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Whitby sign by‑law: what’s allowed

Permanent Sign By-law 7379-18, consolidated (date not printed on the copy we hold). What the published by-law allows, how big, whether a sign can be lit, what it costs, and which copy of the by-law to trust.

We calculate sizesverified 2026-09Stale copy liveUpdated 27 September 2026 →

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

Lake Ontario Whitby
Approximate location

Check a specific address in Whitby

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

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What the by-law allows in Whitby
Sign typeHereMost you’d getThe rule
On the building
Fascia, wall sign, channel letters
Depends on districts.4.15.1 — 25% of the facade of a ground-floor business, 15% for an upper storey; industrial a flat 25%; 10% for a non-residential use in a residential zone (apartments and townhouses get no wall sign) read it ↗
Freestanding
Pylon or monument out front
Depends on districts.4.15.2 — 15.0 m² (161 sq ft), 3.7 m (12 ft) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from the street line read it ↗
Projecting
Blade sign off the wall
Depends on districts.4.22 — commercial zones in Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, plus 85 Taunton Road East. At 85 Taunton Road East the maximum is one projecting sign regardless of street frontages (s.4.22.1); confirm parcel applicability and the remaining conditions read it ↗
Small directional
Entrance or drive-aisle sign
Depends on districtUsually falls under the ground sign rules unless the by-law carves out directional signs — s.4.15.2 — 15.0 m² (161 sq ft), 3.7 m (12 ft) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from the street line read it ↗
New face, same frame
Replacing the face of a sign already there
UnresolvedA face replacement may be a copy change, maintenance or an alteration under the applicable by-law. Confirm the existing sign’s lawful status and whether changes to its face, structure, area or illumination require a permit. A permit exemption does not establish permission to install.
Window signs & graphics
Lettering, decals and signs behind glass
Review neededWindow-sign calculations are not yet verified for this municipality and category. Confirm classification, coverage, placement and permit requirements with the municipality.
Temporary promotional
Banners, mobile signs and short-term promotions
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the exact sign format, location, display period and any renewal or repeat-display limits. Temporary use does not itself establish a permit exemption.
Construction & development
Development marketing, builder signs and hoarding
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm whether this is development advertising, builder identification, hoarding graphics or a required notice. Provide the project stage, proposed copy and location; these purposes may follow different requirements.
Real estate
For sale, for lease and open-house signs
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the property use, whether the sign is at the listed property or off-site, and the applicable removal deadline. New-development marketing may be classified separately from an ordinary sale or lease sign.
Event signage
Commercial, community and private events
Review guidance onlyReview guidance only. No size limit, fee, exemption or permitted display period has been validated for this category. Confirm the organizer, commercial content, sign format, location and display dates. Community events, private celebrations and election signs may follow separate rules; an event permit does not establish permission for every sign.

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

Can you light it?Yes, with conditions

Yes, with conditions

Permitted by default — no brightness cap, but a CSA seal is mandatory. There is no affirmative permission. Illumination is lawful wherever the prohibition list in s.4.2 does not catch it. Our reading — not yet quoted from the by-law; confirm with the City

BrightnessNo numeric limit in this by-law
No cap means no safe harbour either — the City can still object to a sign as a nuisance.
Hours it must be off or dimmedNone stated.
Up-lightingNot addressed
The by-law says nothing about the direction of light. Not the same as permission.
Near housingThe trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.
s.4.15.1.2 and parallels

Worth knowing before you design it

s.4.2.12 prohibits an illuminated sign that does not carry the seal of approval of the Canadian Standards Association. CSA certification is a condition of legality here, not a permit formality. And s.4.2.5 prohibits a sign using RED, GREEN OR AMBER illumination within 20.0 m (66 ft) of a traffic signal — a colour rule, not a brightness rule, which arguably catches an ordinary internally lit box sign whose face happens to be red, green or amber; confirm with the Town.

Read this first. The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

You said this one has no digital or changing message, so we have left those rules out. If that changes, they are in s.4.15.3, s.4.21, s.4.2.14.

Read it yourself: s.4.2.5, s.4.2.11, s.4.2.12, s.4.2.14, s.4.15.1.2 of Permanent Sign By-law 7379-18 ↗

What it costs and how long5 to budget

Permit fee $305

Calculated from Whitby’s published schedule — $305 per sign.

⚠ Two Schedule M planning fee schedules are simultaneously live on the Town’s own domain, giving $2,615.11 and $6,299.00 for the identical sign variance line.

About the fee

$305.00 flat for a sign permit (Schedule N, BGP-42 Signs), which is also the minimum permit fee (BGP-55).

How long the City takes

No verified processing target is recorded here for Whitby. Ask the sign-permit office which review stream applies, when its clock starts, and whether other approvals are prerequisites.

If it needs a variance $6,299

Decided by Council — s.5.4 requires a minor variance to be authorized by Council before a permit can issue. No appeal route is stated in the by-law — ask the municipality whether there is one. Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026: PAP-55 Sign Variance, $6,299.00 flat. Changing the by-law itself (PAP-56 Sign By-law Amendment) is $14,332.00.

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

The entered details do not establish whether professional design or construction review is required. The 2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Division C, Articles 1.2.1.2.(6)–(7) and 1.2.2.1.(8)–(9), distinguishes design from construction review and permits an architect, professional engineer or both for these sign provisions. Confirm the applicable Code edition, sign classification, each face area, total weight, height and mounting with the municipal building-permit office. Being below a listed threshold does not clear other structural or local requirements. Official Code source: https://www.publications.gov.on.ca/store/20170501121/Free_Download_Files/301880.pdf

The by-law itself
The governing document

Permanent Sign By-law 7379-18

7379-18 · Consolidated (date not printed on the copy we hold) · PDF, 23 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 ↗
A sign variance is expensive, and it goes to Council A sign variance costs $6,299.00 (Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026, item PAP-55) and must be authorized by Council (s.5.4). Older copies of Schedule M still appear in search results; quote only from the schedule marked effective January 1, 2026.
Read this before you read the by-law. The Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby boundaries are Schedules A and B — map images we could not read. Whether s.4.2.14 bans internal illumination at your address turns entirely on those maps.

Straight to the sections the numbers above come from:

What you wantWhere it is
Wall signss.4.15.1 — 25% of the facade of a ground-floor business, 15% for an upper storey; industrial a flat 25%; 10% for a non-residential use in a residential zone (apartments and townhouses get no wall sign)open ↗
Ground signss.4.15.2 — 15.0 m² (161 sq ft), 3.7 m (12 ft) tall, 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from the street lineopen ↗
Projecting signss.4.22 — commercial zones in Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, plus 85 Taunton Road East. At 85 Taunton Road East the maximum is one projecting sign regardless of street frontages (s.4.22.1); confirm parcel applicability and the remaining conditionsopen ↗
Variances.5.4 — authorized by council, not by staffopen ↗
Structures.5.3.3 and s.5.3.5 — construction, support-framework and load-and-stress drawings on every application; no engineer’s seal is demandedopen ↗

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

Also worth having open:

Where these numbers came from
By-law textverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 2 separate checks
Wall sign figure checked again separately on 22 September 2026, which returned 25% of the façade on the ground floor and 15% on an upper storey, no cap (s.4.15.1). Both checks now agree on the figure this municipality publishes a number from. Ground signs, counts and setbacks are now encoded for seven zone rows.
Size and count rulesverified Sep 2026 · by-law text · 2 separate checks
Sections 4.7 to 4.22 read again on 25 September 2026 and split into seven zone rows; every wall, ground and projecting figure confirmed against the page images. The 8,000 nit figure in this by-law is site-specific and is not a general cap.
Permit feesverified Sep 2026 · published fee schedule · checked once
⚠ Two Schedule M planning fee schedules are simultaneously live on the Town’s own domain, giving $2,615.11 and $6,299.00 for the identical sign variance line.
Variance costverified Sep 2026 · published fee schedule · checked once
The by-law’s own words87 figures

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

Where each rule sits in the by-law

Projecting signs
“The Commissioner of Planning and Development, or his or her designate, shall not issue a sign permit unless the sign to which the permit relates complies with all applicable provisions of this by-law or a minor variance from”
What this means for your sign

Projecting signs: s.4.22 — commercial zones in Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, plus 85 Taunton Road East. At 85 Taunton Road East the maximum is one projecting sign regardless of street frontages (s.4.22.1); confirm parcel applicability and the remaining conditions

Projecting signs
“the provisions of this by-law has been authorized by the Council of the Corporation.”
What this means for your sign

Projecting signs: s.4.22 — commercial zones in Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, plus 85 Taunton Road East. At 85 Taunton Road East the maximum is one projecting sign regardless of street frontages (s.4.22.1); confirm parcel applicability and the remaining conditions

Variance
“5.3.3. complete drawings and specifications of the construction and support framework of the proposed sign;”
What this means for your sign

Variance: s.5.4 — authorized by council, not by staff

Variance
“5.3.5. drawings of the building or structure upon which the sign is to be located, if applicable, to determine whether such building or structure is able to accommodate the additional loads and stresses imposed by the erection of the proposed sign;”
What this means for your sign

Variance: s.5.4 — authorized by council, not by staff

About the by-law document

which copy to trust
“The Commissioner of Planning and Development, or his or her designate, shall not issue a sign permit unless the sign to which the permit relates complies with all applicable provisions of this by-law or a minor variance from”
What this means for your sign

A sign variance costs $6,299.00 (Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026, item PAP-55) and must be authorized by Council (s.5.4). Older copies of Schedule M still appear in search results; quote only from the schedule marked effective January 1, 2026.

which copy to trust
“the provisions of this by-law has been authorized by the Council of the Corporation.”
What this means for your sign

A sign variance costs $6,299.00 (Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026, item PAP-55) and must be authorized by Council (s.5.4). Older copies of Schedule M still appear in search results; quote only from the schedule marked effective January 1, 2026.

Rules for every sign

note
“The Commissioner of Planning and Development, or his or her designate, shall not issue a sign permit unless the sign to which the permit relates complies with all applicable provisions of this by-law or a minor variance from”
What this means for your sign

A sign variance in Whitby goes to council, not to staff — s.5.4 forbids the Commissioner from issuing a permit unless a minor variance has been authorized by Council. Budget the calendar accordingly.

note
“the provisions of this by-law has been authorized by the Council of the Corporation.”
What this means for your sign

A sign variance in Whitby goes to council, not to staff — s.5.4 forbids the Commissioner from issuing a permit unless a minor variance has been authorized by Council. Budget the calendar accordingly.

Central, local, mixed use or central area commercial zone · Wall sign

clearance above the ground, note, area, area at the second storey
“fifteen (15) percent of the facade of a business located on the second storey of a non-residential building provided, 4.16.1.1 no signage is permitted above the second storey of a non-residential building; 4.16.1.2 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

Twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent for a business on an upper storey; in a central commercial zone nothing above the second storey (s.4.16.1.1). Where the zone abuts a residential zone, wall signs on the facade facing it must be non-illuminated. A shopping centre in a central commercial zone reads under the local commercial rules, and a non-shopping-centre lot in a local commercial zone reads under the central commercial rules — the figures are the same either way (s.4.16.4, s.4.17.3).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the business on the ground floor.

At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.

clearance above the ground, area, area at the second storey
“4.17.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business located on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent of the facade of a business located on an upper storey provided, 4.17.1.1 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the business on the ground floor.

At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.

note, area, area at the second storey
“4.16.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business located on the ground floor and”
What this means for your sign

Twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent for a business on an upper storey; in a central commercial zone nothing above the second storey (s.4.16.1.1). Where the zone abuts a residential zone, wall signs on the facade facing it must be non-illuminated. A shopping centre in a central commercial zone reads under the local commercial rules, and a non-shopping-centre lot in a local commercial zone reads under the central commercial rules — the figures are the same either way (s.4.16.4, s.4.17.3).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the business on the ground floor.

At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.

note
“4.16.1.3 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.16.1. of this by-law, where the Central Commercial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non-illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

Twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent for a business on an upper storey; in a central commercial zone nothing above the second storey (s.4.16.1.1). Where the zone abuts a residential zone, wall signs on the facade facing it must be non-illuminated. A shopping centre in a central commercial zone reads under the local commercial rules, and a non-shopping-centre lot in a local commercial zone reads under the central commercial rules — the figures are the same either way (s.4.16.4, s.4.17.3).

note
“4.16.4. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 4.16. of this by-law, no person shall erect or display or cause to be erected or displayed a sign in a shopping centre located within a central commercial zone unless the sign complies with the provisions for signs in local commercial, mixed use and central area commercial zones as set out in this by-law.”
What this means for your sign

Twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent for a business on an upper storey; in a central commercial zone nothing above the second storey (s.4.16.1.1). Where the zone abuts a residential zone, wall signs on the facade facing it must be non-illuminated. A shopping centre in a central commercial zone reads under the local commercial rules, and a non-shopping-centre lot in a local commercial zone reads under the central commercial rules — the figures are the same either way (s.4.16.4, s.4.17.3).

note
“4.17.3. No person shall erect or display or cause to be erected or displayed a sign on a lot located in a local commercial, mixed use and central area commercial zone which is not used for the purpose of a shopping centre unless the sign complies with the provisions of this by-law relating to signs in central commercial zones.”
What this means for your sign

Twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent for a business on an upper storey; in a central commercial zone nothing above the second storey (s.4.16.1.1). Where the zone abuts a residential zone, wall signs on the facade facing it must be non-illuminated. A shopping centre in a central commercial zone reads under the local commercial rules, and a non-shopping-centre lot in a local commercial zone reads under the central commercial rules — the figures are the same either way (s.4.16.4, s.4.17.3).

Central, local, mixed use or central area commercial zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, area per metre of frontage, setback
“4.16.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.16.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.4 between the sign area in square metres and the lot frontage in linear metres; 4.16.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres; 4.16.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.16.2.4 if a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 7.5 metres; 4.16.2.5 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metres; 4.16.2.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.16.2.7 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground; and,”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 15 m² (161 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

One ground sign per street frontage.

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

You get 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12 m² (129 sq ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.16.5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subclause 4.16.2.2. of this by-law, an additional thirty (30) percent of the area of a ground or pylon sign may be added to the ground or pylon sign where a read-o-graph sign is incorporated into the ground or pylon sign.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.17.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.17.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.4 between the sign area in square metres and lot frontage in linear metres;”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.17.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres; 4.17.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.17.2.4 if a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 7.5 metres; 4.17.2.5 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; 4.17.2.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.17.2.7 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground; and,”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

Central, local, mixed use or central area commercial zone · Projecting sign

maximum area, note
“4.22.3. projecting signs shall have a maximum of two (2) display surfaces; 4.22.4. the maximum width of the display surface of a projecting sign shall be 1.0 metres; the maximum width of the display surface shall be reduced as required in order to comply with clause 4.22.5. or clause 4.22.6. of this by-law; 4.22.5. the maximum sign area of a projecting sign in 2.0 square metres;”
What this means for your sign

A projecting sign can be no larger than 2 m² (22 sq ft).

Only within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby or at 85 Taunton Road East (s.4.22): one per lot (one per frontage on a multi-frontage downtown lot), but a maximum of one projecting sign at 85 Taunton Road East regardless of the number of frontages (s.4.22.1); no more than 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) wide, two display surfaces at most, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) clear over a sidewalk, 4.0 m (13 ft) from any other projecting sign, nothing above the second storey, never internally illuminated. Anywhere else in the Town a projecting sign is not a permitted type.

clearance above the ground, note
“4.22.7. projecting signs that overhang a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway shall be located a minimum vertical distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade, measured from the bottom of the projecting sign; 4.22.8. projecting signs shall be spaced a minimum horizontal distance of 4.0 metres from other permitted projecting signs; 4.22.9. no projecting sign is permitted above the second storey of a building;”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

Only within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby or at 85 Taunton Road East (s.4.22): one per lot (one per frontage on a multi-frontage downtown lot), but a maximum of one projecting sign at 85 Taunton Road East regardless of the number of frontages (s.4.22.1); no more than 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) wide, two display surfaces at most, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) clear over a sidewalk, 4.0 m (13 ft) from any other projecting sign, nothing above the second storey, never internally illuminated. Anywhere else in the Town a projecting sign is not a permitted type.

note
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

Only within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby or at 85 Taunton Road East (s.4.22): one per lot (one per frontage on a multi-frontage downtown lot), but a maximum of one projecting sign at 85 Taunton Road East regardless of the number of frontages (s.4.22.1); no more than 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) wide, two display surfaces at most, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) clear over a sidewalk, 4.0 m (13 ft) from any other projecting sign, nothing above the second storey, never internally illuminated. Anywhere else in the Town a projecting sign is not a permitted type.

note
“4.22.1. one (1) projecting sign is permitted on each lot, except in cases where a lot has more than one (1) street frontage, then the maximum number of projecting signs is increased to one (1) projecting sign per frontage, except for the property at 85 Taunton Road East where the maximum number of projecting signs is one (1), regardless of the number of frontages;”
What this means for your sign

Only within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby or at 85 Taunton Road East (s.4.22): one per lot (one per frontage on a multi-frontage downtown lot), but a maximum of one projecting sign at 85 Taunton Road East regardless of the number of frontages (s.4.22.1); no more than 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) wide, two display surfaces at most, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) clear over a sidewalk, 4.0 m (13 ft) from any other projecting sign, nothing above the second storey, never internally illuminated. Anywhere else in the Town a projecting sign is not a permitted type.

note
“4.22.14. projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated using any type of artificial light;”
What this means for your sign

Only within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby or at 85 Taunton Road East (s.4.22): one per lot (one per frontage on a multi-frontage downtown lot), but a maximum of one projecting sign at 85 Taunton Road East regardless of the number of frontages (s.4.22.1); no more than 2.0 m² (22 sq ft) and 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) wide, two display surfaces at most, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) clear over a sidewalk, 4.0 m (13 ft) from any other projecting sign, nothing above the second storey, never internally illuminated. Anywhere else in the Town a projecting sign is not a permitted type.

Highway commercial, special purpose commercial or agricultural service zone · Wall sign

clearance above the ground, note, area, area at the second storey
“4.15.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of a business located on the ground floor and fifteen (15) percent of the facade of a business located on an upper storey provided, 4.15.1.1 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

Twenty-five (25) percent on the ground floor, fifteen (15) percent on an upper storey, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on any facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.15.1).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the business on the ground floor.

At the second storey the allowance is 15% of the wall.

note
“4.15.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.15.1. of this by-law, where the Highway Commercial, Special Purpose Commercial and Agricultural Service zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non-illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

Twenty-five (25) percent on the ground floor, fifteen (15) percent on an upper storey, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on any facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.15.1).

Highway commercial, special purpose commercial or agricultural service zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, area per metre of frontage, setback
“4.15.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.15.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.3 between the sign area in square metres and the street frontage of the lot in linear metres; 4.15.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres it being understood that an additional thirty (30) percent sign area may be added for a read-o-graph sign; 4.15.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.15.2.4 if a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 7.5 metres; 4.15.2.5 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metres; 4.15.2.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.15.2.7 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground.”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 15 m² (161 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

One ground sign per street frontage.

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

You get 0.3 m² (3.2 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 9 m² (97 sq ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

Highway commercial, special purpose commercial or agricultural service zone · Projecting sign

cite
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

s.4.22 permits projecting signs only in the two downtowns and at 85 Taunton Road East

Service station, gas bar, car wash, dealership or public garage · Wall sign

clearance above the ground, note, area
“4.18.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of the building provided, 4.18.1.1 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.18.1). Up to thirty (30) percent of each face of a pump-island canopy may carry a logo, services or prices (s.4.18.4).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the building. 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).

note
“adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs. 4.18.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having,”
What this means for your sign

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.18.1). Up to thirty (30) percent of each face of a pump-island canopy may carry a logo, services or prices (s.4.18.4).

note
“4.18.4. A person may attach a company logo or information regarding the kinds of services rendered and prices to a weather canopy erected over an automobile gasoline pump island provided no more than thirty (30) percent of the total area of each face of the canopy is used for such purpose.”
What this means for your sign

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.18.1). Up to thirty (30) percent of each face of a pump-island canopy may carry a logo, services or prices (s.4.18.4).

Service station, gas bar, car wash, dealership or public garage · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, area per metre of frontage, setback
“4.18.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.18.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.4 between the sign area in square metres and the lot frontage in linear metres; 4.18.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres; 4.18.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.18.2.4 if a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 7.5 metres; 4.18.2.5 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; 4.18.2.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.18.2.7 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground.”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 15 m² (161 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

One ground sign per street frontage.

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added. An automobile sales establishment may add one (1) more ground or pylon sign of up to 7.0 m² (75 sq ft) near a used-car sales area, 50.0 m (164 ft) from any other ground or pylon sign on the same side of the street (s.4.18.3).

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

You get 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12 m² (129 sq ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.18.3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 4.18. of this by-law, one (1) additional ground sign or pylon sign for an automobile sales establishment may be erected or displayed in the vicinity of a used car sales area provided, 4.18.3.1 a minimum separation of 50.0 metres is provided between any other ground sign or pylon sign on the same side of the street; 4.18.3.2 the maximum sign area is 7.0 square metres; 4.18.3.3 if a ground sign, the maximum sign height is 3.7 metres; 4.18.3.4 if a pylon sign, the maximum sign height is 7.5 metres;”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added. An automobile sales establishment may add one (1) more ground or pylon sign of up to 7.0 m² (75 sq ft) near a used-car sales area, 50.0 m (164 ft) from any other ground or pylon sign on the same side of the street (s.4.18.3).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.18.5. Notwithstanding the provisions of subclause 4.18.2.2. of this by-law, an additional thirty (30) percent of the area of a ground or pylon sign may be added to the ground or pylon sign where a read-o-graph sign is incorporated into the ground or pylon sign.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added. An automobile sales establishment may add one (1) more ground or pylon sign of up to 7.0 m² (75 sq ft) near a used-car sales area, 50.0 m (164 ft) from any other ground or pylon sign on the same side of the street (s.4.18.3).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

Service station, gas bar, car wash, dealership or public garage · Projecting sign

cite
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

s.4.22 permits projecting signs only in the two downtowns and at 85 Taunton Road East

Industrial zone · Wall sign

clearance above the ground, note, area
“4.19.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of the building provided, 4.19.1.1 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

The bottom of the sign must be at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above the ground or walkway below.

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade for a single or a multiple occupancy industrial building, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.19.1, s.4.20.1).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the building. 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).

note
“4.19.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.19.1. of this by-law, where the Industrial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade for a single or a multiple occupancy industrial building, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.19.1, s.4.20.1).

note, area
“4.20.1. wall signs with a coverage area not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the facade of the building provided, 4.20.1.1 the sign is located a minimum distance of 2.5 metres above the adjacent grade; and,”
What this means for your sign

A flat twenty-five (25) percent of the building facade for a single or a multiple occupancy industrial building, at least 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) above grade; non-illuminated on a facade facing an abutting residential zone (s.4.19.1, s.4.20.1).

Wall signs may cover up to 25% of the facade of the building. 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).

Industrial zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, area per metre of frontage, setback
“4.19.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.19.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.4 between the sign area in square metres and the lot frontage in linear metres; 4.19.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres; 4.19.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.19.2.4 if a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 7.5 metres;”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 15 m² (161 sq ft), however big the building or lot.

One ground sign per street frontage.

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

You get 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) of ground sign for every metre (3 ft 3 in) of frontage. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 12 m² (129 sq ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.19.2.5 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; 4.19.2.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.19.2.7 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.20.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having, 4.20.2.1 a maximum ratio of 0.4 between the sign area in square metres and the street frontage of the lot in linear metres, 4.20.2.2 a maximum sign area of 15.0 square metres; 4.20.2.3 if a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres;”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note, setback
“4.20.3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subclauses 4.19.2.2 and 4.20.2.2. of this by-law, an additional thirty (30) percent of the area of a ground or pylon sign may be added to the ground or pylon sign where a read-o- graph sign is incorporated into the ground or pylon sign.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign OR one (1) pylon sign per street frontage. The 15.0 m² (161 sq ft) cap and the 0.4 m² (4.3 sq ft) per metre of lot frontage both apply, whichever is less. A ground sign may be 3.7 m (12 ft) tall; a pylon sign 7.5 m (25 ft). Where a read-o-graph is incorporated, an additional thirty (30) percent of area may be added.

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

Industrial zone · Projecting sign

cite
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

s.4.22 permits projecting signs only in the two downtowns and at 85 Taunton Road East

Non-residential use on a lot in a residential zone · Wall sign

number, note, area
“4.8.2. one (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot having an area not exceeding ten (10) percent of the area of the facade to which the sign is attached.”
What this means for your sign

One wall sign per street frontage per lot.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot at no more than ten (10) percent of the facade it is attached to (s.4.8.2).

Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the facade the sign is attached to. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).

Non-residential use on a lot in a residential zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, setback
“4.8.1. one (1) ground sign or pylon sign per lot having, 4.8.1.1 a maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.8.1.2 in the case of a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.8.1.3 in the case of a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 6.0 metres; 4.8.1.4 a minimum set back from a street line of 1.0 metre; 4.8.1.5 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground;”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

One (1) ground sign or pylon sign per lot, no more than 3.0 m² (32 sq ft); 3.7 m (12 ft) tall as a ground sign or 6.0 m (20 ft) as a pylon sign (s.4.8.1).

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

setback
“4.8.1.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground; and,”
What this means for your sign

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

Non-residential use on a lot in a residential zone · Projecting sign

cite
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

s.4.22 applies to commercial zones within the two downtowns and the named property at 85 Taunton Road East; confirm any property-specific permission separately

Institutional, open space, green belt, flood, cemetery or agricultural zone · Wall sign

number, note, area
“4.9.2. one (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot having an area not exceeding ten (10) percent of the area of the facade to which the sign is attached.”
What this means for your sign

One wall sign per street frontage per lot.

One (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot at no more than ten (10) percent of the facade (s.4.9.2); in an institutional zone abutting a residential zone it may not face the residential zone (s.4.12). An agricultural zone takes these same rules (s.4.13).

Wall signs may cover up to 10% of the facade the sign is attached to. For example, a storefront 10 m (33 ft) wide with a 4 m (13 ft) tall first storey works out to 4 m² (43 sq ft).

note
“Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.9.2. of this by-law, where the institutional zone abuts a residential zone, such wall sign shall not face the said residential zone.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot at no more than ten (10) percent of the facade (s.4.9.2); in an institutional zone abutting a residential zone it may not face the residential zone (s.4.12). An agricultural zone takes these same rules (s.4.13).

note
“No person shall erect or display or cause to be erected or displayed a sign in an agricultural zone other than a sign as permitted in an open space, development, green belt, flood, cemetery or institutional zone.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) wall sign per street frontage per lot at no more than ten (10) percent of the facade (s.4.9.2); in an institutional zone abutting a residential zone it may not face the residential zone (s.4.12). An agricultural zone takes these same rules (s.4.13).

Institutional, open space, green belt, flood, cemetery or agricultural zone · Ground sign

maximum area, number, number, note, height, setback
“4.9.1. one (1) ground sign or pylon sign per lot having, 4.9.1.1 a maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.9.1.2 in the case of a ground sign, a maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.9.1.3 in the case of a pylon sign, a maximum sign height of 6.0 metres; 4.9.1.4 a minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metres; 4.9.1.5 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres for a ground sign or pylon sign having a display surface equal to or greater than 3.0 metres above the ground; and, 4.9.1.6 a minimum set back from a vehicular entrance of 5.0 metres for a pylon sign having a display surface less than 3.0 metres above the ground; and,”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).

One ground sign per lot.

One (1) ground sign or pylon sign per lot, no more than 3.0 m² (32 sq ft); 3.7 m (12 ft) tall as a ground sign or 6.0 m (20 ft) as a pylon sign (s.4.9.1). In an institutional zone a read-o-graph may be added provided it is no more than fifty (50) percent of the combined display surface (s.4.10).

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance (5.0 m for a pylon sign whose display surface is lower than 3.0 m above the ground)

number, note
“Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.9.1. of this by-law, a read-a-graph sign may be added to a ground or pylon sign in an institutional zone provided the read-o-graph portion of the ground or pylon sign does not exceed fifty (50) percent of the total display surface area of the combined ground/read-0-graph sign or pylon/read-o-graph sign.”
What this means for your sign

One (1) ground sign or pylon sign per lot, no more than 3.0 m² (32 sq ft); 3.7 m (12 ft) tall as a ground sign or 6.0 m (20 ft) as a pylon sign (s.4.9.1). In an institutional zone a read-o-graph may be added provided it is no more than fifty (50) percent of the combined display surface (s.4.10).

Institutional, open space, green belt, flood, cemetery or agricultural zone · Projecting sign

cite
“projecting signs are permitted in commercial zones located within Downtown Brooklin, Downtown Whitby, and 85 Taunton Road East in accordance with the following:”
What this means for your sign

s.4.22 applies to commercial zones within the two downtowns and the named property at 85 Taunton Road East; confirm any property-specific permission separately

Apartment building or block townhouse development · Wall sign

note
“other than one (1) ground identification sign per vehicular entrance of a lot occupied by an apartment building or a block townhouse development having a, 4.7.1. maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.7.2. maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.7.3. minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; and, 4.7.4. minimum setback from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres.”
What this means for your sign

A residential zone allows only the ground identification sign in s.4.7; no wall sign is written for an apartment or townhouse block.

Apartment building or block townhouse development · Ground sign

maximum area, number, note, height, setback
“4.7.1. maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.7.2. maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.7.3. minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; and, 4.7.4. minimum setback from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres.”
What this means for your sign

The ground sign allowance tops out at 3 m² (32 sq ft), however big the building or lot. For example, a lot with 30 m (98 ft) of street frontage works out to 3 m² (32 sq ft).

One (1) ground identification sign per vehicular entrance, no more than 3.0 m² (32 sq ft) and 3.7 m (12 ft) tall (s.4.7).

The ground sign can be no taller than 3.7 m (12 ft).

Setback: 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) from a street line · 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) from a vehicular entrance

number, number, note
“other than one (1) ground identification sign per vehicular entrance of a lot occupied by an apartment building or a block townhouse development having a, 4.7.1. maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.7.2. maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.7.3. minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; and, 4.7.4. minimum setback from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres.”
What this means for your sign

One ground sign per vehicular entrance.

One (1) ground identification sign per vehicular entrance, no more than 3.0 m² (32 sq ft) and 3.7 m (12 ft) tall (s.4.7).

Apartment building or block townhouse development · Projecting sign

cite
“other than one (1) ground identification sign per vehicular entrance of a lot occupied by an apartment building or a block townhouse development having a, 4.7.1. maximum sign area of 3.0 square metres; 4.7.2. maximum sign height of 3.7 metres; 4.7.3. minimum setback from a street line of 1.0 metre; and, 4.7.4. minimum setback from a vehicular entrance of 3.0 metres.”

Lighting and digital signs

movement and animation
“4.2.11. an illuminated sign of the flashing or animated type;”
What this means for your sign

s.4.2.11 prohibits an illuminated sign of the flashing or animated type

which signs may be digital, message hold, read this first
“4.15.3. Notwithstanding that on 1629 Victoria Street East, one (1) electronic sign with two panels along the street frontage having, 4.15.3.1 a maximum sign area of 33.7 square metres; 4.15.3.2 a maximum sign height of 7.62 metres; 4.15.3.3 a maximum brightness of 8,000 NITs; 4.15.3.4 a minimum dwell time of 8 seconds;”
What this means for your sign

Not a general feature. Electronic static copy is permitted only at 1629 Victoria Street East and on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, and one sign along the Canadian National Railway). Projecting signs are expressly excluded, and electronic signs are banned in both downtowns.

8 seconds minimum, where permitted at all

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

which signs may be digital, message hold, read this first
“unless the sign is a sign, electronic, 4.21.1. having a maximum sign area of 23.5 square metres; 4.21.2. having a maximum sign height of 7.6 metres; 4.21.3. located at a railway/street crossing, it being understood that no more than two (2) signs shall be permitted at any one (1) railway/street crossing; 4.21.4. having a maximum brightness of 8,000 NITS; 4.21.5. having a minimum dwell time of 8 seconds;”
What this means for your sign

Not a general feature. Electronic static copy is permitted only at 1629 Victoria Street East and on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, and one sign along the Canadian National Railway). Projecting signs are expressly excluded, and electronic signs are banned in both downtowns.

8 seconds minimum, where permitted at all

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

which signs may be digital
““Sign, Electronic” – means a sign, located on the railway lands and special purpose commercial zone displaying, in whole or in part, electronic static copy.”
What this means for your sign

Not a general feature. Electronic static copy is permitted only at 1629 Victoria Street East and on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, and one sign along the Canadian National Railway). Projecting signs are expressly excluded, and electronic signs are banned in both downtowns.

which signs may be digital
“4.22.15. electronic or read-o-graph projecting signs are not permitted; and”
What this means for your sign

Not a general feature. Electronic static copy is permitted only at 1629 Victoria Street East and on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, and one sign along the Canadian National Railway). Projecting signs are expressly excluded, and electronic signs are banned in both downtowns.

which signs may be digital, read this first
“4.2.14. an internally illuminated sign or flashing, animated, or electronic sign within Downtown Brooklin or Downtown Whitby, except for a sign which complies with clause 3.1.5. of this by-law or a sign erected and displayed at a public school, accredited post-secondary educational facility, or a place of worship.”
What this means for your sign

Not a general feature. Electronic static copy is permitted only at 1629 Victoria Street East and on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, and one sign along the Canadian National Railway). Projecting signs are expressly excluded, and electronic signs are banned in both downtowns.

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

where a digital sign can go
“4.21.6. having all electronic static copies comply with the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards and all policies of the Town of Whitby; and”
What this means for your sign

Content must comply with the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards and Town policies. Railway-lands signs also need the railway’s approval. No dimming or automatic brightness control is required.

where a digital sign can go
“No person shall erect or display or cause to be erected or displayed a sign on railway lands unless approval has been obtained from the railway having jurisdiction over the lands”
What this means for your sign

Content must comply with the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards and Town policies. Railway-lands signs also need the railway’s approval. No dimming or automatic brightness control is required.

worth knowing
“4.2.12. an illuminated sign that does not carry the seal of approval of the Canadian Standards Association;”
What this means for your sign

s.4.2.12 prohibits an illuminated sign that does not carry the seal of approval of the Canadian Standards Association. CSA certification is a condition of legality here, not a permit formality. And s.4.2.5 prohibits a sign using RED, GREEN OR AMBER illumination within 20.0 m (66 ft) of a traffic signal — a colour rule, not a brightness rule, which arguably catches an ordinary internally lit box sign whose face happens to be red, green or amber; confirm with the Town.

worth knowing
“4.2.5. a sign using red, green or amber illumination and located within 20.0 metres of a traffic signal light;”
What this means for your sign

s.4.2.12 prohibits an illuminated sign that does not carry the seal of approval of the Canadian Standards Association. CSA certification is a condition of legality here, not a permit formality. And s.4.2.5 prohibits a sign using RED, GREEN OR AMBER illumination within 20.0 m (66 ft) of a traffic signal — a colour rule, not a brightness rule, which arguably catches an ordinary internally lit box sign whose face happens to be red, green or amber; confirm with the Town.

near housing
“4.15.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.15.1. of this by-law, where the Highway Commercial, Special Purpose Commercial and Agricultural Service zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non-illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

near housing
“4.16.1.3 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.16.1. of this by-law, where the Central Commercial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non-illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

near housing
“4.17.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.17.1. of this by-law, where the Local Commercial, Mixed Use and Central Area Commercial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

near housing
“adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs. 4.18.2. one (1) ground sign or one (1) pylon sign per street frontage having,”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

near housing
“4.19.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.19.1. of this by-law, where the Industrial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

near housing
“4.20.1.2 notwithstanding the provisions of clause 4.20.1. of this by-law, where the Industrial zone abuts a Residential zone, such wall signs attached to the building facade adjacent to the Residential zone shall be non- illuminated wall signs.”
What this means for your sign

The trigger is ABUTMENT, not distance. Where a commercial, industrial or mixed-use zone abuts a Residential zone, wall signs on the building face adjacent to that zone must be non-illuminated (s.4.15.1.2; the same clause repeats for the central commercial, local commercial and mixed use, automotive, and both industrial sections). No separation distance in metres appears anywhere.

read this first
“4.21.7.3 having a maximum brightness of 8,000 NITS; 4.21.7.4 having a minimum dwell time of 8 seconds; and,”
What this means for your sign

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

read this first
“3.1.5. a non-illuminated or illuminated sign on the inside of a door or window of a permitted business operated in compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-laws which serves the primary function of identifying a business as being open or closed, having a maximum area of 1.0 square metres;”
What this means for your sign

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

read this first
“4.21.7. notwithstanding clauses 4.21.1 to 4.21.6, located along the Canadian National Railway, it being understood that no more than one (1) electronic sign with two panels shall be permitted, provided that the sign: 4.21.7.1 having a maximum sign area of 60.53 square metres; 4.21.7.2 having a maximum sign height of 21.54 metres; 4.21.7.3 having a maximum brightness of 8,000 NITS;”
What this means for your sign

The only nits figure in this by-law is 8,000, and it binds only electronic signs in two places: one sign at 1629 Victoria Street East, and signs on railway lands (at railway/street crossings, plus one electronic sign with two panels along the Canadian National Railway under s.4.21.7). It is neither a Whitby-wide allowance nor a Whitby-wide cap. Reading it as either would be wrong. Separately, s.4.2.14 bans internally illuminated, flashing, animated and electronic signs inside Downtown Brooklin and Downtown Whitby, with the only escape being an OPEN/CLOSED sign of 1.0 m² (11 sq ft) or less, a school, a post-secondary facility or a place of worship.

Fees and timelines

who decides a variance
“The Commissioner of Planning and Development, or his or her designate, shall not issue a sign permit unless the sign to which the permit relates complies with all applicable provisions of this by-law or a minor variance from”
What this means for your sign

Council — s.5.4 requires a minor variance to be authorized by Council before a permit can issue

who decides a variance
“the provisions of this by-law has been authorized by the Council of the Corporation.”
What this means for your sign

Council — s.5.4 requires a minor variance to be authorized by Council before a permit can issue

flat fee, note
“BGP - 42 Signs Flat No $305.00”
What this means for your sign

The permit is a flat $305.

$305.00 flat for a sign permit (Schedule N, BGP-42 Signs), which is also the minimum permit fee (BGP-55).

minimum fee, note
“BGP - 55 Minimum Permit Fee Flat No $305.00”
What this means for your sign

The smallest permit fee is $305.

$305.00 flat for a sign permit (Schedule N, BGP-42 Signs), which is also the minimum permit fee (BGP-55).

variance fee
“PAP - 55 Sign Variance Flat Fee No $6,299.00”
What this means for your sign

Asking for a variance (permission to go beyond the by-law) costs $6,299.

variance fee, third-party
“PAP - 55 Sign Variance Flat Fee No $6,299.00 01 - Jan PAP - 56 Sign By - law Amendment Flat Fee No $14,332.00”
What this means for your sign

Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026: PAP-55 Sign Variance, $6,299.00 flat. Changing the by-law itself (PAP-56 Sign By-law Amendment) is $14,332.00.

variance fee, third-party
“Schedule M To By-Law #7220-17 Planning Application Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)”
What this means for your sign

Schedule M, effective January 1, 2026: PAP-55 Sign Variance, $6,299.00 flat. Changing the by-law itself (PAP-56 Sign By-law Amendment) is $14,332.00.

fee schedule year
“Schedule N To By-Law #7220-17 Building Services Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)”
What this means for your sign

These fees are from the 2026 fee schedule.

Which cities we can answer for 29 cities

We calculate your maximum

28

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

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

1

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