If you’re planning to erect a sign, you need to know the legislation surrounding local signage permits in your geographic area.
Not respecting permit laws can result in your sign being demolished, and even your business being fined.
To help keep you informed about laws for local signage permits relevant to you, we’ve put together an explanation of what permits are, some links to the permit pages for various large Ontario cities, and a handy FAQ:
If there is a detail about local signage permits that weren’t covered here, contact us at AGC Signs for more information.
Remember, if you want to install a sign and don’t want to worry about permits, find a local signage company that can handle all of that for you.
Permits are an important part of every signage installation.
Sign Permits - Overview
What are permits?
According to Ontario’s official provincial website, permits are documents “issued by the body responsible for enforcing Ontario’s Building Code in your area.”
“A building permit is necessary when you wish to construct, renovate, demolish or change the use of a building.”
The above definition includes most types of signs.
Why Do I Need a Permit?
Acquiring an approved permit for a project indicates that your project adheres to three things:
The local zoning bylaw in your area
Any other applicable legislation, like the Environmental Protection Act
In other words, being approved by a permit for a project in your city means that your city has confirmed that your project is safe, it respects property boundaries and is not infringing on any relevant laws, such as environmental considerations.
Every city has slightly different permit bylaws. | Source: Leon Dewiwje on Unsplash
Sign Permits - Find Your City
Permit information and specifications vary from city to city. Most cities have a website that explains specific permit requirements, and sometimes even allows you to apply for permits online.
This is a list of where to find online information for local signage permits for many of the largest cities in Ontario:
Barrie - barrie.ca
Brampton - brampton.ca
Brantford - brantford.ca
Burlington - burlington.ca
Cambridge - permits.cambridge.ca
Guelph - guelph.ca
Hamilton - hamilton.ca
Kingston - cityofkingston.ca
Kitchener - kitchener.ca
London - london.ca
Mississauga - mississauga.ca
Oakville - oakville.ca
Oshawa - oshawa.ca
Ottawa - ottawa.ca
Peterborough - peterborough.ca
St. Catharines - stcatharines.ca
Sudbury - greatersudbury.ca
Thunder Bay - thunderbay.ca
Toronto - toronto.ca
Vaughan - vaughan.ca
Windsor - citywindsor.ca
If you don’t see your town or city listed above, try googling “[your city] sign permits,” and look for a link from your town’s municipal website.
Handing off permit responsibilities to a sign company will make your project much easier.
Sign Permits - FAQ
These are some of the most common questions people have about local signage permits.
Specific details are different from city to city, so be sure to check your local municipal website for a more relevant explanation of what the legal expectations and bylaws are in your area.
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Most cities and towns in Ontario allow you to apply for local signage permits online.
For the cities that don’t have an online option, you will have to call your city’s offices directly, and you may have to visit them in person to fill out forms physically.
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The timeline to receive your permit after your application has been approved can vary.
For example, the City of Toronto website says that it takes 10 business days to receive your permit, while the Mississauga website says getting a permit can take 6 to 8 weeks.
So check your municipality’s website to see what their expected timeline is, or give them a call directly if you can’t find that information.
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Because permits are issued on a project-by-project basis, they have no expiry date.
Receiving an approved permit essentially means you are allowed to develop the structure in question.
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Generally, you need a permit for each major construction, repair, renovation, or demolition you intend to complete in an urban environment.
For example, if you want to build a sign, and also build a shed, you will need separate permits for each.
Check your city’s website for details on what projects require permits.
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Yes. You can either assign someone trained in legal procedure to handle the permit paperwork for you, or you can see if the signage company you’re working with is able to deal with the permits.
For example, when you work with AGC Signs, not only can design, manufacture, and install signs, but they also do all the permit legwork for you.
Permits, Installations, and More
Located in central Ontario, AGC has extensive experience installing signs in Pickering, Ajax, the GTA, and throughout Ontario.
We can help you design your sign, install your sign, and apply for and collect all necessary permits so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Just tell us your vision and we can handle all the hard work.
Contact us today to hear about all the different signs we offer and even get a free quote!
“AGC Signs did a great job and the price was competitive - actually less expensive than other companies that I got quotes from. They kept me up-to-date with the project and I am really pleased with their work. I would definitely use their services again.”
“I was looking for a specific product and service for an upcoming project. I stopped in and met Adrian and Rhonda, explained what I needed and without hesitation, they helped me on the spot and I walked out with my product. Hopefully we can collaborate on future projects!!! Excellent service!”
