What the published sign by-law allows at an address, with the source behind every number — early, while you are still estimating. Two short steps to an answer. Start with the location; add dimensions when you have them.
Start with the location. You do not need sign dimensions yet.
Saved in this browser only. Nothing here is sent to SignAllow. Loading one fills in the form; running it again follows the normal check rules.
Choose an address suggestion to check available government maps. You can also type an address and select the municipality for a manual check, or leave the address blank to explore the general rules.
Not identified automaticallyChoose an address suggestion for available automatic map checks, or confirm this category manually. Coverage varies by municipality.
Don’t know it? 2021 zoning map ↗ — search your address there.
The map area or by-law category used to select sign rules. It may differ from zoning. Confirm the applicable category using the municipality’s map or written advice.
General explanation; local definitions and measurement rules control. Check Vaughan’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 140-2018 ↗ — consolidated 2 December 2025. An out-of-date copy of it is also still online — we flag which one is current.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 Vaughan’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 Vaughan’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 Vaughan’s source ↗
Type them exactly as the drawing reads — 54'-1", 16m (52 ft), 11' 4" all work.
Manual review of the property and sign location. Address, zoning and heritage checks do not settle this overlay. Open the official district index and maps. If the boundary is unclear, ask Building Services and leave this unchecked.
Manual confirmation — an address or projecting sign does not establish an overhang. Compare the proposed sign with the property line on a survey or reliable site plan. Leave “Haven’t checked” if the location is undecided.
| Standard | Allowable | Proposed | Ref |
|---|
Every reference in that last column is a link into the by-law text itself.
By-law 140-2018 · Consolidated 2 December 2025 · PDF, 60 pages
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.6.6 and s.8.2 — 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per linear metre in commercial and industrial | open · p.32 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.6.5 and s.8.1 — 10 m² (108 sq ft) a face, 20 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 7.5 m (25 ft) tall | open · p.28 ↗ |
| Variance | s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6) | open · p.49 ↗ |
| Structure | s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails | open · p.49 ↗ |
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 Vaughan’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 Vaughan 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.
“21.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee shall consider all applications respecting minor variances to the Sign By-law and make recommendations to the Director of Building Standards, or in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, on the disposition of the applications.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“The power and authority to grant or refuse a Sign variance application is hereby delegated to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“21.6 APPEALS Where an Applicant wishes to appeal the refusal of their application, the Applicant shall deliver a notice of appeal in writing to the City Clerk’s Department within 7 days of being served with the decision. Council shall review the appeal and make a final determination to uphold or vary the decision.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“20.2 STRUCTURAL All Sign s shall be designed and installed, such as to resist safely and effectively all loads that may be exerted upon them and in any case shall comply with structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code .”
Structure: s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails
“3.13 BUILDING CODE AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS Any Sign , which is Erected , shall comply with this by-law, the Building Code and any other applicable government regulation, where the more restrictive provisions of the requirements shall prevail.”
Structure: s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails
“shall not be placed within 400 m of any 400-series Highway unless permitted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Corridor Signing Policy”
The by-law bars billboards within 400 m (1,312 ft) of any 400-series highway unless permitted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Corridor Signing Policy (s.15.1(j), s.15.2(k)). For any sign near a provincial highway, check with the MTO whether a provincial permit is also needed.
“One only of the following Sign types per Exterior Wall per business Premises , though Sequential Wall Signs , Canopy Signs, Soffit Signs and Awning Sign s are deemed to be one Sign :”
s.6.1(a)(i) permits “one only” of the following sign types per Exterior Wall per business premises: wall, canopy, soffit, window, reverse graphics or awning sign. Read as written, that is one sign from the list per wall, so a window sign takes the place of a wall sign on that wall; confirm with the City if you need both. Section 11 sets separate, smaller limits in the Special Sign Districts of Thornhill, Kleinburg, Woodbridge and Maple (Schedules A to D). SignAllow does not publish those figures yet; ask the City.
“Schedule "A" – Thornhill Schedule "B" – Kleinburg Schedule "C" – Woodbridge Schedule “D” – Maple”
s.6.1(a)(i) permits “one only” of the following sign types per Exterior Wall per business premises: wall, canopy, soffit, window, reverse graphics or awning sign. Read as written, that is one sign from the list per wall, so a window sign takes the place of a wall sign on that wall; confirm with the City if you need both. Section 11 sets separate, smaller limits in the Special Sign Districts of Thornhill, Kleinburg, Woodbridge and Maple (Schedules A to D). SignAllow does not publish those figures yet; ask the City.
“the total area of a Wall Sign per business Premises shall not exceed 30.0 square metres or be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 30 m² (323 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.8.2(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 30.0 square metres or be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“Office Buildings three (3) or more Storeys in height may be permitted additional Wall Signs in accordance with the following:”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“A maximum of four (4) Wall Signs on the uppermost wall or parapet or mechanical penthouse, displaying only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“Such Signs shall have a combined maximum Sign Area of 2% of the area of the building face on which they are located.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“No Sign or combination of Signs shall have a combined maximum Sign Area of more than 20% of the wall area at the uppermost Storey.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“No Wall Sign , or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5 m from the Wall upon which it is mounted;”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“The area of a Wall Sign shall not exceed 1.0 square metres per linear horizontal metre of the Exterior Wall of a building upon which such Sign is located.”
You get 1 m² (11 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of Exterior Wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“no Ground Sign shall be larger than 10.0 square metres in area on a single Sign Face , or 20.0 square metres of Sign Area for all Faces combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 20 m² (215 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“One additional Ground Sign may be Erected for a lot having a street frontage greater than 125 m;”
A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 125 m (410 ft).
One additional ground sign for a lot with a street frontage greater than 125 m (410 ft); and where a lot abuts two or more streets, an additional ground sign on each street frontage of at least 15.0 m (s.6.1(b)(i)-(ii)).
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
“Where a lot abuts two or more streets an additional Ground Sign may be Erected on each street frontage provided that said street has a minimum frontage of 15.0 m;”
One additional ground sign for a lot with a street frontage greater than 125 m (410 ft); and where a lot abuts two or more streets, an additional ground sign on each street frontage of at least 15.0 m (s.6.1(b)(i)-(ii)).
“A Ground Sign which incorporates a minimum of 60% soft landscaping materials into its design shall not exceed:”
A ground sign that incorporates at least 60% soft landscaping may be up to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) illuminated, 15.6 m² (168 sq ft) illuminated by solar power, or 18.8 m² (202 sq ft) non-illuminated. It must be on a lot zoned Industrial or in the Employment Areas shown in Schedule E, abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway, and subject to a site plan or site plan letter of undertaking that facilitates it (s.8.1(c)-(d)). Shopping centres have their own ground sign rules (s.8.7).
“12.5 square metres where it is Illuminated; ii. 15.6 square metres where it is Illuminated using solar power; or iii. 18.8 square metres where it is non-Illuminated;”
A ground sign that incorporates at least 60% soft landscaping may be up to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) illuminated, 15.6 m² (168 sq ft) illuminated by solar power, or 18.8 m² (202 sq ft) non-illuminated. It must be on a lot zoned Industrial or in the Employment Areas shown in Schedule E, abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway, and subject to a site plan or site plan letter of undertaking that facilitates it (s.8.1(c)-(d)). Shopping centres have their own ground sign rules (s.8.7).
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“No Ground Sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of the supporting structure of the said Sign ;”
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“No portion of a Projecting Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“No Projecting Sign shall exceed 1.0 square metres in area per Sign Face ; and”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“All Projecting Sign s shall comply with the provisions in Section 6.9.”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“Wall Sign s shall not exceed 1.0 square metre per linear horizontal metre of the building wall and/or canopy upon which such Sign is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall Sign per Premises shall not exceed 10.0 square metres or to be limited to less than 2.0 square metres.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.9.2: the total per premises “shall not exceed 10.0 square metres or to be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 1 m² (11 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of Exterior Wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“No Ground Sign shall be larger than 2.0 square metres in area on a single Sign Face or 4.0 square metres of area for all Sign Face s combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2 m² (22 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2 m² (22 sq ft).
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“Notwithstanding Section 6.5(d) no Ground Sign shall exceed 4.0 square metres in height above the average finished grade level at the base of such Sign .”
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
s.9.1(b) is printed as “shall exceed 4.0 square metres in height”; we read it as a 4.0 m (13 ft) height limit.
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
Section 9 lists ground signs, wall signs and the Section 4 signs; it does not list projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)), and no projecting sign may be illuminated internally (s.6.9(c)).
“No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
Section 9 lists ground signs, wall signs and the Section 4 signs; it does not list projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)), and no projecting sign may be illuminated internally (s.6.9(c)).
“A maximum of two (2) Ground Sign s shall be permitted, each having a maximum Sign Area of 5.0 square metres and a total Sign Area of 10.0 square metres.”
All faces added together can be no more than 10 m² (108 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5 m² (54 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).
2 ground signs per lot.
“No Ground Sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of the supporting structure of the said Sign ;”
Section 10 sets no height of its own, so the general 7.5 m (25 ft) limit in s.6.5(d) applies. The signs shall advertise the name of the occupant of the agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any commercial advertising (s.10.1).
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Sign s shall advertise the name of the occupant of the Agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any Commercial advertising.”
Section 10 sets no height of its own, so the general 7.5 m (25 ft) limit in s.6.5(d) applies. The signs shall advertise the name of the occupant of the agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any commercial advertising (s.10.1).
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“In addition to the above, one (1) Wall Sign located at the Ground floor level of a permitted use may also be permitted provided such Sign does not exceed a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres”
a fixed maximum: one wall sign at the ground floor level, with no commercial advertising, identifying only the building
The wall sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
“commercial advertising and shall identify only the building.”
a fixed maximum: one wall sign at the ground floor level, with no commercial advertising, identifying only the building
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“Only one (1) Ground Sign per lot, identifying a multiple family building or other permitted use, shall be permitted, that shall not exceed a Sign height of 2.0 m or a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres; and”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot.
The ground sign can be no taller than 2 m (6 ft 7 in).
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“A Sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or occupant, not more than 0.2 square metres in Sign Area and shall not include any commercial advertising.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 0.2 m² (2.2 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 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft).
“A Sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or occupant, not more than 0.2 square metres in Sign Area and shall not include any commercial advertising.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft).
One ground sign in total, wall or ground.
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
One ground sign in total, wall or ground.
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“where Digital Sign s are adjacent to Residential areas, Digital Sign s shall not be Illuminated between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;”
None for a conventional sign. Digital signs adjacent to residential areas shall not be illuminated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (s.18.1(k)); a first-party digital sign of a lawful business may remain in operation while the business is operating (s.18.1(l)), and listed facilities such as hospitals may stay lit at any time (s.18.1(m)).
“lawful business may remain in operation while the business is in operating lawfully; m. notwithstanding provision (j), Digital Sign s for the following types of organizations may remain Illuminated at any time: i. hospitals, emergency treatment facilities and blood banks;”
None for a conventional sign. Digital signs adjacent to residential areas shall not be illuminated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (s.18.1(k)); a first-party digital sign of a lawful business may remain in operation while the business is operating (s.18.1(l)), and listed facilities such as hospitals may stay lit at any time (s.18.1(m)).
“a. Ground Signs or Billboard Signs may be Digital Signs”
Ground and billboard signs only — no digital wall or fascia sign
No general illumination article. Regulated per sign type; a projecting sign may not be lit internally (s.6.9(c)) and digital signs are limited to ground and billboard signs (s.18.1(a)).
“a Digital Sign must display messages for a minimum of 10 seconds;”
10 seconds minimum
“to obtain a permit, the Digital Sign owner must produce third-party certification from a Digital Sign expert, such as a Digital Sign manufacturer, advising, that the Sign meets the requirements of the by-law with respect to the provisions in Section 19.”
To obtain a permit, the owner must produce third-party certification from a digital sign expert, such as the manufacturer, that the sign meets the by-law (s.18.1(o)).
“the difference between the level of Illumination before and after there is a transition of digital messages shall be no greater than 25 per cent;”
No more than 25% change in illumination across a transition
“the transition time between one image to the next cannot exceed one second;”
1 second maximum. The message may fade or gradually transition, but a transition must not include any other visible effects such as blinking or flashing (s.18.1(c), (e)).
“to transition from one image to the next, the message may fade or gradually transition, however, a transition must not include any other visible effects, including, but not limited to blinking, flashing or other rapid movement;”
1 second maximum. The message may fade or gradually transition, but a transition must not include any other visible effects such as blinking or flashing (s.18.1(c), (e)).
“c. No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
No general illumination article. Regulated per sign type; a projecting sign may not be lit internally (s.6.9(c)) and digital signs are limited to ground and billboard signs (s.18.1(a)).
Internal illumination is banned outright on a projecting sign (s.6.9(c)).
“the Illumination shall not increase the light levels within 10.0 metres of all points of the Sign Face by more than 3.0 lux above the ambient lighting level;”
It may add no more than 3 lux of light (roughly, the glow it throws on its surroundings) above normal levels, measured 10 m (33 ft) away.
Light spill is measured 10 m (33 ft) from the sign.
“the Illumination shall not exceed 5,000 nits during the period between sunrise and sunset;”
A digital or lit sign can be no brighter than 5,000 nits in daylight (a nit is the standard measure of screen brightness).
“the Illumination shall not exceed 300 nits during the period between sunset and sunrise;”
At night it must dim to no more than 300 nits.
“the light shall not project onto any adjacent Premises located in Residential Use areas;”
For digital signs, the light shall not project onto any adjacent premises located in residential use areas (s.18.1(f)). The by-law gives no separation distance.
“SECTION 18 – SIGNS PERMITTED WITH SIGN PERMITS ON PUBLIC LANDS [Deleted by section 36. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019] SECTION 18 – GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DIGITAL SIGN S”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“o. to obtain a permit, the Digital Sign owner must produce third-party certification from a Digital Sign expert, such as a Digital Sign manufacturer, advising, that the Sign meets the requirements of the by-law with respect to the provisions in Section 19. SECTION 19 – MAINTENANCE”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“Sign s that are not in compliance with Section 19 of this of this by- law.”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“21.6 APPEALS Where an Applicant wishes to appeal the refusal of their application, the Applicant shall deliver a notice of appeal in writing to the City Clerk’s Department within 7 days of being served with the decision. Council shall review the appeal and make a final determination to uphold or vary the decision.”
a written notice of appeal to the City Clerk within 7 days of the decision; Council makes the final determination (s.21.6)
“Signs – All Signs except Billboard and Temporary (Portable) Signs $221.00 flat fee plus $227.00 $37.00 per m 2 $38.00”
The permit starts at $221.
The permit costs $37 per m² of sign (about $3.44 per sq ft).
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“21.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee shall consider all applications respecting minor variances to the Sign By-law and make recommendations to the Director of Building Standards, or in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, on the disposition of the applications.”
the Director of Building Standards, on the Sign Variance Committee’s recommendation (s.21.5)
“The power and authority to grant or refuse a Sign variance application is hereby delegated to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.”
the Director of Building Standards, on the Sign Variance Committee’s recommendation (s.21.5)
“2026 Fees and Charges Schedule “F” – Building Standards Department”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,391.
“Sign Variance Application Fee $1,391.00 $1,433.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,391.
“Classes of Permits 2026 Permit 2027 Permit”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
Sign By-law 140-2018, consolidated 2 December 2025. 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.6.6 and s.8.2 — 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per linear metre in commercial and industrial read it · p.32 ↗ | ||
Freestanding Pylon or monument out front | Depends on district | s.6.5 and s.8.1 — 10 m² (108 sq ft) a face, 20 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 7.5 m (25 ft) tall read it · p.28 ↗ | ||
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.6.5 and s.8.1 — 10 m² (108 sq ft) a face, 20 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 7.5 m (25 ft) tall read it · p.28 ↗ | ||
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 — no brightness cap unless it is digital. No general illumination article. Regulated per sign type; a projecting sign may not be lit internally (s.6.9(c)) and digital signs are limited to ground and billboard signs (s.18.1(a)).
| Brightness | 5,000 nits by day · 300 nits at night (nits: screen brightness) These apply to digital signs only. A conventional internally lit sign has no numeric cap in this by-law. |
| Light spill | 3 lux above ambient light (lux: light landing on neighbours), measured within 10 m (33 ft) of the sign face |
| Hours it must be off or dimmed | None for a conventional sign. Digital signs adjacent to residential areas shall not be illuminated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (s.18.1(k)); a first-party digital sign of a lawful business may remain in operation while the business is operating (s.18.1(l)), and listed facilities such as hospitals may stay lit at any time (s.18.1(m)). s.18.1(k)-(m) |
| Up-lighting | Not addressed The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission. |
| Near housing | For digital signs, the light shall not project onto any adjacent premises located in residential use areas (s.18.1(f)). The by-law gives no separation distance. |
Internal illumination is banned outright on a projecting sign (s.6.9(c)).
You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.18.1.
Read it yourself: s.18.1 of Sign By-law 140-2018 ↗
$221 base + $37/m² — needs the sign area to price
No verified processing target is recorded here for Vaughan. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.
Decided by the Director of Building Standards, on the Sign Variance Committee’s recommendation (s.21.5). Appeal: a written notice of appeal to the City Clerk within 7 days of the decision; Council makes the final determination (s.21.6).
The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf
By-law 140-2018 · Consolidated 2 December 2025 · PDF, 60 pages
A consolidation is the by-law’s text with its later amendments folded in; the date says how current that copy is.
Open the by-law ↗Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:
| What you want | Where it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Wall signs | s.6.6 and s.8.2 — 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per linear metre in commercial and industrial | open · p.32 ↗ |
| Ground signs | s.6.5 and s.8.1 — 10 m² (108 sq ft) a face, 20 m² (215 sq ft) all faces, 7.5 m (25 ft) tall | open · p.28 ↗ |
| Variance | s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6) | open · p.49 ↗ |
| Structure | s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails | open · p.49 ↗ |
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.
“21.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee shall consider all applications respecting minor variances to the Sign By-law and make recommendations to the Director of Building Standards, or in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, on the disposition of the applications.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“The power and authority to grant or refuse a Sign variance application is hereby delegated to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“21.6 APPEALS Where an Applicant wishes to appeal the refusal of their application, the Applicant shall deliver a notice of appeal in writing to the City Clerk’s Department within 7 days of being served with the decision. Council shall review the appeal and make a final determination to uphold or vary the decision.”
Variance: s.21 — the Sign Variance Committee recommends (s.21.4); the Director of Building Standards decides (s.21.5); appeal to Council within 7 days (s.21.6)
“20.2 STRUCTURAL All Sign s shall be designed and installed, such as to resist safely and effectively all loads that may be exerted upon them and in any case shall comply with structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code .”
Structure: s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails
“3.13 BUILDING CODE AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS Any Sign , which is Erected , shall comply with this by-law, the Building Code and any other applicable government regulation, where the more restrictive provisions of the requirements shall prevail.”
Structure: s.20.2 — designed to resist all loads and to the structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code; s.3.13 — the more restrictive of by-law and Building Code prevails
“shall not be placed within 400 m of any 400-series Highway unless permitted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Corridor Signing Policy”
The by-law bars billboards within 400 m (1,312 ft) of any 400-series highway unless permitted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Corridor Signing Policy (s.15.1(j), s.15.2(k)). For any sign near a provincial highway, check with the MTO whether a provincial permit is also needed.
“One only of the following Sign types per Exterior Wall per business Premises , though Sequential Wall Signs , Canopy Signs, Soffit Signs and Awning Sign s are deemed to be one Sign :”
s.6.1(a)(i) permits “one only” of the following sign types per Exterior Wall per business premises: wall, canopy, soffit, window, reverse graphics or awning sign. Read as written, that is one sign from the list per wall, so a window sign takes the place of a wall sign on that wall; confirm with the City if you need both. Section 11 sets separate, smaller limits in the Special Sign Districts of Thornhill, Kleinburg, Woodbridge and Maple (Schedules A to D). SignAllow does not publish those figures yet; ask the City.
“Schedule "A" – Thornhill Schedule "B" – Kleinburg Schedule "C" – Woodbridge Schedule “D” – Maple”
s.6.1(a)(i) permits “one only” of the following sign types per Exterior Wall per business premises: wall, canopy, soffit, window, reverse graphics or awning sign. Read as written, that is one sign from the list per wall, so a window sign takes the place of a wall sign on that wall; confirm with the City if you need both. Section 11 sets separate, smaller limits in the Special Sign Districts of Thornhill, Kleinburg, Woodbridge and Maple (Schedules A to D). SignAllow does not publish those figures yet; ask the City.
“the total area of a Wall Sign per business Premises shall not exceed 30.0 square metres or be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 30 m² (323 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.8.2(a): the total per business premises “shall not exceed 30.0 square metres or be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“Office Buildings three (3) or more Storeys in height may be permitted additional Wall Signs in accordance with the following:”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“A maximum of four (4) Wall Signs on the uppermost wall or parapet or mechanical penthouse, displaying only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“Such Signs shall have a combined maximum Sign Area of 2% of the area of the building face on which they are located.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“No Sign or combination of Signs shall have a combined maximum Sign Area of more than 20% of the wall area at the uppermost Storey.”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
“No Wall Sign , or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5 m from the Wall upon which it is mounted;”
Office buildings three storeys or more in height may be permitted additional wall signs: up to four on the uppermost wall, parapet or mechanical penthouse, showing only the business name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant, with a combined area of no more than 2% of the building face they are on, and no sign or combination of signs over 20% of the wall area at the uppermost storey (s.8.9(a)). No wall sign may project more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall (s.6.6(b)).
It can stick out no more than 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) from the wall.
“The area of a Wall Sign shall not exceed 1.0 square metres per linear horizontal metre of the Exterior Wall of a building upon which such Sign is located.”
You get 1 m² (11 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of Exterior Wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“no Ground Sign shall be larger than 10.0 square metres in area on a single Sign Face , or 20.0 square metres of Sign Area for all Faces combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 20 m² (215 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“One additional Ground Sign may be Erected for a lot having a street frontage greater than 125 m;”
A second sign is only possible where the frontage is more than 125 m (410 ft).
One additional ground sign for a lot with a street frontage greater than 125 m (410 ft); and where a lot abuts two or more streets, an additional ground sign on each street frontage of at least 15.0 m (s.6.1(b)(i)-(ii)).
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
“Where a lot abuts two or more streets an additional Ground Sign may be Erected on each street frontage provided that said street has a minimum frontage of 15.0 m;”
One additional ground sign for a lot with a street frontage greater than 125 m (410 ft); and where a lot abuts two or more streets, an additional ground sign on each street frontage of at least 15.0 m (s.6.1(b)(i)-(ii)).
“A Ground Sign which incorporates a minimum of 60% soft landscaping materials into its design shall not exceed:”
A ground sign that incorporates at least 60% soft landscaping may be up to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) illuminated, 15.6 m² (168 sq ft) illuminated by solar power, or 18.8 m² (202 sq ft) non-illuminated. It must be on a lot zoned Industrial or in the Employment Areas shown in Schedule E, abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway, and subject to a site plan or site plan letter of undertaking that facilitates it (s.8.1(c)-(d)). Shopping centres have their own ground sign rules (s.8.7).
“12.5 square metres where it is Illuminated; ii. 15.6 square metres where it is Illuminated using solar power; or iii. 18.8 square metres where it is non-Illuminated;”
A ground sign that incorporates at least 60% soft landscaping may be up to 12.5 m² (135 sq ft) illuminated, 15.6 m² (168 sq ft) illuminated by solar power, or 18.8 m² (202 sq ft) non-illuminated. It must be on a lot zoned Industrial or in the Employment Areas shown in Schedule E, abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway, and subject to a site plan or site plan letter of undertaking that facilitates it (s.8.1(c)-(d)). Shopping centres have their own ground sign rules (s.8.7).
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“No Ground Sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of the supporting structure of the said Sign ;”
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“No portion of a Projecting Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“No Projecting Sign shall exceed 1.0 square metres in area per Sign Face ; and”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“All Projecting Sign s shall comply with the provisions in Section 6.9.”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
Permitted under s.8.6, subject to s.6.9: at least 2.44 m (8 ft) clearance below, no more than 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) per face, and no internal illumination. One projecting sign is also permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)).
“Wall Sign s shall not exceed 1.0 square metre per linear horizontal metre of the building wall and/or canopy upon which such Sign is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a wall Sign per Premises shall not exceed 10.0 square metres or to be limited to less than 2.0 square metres.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 10 m² (108 sq ft), however big the building or lot.
Every business gets at least 2 m² (22 sq ft), however small the wall.
s.9.2: the total per premises “shall not exceed 10.0 square metres or to be limited to less than 2.0 square metres”. We read the 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) as a minimum allowance.
You get 1 m² (11 sq ft) of wall sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of Exterior Wall. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 10 m² (108 sq ft).
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“No Ground Sign shall be larger than 2.0 square metres in area on a single Sign Face or 4.0 square metres of area for all Sign Face s combined.”
All faces added together can be no more than 4 m² (43 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2 m² (22 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2 m² (22 sq ft).
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“Notwithstanding Section 6.5(d) no Ground Sign shall exceed 4.0 square metres in height above the average finished grade level at the base of such Sign .”
The ground sign can be no taller than 4 m (13 ft).
s.9.1(b) is printed as “shall exceed 4.0 square metres in height”; we read it as a 4.0 m (13 ft) height limit.
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
Section 9 lists ground signs, wall signs and the Section 4 signs; it does not list projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)), and no projecting sign may be illuminated internally (s.6.9(c)).
“No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
Section 9 lists ground signs, wall signs and the Section 4 signs; it does not list projecting signs. One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of a ground sign where a structure is less than 4 m (13 ft) from the street line (s.6.5(h)), and no projecting sign may be illuminated internally (s.6.9(c)).
“A maximum of two (2) Ground Sign s shall be permitted, each having a maximum Sign Area of 5.0 square metres and a total Sign Area of 10.0 square metres.”
All faces added together can be no more than 10 m² (108 sq ft).
The ground sign allowance tops out at 5 m² (54 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 5 m² (54 sq ft).
2 ground signs per lot.
“No Ground Sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the finished grade level at the base of the supporting structure of the said Sign ;”
Section 10 sets no height of its own, so the general 7.5 m (25 ft) limit in s.6.5(d) applies. The signs shall advertise the name of the occupant of the agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any commercial advertising (s.10.1).
The ground sign can be no taller than 7.5 m (25 ft).
“Sign s shall advertise the name of the occupant of the Agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any Commercial advertising.”
Section 10 sets no height of its own, so the general 7.5 m (25 ft) limit in s.6.5(d) applies. The signs shall advertise the name of the occupant of the agricultural or recreational use and shall not include any commercial advertising (s.10.1).
“No Ground Sign s shall be Erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign where such distance is less than 4 m;”
No ground sign may be erected where the distance between a structure and the street line is less than 4 m (s.6.5(g)). One projecting sign is permitted in lieu of the ground sign where that distance is less than 4 m (s.6.5(h)). Check the distance from the closest structure to the street line before quoting a ground sign. Under 4 m (13 ft), the by-law permits one projecting sign instead.
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“In addition to the above, one (1) Wall Sign located at the Ground floor level of a permitted use may also be permitted provided such Sign does not exceed a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres”
a fixed maximum: one wall sign at the ground floor level, with no commercial advertising, identifying only the building
The wall sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
“commercial advertising and shall identify only the building.”
a fixed maximum: one wall sign at the ground floor level, with no commercial advertising, identifying only the building
“No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor level immediately below such Sign ;”
The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground or walkway below.
“Only one (1) Ground Sign per lot, identifying a multiple family building or other permitted use, shall be permitted, that shall not exceed a Sign height of 2.0 m or a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres; and”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 2.4 m² (26 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 2.4 m² (26 sq ft).
One ground sign per lot.
The ground sign can be no taller than 2 m (6 ft 7 in).
“Ground Sign s shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face ;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Ground Sign s shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer than 1.0 m to any driveway;”
1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) from a common lot boundary · 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a driveway · no face dimension over 5.0 m (16 ft) in any direction
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“A Sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or occupant, not more than 0.2 square metres in Sign Area and shall not include any commercial advertising.”
The wall sign allowance tops out at 0.2 m² (2.2 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 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft).
“A Sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or occupant, not more than 0.2 square metres in Sign Area and shall not include any commercial advertising.”
The ground sign allowance tops out at 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 0.2 m² (2.2 sq ft).
One ground sign in total, wall or ground.
“One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:”
One ground sign in total, wall or ground.
“Directional Sign s not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area ;”
A directional sign can be no larger than 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft).
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“the following Sign s shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from the requirements of a permit”
Directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) are permitted in all use categories and exempt from a permit (s.4.1(c)). The by-law sets no height or count for them.
“where Digital Sign s are adjacent to Residential areas, Digital Sign s shall not be Illuminated between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;”
None for a conventional sign. Digital signs adjacent to residential areas shall not be illuminated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (s.18.1(k)); a first-party digital sign of a lawful business may remain in operation while the business is operating (s.18.1(l)), and listed facilities such as hospitals may stay lit at any time (s.18.1(m)).
“lawful business may remain in operation while the business is in operating lawfully; m. notwithstanding provision (j), Digital Sign s for the following types of organizations may remain Illuminated at any time: i. hospitals, emergency treatment facilities and blood banks;”
None for a conventional sign. Digital signs adjacent to residential areas shall not be illuminated between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (s.18.1(k)); a first-party digital sign of a lawful business may remain in operation while the business is operating (s.18.1(l)), and listed facilities such as hospitals may stay lit at any time (s.18.1(m)).
“a. Ground Signs or Billboard Signs may be Digital Signs”
Ground and billboard signs only — no digital wall or fascia sign
No general illumination article. Regulated per sign type; a projecting sign may not be lit internally (s.6.9(c)) and digital signs are limited to ground and billboard signs (s.18.1(a)).
“a Digital Sign must display messages for a minimum of 10 seconds;”
10 seconds minimum
“to obtain a permit, the Digital Sign owner must produce third-party certification from a Digital Sign expert, such as a Digital Sign manufacturer, advising, that the Sign meets the requirements of the by-law with respect to the provisions in Section 19.”
To obtain a permit, the owner must produce third-party certification from a digital sign expert, such as the manufacturer, that the sign meets the by-law (s.18.1(o)).
“the difference between the level of Illumination before and after there is a transition of digital messages shall be no greater than 25 per cent;”
No more than 25% change in illumination across a transition
“the transition time between one image to the next cannot exceed one second;”
1 second maximum. The message may fade or gradually transition, but a transition must not include any other visible effects such as blinking or flashing (s.18.1(c), (e)).
“to transition from one image to the next, the message may fade or gradually transition, however, a transition must not include any other visible effects, including, but not limited to blinking, flashing or other rapid movement;”
1 second maximum. The message may fade or gradually transition, but a transition must not include any other visible effects such as blinking or flashing (s.18.1(c), (e)).
“c. No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.”
No general illumination article. Regulated per sign type; a projecting sign may not be lit internally (s.6.9(c)) and digital signs are limited to ground and billboard signs (s.18.1(a)).
Internal illumination is banned outright on a projecting sign (s.6.9(c)).
“the Illumination shall not increase the light levels within 10.0 metres of all points of the Sign Face by more than 3.0 lux above the ambient lighting level;”
It may add no more than 3 lux of light (roughly, the glow it throws on its surroundings) above normal levels, measured 10 m (33 ft) away.
Light spill is measured 10 m (33 ft) from the sign.
“the Illumination shall not exceed 5,000 nits during the period between sunrise and sunset;”
A digital or lit sign can be no brighter than 5,000 nits in daylight (a nit is the standard measure of screen brightness).
“the Illumination shall not exceed 300 nits during the period between sunset and sunrise;”
At night it must dim to no more than 300 nits.
“the light shall not project onto any adjacent Premises located in Residential Use areas;”
For digital signs, the light shall not project onto any adjacent premises located in residential use areas (s.18.1(f)). The by-law gives no separation distance.
“SECTION 18 – SIGNS PERMITTED WITH SIGN PERMITS ON PUBLIC LANDS [Deleted by section 36. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019] SECTION 18 – GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DIGITAL SIGN S”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“o. to obtain a permit, the Digital Sign owner must produce third-party certification from a Digital Sign expert, such as a Digital Sign manufacturer, advising, that the Sign meets the requirements of the by-law with respect to the provisions in Section 19. SECTION 19 – MAINTENANCE”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“Sign s that are not in compliance with Section 19 of this of this by- law.”
The consolidation has a deleted Section 18 followed by a second Section 18, General Provisions for Digital Signs. The prohibited-signs list (s.5.1(q)) and s.18.1(o) refer to digital signs complying with “Section 19”, which is Maintenance. We read the digital rules as Section 18; check the clause letters against the live consolidation before citing them.
“21.6 APPEALS Where an Applicant wishes to appeal the refusal of their application, the Applicant shall deliver a notice of appeal in writing to the City Clerk’s Department within 7 days of being served with the decision. Council shall review the appeal and make a final determination to uphold or vary the decision.”
a written notice of appeal to the City Clerk within 7 days of the decision; Council makes the final determination (s.21.6)
“Signs – All Signs except Billboard and Temporary (Portable) Signs $221.00 flat fee plus $227.00 $37.00 per m 2 $38.00”
The permit starts at $221.
The permit costs $37 per m² of sign (about $3.44 per sq ft).
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
“21.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee shall consider all applications respecting minor variances to the Sign By-law and make recommendations to the Director of Building Standards, or in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, on the disposition of the applications.”
the Director of Building Standards, on the Sign Variance Committee’s recommendation (s.21.5)
“The power and authority to grant or refuse a Sign variance application is hereby delegated to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.”
the Director of Building Standards, on the Sign Variance Committee’s recommendation (s.21.5)
“2026 Fees and Charges Schedule “F” – Building Standards Department”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,391.
“Sign Variance Application Fee $1,391.00 $1,433.00”
Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $1,391.
“Classes of Permits 2026 Permit 2027 Permit”
These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.
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To avoid charging again for a property refinement, your browser sends SignAllow a one-way fingerprint of the normalised address and municipality, plus a signed allowance when returning. The meter does not receive the raw address or measurements. A fingerprint may still be linkable to an address; we do not treat it as anonymous. The signed allowance contains that fingerprint, the municipality, issue and expiry times, and an opaque account or browser identifier. It is used only to validate the 90-day revision period, not for advertising or analytics, and is not sent to map providers.
Visitors receive an essential, secure browser-identification cookie lasting up to 90 days; each new visitor check can renew the cookie, but never extends an existing allowance. Browser storage keeps up to 100 recent allowances until removed or replaced. Clearing past checks removes those local allowances; clearing cookies removes visitor access to them. When you explicitly save a project, its allowance is stored with the inputs in our existing Cloudflare database and bound to your account, with the same expiry. People authorised to open the project can use it under that account. It remains with the project until updated or deleted; it is excluded from customer reports, share links and personal project-detail exports.
When you choose Notes & next steps and save, we store the current notes text (up to 4,000 characters), next step (up to 500 characters), completion status, last editor’s membership email, save date, revision and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare database. These are internal working notes to help you and selected project collaborators coordinate work. Anyone currently allowed to edit the project can read and update them; removing shared access also removes access to notes. They do not change the by-law assessment and are not included in report PDFs, web reports, shared check links or private project duplicates. Saving replaces the current notes; we do not keep a notes revision history. Clear text and save to remove it. The latest save date, editor email and revision remain with the project until its creator deletes the project or asks us to delete it. Project deletion removes these notes and metadata too. Existing database backups may retain deleted data temporarily as described below.
When you choose Give feedback and send the form, we store the category, message (up to 4,000 characters), optional reply email, a random submission reference, submission date and accepted Privacy Notice version in our existing Cloudflare review queue. If you tick Include basic diagnostics, we also store the page category, screen-size group and site build shown in the form. We do not attach the URL, address, project, report, account identity or browsing history. We use this to investigate problems and plan improvements, and may use your supplied email to respond about your message. No marketing subscription is created. Feedback is deleted after 12 months when the next feedback submission triggers cleanup; you may request earlier deletion from the Privacy Officer. Existing provider backups may retain deleted records temporarily. A separate keyed connection counter limits submissions for one hour; the connection address is not stored with feedback.
You may optionally save an internal job number of up to 64 characters with a project, alongside its existing name. It follows the project’s existing access, sharing and deletion rules. It is used for account display and search and included in your personal project-details export. It is excluded from customer PDFs, web reports and shared check links. Editing names or job numbers changes current project metadata without replacing earlier report versions.
If you have an active membership, you can explicitly save up to 200 projects to your account. We store the project name, check inputs (including address, municipality, sign type, dimensions and selected checklist answers), creation and update dates, the Privacy Notice version confirmed when saving, and an account-linked identifier in our existing Cloudflare database. Each new save can also retain a dated result summary, report reference, software and rules versions, and both generated PDFs in the same database, including map findings and source dates contained in the reports. Up to 20 dated versions are retained per project, with no automatic removal of older versions. This lets you reopen inputs or view and download the original saved reports on another device after signing in. New projects are private to the person who saved them, including individual teammates. On an active Pro account, the creator can explicitly share a project and all its dated versions with selected current teammates. Those selected can view and edit inputs, save new versions, download reports and make private duplicates. Only the creator can manage sharing or delete the project and its versions. We store the sharing selection and update date, creator and selected teammate email addresses, and the email address of the person saving each new report version. Selected collaborators can see the creator and saver email addresses. The sharing chooser lists existing team email addresses so a creator can select the intended people; it does not add people to the billing account.
We retain saved projects and dated versions until the creator deletes them or asks us to delete them. Sharing selections remain until the creator changes them, deletes the project, or a relevant teammate is removed. Removing a teammate revokes their shared access, and removes sharing on projects they created; re-adding the person does not restore those grants. Shared access is paused without an active Pro plan. Removing access cannot recall reports already downloaded or private duplicates already created. The creator can delete an individual dated version, or delete a project and all its versions. Cancelling a membership does not automatically delete projects: the account holder can still sign in to open, download or delete them, but an active membership is required to save changes. A removed teammate loses access; contact the Privacy Officer for access or deletion assistance. Deleting a project removes it and all its dated versions from the active database; provider recovery copies may remain under Cloudflare’s backup retention. Clearing browser history does not delete account-saved projects.
When you choose System, Light or Dark while signed in, we store that choice, an account-linked identifier, a revision number and the latest save time in our existing Cloudflare database. Each teammate has a separate preference. It is used only to apply your theme across signed-in devices; it is not a marketing event and contains no check or project details. We keep the current preference until you replace it or ask the Privacy Officer to delete it. System follows each device’s own appearance setting. The effective browser choice is cached locally to apply it before the page loads; visitors use this browser-only storage. Clearing browser data removes the local copy, not the account preference. We do not upload an existing browser choice until you explicitly select or save a theme, or use the header theme switch while signed in.
SRD Media Group Inc., carrying on business as SignAllow, is responsible for personal information under its control, including information that service providers handle for us. Our privacy contact is the Privacy Officer: admin@signallow.ca.
For each top-up, our existing Cloudflare database stores your Stripe customer, payment and checkout identifiers, amount paid including tax, five-check credit amount, counts used and reversed following refunds or disputes, and creation and update times. We use these records to deliver the purchase once, show the remaining balance, preserve it after subscription cancellation and handle refunds without removing unrelated purchases. They contain no addresses, measurements or reports. The records are kept while a purchased balance remains available, then under the purchase-record retention period below. Purchased checks have no expiry.
Stripe processes payments for us. Your card details go directly to Stripe; we never see or store a card number. From Stripe we receive only the items listed under "If you pay". Stripe also handles some information under its own privacy policy for its own purposes, such as fraud prevention and its legal obligations. Cancelling, changing a card and downloading receipts happen in Stripe's billing portal, which we open for you.
If you choose to use Ask Scout, your questions, recent conversation, relevant project specifications and maintained by-law evidence are sent to OpenAI to prepare an answer. Scout is AI, is in beta and can make mistakes. Do not include confidential business information, personal information you do not need to share, credentials or payment details. Project names, internal job numbers, addresses, internal project notes, account emails, billing records, owner information and development records are not automatically sent. Information you type into chat may still contain those details; omit them.
Scout conversations are private to the signed-in person, including within a Pro team, and remain in our existing Cloudflare database. We keep up to 50 conversations with up to 60 questions each. Conversations expire after 90 days without activity and are removed during the next Scout cleanup request. You can delete a conversation in Ask Scout. Deletion removes the conversation content from our active database; it does not recall a request already processed by OpenAI or erase provider security logs. Saved projects and reports are separate and are not changed by chat.
OpenAI is an additional service provider for this optional feature. We use its API with response storage disabled. API content is not used to train OpenAI models by default; abuse-monitoring logs may contain content and ordinarily remain for up to 30 days, subject to OpenAI’s stated exceptions. We do not promise zero provider retention or Canada-only processing. See OpenAI API data controls.
We retain message counts, model names, token usage and estimated cost for up to 90 days, with removal during subsequent cleanup, to enforce allowances and control operating costs. These usage records do not contain question or answer text. Our normal service logs and backup handling also apply. Contact admin@signallow.ca for privacy requests, including after membership ends.
We use these service providers to run SignAllow. Each handles only what it needs to for the service it provides to us:
These providers process information in the United States and may do so in other countries. Information processed outside Canada is subject to the laws of those countries and may be accessible to their courts, law enforcement and national security authorities. We remain responsible for information we transfer to them for processing, and each provider also has its own privacy practices.
Project save and delete requests also use hourly counters linked to a hashed account identifier, to prevent automated abuse.
We collect as little as the service allows. Your proposed sign measurements and checklist answers stay on your device unless you explicitly save an account project. Generated reports stay on your device. Address suggestions and picked coordinates are processed only as described above. Beyond that, all traffic is encrypted, access tokens are random and held in cookies your browser's scripts cannot read, recovery codes are stored only as hashes, and access to the database and provider accounts is limited to the person who operates SignAllow.
If a breach of security safeguards involving personal information under our control creates a real risk of significant harm, we will report it to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and notify the people affected as soon as feasible. We keep a record of every breach of security safeguards involving personal information for at least 24 months.
You can ask what personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct it, or ask us to delete it. Write to admin@signallow.ca from the email address concerned; that is how we confirm the request is yours. We answer within 30 days. Deleting a purchase record ends the access it holds, and records the law requires us to keep, such as tax records, are kept for the required period and then deleted.
If you are not satisfied with how we have handled your information or a request, tell us first at admin@signallow.ca. You can also complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Three cookies, all strictly functional, all unreadable by the page's scripts: one counts your free checks, one lists the municipalities you have checked in the last 24 hours, and one carries your access token if you have paid.
A fourth cookie is set only if you arrive from one of our ads: it holds that ad’s click identifier for up to 90 days, as described above. It is our own cookie, not Google’s. You can remove it by clearing this site’s cookies.
Your browser's own storage (not a cookie) also keeps things for your convenience, on your device only: which version of the terms you accepted and its reference number, so you are not asked again; the kind of user you said you are, if you chose one; and your past checks, with any project name you gave them (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice and measurements, and the headline answer). Local history is not sent to us automatically. Account projects are stored only when you choose to save them, as described above. You can see and clear local history on the Account page in the checker, or by clearing your browser's site data.
There is no analytics cookie and no third-party tracker: no Google, social media or other advertising script runs on this site, and no one else’s cookie is set. Page statistics come from Cloudflare Web Analytics, which does not use cookies.
When address suggestions are switched on, the text you type in the address field is sent to SignAllow as you type it, and SignAllow passes it to Geoapify, a geocoding service, which returns matching addresses. Geoapify receives only the text typed; it does not receive your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. Address suggestions do not create a saved project; SignAllow's server may hold a copy of the suggestions for up to an hour so the same partial address is not looked up twice. Purpose: to help you type an address and set the municipality. When suggestions are off, the address field is a plain text box and what you type there stays in your browser unless you explicitly save an account project. Whether suggestions are on is shown by whether a list appears under the field.
When you pick a suggested address in one of the municipalities that publishes its zoning as a map service (today: Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Mississauga, Burlington and Milton), SignAllow sends the coordinates of that address — a latitude and longitude, nothing else — to SignAllow and on to that municipality’s own public zoning map server, which returns the zone at that point. The municipality receives a point; it does not receive the address text, your IP address from us, your other choices, or any cookie. SignAllow’s server may hold the answer for that point for up to an hour. Purpose: to set the sign district from the zoning, which you can change. This happens only after you choose a suggestion, never as you type, and only for those municipalities.
After you pick an address suggestion, your browser sends its latitude, longitude and selected municipality to SignAllow to screen available government map layers. External map servers receive only the point and fixed query parameters, not the address text, your IP address from us, your cookies, sign measurements or report. SignAllow may cache a map answer at the edge for up to one hour. Results and source dates are displayed in the check and included in the full PDF and saved web report; the customer summary excludes the overlay cards. Manual answers remain yours to change. Typing an address without selecting a suggestion does not trigger this lookup. If you go to checkout, the picked point is temporarily kept in your browser tab so the maps can be checked again when you return. This temporary copy is removed when the check is restored.
“Copy link for your team” makes a link that carries the details of your check (the address, municipality, sign type, building type, lighting choice, measurements and project name) in the part of the link after the # sign. Browsers do not send that part to any server, so it does not reach us; anyone you send the link to can open it and see those details. Share it as you would share the address itself.
A PDF or web page you download is generated in your browser and saved to your device. We do not receive a copy.
Each version of this notice has a version number and an effective date, shown below, and earlier versions are kept.
Privacy Notice, version 2026-09-27.14, effective 27 September 2026.
The size and count rules are in, so you get a number rather than a reading list.
We hold the reference and the contacts. We would rather say that than guess.
