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.
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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 Whitchurch-Stouffville’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 2016-012-RE ↗ — passed 2 February 2016; no consolidation banner, and no amending by-law found. An out-of-date copy of it is also still online — we flag which one is current.
Choose the type that matches your sign. Dimensions can come later.
Other sign purposes
These categories currently prepare a municipal review. Size limits, fees and permit exemptions are not calculated yet.
Count display faces on this one sign, not separate signs. Dimensions can come later.
Each municipality can count faces differently. A per-face limit is not permission to multiply the total allowance.
Review guidance only: no size allowance, permit exemption, fee or permitted display period is calculated for these categories yet. You can record a proposal and save a preliminary report with the open questions.
Enter your intended dates, not a permitted duration. Renewal, repeat displays and removal deadlines still need confirmation.
Initial coverage: Oakville’s commercial, employment, mixed-use and institutional categories. Other municipalities and special uses need a separate review. This is a preliminary check against the published 2022 consolidation; later amendments remain unverified.
Motor vehicle businesses, drive-through facilities and third-party advertising need separate review. Choose “Other content or a special use” above. Illuminated signs and electronic displays are outside this initial calculation.
Measure one rectangular window, excluding its frame. Use explicit units: m, cm, ft or inches; bare numbers mean feet. Do not combine panes or transfer spare area between windows. For the proposed sign, enter the enclosing rectangle around the complete message; irregular layouts need confirmation.
This is the building’s storey count, not the sign’s location. Clarington uses it to select the shared wall-and-awning allowance. Subdivision sales offices have a separate table provision.
Exclude the sign you are proposing or replacing and any signs being removed. Leave uncertain quantities blank. Your answer is not independently verified.
No single sign-count limit is calculated for this selection. Confirm how the municipality counts existing signs.
A size limit for one sign is not automatically spare capacity on a wall or property. No shared-area deduction is calculated for this selection.
Not sure about placement? Leave it as “Not sure” and review the limits first. A sign type that is not listed needs a separate review.
Review what the maps found, then work through one follow-up at a time. You can leave questions open while exploring a sign before it is designed.
You can download a preliminary report before a sign is designed. Missing dimensions and unresolved reviews remain clearly identified.
Local history and team links keep basic details: location, sign type, district, building type, lighting and building measurements. They do not keep proposed sign dimensions, site-review answers or reports. Choose Save to my account to retain the full proposal and dated reports. For a customer handoff, download the neutral customer assessment.
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No sign design yet? That is fine. A wall or frontage measurement helps calculate the size allowance; proposed sign dimensions are optional. Use feet/inches or metric: 12 ft, 6 in, 3.5m or 150mm. Numbers without a unit are read as feet. Leave anything unknown blank.
Wall signs are usually sized off the wall they sit on, so this is the measurement that turns the rule into a number. A rough answer is fine.
The length of the property along the relevant street. Building frontage can mean something different. Use the measurement basis in your result; do not add street edges together unless the rule allows it.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Whitchurch-Stouffville’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 Whitchurch-Stouffville’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 Whitchurch-Stouffville’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.
2016-012-RE · Passed 2 February 2016; no consolidation banner, and no amending by-law found · PDF, 26 pages (a scan with a text layer)
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.6.1 — 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre of wall in a commercial zone, 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) to 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) per premises; s.7.1 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre industrial and institutional; Schedule A s.3 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre and 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) at most in Downtown Stouffville | open · p.7 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.6.2 and s.7.2 — 5.5 m² (59 sq ft) a face, 11.0 m² (118 sq ft) all faces, 4.0 m (13 ft) in any dimension; 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in a commercial zone (s.4.3), 4.0 m (13 ft) industrial and institutional; Downtown Stouffville 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) a face and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (Schedule A s.2) | open · p.8 ↗ |
| Variance | s.13.23 — Council may authorize a minor variance where the general intent and purpose are maintained; no appeal route is stated | open · p.18 ↗ |
| Structure | s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements | open · p.14 ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Permission requested to depart from a by-law requirement. Approval is not guaranteed, and a variance does not replace any other permits or approvals the proposal needs.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Whitchurch-Stouffville’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 Whitchurch-Stouffville 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.
“12.1 Materials (a) All materials incorporated into a sign shall comply with all requirements of the Ontario Building Code. (b) Every sign shall comply with all governing requirements of Hydro One.”
Structure: s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements
“12.2 Structural (a) Signs and their structural members shall be designed to have structural capacity to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and influence from the environment that may be expected and shall in every case satisfy the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.”
Structure: s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements
“13.24 By-Law Numbers 2004-212-RE, 2008-133-RE, 2011-091-RE and 2015-159- RE are hereby repealed effective February 2, 2016.”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“BEING A BY-LAW to regulate the size, use, location and maintenance of portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“18) EFFECTIVE DATE This By-law shall come into effect and force on January 1, 2017.”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“1.1 All applications for signs shall be made available for a 5 business day review period by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group (DSWG) or designate prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit. A Sign Permit will not be issued by the Town before the 5 business day review period has lapsed.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“13.23 The Council of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville may, upon the application of any person, authorize minor variances from the provisions of this by-law, provided that in the opinion of the Council, the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained, and provided that the appropriate variance fee has been paid.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“18) EFFECTIVE DATE This By-law shall come into effect and force on January 1, 2017.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“6.1 Wall Signs (a) The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 0.75m 2 per linear horizontal metre of the building wall upon which such sign is located. In multiple occupancy buildings or shopping centres there shall be a proportional allocation of sign area for each business premises having direct access to, or windows facing a public way. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall sign per business premises shall not exceed 20.0m 2 or be limited to less than 2.0m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.6.1(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 20.0m2 (215 sq ft) or be limited to less than 2.0m2 (22 sq ft)”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building wall the sign is on. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One wall sign per business premises.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(d) No wall sign shall extend around the corners of the wall upon which it is mounted, except that when a premises is located on a corner lot and has entrances on two (2) or more public ways, a wall sign may extend around the corner on which it is mounted. Signs extending around a corner lawfully erected under this section shall be deemed to be two (2) signs for the purpose of calculating permitted number of signs and permitted sign area.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(h) Signs painted on the exterior walls of any building.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(b) Wall signs shall only be located at the first storey level except that where a business premises occupies more than one floor, a wall sign may be located above the ground floor level.”
the first storey, unless the business premises occupies more than one floor
“No ground sign shall be larger than 5.5m 2 in area on a single sign face, or 11.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 4.0m in any dimension of sign face.”
All faces added together can be no more than 11 m² (118 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.5 m² (59 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.5 m² (59 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One ground sign per premises under separate ownership.
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face, excluding shopping centre signs, section 6.5(a).”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(c) No more than one (1) sign shall be mounted to the supporting structure of any ground sign.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(a) On a shopping centre site of less than 15 acres one ground sign identifying the shopping centre is permitted. No ground sign shall be larger than 1 O.Om 2 in area on a single sign face, or 20.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 5.0m in any dimension of sign face.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“(a) Wall signs shall not exceed 0.5m 2 per linear horizontal metre of the building wall upon which such sign is located. In multiple occupancy buildings there shall be proportional allocation of sign area for each business premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall sign per business premises shall not exceed 20.0m 2 or be limited to less than 2.0m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.7.1(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 20.0m2 (215 sq ft) or be limited to less than 2.0m2 (22 sq ft)”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building wall the sign is on. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One wall sign per business premises.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
“7 .5 No other sign shall be permitted in these zones, except those signs permitted in Section 2.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(b) Wall signs shall only be located at the first storey level, except that where a premises occupies more than one floor a wall sign may be located above the ground floor level.”
Placement: the first storey, unless the premises occupies more than one floor
“(a) No ground sign shall be larger than 5.5m 2 in sign area on a single sign face, or 11.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face.”
All faces added together can be no more than 11 m² (118 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.5 m² (59 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.5 m² (59 sq ft).
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One ground sign per premises under separate ownership.
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in height above the average finished grade level at the base of such sign.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“(a) For any building designed or legally used as a permitted business within a Rural, Rural Residential, Transitional or Open Space Zone there may be erected one wall sign for each street frontage of the business premises. Signs shall be attached to the building wall fronting on a street. The display area of any such sign shall not exceed 4m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One wall sign per street frontage of the business premises.
One wall sign for each street frontage, attached to the building wall fronting that street, with a display area of no more than 4 m² (s.8.2(a)). A canopy sign within the same area limit may stand in for a wall sign (s.8.2(b)).
“(b) A canopy sign not exceeding the area limitations for wall signs in 8.2(a) may be erected in lieu of any permitted wall sign(s) provided such sign is attached to a canopy fronting a street.”
One wall sign for each street frontage, attached to the building wall fronting that street, with a display area of no more than 4 m² (s.8.2(a)). A canopy sign within the same area limit may stand in for a wall sign (s.8.2(b)).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(c) In addition to any permitted wall or canopy sign, one ground sign may be erected for each street frontage provided such sign does not exceed 4m 2 in display area.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One ground sign per street frontage.
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face, excluding shopping centre signs, section 6.5(a).”
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“3.1 The area of wall and fascia signs shall not exceed 0.5m 2 of sign area per linear horizontal metre of building face frontage. No sign shall exceed 2.5m 2 in sign area.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 2.5 m² (27 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building face frontage. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft).
“3.2 On a corner lot with two street frontages, one such sign shall be permitted for each road allowance.”
One wall sign per road allowance.
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“3.3 No wall or fascia sign shall be illuminated internally as a backlit sign. Illumination, if provided, will only be permitted in the following forms: a. Strip lighting or equivalent recessed within an architectural feature; or, goose neck lights; or, b. Lighting concealed within relief lettering (ie: pin letters) where the lettering shall not project more than 1cm from the main wall of the building which shall illuminate the background panel.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“4.4 No projecting sign shall exceed 0.5m 2 in area per sign face nor in excess of 1m in any dimension of sign face.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“4.5 One projection sign shall be permitted in addition to a wall or fascia sign.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“3.4 No wall or fascia sign, or any part thereof except for the goose neck lights, shall project more than 0.25m from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.25 m (10 in) from the wall.
“3.6 Where a building is more than one storey in height, all wall or fascia signage shall be mounted on the first storey of the building.”
Placement: the first storey, on a building of more than one storey
“2.1 Ground signs for a single tenant building shall not exceed 1.2m 2 in sign area per single sign face, or 2.4m 2 for all faces combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 1.2 m² (13 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 1.2 m² (13 sq ft).
“2.4 A maximum of one ground sign is permitted for each property. On a corner lot with two street frontages, one ground sign per road frontage shall be permitted.”
One ground sign per property.
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.2 No ground sign shall exceed 1.5m in any dimension of the sign face.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.5 No ground sign shall be illuminated internally as a back lit sign. Illumination of a ground sign shall only be permitted as a ground mounted light, or alternatively, as a goose neck light.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“a. A ground sign shall not exceed 1.1 m 2 in sign area per single sign face, or 2.2 m 2 for all faces combined. b. No ground sign shall exceed 1.2m in any dimension of the sign face. c. The ground sign will not exceed 1.5m in height.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“The minimum setback from the road allowance to a ground sign shall be 1.5m, and, from an abutting property line to the ground sign shall be 3m;”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“g. A ground sign, including part of its structure, shall not be located closer than 1.5m to any driveway.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“1.5 For commercial and institutional properties as zoned in the implementing Comprehensive Zoning By-law located on that portion of Main Street, situated”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“to the west of Albert Street and generally east of Park Drive as identified on Schedule "B" only Ground Signs as set out in Section 2 below shall be permitted.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.3 Ground signs will not exceed 2.2m in height.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in).
“2.6 The minimum setback from the road allowance to a ground sign shall be 1.5m and, from an abutting property line to the ground sign shall be the greater of 1.5m or the height of the sign.”
1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from the road allowance · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from an abutting property line, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from a driveway
“2. 7 A ground sign, including part of its structure, shall not be located closer than 1.2m to any driveway.”
1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from the road allowance · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from an abutting property line, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from a driveway
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2).
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2).
“4.4 No projecting sign shall exceed 0.5m 2 in area per sign face nor in excess of 1m in any dimension of sign face.”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.1 No portion of a projection sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or finished floor elevation immediately below such sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.2 Projecting signs affixed to buildings shall not extend more than 1.2m over the road allowance, and shall be a minimum of 1.5m from any common property line.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
It can stick out no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall.
“a. A Letter of Indemnification for the Town to be held safe and harmless and that the Town be added to the owner's insurance for liability in the amount of $2,000,000”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.5 One projection sign shall be permitted in addition to a wall or fascia sign.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.6 No projection sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.9 Electronic Message Centre Signs The following regulations shall apply to all electronic message centre signs: (a) the size of the message centre is restricted to not more than fifty percent of the sign face; (b) only words can be displayed on the sign; (c) the sign is prohibited from facing a residential area, unless adequate provision can be made to screen the sign from adjacent residential properties.”
Words only — only words can be displayed on the sign (s.4.9(b)) — and no flashing or moving illumination that varies in intensity or colour (s.3(a)).
Any illuminated sign outside Downtown Stouffville: the message centre may take no more than fifty percent of the sign face (s.4.9(a)). Electronic Message Centre Signs are prohibited in Downtown Stouffville (Schedule A s.11.1).
The sign is prohibited from facing a residential area unless it can be screened from adjacent residential properties (s.4.9(c)). No brightness, dimming or hours rule is stated.
No lighting distance from residential property for an ordinary sign. An electronic message centre is prohibited from facing a residential area unless adequate provision can be made to screen it from adjacent residential properties (s.4.9(c)).
“(a) Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination which varies in intensity or which varies in colour or signs which have any visible moving parts, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by actions of wind currents, with the exception of signs which indicate time or temperature; an electric message centre, provided that such signs are not prohibited by any other provision of this by-law.”
Words only — only words can be displayed on the sign (s.4.9(b)) — and no flashing or moving illumination that varies in intensity or colour (s.3(a)).
s.3(a) prohibits any flashing or moving illumination which varies in intensity or colour, and any visible moving parts, with an exception for a sign indicating time or temperature and for an electronic message centre that no other provision prohibits.
“11.1 In addition to the range of signs prohibited by this by-law, three additional signs are prohibited within Downtown Stouffville, namely Electronic Message Centre Signs, Roof Signs, and, Billboard Signs.”
Any illuminated sign outside Downtown Stouffville: the message centre may take no more than fifty percent of the sign face (s.4.9(a)). Electronic Message Centre Signs are prohibited in Downtown Stouffville (Schedule A s.11.1).
“4.8 Illumination Light sources which illuminate signs shall be shielded so that the light source is not visible off the property on which a sign is located.”
s.4.8 is the only general lighting rule: light sources which illuminate signs shall be shielded so that the light source is not visible off the property on which the sign is located. Nothing else in the by-law restricts an internally lit wall or ground sign outside Downtown Stouffville.
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
s.4.8 requires light sources illuminating signs to be shielded so the light source is not visible off the property. Any proposed up-lighting must meet that condition; it does not independently authorize illumination where another rule prohibits it.
“2.5 No ground sign shall be illuminated internally as a back lit sign. Illumination of a ground sign shall only be permitted as a ground mounted light, or alternatively, as a goose neck light.”
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“3.3 No wall or fascia sign shall be illuminated internally as a backlit sign. Illumination, if provided, will only be permitted in the following forms: a. Strip lighting or equivalent recessed within an architectural feature; or, goose neck lights; or, b. Lighting concealed within relief lettering (ie: pin letters) where the lettering shall not project more than 1cm from the main wall of the building which shall illuminate the background panel.”
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“(f) No soffit sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“(c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“4.6 No projection sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“5.5 Illumination of canopy/awning sign shall be exclusively by goose neck lights. Back-lit awnings shall not be permitted.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“12. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS - Internal or Backlit Signage Existing backlit signs affixed to buildings shall be allowed to continue to be utilized by the business operator or owner with the intent that over time the backlit sign shall be retired when one or more of the following circumstances occur: a. A new business operation opens and/or there is a change in business activity; b. When an existing sign needs to be replaced and/or renewed as part of its normal life cycle repair-replacement;”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“13.23 The Council of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville may, upon the application of any person, authorize minor variances from the provisions of this by-law, provided that in the opinion of the Council, the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained, and provided that the appropriate variance fee has been paid.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
“Signs - Staff Variance Per Request $545.00 $550.00 N Non - refundable.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $550.
A staff variance is $550.00. A Council variance, which applies to all signs with an aggregate sign face exceeding 20 sq.m (215 sq ft)., is $1,000.00.
“Signs - Council Variance Per Request $980.00 $1,000.00 N Non - refundable. Council Variance applies to all signs which have an aggregate sign face exceeding: 20 sq.m.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
A staff variance is $550.00. A Council variance, which applies to all signs with an aggregate sign face exceeding 20 sq.m (215 sq ft)., is $1,000.00.
“Signs - Permanent Sign(s) Per Square Metre of Sign Face $32.00 $35.00 N Minimum Fee: $220.00”
The smallest permit fee is $220.
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
The permit costs $35 per m² of sign (about $3.25 per sq ft).
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Wherever any work for which a permit is required by this by-law has commenced without the authorization of a permit, a "Special Investigation" fee shall be paid in addition to all other fees payable. This fee shall be equal to 50% of the permit fee that would be payable pursuant to the Town's current Fees and Charges By-law.”
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
“Signs - Development Sign(s) Per Square Metre of Sign Face times months required. $2.15 $2.20”
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
“1.1 All applications for signs shall be made available for a 5 business day review period by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group (DSWG) or designate prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit. A Sign Permit will not be issued by the Town before the 5 business day review period has lapsed.”
In Downtown Stouffville only: a 5 business day review by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group before a permit can issue (Schedule A s.1.1)
“2025 Rate (before Tax) 2026 Rate (before Tax)”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
Sign By-law 2016-012-RE, passed 2 February 2016; no consolidation banner, and no amending by-law found. 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.6.1 — 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre of wall in a commercial zone, 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) to 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) per premises; s.7.1 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre industrial and institutional; Schedule A s.3 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre and 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) at most in Downtown Stouffville read it · p.7 ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | s.6.2 and s.7.2 — 5.5 m² (59 sq ft) a face, 11.0 m² (118 sq ft) all faces, 4.0 m (13 ft) in any dimension; 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in a commercial zone (s.4.3), 4.0 m (13 ft) industrial and institutional; Downtown Stouffville 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) a face and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (Schedule A s.2) read it · p.8 ↗ | ||
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.6.2 and s.7.2 — 5.5 m² (59 sq ft) a face, 11.0 m² (118 sq ft) all faces, 4.0 m (13 ft) in any dimension; 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in a commercial zone (s.4.3), 4.0 m (13 ft) industrial and institutional; Downtown Stouffville 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) a face and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (Schedule A s.2) read it · p.8 ↗ | ||
New face, same frame Replacing the face of a sign already there | Unresolved | A face replacement may be a copy change, maintenance or an alteration under the applicable by-law. Confirm the existing sign’s lawful status and whether changes to its face, structure, area or illumination require a permit. A permit exemption does not establish permission to install. | ||
Window signs & graphics Lettering, decals and signs behind glass | Review needed | Window-sign calculations are not yet verified for this municipality and category. Confirm classification, coverage, placement and permit requirements with the municipality. | ||
Temporary promotional Banners, mobile signs and short-term promotions | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the exact sign format, location, display period and any renewal or repeat-display limits. Temporary use does not itself establish a permit exemption. | ||
Construction & development Development marketing, builder signs and hoarding | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm whether this is development advertising, builder identification, hoarding graphics or a required notice. Provide the project stage, proposed copy and location; these purposes may follow different requirements. | ||
Real estate For sale, for lease and open-house signs | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the property use, whether the sign is at the listed property or off-site, and the applicable removal deadline. New-development marketing may be classified separately from an ordinary sale or lease sign. | ||
Event signage Commercial, community and private events | Review guidance only | Review guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the organizer, commercial content, sign format, location and display dates. Community events, private celebrations and election signs may follow separate rules; an event permit does not establish permission for every sign. |
“Up to” means we have the rule but not your dimensions — start a check and enter them to get your actual numbers. “Rule on file” means we have read the section and can take you to it, but have not turned it into a calculation — so no number, on purpose. “Depends on district” means we do calculate it, but the figure changes with the sign district, so pick one to see it.
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville. s.4.8 is the only general lighting rule: light sources which illuminate signs shall be shielded so that the light source is not visible off the property on which the sign is located. Nothing else in the by-law restricts an internally lit wall or ground sign outside Downtown Stouffville.
| Brightness | No numeric limit in this by-law No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance. |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | None stated. |
| Light source shielding | Visibility condition s.4.8 requires light sources illuminating signs to be shielded so the light source is not visible off the property. Any proposed up-lighting must meet that condition; it does not independently authorize illumination where another rule prohibits it. |
| Near housing | No lighting distance from residential property for an ordinary sign. An electronic message centre is prohibited from facing a residential area unless adequate provision can be made to screen it from adjacent residential properties (s.4.9(c)). s.4.9(c) |
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.4.9; s.3(a); Schedule A s.11.1.
Read it yourself: s.4.8; s.4.9; s.3(a); Schedule A of Sign By-law 2016-012-RE ↗
$35/m², minimum $220 — needs the sign area to price
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
In Downtown Stouffville only: a 5 business day review by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group before a permit can issue (Schedule A s.1.1).
Decided by Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m. No appeal route is stated in the by-law — ask the municipality whether there is one. A staff variance is $550.00. A Council variance, which applies to all signs with an aggregate sign face exceeding 20 sq.m., is $1,000.00.
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
2016-012-RE · Passed 2 February 2016; no consolidation banner, and no amending by-law found · PDF, 26 pages (a scan with a text layer)
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.6.1 — 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) per metre of wall in a commercial zone, 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) to 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) per premises; s.7.1 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre industrial and institutional; Schedule A s.3 — 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per metre and 2.5 m² (27 sq ft) at most in Downtown Stouffville | open · p.7 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.6.2 and s.7.2 — 5.5 m² (59 sq ft) a face, 11.0 m² (118 sq ft) all faces, 4.0 m (13 ft) in any dimension; 7.5 m (25 ft) tall in a commercial zone (s.4.3), 4.0 m (13 ft) industrial and institutional; Downtown Stouffville 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) a face and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (Schedule A s.2) | open · p.8 ↗ |
| Variance | s.13.23 — Council may authorize a minor variance where the general intent and purpose are maintained; no appeal route is stated | open · p.18 ↗ |
| Structure | s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements | open · p.14 ↗ |
Page jumps are close, not exact — a cover sheet or table of contents can shift a PDF by a page or two. The section number is the reliable part.
Also worth having open:
Each figure above, in the by-law’s own words. Every quote was checked against the published document, and is re-checked whenever the document is re-read; a figure without one is not published.
“12.1 Materials (a) All materials incorporated into a sign shall comply with all requirements of the Ontario Building Code. (b) Every sign shall comply with all governing requirements of Hydro One.”
Structure: s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements
“12.2 Structural (a) Signs and their structural members shall be designed to have structural capacity to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and influence from the environment that may be expected and shall in every case satisfy the requirements of the Ontario Building Code.”
Structure: s.12.2 — designed to resist safely and effectively all effects of loads and to satisfy the Ontario Building Code; s.12.1 — materials to the Building Code and every sign to Hydro One requirements
“13.24 By-Law Numbers 2004-212-RE, 2008-133-RE, 2011-091-RE and 2015-159- RE are hereby repealed effective February 2, 2016.”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“BEING A BY-LAW to regulate the size, use, location and maintenance of portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“18) EFFECTIVE DATE This By-law shall come into effect and force on January 1, 2017.”
The Town’s “Frequently referenced by-laws” page lists one by-law under Signs, By-law 2016-165-RE, and it is easy to take that for the sign by-law. It is not: it governs portable, mobile, banner, feather banner, inflatable and temporary signs only, in force since January 1, 2017, and leaves By-law 2016-012-RE in force for every permanent sign. The same document portal still serves the repealed By-law 2004-212-RE with nothing on its face saying it was repealed effective February 2, 2016.
“1.1 All applications for signs shall be made available for a 5 business day review period by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group (DSWG) or designate prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit. A Sign Permit will not be issued by the Town before the 5 business day review period has lapsed.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“13.23 The Council of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville may, upon the application of any person, authorize minor variances from the provisions of this by-law, provided that in the opinion of the Council, the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained, and provided that the appropriate variance fee has been paid.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“18) EFFECTIVE DATE This By-law shall come into effect and force on January 1, 2017.”
Downtown Stouffville applications go to the Downtown Stouffville Working Group for a 5 business day review before a permit can issue, and unresolved comments go to Council, whose decision is final (Schedule A s.1). Council may authorize a minor variance from any provision where the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained and the variance fee is paid (s.13.23). Portable, mobile, banner, inflatable and temporary signs have their own by-law, By-law 2016-165-RE, in force since January 1, 2017. Signs on a York Region road are also governed by the Region’s own by-law.
“6.1 Wall Signs (a) The area of a wall sign shall not exceed 0.75m 2 per linear horizontal metre of the building wall upon which such sign is located. In multiple occupancy buildings or shopping centres there shall be a proportional allocation of sign area for each business premises having direct access to, or windows facing a public way. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall sign per business premises shall not exceed 20.0m 2 or be limited to less than 2.0m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.6.1(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 20.0m2 (215 sq ft) or be limited to less than 2.0m2 (22 sq ft)”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 0.75 m² (8.1 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building wall the sign is on. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 7.5 m² (81 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One wall sign per business premises.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(d) No wall sign shall extend around the corners of the wall upon which it is mounted, except that when a premises is located on a corner lot and has entrances on two (2) or more public ways, a wall sign may extend around the corner on which it is mounted. Signs extending around a corner lawfully erected under this section shall be deemed to be two (2) signs for the purpose of calculating permitted number of signs and permitted sign area.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(h) Signs painted on the exterior walls of any building.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building or shopping centre the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each premises with direct access to, or windows facing, a public way (s.6.1(a)). A sign may wrap a corner only on a corner lot with entrances on two (2) or more public ways, and then counts as two (2) signs (s.4.2(d)). Signs painted on an exterior wall are prohibited (s.3(h)).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(b) Wall signs shall only be located at the first storey level except that where a business premises occupies more than one floor, a wall sign may be located above the ground floor level.”
the first storey, unless the business premises occupies more than one floor
“No ground sign shall be larger than 5.5m 2 in area on a single sign face, or 11.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 4.0m in any dimension of sign face.”
All faces added together can be no more than 11 m² (118 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.5 m² (59 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.5 m² (59 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One ground sign per premises under separate ownership.
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face, excluding shopping centre signs, section 6.5(a).”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(c) No more than one (1) sign shall be mounted to the supporting structure of any ground sign.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(a) On a shopping centre site of less than 15 acres one ground sign identifying the shopping centre is permitted. No ground sign shall be larger than 1 O.Om 2 in area on a single sign face, or 20.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 5.0m in any dimension of sign face.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (13 ft), and no more than one (1) sign on the supporting structure (s.4.3(b), (c)). A shopping centre has its own rule: on a site of less than 15 acres, one ground sign identifying the centre of up to 10.0 m² (108 sq ft) a face and 20.0 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 5.0 m (16 ft) in any dimension (s.6.5(a)).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“(a) Wall signs shall not exceed 0.5m 2 per linear horizontal metre of the building wall upon which such sign is located. In multiple occupancy buildings there shall be proportional allocation of sign area for each business premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall sign per business premises shall not exceed 20.0m 2 or be limited to less than 2.0m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 20 m² (215 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.7.1(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 20.0m2 (215 sq ft) or be limited to less than 2.0m2 (22 sq ft)”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building wall the sign is on. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One wall sign per business premises.
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
“7 .5 No other sign shall be permitted in these zones, except those signs permitted in Section 2.”
One wall sign — or one soffit, canopy or projecting sign — for each business carried on independently on the premises (s.4.1). In a multiple occupancy building the wall-sign area is allocated proportionally to each business premises (s.7.1(a)). No other sign is permitted in these zones except those in Section 2 (s.7.5).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(b) Wall signs shall only be located at the first storey level, except that where a premises occupies more than one floor a wall sign may be located above the ground floor level.”
Placement: the first storey, unless the premises occupies more than one floor
“(a) No ground sign shall be larger than 5.5m 2 in sign area on a single sign face, or 11.0m 2 of sign area for all faces combined, nor in excess of 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face.”
All faces added together can be no more than 11 m² (118 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5.5 m² (59 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5.5 m² (59 sq ft).
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
One ground sign per premises under separate ownership.
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in height above the average finished grade level at the base of such sign.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
No dimension of the sign face over 4.0 m (s.7.2(a)). Height is 4.0 m (13 ft) above the average finished grade at the base (s.7.2(b)), not the 7.5 m (25 ft) general figure in s.4.3(d).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“(a) For any building designed or legally used as a permitted business within a Rural, Rural Residential, Transitional or Open Space Zone there may be erected one wall sign for each street frontage of the business premises. Signs shall be attached to the building wall fronting on a street. The display area of any such sign shall not exceed 4m 2 .”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One wall sign per street frontage of the business premises.
One wall sign for each street frontage, attached to the building wall fronting that street, with a display area of no more than 4 m² (s.8.2(a)). A canopy sign within the same area limit may stand in for a wall sign (s.8.2(b)).
“(b) A canopy sign not exceeding the area limitations for wall signs in 8.2(a) may be erected in lieu of any permitted wall sign(s) provided such sign is attached to a canopy fronting a street.”
One wall sign for each street frontage, attached to the building wall fronting that street, with a display area of no more than 4 m² (s.8.2(a)). A canopy sign within the same area limit may stand in for a wall sign (s.8.2(b)).
“(b) No wall sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5m (19.685 in.) from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“(c) In addition to any permitted wall or canopy sign, one ground sign may be erected for each street frontage provided such sign does not exceed 4m 2 in display area.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 4 m² (43 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).
One ground sign per street frontage.
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
“(b) No ground sign shall exceed 4.0m in any dimension of the sign face, excluding shopping centre signs, section 6.5(a).”
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
“(d) No ground sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of said sign as mounted on its supporting structure.”
One ground sign for each street frontage, in addition to any wall or canopy sign, with no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft) of display area (s.8.2(c)). The by-law gives no all-faces total here; the 7.5 m (25 ft) height and the 4.0 m (13 ft) dimension limit are the general figures (s.4.3).
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“(a) No ground sign or any part of its structure shall be located less than 3.m from any street line.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(e) No ground sign shall be located at a distance from the common lot boundary with an adjacent lot less than 1.5m or a distance equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(f) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0m to any driveway, unless located on the traffic island separating the lands of a two-way driveway.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(m) A ground sign within 15.0m of a traffic light.”
3 m (9 ft 10 in) from any street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · 15.0 m (49 ft) from a traffic light
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“4.6 Projecting Signs (See Sections 2, 6, 7, 8 and Schedule "A") The following regulations shall apply to all projecting signs: (a) No portion of a projecting sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign. (b) No projecting sign shall exceed 1.0m 2 in area per sign face. (c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
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.
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“4.1 Limit on Number of Signs Per Premises Only one ground sign may be erected on premises under separate ownership and in addition there may also be erected one wall sign, or, one soffit sign, or, one canopy sign, or, one projecting sign, in respect to part of the premises occupied by a business that is carried on independently of any other business in those premises except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
“(a) Where a building is erected with a (0) zero setback from a street line, then a "WALL SIGN" or "PROJECTING SIGN" shall be permitted to project a”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“maximum of 0.3m over public property or a public right-of-way except as permitted in Schedule "A".”
No more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per sign face, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the grade or floor below, and never internally illuminated (s.4.6). It counts as the one building sign the premises gets — one wall, soffit, canopy OR projecting sign per business (s.4.1). Over public property only where the building sits at a zero setback, and then no more than 0.3 m (s.4.7(a)).
It can stick out no more than 0.3 m (1 ft) from the wall.
“3.1 The area of wall and fascia signs shall not exceed 0.5m 2 of sign area per linear horizontal metre of building face frontage. No sign shall exceed 2.5m 2 in sign area.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 2.5 m² (27 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
You get 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of the building face frontage. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 2.5 m² (27 sq ft).
“3.2 On a corner lot with two street frontages, one such sign shall be permitted for each road allowance.”
One wall sign per road allowance.
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“3.3 No wall or fascia sign shall be illuminated internally as a backlit sign. Illumination, if provided, will only be permitted in the following forms: a. Strip lighting or equivalent recessed within an architectural feature; or, goose neck lights; or, b. Lighting concealed within relief lettering (ie: pin letters) where the lettering shall not project more than 1cm from the main wall of the building which shall illuminate the background panel.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“4.4 No projecting sign shall exceed 0.5m 2 in area per sign face nor in excess of 1m in any dimension of sign face.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“4.5 One projection sign shall be permitted in addition to a wall or fascia sign.”
On a corner lot with two street frontages, one wall or fascia sign for each road allowance (Schedule A s.3.2). No internal or backlit illumination: only strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, goose neck lights, or lighting concealed within relief lettering that projects no more than 1cm (Schedule A s.3.3). One projection sign is allowed in addition, up to 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) a face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension (Schedule A s.4.4, s.4.5).
“3.4 No wall or fascia sign, or any part thereof except for the goose neck lights, shall project more than 0.25m from the wall upon which it is mounted.”
It can stick out no more than 0.25 m (10 in) from the wall.
“3.6 Where a building is more than one storey in height, all wall or fascia signage shall be mounted on the first storey of the building.”
Placement: the first storey, on a building of more than one storey
“2.1 Ground signs for a single tenant building shall not exceed 1.2m 2 in sign area per single sign face, or 2.4m 2 for all faces combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 1.2 m² (13 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 1.2 m² (13 sq ft).
“2.4 A maximum of one ground sign is permitted for each property. On a corner lot with two street frontages, one ground sign per road frontage shall be permitted.”
One ground sign per property.
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.2 No ground sign shall exceed 1.5m in any dimension of the sign face.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.5 No ground sign shall be illuminated internally as a back lit sign. Illumination of a ground sign shall only be permitted as a ground mounted light, or alternatively, as a goose neck light.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“a. A ground sign shall not exceed 1.1 m 2 in sign area per single sign face, or 2.2 m 2 for all faces combined. b. No ground sign shall exceed 1.2m in any dimension of the sign face. c. The ground sign will not exceed 1.5m in height.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“The minimum setback from the road allowance to a ground sign shall be 1.5m, and, from an abutting property line to the ground sign shall be 3m;”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“g. A ground sign, including part of its structure, shall not be located closer than 1.5m to any driveway.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“1.5 For commercial and institutional properties as zoned in the implementing Comprehensive Zoning By-law located on that portion of Main Street, situated”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“to the west of Albert Street and generally east of Park Drive as identified on Schedule "B" only Ground Signs as set out in Section 2 below shall be permitted.”
One per property; on a corner lot with two street frontages, one per road frontage (Schedule A s.2.4). No dimension over 1.5 m (s.2.2). No internal or backlit illumination — ground-mounted or goose neck lights only (s.2.5). On the properties listed on Schedule C the limits drop to 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) a face, 2.2 m² (24 sq ft) all faces, 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) in any dimension and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall, 3 m (9 ft 10 in) from an abutting property line and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a driveway (s.2.8). On Main Street west of Albert Street and east of Park Drive, ground signs are the only signs permitted (s.1.5).
“2.3 Ground signs will not exceed 2.2m in height.”
The ground sign can be no taller than 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in).
“2.6 The minimum setback from the road allowance to a ground sign shall be 1.5m and, from an abutting property line to the ground sign shall be the greater of 1.5m or the height of the sign.”
1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from the road allowance · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from an abutting property line, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from a driveway
“2. 7 A ground sign, including part of its structure, shall not be located closer than 1.2m to any driveway.”
1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from the road allowance · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from an abutting property line, or the height of the sign, whichever is greater · 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from a driveway
“(d) Directional signs not exceeding 0.5m 2 in sign area.”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2).
“2.2 A sign permit is not required for signs erected in this section, except for signs erected under 2.1 (k).”
Directional signs of no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted everywhere and need no permit (s.2.1(d), s.2.2).
“4.4 No projecting sign shall exceed 0.5m 2 in area per sign face nor in excess of 1m in any dimension of sign face.”
A projecting sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.1 No portion of a projection sign shall be less than 2.5m above the finished grade or finished floor elevation immediately below such sign.”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.2 Projecting signs affixed to buildings shall not extend more than 1.2m over the road allowance, and shall be a minimum of 1.5m from any common property line.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
It can stick out no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) from the wall.
“a. A Letter of Indemnification for the Town to be held safe and harmless and that the Town be added to the owner's insurance for liability in the amount of $2,000,000”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.5 One projection sign shall be permitted in addition to a wall or fascia sign.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.6 No projection sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Downtown Stouffville: no more than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per face and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in any dimension, no part lower than 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade, no more than 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) over the road allowance and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common property line, never internally illuminated. One projection sign is allowed IN ADDITION to the wall or fascia sign, and a second where a facade has two public entrances, each above its entrance. Over the road allowance the owner must indemnify the Town and add it to a $2,000,000 liability policy (Schedule A s.4).
“4.9 Electronic Message Centre Signs The following regulations shall apply to all electronic message centre signs: (a) the size of the message centre is restricted to not more than fifty percent of the sign face; (b) only words can be displayed on the sign; (c) the sign is prohibited from facing a residential area, unless adequate provision can be made to screen the sign from adjacent residential properties.”
Words only — only words can be displayed on the sign (s.4.9(b)) — and no flashing or moving illumination that varies in intensity or colour (s.3(a)).
Any illuminated sign outside Downtown Stouffville: the message centre may take no more than fifty percent of the sign face (s.4.9(a)). Electronic Message Centre Signs are prohibited in Downtown Stouffville (Schedule A s.11.1).
The sign is prohibited from facing a residential area unless it can be screened from adjacent residential properties (s.4.9(c)). No brightness, dimming or hours rule is stated.
No lighting distance from residential property for an ordinary sign. An electronic message centre is prohibited from facing a residential area unless adequate provision can be made to screen it from adjacent residential properties (s.4.9(c)).
“(a) Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving illumination which varies in intensity or which varies in colour or signs which have any visible moving parts, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by actions of wind currents, with the exception of signs which indicate time or temperature; an electric message centre, provided that such signs are not prohibited by any other provision of this by-law.”
Words only — only words can be displayed on the sign (s.4.9(b)) — and no flashing or moving illumination that varies in intensity or colour (s.3(a)).
s.3(a) prohibits any flashing or moving illumination which varies in intensity or colour, and any visible moving parts, with an exception for a sign indicating time or temperature and for an electronic message centre that no other provision prohibits.
“11.1 In addition to the range of signs prohibited by this by-law, three additional signs are prohibited within Downtown Stouffville, namely Electronic Message Centre Signs, Roof Signs, and, Billboard Signs.”
Any illuminated sign outside Downtown Stouffville: the message centre may take no more than fifty percent of the sign face (s.4.9(a)). Electronic Message Centre Signs are prohibited in Downtown Stouffville (Schedule A s.11.1).
“4.8 Illumination Light sources which illuminate signs shall be shielded so that the light source is not visible off the property on which a sign is located.”
s.4.8 is the only general lighting rule: light sources which illuminate signs shall be shielded so that the light source is not visible off the property on which the sign is located. Nothing else in the by-law restricts an internally lit wall or ground sign outside Downtown Stouffville.
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
s.4.8 requires light sources illuminating signs to be shielded so the light source is not visible off the property. Any proposed up-lighting must meet that condition; it does not independently authorize illumination where another rule prohibits it.
“2.5 No ground sign shall be illuminated internally as a back lit sign. Illumination of a ground sign shall only be permitted as a ground mounted light, or alternatively, as a goose neck light.”
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“3.3 No wall or fascia sign shall be illuminated internally as a backlit sign. Illumination, if provided, will only be permitted in the following forms: a. Strip lighting or equivalent recessed within an architectural feature; or, goose neck lights; or, b. Lighting concealed within relief lettering (ie: pin letters) where the lettering shall not project more than 1cm from the main wall of the building which shall illuminate the background panel.”
Permitted with a shielded light source — and never internally lit in Downtown Stouffville
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“(f) No soffit sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“(c) No projecting sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“4.6 No projection sign shall be illuminated internally.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“5.5 Illumination of canopy/awning sign shall be exclusively by goose neck lights. Back-lit awnings shall not be permitted.”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“12. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS - Internal or Backlit Signage Existing backlit signs affixed to buildings shall be allowed to continue to be utilized by the business operator or owner with the intent that over time the backlit sign shall be retired when one or more of the following circumstances occur: a. A new business operation opens and/or there is a change in business activity; b. When an existing sign needs to be replaced and/or renewed as part of its normal life cycle repair-replacement;”
Soffit signs (s.4.4(f)) and projecting signs (s.4.6(c)) may not be illuminated internally anywhere in the Town. In Downtown Stouffville no ground, wall, fascia, projection or canopy sign may be backlit: lighting is limited to ground-mounted or goose neck lights, strip lighting recessed in an architectural feature, or lighting concealed within relief lettering (Schedule A ss.2.5, 3.3, 4.6, 5.5). An existing backlit sign there may stay until the business changes or the sign is replaced (Schedule A s.12).
“13.23 The Council of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville may, upon the application of any person, authorize minor variances from the provisions of this by-law, provided that in the opinion of the Council, the general intent and purpose of the by-law are maintained, and provided that the appropriate variance fee has been paid.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
“Signs - Staff Variance Per Request $545.00 $550.00 N Non - refundable.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $550.
A staff variance is $550.00. A Council variance, which applies to all signs with an aggregate sign face exceeding 20 sq.m (215 sq ft)., is $1,000.00.
“Signs - Council Variance Per Request $980.00 $1,000.00 N Non - refundable. Council Variance applies to all signs which have an aggregate sign face exceeding: 20 sq.m.”
Council, by minor variance (s.13.23); the fee schedule distinguishes a staff variance from a Council variance for signs with an aggregate sign face over 20 sq.m (215 sq ft).
A staff variance is $550.00. A Council variance, which applies to all signs with an aggregate sign face exceeding 20 sq.m (215 sq ft)., is $1,000.00.
“Signs - Permanent Sign(s) Per Square Metre of Sign Face $32.00 $35.00 N Minimum Fee: $220.00”
The smallest permit fee is $220.
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
The permit costs $35 per m² of sign (about $3.25 per sq ft).
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“Wherever any work for which a permit is required by this by-law has commenced without the authorization of a permit, a "Special Investigation" fee shall be paid in addition to all other fees payable. This fee shall be equal to 50% of the permit fee that would be payable pursuant to the Town's current Fees and Charges By-law.”
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
“Signs - Development Sign(s) Per Square Metre of Sign Face times months required. $2.15 $2.20”
$35.00 per square metre of sign face for permanent signs, with a $220.00 minimum. A development sign is $2.20 per square metre of sign face times the months required. Starting work without a permit adds a Special Investigation fee of 50% of the permit fee (s.13.15).
“1.1 All applications for signs shall be made available for a 5 business day review period by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group (DSWG) or designate prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit. A Sign Permit will not be issued by the Town before the 5 business day review period has lapsed.”
In Downtown Stouffville only: a 5 business day review by the Downtown Stouffville Working Group before a permit can issue (Schedule A s.1.1)
“2025 Rate (before Tax) 2026 Rate (before Tax)”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
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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.
