one business occupies the lot.
Number, per what: per street frontage where one business occupies the lot
One per street frontage where one business occupies the lot; it may be illuminated (s.4.3.3(a)). On a provincial or Regional highway that government’s setback applies if it is greater (s.4.3.3(b)). The height is “6 metres (20 feet)”; 20 ft is slightly more than 6 m (20 ft), so the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
The ground sign can be no taller than 6 m (20 ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“4.4.1 SINGLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum of 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) for each 10 metres (33 feet) of frontage or fraction thereof one (1) such Sign for each street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) Signs shall be permitted. Such Sign shall have a maximum Sign Area of 8 m 2 (86 ft 2 ) and a maximum Sign Height of 4.5 metres (15 feet); and b) One (1) Wall Sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the building’s façade upon which the Sign is attached. One (1) Sign for each road frontage will be permitted to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign of 10% of the façade for each road frontage, to a maximum of two (s.4.4.1(b)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“4.4.1 SINGLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum of 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) for each 10 metres (33 feet) of frontage or fraction thereof one (1) such Sign for each street frontage, up to a maximum of two (2) Signs shall be permitted. Such Sign shall have a maximum Sign Area of 8 m 2 (86 ft 2 ) and a maximum Sign Height of 4.5 metres (15 feet); and b) One (1) Wall Sign not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the area of the building’s façade upon which the Sign is attached. One (1) Sign for each road frontage will be permitted to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 8 m² (86 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per street frontage, to a maximum of two
1 m² (11 sq ft) for each 10 m (33 ft) of frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 8 m² (86 sq ft) and 4.5 m (15 ft) tall, one per street frontage to a maximum of two (s.4.4.1(a)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown.
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
You get 0.1 m² (1.1 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“4.4.2 MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign not exceeding 9 m 2 (97 ft 2 ) in Sign Area and not exceeding 4.5 metres (15 feet) in height, shall be permitted; b) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each road frontage for the lot upon which the building is located, up to a maximum of two (2) such Signs; c) One (1) Wall Sign for each business located in the building shall be permitted, indicating the name and type of business for each; d) A Wall Sign permitted in this Section shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the façade of the portion of the building wall occupied by that business;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign for each business in the building, of no more than 10% of the part of the façade that business occupies (s.4.4.2(c)–(d)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“4.4.2 MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS a) One (1) Ground Sign not exceeding 9 m 2 (97 ft 2 ) in Sign Area and not exceeding 4.5 metres (15 feet) in height, shall be permitted; b) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each road frontage for the lot upon which the building is located, up to a maximum of two (2) such Signs; c) One (1) Wall Sign for each business located in the building shall be permitted, indicating the name and type of business for each; d) A Wall Sign permitted in this Section shall be no greater than ten percent (10%) of the façade of the portion of the building wall occupied by that business;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 9 m² (97 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9 m² (97 sq ft).
One ground sign per road frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per road frontage, to a maximum of two
The ground sign can be no taller than 4.5 m (15 ft).
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“3.7.7 The Facia or Wall Sign Area for tenants in a multi-tenant building shall be in proportion to the linear frontage such tenant occupies on the applicable wall façade.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
“3.7.8 A Facia or Wall Sign shall not cover more than ten percent (10%) of any building wall. One (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on each building wall, except for multi-tenant buildings.”
the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade)
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“a) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum Sign Area of 1 m 2 (11 ft 2 ) for every 10 metres (33 feet) of lot frontage or fraction thereof shall be permitted to a maximum of 4 m 2 (43 ft 2 ); c) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, a Façade or Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each façade to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
One wall sign per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per building wall fronting a street, to a maximum of two
One wall sign of 10% of any façade fronting a street, one per façade to a maximum of two (s.4.5(c)).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the building façade the sign is on (a multi-tenant building: in proportion to your linear frontage on that façade). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit (s.3.7.10). Above a place the public passes it must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) up (s.3.7.3).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“a) One (1) Ground Sign shall be permitted for each street frontage for the Property, to a maximum of two (2) Signs; b) One (1) Ground Sign having a maximum Sign Area of 1 m 2 (11 ft 2 ) for every 10 metres (33 feet) of lot frontage or fraction thereof shall be permitted to a maximum of 4 m 2 (43 ft 2 ); c) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, a Façade or Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each façade to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One ground sign per street frontage, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per street frontage, to a maximum of two
1 m² (11 sq ft) for every 10 m (33 ft) of lot frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 4 m² (43 sq ft); 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line (s.4.5(b), (d)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown. The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
You get 0.1 m² (1.1 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
“d) No Ground Sign is permitted to be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) from any lot line; and e) A Ground Sign permitted under this Section of the By-law shall not exceed 4 metres (15 feet) in Sign Height.”
1 m² (11 sq ft) for every 10 m (33 ft) of lot frontage or fraction of it, to a maximum of 4 m² (43 sq ft); 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line (s.4.5(b), (d)). A part-frontage counts as a whole 10 m (33 ft), so the by-law can allow slightly more than the per-metre figure shown. The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used.
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line · 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“e) One (1) Facia or Wall Sign shall be permitted on one non- residential building on each lot, the Sign Area of which shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the façade upon which the Sign is affixed and which shall identify the name of the farm or business;”
What the area is measured against: the façade of one non-residential building on the lot
One wall sign per lot, on one non-residential building.
Number, per what: per lot, on one non-residential building
One facia or wall sign on one non-residential building on each lot, naming the farm or business (s.4.1(e)). External illumination only (s.3.7.10).
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the façade of one non-residential building on the lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
One facia or wall sign on one non-residential building on each lot, naming the farm or business (s.4.1(e)). External illumination only (s.3.7.10).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“c) A non-illuminated Ground Sign not exceeding 3 m 2 (32 ft 2 ) in Sign Area advertising or identifying a permitted commercial activity associated with the agricultural undertaking, home industry or home occupation shall be permitted;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
“a) One Ground Sign may be located at the front of the Property, not closer than 6 metres (20 feet) from any lot line;”
One ground sign per property, at the front.
Number, per what: per property, at the front
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
Setback: 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line
“d) Ground Signs permitted under this Section shall not exceed 4 metres (15 feet) in Sign Height;”
One ground sign at the front of the property, 6 m (20 ft) from any lot line, not back-lit; a non-illuminated sign for a commercial activity tied to the farm, home industry or home occupation may be up to 3 m² (s.4.1(a)–(c)). The height is “4 metres (15 feet)”; the metric figure is the lower and is the one used (s.4.1(d)).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“Fascia / Wall Sign X - X X X X Garage Sale Sign - X - - - - Ground Sign X X - X X X”
Appendix 1
The sign permission matrix at the back of the by-law does not permit a facia or wall sign in a residential zone.
“b) One (1) non-illuminated identification Ground Sign not exceeding 2.5 m 2 (27 ft 2 ) in Sign Area for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three (3) units or more;”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.5 m² (27 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft).
One ground sign per development of three units or more.
Number, per what: per development of three units or more
One non-illuminated identification ground sign of up to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three units or more, plus one directional sign of 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) showing the internal roads and unit numbers (s.4.2(b)–(c)). Section 4 sets no height for it.
“c) One (1) Directional Sign not exceeding 2.5 m 2 (27 ft 2 ) in Sign Area for a condominium townhouse development indicating the internal road patterns and unit numbers,”
One non-illuminated identification ground sign of up to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) for an apartment or condominium townhouse development of three units or more, plus one directional sign of 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) showing the internal roads and unit numbers (s.4.2(b)–(c)). Section 4 sets no height for it.
“3.8.3 No Ground Sign shall be closer than 3 metres (10 feet) to any lot line adjacent to any Street”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.2 No Ground Sign shall be located within 3 metres (10 feet) of a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any lot line next to a street, and 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from a driveway entrance or exit at the lot line · 15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light · 45 m (148 ft) between ground signs on the same lot
“Hanging Sign - - X - - -”
Appendix 1 permits a hanging sign only in the Main Central Area
“c) One (1) Facia or Wall Sign, covering not more than ten percent (10%) of any building façade, or in the case of a multi-tenant building, ten percent (10%) of the linear frontage each tenant occupies, shall be permitted. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted for each road allowance to a maximum of two (2) Signs;”
any building façade (a multi-tenant building: 10% of the linear frontage each tenant occupies)
One wall sign per road allowance, to a maximum of two.
Number, per what: per road allowance, to a maximum of two
One for each road allowance, to a maximum of two (s.4.3.1(c)). In a multi-tenant building each tenant gets 10% of the linear frontage it occupies.
Wall signs may cover up to 10% of any building façade (a multi-tenant building: 10% of the linear frontage each tenant occupies). For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
“3.7.3 A Facia or Wall Sign erected on a building above a location where the public passes, shall be located not less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“a) All new Signs and Sign Copy, and existing Signs that are altered in appearance shall be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee;”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“b) All Signs shall be of heritage colour and design as defined in the Township’s Heritage Design Guidelines;”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“g) No Sign in the Main Central Area shall be illuminated as a Back-Lit Sign”
External illumination only — a facia or wall sign may not be back-lit anywhere in the Township. In the Main Central Area every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee, in heritage colours and design (s.4.3.1(a)–(b), (g)).
“3.7.2 No Facia or Wall Sign shall project more than 150 mm (6.0 inches) from the wall to which it is attached.”
It can stick out no more than 0.15 m (6 in) from the wall.
“e) Ground Signs shall not be permitted in the Main Central Area;”
Section 4 says in terms that ground signs shall not be permitted in the Main Central Area of Port Perry (the area defined in the Township’s Official Plan). Wall and hanging signs are the route here.
“d) One (1) Hanging Sign shall be permitted for each building façade belonging to a single business. No Hanging Sign shall be more than 1 m 2 (10.75 ft 2 ) in Sign Area, and no such Sign shall be located closer to the ground than 2.5 metres (8 feet).”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 1 m² (11 sq ft).
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
One projecting sign per building façade of a single business.
Number, per what: per building façade of a single business
A hanging sign: one per building façade belonging to a single business, up to 1 m² (11 sq ft), 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, extending no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall with its face starting within 0.3 m (1 ft) of it, no wider than 1:2; over a Township right-of-way it needs an encroachment agreement (s.4.3.1(d); s.3.10).
“3.10.1 The owner of a Hanging Sign that overhangs a public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the Township shall enter into an encroachment agreement with the Township. 3.10.2 No portion of a Hanging Sign shall be less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above the finished grade below the Sign. 3.10.3 No portion of a Hanging Sign shall extend more than 1.2 metres (4 feet) beyond the wall to which it is affixed. 3.10.4 The Sign Area of a Hanging Sign shall begin no more than 0.3 metres (1 foot) beyond the wall to which it is affixed. 3.10.5 The Sign Area of a Hanging Sign shall have a maximum 1:2 ratio in width to length.”
A hanging sign: one per building façade belonging to a single business, up to 1 m² (11 sq ft), 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, extending no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall with its face starting within 0.3 m (1 ft) of it, no wider than 1:2; over a Township right-of-way it needs an encroachment agreement (s.4.3.1(d); s.3.10).
““Electronic Message Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a pre-arranged sequence using only letters and numbers, and on which the intensity of illumination is maintained at constant level, such Sign to be dimmed at night after business or facility closing;”
No hours curfew. The only timing rule is buried in the definitions: an electronic message display must hold a constant illumination intensity and be dimmed at night after the business closes. No level and no clock time are stated.
No certification, no photometric standard and no dimming sensor. The only brightness duty is the night dimming in the definitions.
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“c) A Flashing or animated Sign;”
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited, but a compliant message display is carved out of that prohibition
““Flashing” means an intermittent or flashing light source, or which gives the illusion of intermittent or flashing light, but does not include a time, temperature or date Sign, or an Electronic Message Display Sign;”
Flashing and animated signs are prohibited, but a compliant message display is carved out of that prohibition
“3.8.5 The Sign face of a Ground Sign may allocate a maximum fifty percent (50%) of the Sign face to a Readograph or Electronic Message Display, except within the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District.”
A ground SIGN only, to a maximum of half the sign face, and never inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“3.8.8 No Ground Sign shall be located within 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic light.”
15 m (49 ft) from a traffic light — a general ground sign rule, but it binds every message display because they can only go on ground signs
“3.8.9 Where this By-law permits more than one Ground Sign along a Street frontage, no Ground Sign shall be located within 45 metres (148 feet) of another Ground Sign on the same lot. 3.8.10 A maximum of one Ground Sign is permitted per Street frontage unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this By-law. 3.8.11 All Ground Signs must comply with the Sign Area and Sign Height requirements of Section 4 of this By-law. 3.8.12 A Ground Sign may be illuminated externally or Back-lit.”
There is no general grant. Illumination is permitted sign type by sign type: a ground sign may be lit externally or back-lit, while a facia or wall sign may only be lit externally and may never be back-lit.
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“3.7.10 Facia or Wall Signs shall only be illuminated externally and shall not be Back-lit.”
There is no general grant. Illumination is permitted sign type by sign type: a ground sign may be lit externally or back-lit, while a facia or wall sign may only be lit externally and may never be back-lit.
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“g) No Sign in the Main Central Area shall be illuminated as a Back-Lit Sign”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“4.3.2 COMMERCIAL ZONES WITHIN THE PORT PERRY URBAN AREA (OTHER THAN MAIN CENTRAL AREA) The following provisions shall apply on those lands zoned Commercial and located within the Port Perry Urban Area, outside of the Main Central Area;”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“d) In addition to one (1) Ground Sign, one (1) Wall Sign shall be permitted on up to ten percent (10%) of the area of any one building façade fronting any Street. One (1) such Sign shall be permitted on each façade that fronts a road, and such Sign shall not be Back-Lit.”
Back-lighting is permitted on a ground sign and prohibited on a wall sign — the reverse of most by-laws here — and it is banned again in the Main Central Area of Port Perry and on the wall signs allowed in commercial zones elsewhere in the Port Perry urban area (s.4.3.2(d)).
“3.16.1 Video Display Signs are not permitted.”
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
““Video Display Sign” means a permanent Sign which is electronically controlled and which displays information in a video format similar to a televised image or broadcast;”
A video DISPLAY SIGN is prohibited outright in Scugog. An electronic message display is permitted on a ground sign, up to half the face, but the definitions draw the line hard: a message display uses letters and numbers only, and anything showing something like a televised image is a video display. Message displays are in turn banned entirely inside the Downtown Port Perry Heritage Conservation District regardless.
“2.7.1 Where the Owner or Person in control of a Sign for any reason is unable to comply with the provisions and regulations under this By- law, such Person may apply to the Council of the Township for a variance”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“2.7.3 The Council of the Township shall hear all applications and may authorize such variances”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“a) All new Signs and Sign Copy, and existing Signs that are altered in appearance shall be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee;”
Council (s.2.7.3). In the Main Central Area of Port Perry every new or altered sign must also be approved by the Township’s Heritage and Museum Advisory Committee (s.4.3.1(a)).
“Sign Permit - Outside HCD HST Exempt Each $264.00 Sign Permit - Within HCD - - $0.00 Sign Variance Application - Outside HCD HST Exempt Each $645.00 Sign Variance Application - Within HCD - - $0.00”
The permit is a flat $264.
$264 per sign outside the Heritage Conservation District. Outside the HCD, a sign put up before the permit issues doubles the fee.
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $645.
Every sign fee is listed twice, once for outside the Heritage Conservation District and once for inside it, and every inside-the-District figure is printed as $0.00.
“Any Sign Erected Without a Prior Permit Issued (Outside HCD) HST Exempt - Double all applicable fees”
$264 per sign outside the Heritage Conservation District. Outside the HCD, a sign put up before the permit issues doubles the fee.
“Schedule D - Development Services Department - Signs 2026 Fees and Charges”
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.