Sign Permits

A sign permit is required for portable and permanent signs and must follow the requirements of the Portable Sign Bylaw and Section 13 of the Zoning Bylaw.

Portable signs

Portable signs are not permanently fixed and can be moved from site to site.

Types of Portable Signs

Portable signs include a-board, balloon, banner, construction, digital, election, electronic variable message (EVM), real estate and subdivision signs.

Applying for a Permit

You can apply for a sign permit on a monthly or yearly basis. Fees are $15 per month or $150 per year. You must complete a portable sign application and meet the following requirements:

Valid business license
An application is required for each sign placed on a site
To be placed on the property, not on sidewalks, boulevards, streets or rights-of-ways
Maximum size is 4.64 m²
Distance of 10 m between each sign on the same site
Cannot be placed in the corner visibility triangle

If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to complete the Owner's Authorization Form.

Your application can be submitted in person at the Community Development Department, 3^rd Floor, City Hall, or by email at solutions@citypa.com. Your permit will not be issued until payment has been received.

Third Party Advertising

Only allowed for non-profit organizations or a new business can place a sign for a six month period.

Non-profit Organizations and Community Events

You must meet the following requirements:

Allowed on city property or in commercial, industrial, park or institutional zones
Written permission from the property owner
Sign must be for a community based, non-profit event
Provide the non-profit registration number
Sponsorship logos may be displayed as long as we have been provided with the name of each company and a letter confirming the sponsorship

Permanent signs

Permanent signs are a permanent structure and include freestanding, billboard, digital, projection, roof, feature and fascia signs.

Applying for a Permit

You must complete a permanent sign application and include the following:

Application fee: $150 for permanent, $400 for digital
Site plan showing location of the sign to the property lines, dimensions, construction details, materials
Designed by a professional engineer
Elevation drawings to include height and area, and height from grade to underside of sign
Location of other signs on the property
Amount of projection from the face of the building, if applicable
Projection signs to show all dimensions
Dimensions of building face to which the sign is attached including structural details
Fascia signs to include building wall area to which the sign is attached and structural details

If you are not the owner of the property, you will need to complete the Owner's Authorization Form.

Billboard Requirements

Allowed in M1 and M3 zones, and as listed in Schedule A, Section 13 of the Zoning Bylaw
Maximum are for large billboard is 18.6 m²
Minimum setback for the front and rear yard is 7.5 m
Minimum setback for side yard is 1.5 m
Maximum height including pole is 10.7 m from grade
Minimum of 90 m from any other billboards, except along highways and at the discretion of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure

Mini-Billboard Requirements

Allowed on city property and as listed on Schedule A, Section 13 of the Zoning Bylaw
Maximum size is 4.64 m²
Minimum setback for the front and rear yard is 7.5 m
Minimum setback for the side yard is 1.5 m
Maximum height is 6.1 m from grade

Digital Sign Requirements

Requires City Council approval
Brightness and message speed must be adjustable
Must not broadcast live video or any type of audible
One EMV allowed per site
The City has the right to utilize the sign to display emergency situations or public safety broadcasts that may affect the general public