Applications / Sign By-law Variance

Sign By-law Variance

Sign by-laws are separate from zoning and they are stricter than most owners expect. Where the sign you need does not comply, the route is a variance from the sign by-law itself.

Why signs have their own process

Most Ontario municipalities regulate signage under a dedicated sign by-law rather than the zoning by-law. It controls size, height, type, illumination, location and how many signs a property may have, and it varies considerably between municipalities and often between districts within one.

Because it is a separate by-law, relief from it is a separate application. A minor variance from the zoning by-law does not authorise a non-complying sign, which is a common and expensive misunderstanding.

What usually triggers one

A tenant's corporate signage standard exceeds what the by-law permits. An electronic or illuminated sign is proposed where the by-law restricts it. A multi-tenant property needs more signage than the permitted count. A heritage or special sign district applies stricter rules than the owner expected.

Landlords also hit it at lease negotiation, when a signage clause is agreed before anyone checks whether the sign is permitted.

How we handle it

We confirm what the by-law permits, establish the extent of the relief needed, and prepare the application with the rationale and drawings the municipality requires.

We then represent it through the review and at the committee or council meeting that decides it. Where the sign can be redesigned to comply, we will tell you that first, because complying is cheaper than a variance.

Quoted separately

excl. HST and municipal fees · fixed fee, confirmed before work begins

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FAQ

Common questions

No. Most municipalities regulate signage under a separate sign by-law, so relief comes through a sign variance application rather than through the Committee of Adjustment. A zoning minor variance does not authorise a non-complying sign.

Typically size, height, the number of signs permitted, the type of sign, whether it may be illuminated or electronic, and where it may be placed. What is available depends on the municipality's by-law.

It varies. Some municipalities decide at staff level under delegated authority, others at a committee or at council. The route determines the timeline, which is one of the first things worth establishing.

Not advisedly. An unpermitted sign is an enforcement matter and municipalities do issue orders to remove. Applying first is materially cheaper than applying after a notice has been served.