Sign By-law

The Sign By-law sets rules for outdoor signs and other advertising devices in the City of Brantford.

It explains when a permit is required, where signs can be placed, what types of signs are allowed, and what safety rules apply.

General rule

Most outdoor signs require a sign permit before they are installed or structurally altered.

Some smaller or temporary signs do not require a permit, but they still must follow the by-law rules.

In general, signs must be:

• placed safely
• properly maintained
• located on appropriate property
• not create visibility or traffic hazards
• not obstruct doors, windows, fire escapes or emergency access

Signs that do not usually need a permit

Some common signs may be installed without a sign permit, provided they still meet the by-law requirements.

Examples include:

• government and public information signs
• small address or occupant name signs
• some professional office signs
• real estate signs
• contractor signs during construction
• election signs
• temporary personal signs
• temporary garage sale signs
• some temporary banner signs
• sandwich-board signs in permitted situations
• flags

Even when a permit is not required, the sign still has to comply with the by-law.

Where signs are generally allowed

In most cases, signs are only permitted on land zoned for commercial and industrial uses.

There are some exceptions for residential, institutional, municipal and special-purpose properties.

On residential properties, signs are generally limited to certain types such as:

• real estate signs
• election signs
• temporary personal signs
• home occupation or bed and breakfast signs
• certain approved identification or directional signs

Signs are not allowed in unsafe or prohibited locations

A sign must not be installed in a way that:

• blocks or interferes with traffic signs or signals
• creates a hazard for drivers, cyclists or pedestrians
• blocks a fire escape, exit, doorway, window, hatch, skylight, air intake or hydrant
• projects into pedestrian space without enough clearance
• is placed in a sight triangle where it could block visibility at an intersection
• is attached to a fence, tree, post, pole or similar structure unless the by-law specifically allows it

In general, signs are not allowed on a road allowance unless the by-law specifically permits them.

Illumination and digital signs

Illuminated signs must be used carefully so they do not affect nearby homes or traffic safety.

Signs near residential areas

If an illuminated sign is visible from a dwelling in a residential zone, it must generally be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

An exception applies to certain essential services while they are open.

Flashing or changing signs

Signs with flashing, animated or changing displays are restricted.

Digital signs may be allowed only if they meet specific standards, including:

• minimum display time of 8 seconds
• maximum transition time of 1 second
• brightness limits for daytime and nighttime
• location at least 30 metres (98.4 ft) from the nearest traffic signal or pedestrian crossing signal
• no flashing illumination within 40 metres (131.2 ft) of a residential zone, unless the sign is not visible from that zone

Ground signs

Ground signs are freestanding signs supported from the ground.

Some of the most important rules include:

• they must generally be at least 1 metre (3.2 ft) back from the street line
• maximum height is generally 10.5 metres (34.4 ft)
• they must be at least 6 metres (20 ft) from a lot line that abuts a residential, institutional or open space zone
• they must not block visibility for pedestrians or drivers
• ground signs on the same property must generally be at least 30 metres (98 ft) apart

The total sign area allowed depends on frontage and other site-specific rules.

Wall signs

Wall signs are attached to a building.

The main rules are:

• the total area of all wall signs on one building face cannot exceed 20 percent of that building face
• the sign must be attached to the part of the building associated with the business it advertises
• it must generally front a street, lane or parking area serving that business
• wall signs must not project more than 0.61 metres (2 ft) from the wall, except in some cases involving awnings or canopies

Portable signs

Portable signs are signs that are not permanently fixed in place, such as mobile signs and sandwich boards. Portable signs are generally not allowed except in specific situations set out in the by-law.

Mobile signs

Where allowed:

• maximum sign area is generally 4.7 square metres (50 sq ft) per face
• maximum height is 3 metres (9.8 ft)
• they must not be placed within 1 metre (3.2 ft) of a lot line
• they must not interfere with pedestrian or driver visibility
• they must be non-illuminated
• they cannot contain animation, motion or noise

Permits for portable signs are time-limited and, in general, cannot exceed 360 days in one calendar year for any business.

Sandwich-board signs

Sandwich-board signs are allowed in some cases.

They must generally:

• not exceed 1.2 square metres (13 sq ft) per face
• not exceed 1.2 metres (4 ft) in height
• not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
• be displayed only during business hours if located on the public road allowance
• leave at least 1.5 metres (5 ft) of sidewalk clear

Roof signs

Roof signs are generally prohibited.

They are only allowed if:

• City Council approves them, and
• all structural and safety requirements are met

If a roof sign is approved, engineering certification is required.

Billboards

Billboards are tightly regulated.

In general:

• billboards are only permitted in certain locations listed in the by-law
• they are not permitted in the downtown Urban Growth Centre
• they must not be located in a sight triangle
• they must be at least 9 metres (29.5 ft) from the street line
• maximum sign area is 44 square metres (474 sq ft) per face
• maximum height is 10.5 metres (34.4 ft)
• they must generally be at least 100 metres (328 ft) apart on the same side of the street and in the same line of sight
• they cannot be within 30 metres (98.5 ft) of a residential zone, school, park or hospital property on the same side of the street

Election signs

Election signs do not require a permit, but they must follow strict placement rules.

Election signs:

• may be placed only on private property
• must not be placed on or over public property, including:
• highways
• boulevards
• parks
• must not block doors, windows, fire exits or openings needed for access, light or ventilation
• may only be installed after the close of nominations in a municipal election, or after the writ is issued for a provincial or federal election
• must be removed by 4:30 p.m. on the third day after Election Day

Permission must be obtained from the property owner or occupant before placing an election sign.

The City may remove non-complying election signs without notice, and removal costs may be charged to the candidate or registered third party.

Heritage properties

Signs on designated heritage properties or in a heritage conservation district must meet the regular by-law rules and also follow special heritage sign guidelines.

In general, heritage signs should:

• fit the character of the building and streetscape
• avoid covering or damaging heritage features
• use appropriate materials, colours and lighting
• avoid internally illuminated or back-lit sign styles

Portable signs and billboards are generally not permitted on heritage properties, although limited sandwich-board signage may be allowed in some heritage areas.

Sign maintenance

All signs must be kept in a safe and good condition.

Owners, tenants or agents must ensure that signs:

• do not become unsafe, unsightly or defective
• remain properly maintained
• remain structurally sound
• comply with the Ontario Building Code and electrical standards, where applicable

If a business closes or a building becomes vacant, related signs must generally be removed within 30 days.

If a sign is removed, the affected wall or area must be refinished so it matches the building as closely as possible.

Permits and inspections

Where a permit is required, the applicant must provide:

• a completed application
• site drawings
• construction details
• sign specifications
• engineering information, if required
• Ministry of Transportation approval, if required

Once a permit is issued, work must generally begin within 6 months.

The City may inspect signs on private property to ensure compliance.

Enforcement

If a sign does not comply with the by-law, the City may require it to be:

• altered
• made safe
• removed

The City may also remove a sign in some cases, including when it is:

• unsafe
• installed without a permit
• not in accordance with the approved plans
• otherwise in contravention of the by-law

Costs for removal may be charged to the owner.

Violations may also result in fines under the Provincial Offences Act.

Before installing a sign

Before putting up any outdoor sign, make sure you:

• confirm whether a permit is required
• check that the sign type is allowed for your property
• make sure the sign will not create a safety or visibility problem
• follow any rules about illumination, size, height and setbacks
• obtain permission if the sign will be on private property you do not own
• consider whether special heritage or election sign rules apply

Questions?

Please contact us at 519-759-4150 for more information about sign permits, election signs, portable signs or sign placement rules.