Signs and Portable Signs

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Signs and Portable Signs

The City of Vaughan Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF) (as amended) enforces the use of all signs listed below. Permits are required prior to the installation of a sign. Exceptions include all signs listed in section four of the Sign By-law.

For definitions of various sign types, please refer to Section 2 of the City of Vaughan

Sign By-law 140 2018 a.a (PDF)

The City’s Sign By-law requires that:

The following types of Portable Signs require permits to be located on private industrial and commercial properties.

Mobile signs

"A" frame signs

Feather banners

Portable sign submissions are now only accessible via our Online Service Portal

Online Service Portal

Eliminates the need to visit City Hall to make an application
Enables online credit card payment through a secure portal
Removes the need to wait at City Hall for permit to be issued
Provides automated status updates by email as the application flows through the process
Enables permits to be issued and delivered electronically

The City of Vaughan online portal is available for to use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Fixed Signs

Ground signs

Ground signs are signs that are directly supported by the ground without the help of any other building or structure other than the sign structure.

Drawing requirements

Two copies of the following plans are required:

Site plan or survey showing the location of the proposed sign on the lot and the distances from the street line, other lot lines and driveways
Structural details for the proposed sign including foundations or base and connection details, columns and other structural elements
Sign elevation for the proposed sign, including all dimensions and message to be displayed

Where a ground sign has a total height of 2.4 metres (about 7.8 feet) or more, the plans submitted with the sign permit application must be approved by a professional engineer (drawings must be stamped and signed by the professional engineer).

Additional requirements

Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish (PDF)
Commonly Used Applicable Laws and Building Permits (PDF)
Schedule 1 Designer Information Form (PDF) (as required)
General Review Commitment Form (PDF) (as required)
Ministry of Transportation approval (if wall or ground sign is located within 400 metres and visible from Highway 400, 407 and 427)
Any other documents that pertain to the project

Fees

Sign permit fees are payable at the time of application and are as follows:

Ground Sign $185 per application, plus $31 per square metre of each sign face (total sign area of the proposed sign)
Billboard Sign $160 per application, plus $41 per square metre of each sign face (total sign area of the proposed sign)

Signs located on public property

For signs on public properties, please refer to the Sign By-law, Public Properties and Road Allowances By-law 178-2003 (PDF), as amended.

For additional information, contact the City’s Roads division directly.

Wall Signs

Drawing requirements

Two copies of the following plans are required:

Site plan or survey showing the location of the building and the location of the proposed sign
Building elevation(s) where the proposed sign is to be located identifying the sizes and dimensions of both the proposed sign and building or unit where the sign is to be located
Construction details for the proposed sign including materials, dimensions, the method of attachment to the building, sign projection and the weight of the proposed sign

Where a wall sign has a total weight of 115 kilograms (about 253 pounds) or more, the plans submitted with the sign permit application must be approved by a professional engineer (drawings must be stamped and signed by the professional engineer).

Additional requirements

General Application Form - Miscellaneous (PDF)
Commonly Used Applicable Laws and Building Permits (PDF)
Schedule 1 Designer Information Form (PDF) (as required)
General Review Commitment Form (PDF) (as required)
Ministry of Transportation approval (if wall or ground sign is located within 400 metres and visible from Highway 400, 407 and 427)
Any other documents that pertain to the project

Fees

Sign permit fees are payable at the time of application and are as follows:

$185 per application, plus $31 per square metre of each sign face (total sign area of the proposed sign)

Sign variance

A sign variance is required when the proposed signage does not meet the requirements of the City of Vaughan Sign By-law 140-2018 (PDF)(as amended).

Drawing requirements

Six colour copies of the following plans:

Site plan or survey showing the location of the building and the location of the proposed wall sign(s) or ground sign(s)
Building elevation(s) on which the proposed sign(s) is to be located identifying the dimensions of the wall and the proposed sign(s) and all existing signage on the building

Additional requirements

Sign Variance Application Form (PDF)

Fees

Sign variance application fees are payable at the time of application and are as follows:

$1,160 per application

Contact Information

Building Standards

Phone: 905-832-8510
Inspection Services: 905-832-8511
City of Vaughan: 905-832-2281

Fax: 905-832-8558

Email: buildingstandards@vaughan.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1

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The City’s Sign By-law requires that:

Fixed Signs

Ground signs

Drawing requirements

Additional requirements

Fees

Signs located on public property

Wall Signs

Drawing requirements

Additional requirements

Fees

Sign variance

Drawing requirements

Additional requirements

Fees

Contact Information

Related Links

Additional Resources