Sign Permits

• Ground, wall, canopy, awning, and projecting signs;
• Electronic or illuminated signs;
• Mobile, Banner, Inflatable, A-Frame signs; and
• Temporary signs other than listed under Part 5 and 15
• Third-party advertising signs (advertising a business not located on the property).

• Real estate signs (for sale/lease);
• No trespassing or address signs;
• Temporary community event or charitable signs;
• Election signs (regulated separately under the Town’s Election Sign By-law);
• Murals (approved by the Town); and
• Flags, memorial plaques, or directional signs under certain size limits.

• A completed application form;
• Site and elevation drawings showing sign dimensions and placement;
• Specifications showing design and materials; and
• The applicable fee (as per the Town’s Fees and Charges By-law).

 If your sign cannot meet certain requirements (such as size, height, or placement), you may apply for a Minor Variance under Part 21 of Sign By-law 2025-052.

A Minor Variance allows flexibility when strict compliance with the By-law is not practical — for example, when:

• A property has unique site conditions;
• The sign is consistent with nearby developments; or
• The proposed sign design supports the intent of the By-law without negatively affecting the community or public safety.

Variances are reviewed and decided by the Chief Building Official or delegate.

The Town considers whether:

• The variance is minor in scale and impact;
• It aligns with the intent and purpose of the Sign By-law;
• It is compatible with nearby properties;
• It does not create safety hazards; and

It is not contrary to public interest.

 Yes. Under Sections 21.6–21.14 of Sign By-law 2025-052, an applicant may file an appeal to the Appeals Committee within 14 days of receiving notice of the decision.

Under the Town’s Appeals Committee Appointment By-law 2023-046 as amended, an appointed Appeals Committee by Council has the authority to hear and decide sign-related appeals.

The appeal process follows these steps:

1.  Submit an appeal in writing within 14 days, using the prescribed form and fee.
2. The Secretary of the Appeals Committee will schedule a hearing and provide at least 7 days’ notice to the appellant, nearby property owners, and anyone who commented on the original application.
3. The Committee holds a public hearing, where applicants and the public may speak.
4. The Committee may uphold, vary, or overturn the original decision.
5. A written decision is issued, signed by the Committee, and provided to the parties.

 6. The decision is final and binding.

Under Parts 29–30 of the Sign By-law 2025-052, fines and administrative penalties may be issued for violations. The amount depends on the severity and duration of the offence.

Are there special rules for Electronic Signs?

Yes. Part 19 of the Sign By-law 2025-052 establishes detailed standards for electronic signs, including:

• Limits on brightness (maximum 5,000 nits by day, 300 nits at night);
• Minimum display time of 10 seconds per message;

No animation, scrolling, or flashing

Are there special rules for signs in Village Core Areas?

Yes. Part 13 of the Sign By-law 2025-052 restricts sign types and sizes in Village Core Areas to preserve heritage character:

• Billboard, Banner, and Electronic Signs are not permitted.
• Only First-Party Signs are allowed.

Design and placement must complement the building’s architecture.

• Part 3–4: Sign Permit Requirements and Applications
• Part 5: Signs Not Requiring Permits
• Part 7–20: Sign Standards by Type and Zone
• Part 21: Variances and Appeals