By-law of the month

Sign By-law 

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at the Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF).

In Vaughan, all signs, including election signs, lawn signs, real estate signs and mobile signs, are governed by the City’s Sign By-law, and may require a City-issued permit. 

Election signs

Elections for municipal governments and school boards in Ontario are held every four years on the fourth Monday of October. The next one will take place on Monday, Oct. 26, which means campaign signs will start to appear on lawns throughout our community. 

Here’s everything you need to know about election signs:

• Election signs may only be erected six weeks prior to voting day.
• The maximum area of an election sign is 1.49 square metres (including any border or frame).
• Election signs posted within a campaign office must comply with the provisions of the Sign By-law if they can be seen from outside the office.
• Election signs must be set back one metre from all street lines, a minimum of 1.5 metres from any common lot boundary with an adjacent lot and not be located within a daylighting triangle – the outside corner of a property at an intersection.
• Election signs posted to the exterior of a campaign office are considered business premises signs that require permits.
• Banner signs, mobile signs and A-frame signs are not permitted.
• Candidates are required to have their election signs removed within 72 hours following the election.

In addition to adhering to the Sign By-law, candidates also need to register their campaign, complete an application (PDF), pay a fee and obtain approval from the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department before erecting signs. Signs that are not in compliance will be removed.

Any concerns or questions about election signs can be directed to Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. 

Note, if signs are being placed on regional roads, candidates must pay applicable fees through York Region and follow the Signs on Regional Roads By-law No. 2025-62. Signs are only permitted at intersections on regional roads. For more information, visit York Region’s election sign guidelines webpage.

Report illegal signs in Vaughan

Do your part to help keep Vaughan safe and beautiful. To report an illegal sign, 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 on the City’s Sign By-law, visit vaughan.ca/signs.

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