Be aware of illegal signs and unlicensed businesses
Visit vaughan.ca/BusinessLicensing to look up local companies and contractors
The City of Vaughan is dedicated to protecting residents and ensuring our community remains beautiful and safe. As part of this commitment, the City is educating everyone on illegal signs, the City’s Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF), which outlines the rules around the use of signs in the community, and the risks of contacting unlicensed businesses operating in Vaughan.
Here is everything you need to know:
Illegal signs
Signs put up in Vaughan must comply with the Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF), and may require a City-issued permit. When a sign is installed without a permit on City property, the sign could be removed without notice. When a sign is installed without a permit on private property, the City may issue a notice or order stating the sign must be removed. If the sign is not removed, the City may remove it at the sign owner’s expense. Any person or corporation violating the Sign By-law may face legal action, including financial penalties for each offence.
Unlicensed businesses
Are you thinking of hiring someone to do work around your home? Before you sign anything, do your research and find the right – and licensed – company for the job! This can save you time, unnecessary stress and money in the long run.
In Vaughan, all renovators, fence installers, pavers, landscapers, pool installers, snowplow contractors and wildlife removal companies must be licensed by the City. As outlined in the City’s Business Licensing By-law 122-2022 (PDF), these businesses are required to take various measures to protect you, their employees and the community at large. This includes providing services in compliance with all relevant City by-laws and regulations, carrying a certain amount of liability insurance and providing a written contract to customers, among other requirements.
Always use caution when contacting companies that advertise illegally, such as placing stickers and posters on public property. These companies are often not licensed. To find out if a business or contractor is licensed by the City, you can check our new online look-up tool at vaughan.ca/BusinessLicensing, call 905-832-2281 or email bylaw@vaughan.ca. However, the fact that a business or contractor is licensed does not necessarily mean they are best suited for the work. Even if a business or contractor is licensed by the City, you must do your own due diligence to ensure they are qualified and a good fit for the job.
Business licences
The City issues licences and permits for various types of businesses, special events, lotteries and other activities. Visit vaughan.ca/BusinessLicensing to see if your business requires a licence/permit. You can apply and pay for business licences and permits online, and check the status of your application anytime. Visit vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan to get started.
The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre provides one-stop services for existing business owners, with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to grow a business in Vaughan.
Report illegal signs or unlicensed businesses in Vaughan
Do your part to help keep Vaughan safe and beautiful. To report an illegal sign or a business operating without a licence, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team at bylaw@vaughan.ca.
For more information, visit vaughan.ca/signs.
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