You may need special permission to allow a sign to be different from the usual rules. The City has rules such as the size, height, placement, and lighting of signs to keep the area safe, esthetically pleasant, and organized. It 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.
Sign By-law
- Sign By-law 2021-24 regulates the placing or erecting of signs, notices and advertising devices on public and private property
How to apply
Sign By-law variance and amendment applications are made online using the City’s portal and submitted to the Planning Department.
Once an application is received, it is checked for completeness before being sent to internal departments and relevant agencies for comments. Public notice is given, and comments may be received prior to a report being drafted for consideration by the Director of Planning, in the case of a variance application, or by Council, in the case of an amendment application.
The Sign By-law outlines the process followed for each type of application:
- Sign By-law variance examples include, but are not limited to: slight increases in the dimensions of a sign, to permit an additional sign, to amend the location of the sign on the building and/or property than what is permitted
- Sign By-law amendment examples include, but are not limited to: permitting a sign in an area where it is not permitted, large increases in the dimensions of a sign, multiple additional signs, and multiple signs on the building and/or property than what is permitted
Planning staff may provide guidance in advance of an application being made, or upon review of an application, and advise the applicant accordingly.
Contact [email protected] or 905-356-7521 x 4330 for assistance.
Fees
Payment is required after an online application is made, and the fee is based on the type of application submitted.
Sign permits
Visit the Sign Permit page to learn the type of application you need and how to apply.
