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City of Castlegar
BYLAW N0.1254
A bylaw to regulate signs and other advertising within the boundaries of the City of Castlegar.
WHEREAS the Council is authorized, pursuant to section 8(4) of the Community Charter, and
section 526 of the Local Government Act, to regulate and impose requirements in relation to
signs and other advertising within the Municipality;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Castlegar, in open meeting assembled, enacts as
follows:
Part 1 Administration and Interpretation
1.
Title
(a)
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "City of Castlegar Sign Bylaw No.
1254".
2.
Definitions
(a)
In this Bylaw,
Building Bylaw
Means the Building Bylaw 950, as amended from time to time;
Building Official
means the Building Official, as defined in the Building Bylaw as amended
from time to time.
Commercial Zone
means commercial zone, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw;
Industrial Zone
means industrial zone, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw;
Lot Line
means lot line, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw;
Owner
Means the registered owner or the occupier of the property on which a sign
is locat~d, or the owner or lessee of a sign or their authorized
representative.
Public Zone
means public zone, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw;
Residential Zone
means residential zone, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw;
Page 2 of 14
Sign
means a visual device or structure intended to advertise, announce or draw
the attention of the public;
Sign Area
means the area of a rectangle within which the extreme limits of the face of
a sign can be completely contained, excluding its supporting structure
except that:
a. where a sign has more than one face, or the face of the sign is not flat,
the area shall be the combined area of the faces visible from any one
point; and
b. where a sign is made up of individual letters, the area of such sign shall
be the combined area of the smallest rectangles, that will enclose the
individual letters or figures;
Sign Height
means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign to
the natural ground level directly below the highest point of the sign;
Zoning Bylaw
means the Zoning Bylaw No. 800, 1999, as amended from time to time.
Part 2 General Provisions
Page 3 of 14
3.
Zoning Bylaw
(a)
Where the regulations contained in this Bylaw concerning signs conflict with
regulations in the Zoning Bylaw, the regulations in the Zoning Bylaw govern.
4.
Building Bylaw
(a)
Where the regulations contained in this Bylaw concerning signs conflict with
regulations in the Building Bylaw, the regulations in the Building Bylaw govern.
5.
Severability
(a)
The provisions of this Bylaw are severable and invalidity of any part of this Bylaw
shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Bylaw.
6.
Requirement for a Permit
(a)
A sign may be erected altered, rebuilt, relocated or attached to any building,
structure or land only in conformance with the provisions of this Bylaw, the
Zoning Bylaw, and the Building Bylaw.
(b)
Every person shall apply for and obtain a building permit before constructing,
repairing,
erecting,
allowing,
installing,
placing,
moving,
rebuilding,
reconstructing, or altering a sign.
(c)
Despite sentences (a) and b), a permit is not required for change or repair of
lettering or the internal equipment of signs.
(d)
Despite any other provisions of this Bylaw and the Building Bylaw, no permit is
required for fhe type of signs that are "allowed without permit" under Part 3 of
this Bylaw.
7.
Application for a Permit
(a)
An application for a permit for a sign must be submitted in conformance with
the Building Bylaw. A sign is considered as a structure under the Building Bylaw.
(b)
A permit for a sign shall only be issued if both the Type and Form of the sign, as
specified in Part 3 and Part 4 of this Bylaw, are allowed in the zone where the
sign is to be located.
8.
Enforcement
Page 4 of 14
(a)
This Bylaw may by enforced by the Building Official, who may exercise in respect
of a permit for a sign any powers provided under the Building Bylaw in respect of
building permits.
9.
Penalty
(a)
Every person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw commits an offense
punishable on summary conviction and shall be liable to a fine of not more than
$10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars).
10.
Measurements
(a)
All dimensions and other measurements are expressed in this Bylaw in the
Standard International Unit (Metric) system while the equivalents in the Imperial
System shown in brackets are included for convenience only and do not form
part of this Bylaw.
(b)
The symbols used for dimensions and other measurements in this Bylaw are
defined in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw.
Part 3 Regulations by Type of Sign
11.
Type of Sign Definitions
Type
(a)
The Type of a sign is distinguished by its purpose and is defined in Column A and
Column B in the following Table, and all other signs not so defined are
prohibited.
Table 11.1-Type of Sign Definitions
Definition
means a sign:
Commercial Sign
1.
intended to advertise or promote a business, product, service, place or commercial
event;
2.
showing the list of tenants of a commercial or industrial building or complex; or
3.
intended to deliver a religious, social or political message; but, not including home
occupation signs, real estate signs and temporary signs.
means a sign:
1.
usually free-standing or embedded in a fence, which carries only the name of a housing
Directory Sign
complex, subdivision, commercial park or industrial park;
2.
usually located on a highway approaching the City, built under the auspices of a
government or non-profit organization, and intended to guide tourists to the location
of the community or community facilities; or
3.
a plaque, cenotaph or similar structure permanently installed to commemorate an
Page 5 of 14
event or a person.
Home
Occupation
means a sign indicating that a home occupation, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw, is carried
Sign
out.
means a sign:
1.
indicating the name of the occupation or address or a non-commercial or non-
industrial building;
Identification Sign
2.
usually imbedded permanently in a wall or fence, carrying the name or completion
date of a building, or non-profit facility;
3.
showing the list of tenants of a multiple residential building;
or
4.
a flag excluding banners and pennants, containing distinctive colours, patterns or
symbols used as a symbol of a government or other non-profit organization.
means a sign:
Real Estate Sign
1.
excluding kiosks, located on the subject property, to promote sale, lease or rent of a
property; or,
2.
installed during the construction of a building or facility on the subject property, and
intended to promote sale, lease or rental of the said building or facility.
Regulatory Sign
A sign erected be a federal, provincial, or municipal government that regulates or
prohibits specified uses or activities .
1. a sign displayed for a limited time period announcing or advertising a community,
Temporary Sign
charitable, civil, patriotic, or religious event occurring in the municipality on a date or
dates specified on the sign; or
2. a sign that is displayed for a limited time period to celebrate a season, holiday or other
non-commercial event or anniversary.
Column A
Column B
Page 6 of 14
12.
Residential Zones
(a)
In Residential Zones, only signs of the Type listed in Column "A" of the following
Table are permitted, such signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance
with the restrictions, maximum number of signs, maximum sign area, maximum
sign height, and other requirements as described in Columns "B" through "F",
and all other signs not so permitted are prohibited.
Table 12.1-Type of Signs allowed in Residential Zone
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum Sign
Other
Type
Restriction
No. of Signs
Sign Area
Height
Requirements
Directory Sign
Permit required
No restriction
Allowed only for
Home
one-family
1 per front or
0.3 m2
Occupation Sign
dwelling or
exterior side
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
None
duplex with a
lot line
(3.2 ft2) each
permit
Identification
Allowed without
1 per front or
0.3 m2
(3.2
Lower than the
No size or height
exterior side
lowest level of
restriction for
Sign
permit
lot line
ft2) each
roof
flags
1.5 m2 (16.1 ft2)
1.5 m (4.9 ft) for
Allowed without
1 per front or
each for single
single residence,
Real Estate sign
permit
exterior side
residence, 6.0
30.0 (9.8 ft) for
None
lot line
m2 (64.5 ft2)
each for others
others
Regulatory Sign
1 per front or
0.3 m2
Permit required
exterior side
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Maximum
(Private)
lot line
(3.2 ft2) each
duration of a
temporary sign
Regulatory Sign
(except
(Government)
Allowed without
construction
permit
No restriction
notice) shall be
Temporary Sign
60 days
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Page 7 of 14
13.
Commercial Zones and Industrial Zones
(a)
In Commercial Zones and Industrial Zones, only signs of the Type listed in Column
"A" of the following Table are permitted, such signs shall be installed and
maintained in accordance with the restrictions, maximum number of signs,
maximum sign area, maximum sign height, and other requirements as described
in Columns "B" through "F", and all other signs not so permitted are prohibited.
Table 13.1-Type·of Signs allowed in a Commercial Zone or Industrial Zone
Maximum
Maximum Sign
Maximum Sign
Other
Type
Restriction
No. of Signs
Area
Height
Requirements
In total, 10.0 m2
15.0 m (49.2 ft}
1 per 30 m of
(107 ft2} per lot
for freestanding
Commercial Sign
Permit required
frontage plus 2
or per 100 m2
sign. Lower than
None
{1076 ft2 ) of GFA
the lowest level
per premises
whichever is
of roof or eave
greater
for others.
Directory Sign
Permit required
No restriction
Allowed only for
Home
one-family
1 per front or
0.3 m2 (3.2 ft2}
dwelling or·
exterior side lot
3.0 m (9.8 ft}
None
Occupation Sign
duplex with
line
each
permit
Identification
Allowed without
2 per front or
6.0 m2 (64.5 ft2)
Not higher than
No size or height
exterior side lot
the lowest part
restriction for
Sign
permit
line
in total
of roof or eave
flags
Allowed without
1 per front or
6.0 m2 (64.5 ft2}
Real Estate Sign
permit
exterior side lot
each
3.0 m (9.8 ft}
None
line
Regulatory Sign
Permit required
No restriction
0.6 m2 (6.4 ft2}
3.0 m (9.8 ft}
Maximum
(private)
duration of a
temporary sign
Regulatory Sign
(except
(government)
Allowed without
No restriction
construction
permit
notice) shall be
Temporary Sign
60 days
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Page 8 of 14
14.
Public Zones
(a)
In Public Zones, only signs of the Type listed in Column "A" of the following Table
are permitted, such signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with
the restrictions, maximum number of signs, maximum sign area, maximum sign
height, and other requirements as described in Columns "B" through "F", and all
other signs not so permitted are prohibited.
Table 14.1-Type of Signs allowed in a Public Zone
Type
Restriction
Maximum No. of
Maximum Sign
Maximum
Other
Signs
Area
Sign Height
Requirements
Directory Sign
Permit required
No restriction
Identification
1 per front or
0.6 m2 (6.4 ft2 )
No size or height
Sign
Permit required
exterior side lot
each
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
restriction for flags
line
Allowed without
1 per front or
6.0 m2 (64.5 ft2)
Real Estate Sign
permit
exterior side lot
each
3.0 m (16.1 ft)
None
line
Regulatory Sign
1 per front or
0.3 m2 (3.2 ft2)
(private)
Permit required
exterior side lot
each
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
Maximum duration
line
of temporary sign
(except
Regulatory Sign
construction
(Government)
Allowed without
No restriction
notice) shall be 60
permit
days
Temporary Sign
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Page 9 of 14
Part 4 Regulations by Form of Sign
15.
Form of Sign Definitions
(a)
The Form of a sign is distinguished by its shape, material, or the object that the
sign is affixed to, and is defined in Column A and Column B in the following
Table, and all other signs not so defined are prohibited.
Table 15.1- Form of Sign Definitions
Form
Definition
Banner
A sign of light-weight fabric or similar material mounted to a frame at one or more
edges, excluding flags and canopy signs
Bench Sign
A sign attached or painted to a bench or a bus-stop shelter on a roadside or in a park
Canopy Sign
A sign painted, or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee
Fascia Sign
Means a flat sign painted, mounted or displayed parallel to the face of the building to
which it is located, and shall not include projecting signs.
Means any single piece of lightweight fabric or similar material mounted or suspended
Flag
so as to allow the movement of the Sign caused by all currents, and contains the
colol!rs, patterns, or symbols of government, political party or other entity, and
contains no commercial message.
Free-standing Sign
A sign attached to a permanent foundation, which is independent of any building or
other structure
Kiosk
A free-standing structure showing a number of small signs to promote businesses of
same kind or real estates
A sign which is not attached to the ground or other permanent structure, such as
Portable Sign
sandwich board signs, signs on a wheel, signs carried by a person or animal, or signs
set upon or supported by a motor vehicle
Projecting Sign
A sign affixed to a building in a manner that its leading edge extends more than 30 cm
beyond the surface of the such building
Column A
Column B
Page 10 of 14
16.
Form of Sign Restrictions by Zoning Designation
(a)
In Residential Zones, Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones, and Public Zones, only
signs of the Form listed in Column "A" of the following Table are permitted, in
accordance with the restrictions described in Columns "B" through "D", and all
other signs not so permitted are prohibited.
Table 16.1- Form of Sign Restrictions by Zoning Designation
Form
Residential Zone
Commercial & Industrial
Public Zone
Zone
Banner
Prohibited
Allowed
Bench Sign
Prohibited
Allowed
Canopy Sign
Prohibited
Allowed
Free-standing
Allowed. A free-standing sign shall not be closer than 30.0 m (98.4 ft) to other free-standing
Sign
sign located in the same lot.
Kiosk
Prohibited
Allowed one for each lot
Portable Sign
Prohibited
Allowed one for each
Prohibited
premises
Projecting Sign
Prohibited
Allowed one for each premises.
Fascia Sign
Allowed one for each premises.
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Page 11 of 14
17. Prohibited forms of signs
(a) for clarity and without limiting the prohibitions in sections 11 and 15 of this Bylaw, the
following forms of signs, defined in Column A and Column B in the following Table, are
specifically prohibited in Residential Zones, Commercial Zones, Industrial Zones and Public
Zones.
Table 17.1- Prohibited Forms of Signs
Form
Definition
Air-inflated sign
A sign whose shape or erection in maintained by compressed air or by light gas
Animated sign
A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special
effect of scene.
Billboard Sign
A commercial sign, excluding kiosks, where the object promoted by it is located on
another parcel.
Pennant
A sign of light-weight fabric or similar material suspended form a string or wire, usually
in series.
Roof Sign
1. a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building, or
2. a sign affixed to a building and extending vertically above the roof line, but
3. excluding projecting signs or canopy signs.
Column A
Column B
Page 12 of 14
Part 5 Additional Regulations
18.
Free-standing Sign and Kiosk Setbacks
(a)
Despite any other provision of this Bylaw, a free-standing sign or a kiosk in any
zone shall be sited in accordance with the minimum front, interior side, exterior
side, and rear lot line setbacks, as described in Columns "B" through "E" in the
following table.
Table 18.1-Setback of Free-standing Signs and Kiosks
Form of Signs
Minimum Front Lot
Minimum Interior
Minimum Exterior
Minimum Rear Lot
Line Setback
Side Lot Line Setback
Side Lot Line Setback
Line Setback
Free-standing
3.0 m (9 .. 8 ft)
0.5 m (1.64 ft)
3.0 m (9.8 ft)
6.0 m (19.7 ft)
Sign or Kiosk
Column A
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
19.
Portable Sign Requirements
(a)
Portable signs shall be factory made or be constructed of wood with painted or
raised messages on a painted background.
(b)
Despite Part 3 of this Bylaw, the maximum sign area for a portable sign shall be
3.0 m2 (32 sq ft.).
20.
Highway Encroachment
(a)
When a sign or any part of a sign encroaches onto a highway or a public place,
the owner shall obtain written approval from the City Engineer before
installation.
(b)
Signs projecting over a pedestrian area shall have a clearance to the underside of
the projection of at least 2.8 m (9.2 ft) above grade or sidewalk.
(c)
Signs projecting over a vehicular traffic area shall have a clearance to the
underside of the projection of at least 4.5 {14.8 ft) above grade.
Page 13 of 14
21.
Nuisance Signs
(a}
A sign may not be erected or lighted in such a manner as to interfere with:
(i}
the ability of a motorist to see oncoming traffic;
(ii}
the visibility at an access to or egress from a highway; or
(iii}
the visibility of a highway traffic control device.
(b}
A sign may not be illuminated or equipped with flashing, oscillating or moving
lights or beacons in such a manner as to cast a direct beam on any highway or
residential premises.
(c}
No sign except regulatory signs shall be attached or painted to a power pole,
telephone pole, street light pole or traffic control device.
Part 6 Transition and Repeal
21.
Repeal
(a}
The following. by-laws, and all amendments thereto, are repealed:
(i}
In the Zoning Bylaw:
(A}
In section 1.0.3, the definitions for "sign area", and "sign height";
(B}
Sections 8.1.1 to 8.3.4.
READ A FIRST TIME this 1zth day of June, 2017.
READ A SECOND TIME this 1zth day of June, 2017.
READ A THIRD TIME this 1zth day of June, 2017.
ADOPTED this 26th day of Jul'.le, 2017.
Page 14 of 14
Director of Corporate Services