Learn more about the types of signs that need a permit and how to apply for them.
Sign By-laws
The Sign By-law controls many factors, including the kinds of signs allowed, location, size, brightness, display timelines, variance and amendment procedures, and enforcement.
The Election Sign By-law regulates the placement of election signs. Election signs do not need permit.
Types of sign permits
There are two kinds of permits depending on the type of sign you plan to install.
- Sign By-law/Non-OBC Signs: These permits apply to signs defined under the Sign By-law that are not covered by the Ontario Building Code (OBC). You must complete a Sign Permit Application for these types of signs.
- OBC Regulated Signs: These permits apply only to signs (referred to as “designated structures”) that follow Ontario Building Code regulations. You must complete a Building Permit Application for these types of signs:
- Roof sign with a face over 10m2
- Pylon sign over 7.5m2 in height
- Projection sign over 115 kg in weight
Contact the Building Department with questions or if you need help determining which application type you need to complete.
How to apply for a sign or building permit
Step 1: Complete any applicable agency approvals
To avoid delays, complete all necessary approvals from other regulatory agencies before you apply.
The details and contact information are on the Applicable Law Checklist.
Other approvals might include:
- Niagara Escarpment Commission
- Niagara Peninsula Energy/Ontario Hydro (minimum setbacks from the hydro lines may apply)
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Ministry of Transportation or other Ministries
A sign permit is not required if you have received approvals from the following agencies:
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Ministry of Transportation or other Ministries
- Niagara Parks Commission
To be exempt from the requirement for a sign permit, you still need to submit the city’s sign permit application along with the approval(s) granted by the other authorities. This is required for our records. Other authorities' approval does not exempt you from obtaining a building permit when needed.
Step 2: Zoning confirmation
You can confirm that your project meets zoning requirements in one of two ways:
- Zoning Compliance Certificate
- Apply through your City Dashboard account for a separate Zoning Compliance Certificate before submitting your building permit application
- This is a separate application with its own fee
- Visit our webpage for more details about the Zoning Compliance Certificate process
- Simultaneous zoning review
- You can have your zoning compliance reviewed as part of your building permit application
- The zoning compliance fee will still apply, but no separate application is needed
Step 3: Submit your application, drawing, and pay the fees
Application
- Apply in your City Dashboard Account. Fill in the information, and you will be prompted to upload your completed building permit application form. Choose the correct permit application depending on the sign type
- Sign By-law/Non-OBC Signs: In your city dashboard account, select “Sign Permit” as the application type and then upload your completed Application for a Permit to Install a Sign
- OBC Regulated Signs: Complete and upload the Application to Construct or Demolish
- Apply for a new sign: In your city dashboard account, select “New Construction” as the application type (not the sign application) and “Designated Structure” as the building use
- Apply to renovate an existing sign: In your city dashboard account select “Renovation/Alteration” as the application type and “Designated Structure” as the building use
Drawing
- Include a drawing/diagram/picture of the sign as well as the intended wording of the sign
Fees
Payment is required at the time of application.
- Pay online through your City Dashboard account
- Pay with cash or debit in person at the Building Department at 4343 Morrison Street (credit cards are not accepted)
- Submit cheques payable to the “City of Niagara Falls” in person or by mail. Include the permit number and address on the cheque notes
| Sign Type | 2025 Permit Fee | Performance Security Deposit | Total |
|---|
| Signs Under 10m2 | $232.00 | $0 | $232.00 |
| Signs 10m2 or more | $361.00 | $0 | $361.00 |
Utility locates – Ontario One Call
If you are planning to dig, you must submit a utility locate request. This applies to any project, including sign installation work that requires digging.
- Ontario One Call is a free service that helps locate underground utilities like gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Contacting them before you dig is not just smart—it’s the law in Ontario.
- You or the contractor doing the work can submit a locate request online at ontarioonecall.ca Submit the request at least five business days before you plan to dig.
Permit inspections
You are responsible for requesting all required inspections to finalize your sign or building permits.
Once the permit is issued, all required inspections can be booked on your City Dashboard account or by contacting 905-356-7521 x 4251/4285 or emailing [email protected].
Sign By-law Variance and Amendment
t is always best to design your sign to comply with the Sign By-law. If this is not possible you will need to submit an application for a variance or an amendment to the Sign By-law.
