Dawson Creek, British Columbia
· adopted 2018-08-20
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Snapshot 148711ae8892 · verified 2026-08-23 ·
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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF DAWSON CREEK
SIGN REGULATION BYLAW NO. 4369, 2018
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
This is a consolidation of the parent bylaw and the bylaws listed below.
Amendments have been incorporated with the parent bylaw for convenience
only. This consolidation is not a legal document. Certified copies of the original
bylaws should be consulted for all interpretations and applications of the
subject bylaw.
Amendment Bylaw 4472, 2020
Amendment Bylaw 4488, 2021
Amendment Bylaw 4532, 2022
THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF DAWSON CREEK
BYLAW NO. 4369
A bylaw of the Corporation of the City of Dawson
Creek hereinafter called "the City" to regulate the use,
construction and installation of signs in the City.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Local Government Act, Council may regulate or prohibit the number, size, type,
form, appearance and location of any signs;
AND WHEREAS, pursuant to the Community Charter, Council may regulate and impose requirements in
relation to the erection, placing, alteration, maintenance, demolition and removal of signs; and may
regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to the construction, alteration, repair or
demolition of structures;
AND WHEREAS, it is deemed desirable:
(a)
to enable local commercial and industrial enterprises clearly to identify their places of
business and to indicate to the extent permitted by this bylaw the types and trade names
of goods and services manufactured or sold on the premises;
(b)
to protect the appearance of the various zones of the City from the effect of signs which
may be inappropriate as to size, design or location;
(c)
to protect the public from the effects of signs that conflict with signs and lights erected
for the direction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
(d)
to protect the public from the dangers of signs of inferior construction and from the public
nuisance or hazard arising from improperly sited signs.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Dawson Creek enacts as follows;
SECTION 1 - TITLE
1.1
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "SIGN REGULATION BYLAW NO. 4369, 2018"
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
2.1
In this Bylaw the following words and terms have the following meanings assigned to them:
"A-Board Sign" has the same meaning as Sandwich Board Sign;
"Awning" means a shelter supported entirely by and projecting from the exterior wall of a
building and composed of non-rigid materials covering supporting framework;
"Awning Sign" means a sign painted or affixed to the surface of an awning which does not extend
vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such awning;
"Balloon Sign" means a sign that primarily consists of a balloon or balloons;
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
Page 3 of 41
"Banner Sign" means a sign composed of lightweight material, including cloth, canvas, or similar
fabric, excluding an awning affixed to a building;
"Billboard Sign" means any sign used exclusively for third party advertising, excluding Mini
Billboard Signs;
"Building" means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or
occupancy;
"Building Inspector" means the municipal official duly appointed by Council from time to time to
administer the building regulation bylaw of the City and his or her authorized representative(s);
"Business" means a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or nature, including the
provision of professional, personal or other services, for the purpose of gain or profit;
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means a person or persons appointed from time to time by
resolution of City Council pursuant to Section 36 of the Police Act, the purpose of which is to
enforce regulatory bylaws of the municipality.
"Canopy" means a permanent hood, cover or shelter, other than a projecting roof, which projects
from the wall of a building;
"Canopy Sign" means a sign attached to a canopy or located on the face of a canopy;
"Changeable Copy Sign" means that portion of a sign upon which copy (excluding time, date,
temperate and fuel pricing displays) may be changed manually through the utilization of
attachable copy;
"Chief Administrative Officer" means the person appointed by Council as such and his or her
authorized representative(s);
"City" means the City of Dawson Creek or the territorial area within its boundaries, as the context
requires;
"Clearance" means unobstructed space between a sign and the ground surface beneath the sign;
"Community Sign" means a structure erected by the City for the purpose of posting temporary
community notices;
"Copy" means the text, illustrations and symbols on a sign;
"Copy Area" means the area within the shortest line surrounding the copy;
"Development Sign" means a temporary sign indicating that a construction or development
project is planned or underway;
"Digital Display" means a device intended to display copy using electronic screens, projection,
television, computer video monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCD), or light emitting diode (LED)
displays;
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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"Directional Sign" means a sign which only communicates information regarding pedestrian or
vehicular movement on the parcel on which the sign is located;
"Electronic Message Sign" means a sign, on which the message copy is displayed by means of
electronically controlled illumination of lamps, tubes, light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other
electronic technology which can by changed through computer programming;
"Fascia Sign"
means a flat sign affixed on and parallel to the wall of a building, not extending
beyond the horizontal width of the building nor above the roof line of the building;
"First Party Sign" means a sign advertising a business, commodity, service or entertainment
product that is conducted, sold or offered on the parcel upon which the sign is located;
"Footcandle" means a unit of measure of the intensity of light falling on a surface;
"Freestanding Sign" means a sign supported by a sign structure fixed to the ground and
independent from any other building or structure;
"Frontage" means the length of each property boundary adjoining a street;
"Grade" means the average ground surface elevation within 6.5 m. (21.33 ft.) around a sign;
"Height" means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of a sign;
"Highway" includes a street, road, land, bridge, viaduct and any other way open to public use, but
does not include a private right of way on private property;
"Illuminated" means a sign that is artificially illuminated by an internal or external source;
"Inflatable Sign" means any inflated three-dimensional sign or advertising device supported by
air or gas that is attached to the ground or any structure;
"Mini Billboard Sign" means a small sign used exclusively for third party advertising;
"Multiple Residential Unit Sign" means a sign that is installed on a building that contains greater
than four units.
"Mural" means a work of art or graphic depiction of any kind which is painted or otherwise placed
on, affixed to, or is an element of the design of, an exterior wall, but does not include a sign;
"Sign in Conjunction with a Mural" means a sign that forms an integral part of the design of a
mural that has been approved through a development permit;
"Painted Wall Sign" means a sign painted on the outside surface of a building for the direct or
indirect purpose of advertising;
"Parcel" means a lot, block or other area in which land is subdivided;
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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"Political Sign" means a sign including only messages relating to a public election or referendum;
"Portable Sign" means a sign not affixed to the ground or to a building and, without limiting the
foregoing, includes a sign designated to be moved from place to place, whether constructed on a
wheeled undercarriage or not, and whether secured to the ground or not;
"Projecting Sign" means any sign other than a canopy, awning or fascia sign, which is attached to
and projects from a structure or building wall;
"Promotional Sign" means a temporary sign displayed for the purpose of advertising temporary
events or activities including, but not limited to, grand openings, sales and new or discounted
products;
"Real Estate Sign" means a sign indicating that the parcel or premises on which the sign is located
is for sale or lease;
"Roof Sign" means any sign erected or placed wholly or partly above the roof line of a building;
"Rotating" means any portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or turning manner;
"Sandwich Board Sign" means a sign consisting of two boards that are hinged on their upper
edges. A-Board signs are also knows as Sandwich boards signs;
"Setback" means the minimum permitted distance required under this bylaw between a sign and
a parcel boundary;
"Sign" means any visual communication device, including its structure, used to attract attention
for advertising, identification, or information purposes;
"Sign Area" means the area of a sign calculated in accordance with Section 4.13 of this Bylaw;
"Sign Structure" means a structure constructed for the purpose of supporting a sign;
"Temporary Sign" means a sign made of materials including, but not limited to, coroplast, wood,
or metal, displayed for a limited period of time in accordance with this bylaw;
"Third Party Advertising" means advertising in relation to a business, commodity, service or
entertainment product that is conducted, sold or offered on a parcel other than on the parcel
upon which the sign containing the advertising is located;
"Use" means the purpose for which a building, lot, sign or other structure is arranged, intended,
designed, occupied or maintained;
"Vehicle Sign" means a sign painted on or attached to a motor vehicle and each having an area in
excess of 0.4m² (4.31 sq. ft.) and/or a cumulative area in excess of 1.0 m² (10.76 sq. ft.);
"Window Sign" means a sign painted on or attached to or installed inside a window for viewing
from outside the premises;
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
Page 6 of 41
SECTION 3 - INTERPRETATION
3.1
In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this bylaw and the provisions of the Zoning
Bylaw, the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw shall prevail.
3.2
All measurements in this bylaw are expressed in the Standard International Units (metric) system.
The approximated equivalent in the imperial system, shown in brackets following each metric
standard, is included for convenience only and does not form part of this bylaw.
SECTION 4 - GENERAL REGULATIONS
4.1
Application of Bylaw
a.
No sign shall be erected, placed, displayed, altered or moved within the City except in
conformity with the provisions of this bylaw.
b.
Signs that are not specifically permitted in this bylaw are prohibited.
c.
Nothing in this bylaw relieves a person from complying with other City bylaws.
d.
This bylaw applies to the entire area of the City.
4.2
Exemptions
a.
This bylaw does not apply to:
(i)
signs permitted or notices issued by the Government of Canada, the Government of
British Columbia, a Court or the City;
(ii)
traffic control devices provided pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Act;
(iii)
signs on or over City highways installed or authorized by the Chief Administrative
Officer for the control of traffic and parking or for street names and direction;
(iv)
signs located in the interior of buildings and not visible from a highway; and
(v)
vehicle signs, except when the vehicle is stationary and visible from a highway for a
period in excess of four hours.
4.3
Non-Conforming Signs
a.
Any sign lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this bylaw, although such sign does
not conform with the provisions of this bylaw, may continue to be used provided it is
maintained in a clean and safe condition.
b.
No sign lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this bylaw shall be reconstructed,
altered or moved except in full compliance with the provisions of this bylaw.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
Page 7 of 41
4.4
Maintenance of Signs
a.
Normal sign maintenance, including replacement of copy, lighting and refurbishing of signs
shall not require a sign permit, but shall conform to all other requirements of this bylaw.
b.
All signs shall be maintained structurally sound and free from all hazards caused or resulting
from decay or failure of structural members, fixtures, lighting or appurtenances.
c.
All sign area, background, copy and lighting shall be maintained in readable and clean
condition, and the site of the sign shall be maintained free of weeds, debris and rubbish.
4.5
Signs on Public Property
a.
No sign shall be tacked, posted or otherwise affixed to the walls of any structure, tree, pole,
hydrant, bridge, fence or any other surface within a public place, except signs placed on City-
supplied community notice boards that
(i)
show the date posted, and the name and phone number or address of the person
that posted the sign; and
(ii)
are posted for a maximum of seven days, except in the case of garage sale signs, which
may only be displayed for two days prior and one day following the sale.
4.6
Hazardous Signs
a.
No signs shall create a potential hazard to the safe, efficient movement of vehicular or
pedestrian traffic.
b.
No sign shall be placed in a manner that may obstruct any window opening, door opening,
passageway, fire escape, walkway, vehicular driveway or similar feature.
c.
No sign shall obstruct the vision of drivers or pedestrians pursuant to the current Dawson
Creek Traffic Bylaw.
4.7
Traffic Control Signs
a.
No signs shall have the shape and color of a traffic control device, as that term is defined in
the Motor Vehicle Act.
4.8
Approval of Signs over Highway or Public Place
a. No awning sign, canopy sign, fascia sign, freestanding sign, projecting sign, promotional sign
or banner sign shall be located upon or over a highway or public place unless the owner of
the sign obtains insurance in the amount of not less than $2,000,000 per occurrences
indemnifying the City against any loss sustained by the City in relation to the sign and on other
terms satisfactory to the City. Each policy of insurance shall be maintained by the owner so
long as the sign remains on or over the highway or public place. The owner of the sign shall
provide a copy of the insurance certificate to the City prior to installing the sign and from time
to time upon request by the City.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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4.9
Sight Triangle
a. No awning, canopy, fascia sign, freestanding sign, portable signs, projecting sign, promotional
sign, sandwich board sign, banner sign, political signs, real estate signs, inflatable signs, and
balloon signs shall obstruct the vision of motorists by intruding into the 8.0 m sight triangle
illustrated in Schedule "A".
4.10 Abandoned and Obsolete Signs
a.
When a sign no longer directs persons to or advertises a business, lessor, owner, product or
activity conducted, or product in existence or available on the parcel where the sign is
displayed, the owner of the parcel shall remove the sign within 14 days.
4.11 Removal of Temporary Signs
a.
A temporary sign which is displayed on any parcel shall be removed by the owner of the
parcel within (7) days of the termination of the event to which the signs related.
4.12
Other Regulations
a.
All signs must meet the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw, Official Community Plan, and the
British Columbia Building Code.
4.13
Calculations
a.
Wherever in this Bylaw the sign area of a sign is prescribed or restricted, the sign's area shall
be calculated in accordance with the following:
(i)
the sign area of a sign with only one face shall be deemed to be the entire face of the
sign encompassing the outer edge of the writing, representation, emblem, or other
display, including any frame or border and any material or color forming an integral
part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the
backdrop or structure against which it is placed;
(ii)
when two sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces are not visible from
any one point at the same time, and when such faces are part of the same structure,
the sign area shall be the area of the larger of the 2 faces;
(iii)
when a freestanding sign has multiple signs, a digital display or an electronic message
sign, the sign area of the all copies, a digital display or an electronic message sign
added together shall be deemed to be the total sign area for the freestanding sign;
(iv)
the total sign area of all canopy signs, awning signs, fascia signs, changeable copy
signs, painted wall signs, and signs in conjunction with a mural must not exceed 0.5m2
(5.4 sq. ft.) for each lineal metre of the width of the building wall of which the signs
are affixed.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
Page 9 of 41
SECTION 5 - PROHIBITED SIGNS
5.1
Types of Prohibited Signs
a.
Except as specifically permitted by this bylaw, the following signs shall not be located or
displayed within the City:
(i)
signs emitting sound, odour or matter;
(ii)
community signs, directional signs, real estate signs and window signs, except as
permitted to be displayed without a permit under Section 7;
(iii)
vehicle signs on a vehicle which is stationary and visible from a highway for a period
in excess of four hours;
(iv)
roof signs; and
(v)
billboard signs.
SECTION 6 - SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
The following regulations apply specifically to the types of signs referred to in each section heading.
6.1
Canopy and Awnings and Canopy and Awning Signs
a.
Canopy signs and awning signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic
Use, Commercial, Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and
Recreation zones.
b.
Canopies and awnings shall have a vertical clearance of 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) unless otherwise
specified in the Zoning bylaw.
c.
Canopies and awnings are not permitted to project to within a distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) from
the closest edge of a curb of a roadway or, if no curb is present, the edge of the pavement
of a roadway.
d.
The sign area of a canopy sign or awning sign must comply with Section 4.13.
e.
A maximum of two under canopy signs are permitted if:
(i)
the maximum sign area of each sign does not exceed 0.6 m2 (6.4 sq. ft.)
(ii)
the vertical dimension of each sign does not exceed 0.4 m (1.3 ft.);
(iii)
the vertical clearance as described in 6.1.b is maintained; and
(iv)
each sign is located entirely under the canopy.
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f.
A maximum of two canopy signs may be placed on a canopy provided the total sign area of
both signs does not exceed 0.5 m2 (5.4 sq. ft.) for each lineal metre of building wall width to
which the signs are affixed.
g.
A block letter sign may be placed on top of a canopy, as illustrated on page 3 of Schedule "A"
provided the sign area of the sign must comply with Section 4.13.
6.2
Fascia Signs
a.
Fascia signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use, Commercial,
Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and Recreation zones.
b.
The total sign area of all fascia signs attached to a wall of a building must comply with Section
4.13.
c.
No part of a fascia sign which projects more than 15 cm (6 in.) from the face of the building
shall have a clearance of less than 2.5 m. (8.2 ft.).
d.
The upper edge of a fascia sign shall not be higher than the roof line or parapet of a building.
e.
Fascia signs may be illuminated.
f.
One fascia sign that is also a digital display, electronic message sign, or changeable copy sign
is permitted on a parcel if:
(i)
there is a fascia sign that is a first party sign that is not a digital display, electronic
message sign, or changeable copy sign on that parcel;
(ii)
the digital display, electronic message sign, or changeable copy sign is in accordance
with 6.10, 6.11 and 6.12, respectively; and
(iii)
the digital display, electronic message sign or changeable copy sign has a sign area
that is equal to or less than the fascia sign that is a first party sign.
g.
Third party advertising on a fascia sign is permitted when it is shown on a digital display and
is in accordance with Section 6.12 and the Business Licence Bylaw.
6.3
Freestanding Signs
a.
Freestanding signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use,
Commercial, Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and Recreation
zones.
b.
Freestanding signs must be designed and field reviewed by a Professional Engineer registered
in the Province of British Columbia.
c.
The Professional Engineer must submit a stamped design and a form assuring professional
design and commitment for field review to the Building Department of the City of Dawson
Creek prior to the permitting of any freestanding sign which contains:
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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(i)
a stamped and sealed letter from the Professional Engineer assuring the design and
commitment for field review, or
(ii)
a stamped and sealed Schedule B from the current BC Building Code (Assurance of
Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review).
d.
Upon completing the installation of the freestanding sign, the Professional Engineer must
provide assurance of professional field reviews and compliance by submitting to the Building
Department of the City of Dawson Creek:
(i)
a stamped and sealed letter assuring professional field review and compliance, or
(ii)
a stamped and sealed Schedule C-B (Assurance of Professional Field Review and
Compliance) from the current BC Building Code.
e.
After the forms for footings and foundations are complete and reinforcing steel has been
placed but prior to the placing of concrete, the owner of the parcel on which the freestanding
sign is being constructed must submit a Certificate of Location, provided by a registered
member of the Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors, to certify that the
freestanding sign foundation under construction is located on the parcel in compliance with
City regulations.
f.
The sign area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 18.6 m2 (200 sq. ft.).
g.
A sign structure may support multiple freestanding signs provided the total area of all the
freestanding signs does not exceed 18.6 m2 (200 sq. ft.).
h.
Freestanding signs along Alaska Highway, Alaska Avenue, Highway 2, and 8th Street between
Alaska Avenue and Highway 2 must have a landscaped or decorative base that meets the
guidelines of the Official Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw as amended from time to
time.
i.
Landscaping required under an approved sign permit must not be removed or altered.
j.
One freestanding sign is permitted on a parcel except as otherwise permitted in this section.
k.
Where a parcel has a frontage in excess of:
(i)
50 m. (164 ft.), one additional freestanding sign may be erected;
(ii)
100 m. (328 ft.), two additional freestanding signs may be erected; and
(iii)
150 m. (492 ft.), three additional freestanding signs may be erected provided the signs
are at least 50 m. (164 ft.) apart.
l.
Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of 7.5 m. (24.6 ft.) measured from the grade or
from the curb elevation of the fronting highway, whichever is higher.
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m. If a freestanding sign is attached to a sign structure featuring a single column, the width of
the column must be equal or greater than 30% of the widest part of the sign.
n.
Freestanding signs shall have a side yard setback of at least 3.5 m. (11.5 ft.) and a rear yard
setback of at least 6.0 m. (20 ft.)
o. Where a freestanding sign projects over a pedestrian traffic area such as a walkway or
internal sidewalk, no part of the sign shall be less than 3m. (10 ft.) above grade.
p.
A freestanding sign may rotate provided it does not revolve more than eight (8) times per
minute.
q.
A freestanding sign may be illuminated.
r.
One digital display, electronic message sign, or changeable copy sign may be affixed to a sign
structure for a freestanding sign if:
(i)
there is a first party sign that is not a digital display, electronic message sign, or
changeable copy sign on that sign structure; and
(ii)
the digital display, electronic message sign, or changeable copy sign is in accordance
with 6.10, 6.11 and 6.12, respectively.
s.
Third party advertising on a freestanding sign is permitted if it is shown on a digital display
and it is in accordance with Section 6.12 and the Business Licence Bylaw.
6.4
Home-based business advertising signs
a.
A home-based business advertising sign is permitted on a parcel provided:
(i)
the parcel is located in Residential or Agricultural zones;
(ii)
the sign area does not exceed 0.25 m2 (2.7 sq. ft.);
(iii)
there is only one sign per parcel;
(iv)
the sign only bears the name and occupation of the owner; and
(v)
the sign is not illuminated.
6.5
Mini Billboard Signs
a.
Mini billboard signs are only permitted in the Industrial and Commercial - Highway zones.
(i)
Mini billboard signs in an Industrial zone must either be a single column sign, or be
permanently affixed to the side of a building or fence.
(ii) Mini billboard signs in a Commercial Highway zone must be permanently affixed to
the side of a building or fence and must not be readable from any highway.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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b.
Mini billboard signs must measure no more than 1.3 m (4.3 ft.) by 1.3 m. (4.3 ft.).
c.
The height of a mini billboard sign must not be greater than 1.8 m (6 ft.).
d.
Mini Billboard signs must be constructed of only metal or plastic components.
e.
All third party advertising on mini billboard signs must comply with the current Business
Licence Bylaw.
6.6
Portable Signs
a.
Portable signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use, Commercial,
Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and Recreation zones.
b. No more than one portable sign shall be permitted at any one time on any parcel.
c. Community signs placed by the City are exempt from Section 6.6b.
d.
With the exception of community signs, all portable signs shall be located within the parcel
boundaries to which the sign pertains.
e. The sign area of a portable sign shall not exceed 3.7 m2 (40 sq.ft.).
f.
A portable sign shall not restrict a public thoroughfare or pedestrian travel, or obstruct
reasonable vehicle site distances.
g.
A portable sign shall not be located in any required parking areas.
h.
A portable sign shall not be located in or supported by a motor vehicle as defined by the
Motor Vehicle Act.
i.
A portable sign may be permitted for a period of up to one year. The permit for each new
sign shall expire on December 31st of each year and is renewable following payment of a sign
permit fee for the sign.
j.
Portable signs must be spaced a minimum of 9m (30ft) apart.
6.7
Projecting Signs
a.
Projecting signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use,
Commercial, Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and Recreation
zones.
b.
The sign area of a projecting sign shall not exceed 1.4 m2 (15.0 sq. ft.) per side.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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c.
A projecting sign shall be attached to the building or premises to which it pertains and shall
not extend above the lowest part of the roof line of the building to which the sign is attached.
d.
A projecting sign shall have a minimum clearance of 2.5 m. (8.2 ft.).
e.
The maximum projection of a projecting sign from an exterior wall of a building shall not
exceed 3 m. (10 ft.) and shall not project to within 0.5 m. (1.6 ft.) horizontally from a curb
line.
6.8
Sandwich Board Signs
a.
Regulations for all sandwich board signs:
(i)
Up to two sandwich board signs are permitted on a parcel provided that there is no
projecting sign on the parcel.
(ii) The height of a sandwich board sign must not exceed 1.2 m (4.0 ft.). The width must
not exceed 0.47 m (1.5 ft.).
(iii) A sandwich board sign must not be located in any parking area or on any highway,
except as approved according to Sub-Section 6.8.c.
(iv) A sandwich board sign must not be a nuisance nor interfere with normal pedestrian
traffic.
(v) A sandwich board sign must not be illuminated.
b.
Regulations for businesses with a business licence:
(i)
A sandwich board sign must be located entirely on or within the property or parcel
and in front of the building or premises to which the sign pertains.
(ii) A sandwich board sign must maintain an unobstructed walkway on a sidewalk of at
least 1 m (3.0 ft).
(iii) A sandwich board sign must only be displayed during the operating hours of the
business or activity to which it pertains.
c.
Regulations for non-profit or community groups:
(i)
A request to display a sandwich board sign to promote a specific event must be pre-
approved by the City.
(ii) The approval must include the location and date(s) of the event(s).
(iii) The approved location for re-occurring events must be approved annually.
(iv) The sandwich board sign must only be displayed on the day of the event and must be
removed at the completion of the event.
Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 4369, 2018
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(v) A sandwich board sign must not be a nuisance nor interfere with normal vehicle
traffic.
(vi) A sandwich board sign displayed without pre-approval by the City will be removed by
the City.
6.9
Multiple Residential Building Sign
a.
Multiple residential building signs are only permitted in Residential - Low Density Multiple
Family, Residential - Medium Density Multiple Family, and Residential - High Density Multiple
Family zones.
b.
Multiple residential building signs are only permitted as a canopy sign, awning sign, fascia
sign, or projecting sign and must meet the requirements of 6.1, 6.2, or 6.7.
c.
Multiple residential building signs are not permitted to be a digital display or an electronic
message sign.
d.
Multiple residential building signs are only permitted to display the building name and
company information. Third party advertising is not permitted.
6.10 Changeable Copy Signs
a.
The sign area of a changeable copy sign that is a freestanding sign must be the same or
smaller than the first party sign affixed to the sign structure, up to a combined total that
meets 6.3.f.
b.
The sign area of a changeable copy sign that is a fascia sign must comply with Section 4.13.
6.11 Electronic Message Sign
a.
Electronic message signs are only permitted in Industrial, Institutional Public, Commercial,
Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use, and Parks and Recreation zones.
b.
The sign area of an electronic message sign that is a fascia sign must comply with Section
4.13.
c.
The sign area of an electronic message sign that is a freestanding sign must not exceed 1.85
m2 (20 sq. ft.).
d.
An electronic message sign may be mounted on one or two sides of a sign only. If it is two-
sided, each side must be parallel with the other. An electronic message sign shall not be
triple-sided, multi-sided, or have curved sides.
e.
All electronic message signs must be equipped with an ambient light sensor that
automatically adjusts the brightness level of the copy area based on ambient light conditions.
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f.
The brightness levels of the electronic message sign shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles above
ambient light conditions when measured from the face of the electronic message sign at its
maximum brightness.
g.
An electronic message sign must only display text. Images and patterns are not permitted.
h.
An electronic message sign must not incorporate any form of scrolling, fading, flashing or
movement of any kind as part of a change of message.
i.
An electronic message sign must not incorporate any form of animation, moving letters,
symbols, or image, or any change in intensity of illumination to the message.
j.
The electrical power supply to an electronic message sign shall be provided underground
unless otherwise permitted by the Chief Administrative Officer.
6.12 Digital Displays
a.
Digital Displays are only permitted in Industrial, Commercial, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use,
and Parks and Recreation zones.
b.
A sign with a digital display located on, or attached to, a roof of a building is prohibited.
c.
A digital display may be placed on a sign structure supporting a freestanding sign that is a
first party sign provided the sign area of the digital display may not exceed the sign area of
the first party sign.
d.
The sign area of a digital display must be the same or smaller than the first party sign on the
same parcel, up to a combined total that meets 6.3.f.
e.
A digital display may be mounted on one or two sides of a sign only. If a digital display sign
is two-sided, the digital displays must be arranged back-to-back. A digital display must not
be mounted on a triple-sided, multi-sided, and a digital display may not be curved.
f.
All digital displays must be enclosed to the satisfaction of the Chief Administrative Officer.
g.
A sign with a digital display shall not face Residential, or Park and Recreation zones.
h.
All signs containing a digital display must be equipped with an ambient light sensor that
automatically adjusts the brightness level of the copy area based on ambient light conditions.
i.
The brightness levels of the digital display shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient
light conditions when measured from the digital display face at its maximum brightness.
j.
Copy shall be static and remain in place for a minimum of six (6) seconds before switching to
the next copy.
k.
The transition time between each digital display copy shall be instantaneous and shall not
involve any visible effects, including but not limited to: action, motion, fading in or out,
dissolving, blinking, intermittent or flashing light, or the illusion of such effects.
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l.
Copy shall not be shown on a digital display using full motion video, movies, Moving Picture
Experts Group (MPEG), or any other non-static digital format.
m. Copy shown in a manner requiring the intended message to be viewed over multiple copy
transitions is not permitted.
n.
At any time, if the Chief Administrative Officer determines that the brightness or light level
of a digital display exceeds the limits set out in Sub-Section 6.12.i, the Chief Administrative
Officer may direct the sign permit holder to change the settings in order to bring the digital
display into compliance with this Bylaw, and if that direction is not complied with, the Chief
Administrative Officer may issue an order directing that the digital display be immediately
deactivated and removed.
o.
If any component on the sign fails or malfunctions in any way and fails to operate as indicated
on the approved sign permit plans, the sign owner shall ensure that the sign is turned off
until all components are fixed and operating as required.
p.
The owner of a sign bearing a digital display shall provide the City the name and telephone
contact information of a person having access to the technology controls for the sign who
can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event that the sign malfunctions.
q.
The electrical power supply to a digital display shall be provided underground unless
otherwise allowed by the Chief Administrative Officer.
SECTION 7 - SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SIGNS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT
7.1
A permit is not required to erect, place, display, alter or move a sign in this Section 7, provided that
every sign conforms in all other respects to the requirements of this bylaw.
7.2
Flags and emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations.
7.3
Memorial plaques, cornerstones or historical tablets.
7.4
Promotional Signs
a.
Promotional signs are only permitted in Agricultural, Airport Aviation Use, Civic Use,
Commercial, Exhibition Grounds, Industrial, Institutional Public, and Parks and Recreation
zones.
b.
Promotional signs are permitted in the form of portable signs, temporary fascia signs,
temporary freestanding signs, temporary banner signs, inflatable signs, and balloon signs.
c.
All promotional signs must meet all other regulations of this bylaw.
d.
Promotional signs must only advertise a new business premise, a change in use, a trade name
of a business premise, or special business event.
e.
A promotional sign may be displayed for not more than thirty days in any calendar year.
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f.
A promotional sign shall not exceed 1.5 m2 (16.0 sq. ft.) in area per face.
7.5
Directional Signs in a parking lot or parking area, as fascia or freestanding signs
a.
The sign area of each directional sign shall not exceed 0.6 m2 (6.46 sq. ft.)
b.
Setbacks shall be maintained as follows: front 1 m. (3.3 ft.); side 3 m. (9.8 ft.) and rear 3 m.
(9.8 ft.).
c.
The maximum height of a directional sign shall be 1.22 m. (4 ft.).
d.
A directional sign may be illuminated.
7.6
Political Signs
a.
No political signs shall be allowed inside the traffic circle.
b.
No political signs shall be placed on municipal property except boulevards.
c.
No political signs shall be posted or displayed in a manner which interferes with motorist
visibility or represents a safety hazard to pedestrian traffic.
d.
No political signs shall be placed on private property without permission of the owner.
e.
Only small wire/place signs or large wood signs that are supported above ground (ie.
weighted) are allowed in the following areas as there are irrigation lines about 6 inches deep,
running both parallel and perpendicular to the street and access road:
(i)
8th Street meridian flower beds by the Dawson Mall and the George Dawson Inn;
(ii) Boulevards between 8th Street and the access road from 116th Avenue to 122nd
Avenue;
(iii) Kin Park / Dawson Trail Arch (turf area at beginning of Dawson Trail at 8th Street);
and
(iv) Turf area at the northeast corner of Alaska Avenue and 17th Street.
f. All political signs shall be put up no earlier than midnight on the day the election period ends
in accordance with the Local Election Campaign Financing Act Section 10(1).
g. All political signs shall be removed by the Monday immediately following general voting day.
7.7
Real Estate Signs
a.
No more than one real estate sign for each highway frontage shall be permitted on each
building, premises or parcel.
b.
Not more than four signs shall be permitted for each building, premises or parcel.
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c.
The maximum sign area per sign face in all residential zones shall be 0.6 m2 (6.45 sq. ft.). In
all other zones the maximum sign area shall be 3 m2 (32.29 sq. ft.).
d.
Real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
7.8
Window Signs
a.
Window signs are not permitted in Residential zones.
7.9
Development Signs as Fascia or Freestanding Signs
a.
No more than one development sign for each highway frontage of a parcel is permitted.
b.
Not more than four signs are permitted for each subdivision or development project.
c.
The sign area of each development sign shall not exceed 3 m2 (32.29 sq. ft.).
d.
The height of a development sign that is a freestanding sign shall not exceed 4.0 m. (13.12
ft.).
e.
Development signs shall be removed within one (1) month following the issuance of the final
occupancy permit, or in the case of a subdivision development, upon the sale of 90% of the
subdivided parcels.
7.10 Day Care Centre, Kindergarten, School and Hospital Signs
Signs containing information about a day care centre, kindergarten, school or hospital:
a.
are only permitted on parcels in the Residential and Agricultural zones;
b.
must not have a sign area that exceeds 1.0 m2 (10.5 sq. ft.); and
c.
are restricted to placement on a parcel where the activity is conducted.
7.11 Parent and Neighborhood Watch Signs
Signs containing information about parent and neighbourhood watches:
a.
are only permitted on parcels in the Residential and Agricultural zones;
b.
must not have a sign area that exceeds 0.2 m2 (2.15 sq. ft.);
c.
are restricted to placement on a parcel where the activity is conducted; and
d.
must not be illuminated.
7.12 Painted Wall Signs
a.
The sign area of a painted wall sign must comply with Section 4.13.
7.13 Sign in Conjunction with a Mural
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a.
The sign area of a sign in conjunction with a mural must comply with Section 4.13.
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7.14
Inflatable Signs
a.
When located at grade, inflatable signs shall be set back from any lot line by an amount equal
to the height of the sign when inflated.
b.
When located at grade, inflatable signs shall not be located within 3.0 m (10 ft.) of any
access/egress to or from the parcel or within 10 m (38.2 ft.) of the property line of an
intersection.
c.
An inflatable sign shall be tethered or anchored and shall be touching the surface to which it
is tethered or anchored.
d.
An inflatable sign may be illuminated by a steady light source that is directed at the Inflatable
sign and is shielded to eliminate glare when viewed by all traffic. Inflatable signs within 30.5
m (100 ft.) of a residential zone shall not be illuminated.
e.
An inflatable sign may only be animated by the movement of air through it.
f.
An inflatable sign shall not contain flashing lights or animation devices, or vary the intensity
of lighting.
g.
Only one inflatable sign is permitted for each business on a parcel.
7.15 Balloon Signs
a.
Only one balloon sign is permitted for each business on a parcel.
b.
A balloon sign shall be inflated only by inert gas or hot air.
c.
A balloon sign shall be securely anchored to a base, and that base shall be securely
anchored to the surface on which it rests.
d.
A balloon sign shall not be erected such that, if the balloon sign collapses, it will impede
vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
e.
A balloon sign may be illuminated by a steady light source that is directed at the balloon
sign and is shielded to eliminate glare when viewed by all traffic. Balloon signs within 30.5 m
(100 ft.) of a Residential zone shall not be illuminated.
f.
A balloon sign shall not contain flashing lights or animation devices, or vary the intensity of
lighting.
g.
Only one balloon sign is permitted for each business on a parcel.
7.16 Community Signs
a. A community sign may only be placed by the City.
b. A community sign may be placed in any location deemed appropriate by the City subject
to the property owner's approval and conformance with all other regulations of this bylaw.
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c. A community sign may be placed for any period deemed appropriate by the City.
d. An advertisement for a community event, notice or activity may be displayed on a
community sign for a period not exceeding thirty days.
SECTION 8 - SIGN PERMITS, FEES AND INSPECTIONS
8.1
Requirements for Permit
a.
Except as provided in Sections 7.1 - 7.15 and 8.2, no person shall erect, place, display, alter
or move a sign unless a sign permit for that purpose has been issued in relation to that sign.
8.2
Change of Sign
a.
A change of copy or color of any sign, other than a change of the name of the owner or
business, shall not require a permit.
8.3
Application for Permit
a.
Application for a sign permit shall be made by the owner of the parcel, or the owner's
authorized agent, to the Building Department of the City.
b.
Every applicant for a sign permit shall provide the following information:
(i)
the legal description and civic address of the parcel where the sign is to be located;
(ii) the name and address of the owner of the parcel;
(iii) the sign manufacturer's name and address;
(iv) a drawing of the sign to scale, showing the copy, sign area and dimensions of the
sign, and any supporting structure;
(v) the proposed location of the sign in relation to the parcel boundaries and any building
on the property;
(vi) the proposed height and clearance of the sign;
(vii) the dimensions and locations of all existing signs and buildings on the property;
(viii) structural and footing details and material specifications for the proposed sign, if
applicable; and
(ix) the applicant's business license number, when the applicant is installing the sign for
payment.
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8.4
Permit Fees
a.
Fees for permits are set out in the City of Dawson Creek Fees and Charges Bylaw as amended
or replaced from time to time.
8.5
Permit Issuance
a.
Upon compliance with all requirements of this bylaw, the Building Inspector may issue a sign
permit.
b. The Building Inspector shall not issue a sign permit where:
(i)
the proposed sign does not comply with any other applicable enactment, including
but not limited to the British Columbia Building Code;
(ii) the proposed sign is for a business that does not have a current business licence
issued by the City;
(iii) the building or structure on which the sign is to be located or attached is determined
by the Building Inspector to be incapable of supporting the sign, or the information
submitted regarding the construction of the building or structure is insufficient to
enable adequate determination of its capability to support the sign; or
(iv) in the opinion of the Building Inspector, the sign is unsightly, grotesque or offensive
in character or matter, subject to the right of the applicant to appeal to Council
whose decision on the matter shall be final.
8.6
Permit Expiry
a.
A sign permit expires if the authorized work is not commenced within six months from the
date of issuance.
8.7
Inspections
a.
An inspection is required and shall be requested for every sign which requires a sign permit
within ten (10) days of installation.
b.
Every person erecting, placing, displaying, altering, or moving a sign for which a permit is
required by this bylaw shall notify the Building Inspector at least 24 hours in advance of all
required inspections.
c.
All signs (except promotional signs) connected to an electrical energy source shall have a
provincial electrical permit, which shall be produced at the final inspection.
SECTION 9 - ENFORCEMENT
9.1
The Building Inspectors and Bylaw Enforcement Officers of the City may enter on any property at
any reasonable time for the purpose of ascertaining whether the regulations and requirements of
this Bylaw are being observed.
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9.2
Any sign unlawfully occupying a portion of a highway or public place may be removed by a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer or Building Inspector of the City. The fee set out in the City of Dawson Creek
Fees and Charges Bylaw as amended or replaced from time to time, and the costs of removal, shall
be payable for recovery of the sign. If the sign is not recovered within 30 days of removal, the City
may sell the sign at public auction, retaining the proceeds to pay the fees and costs imposed by this
section and the costs of sale.
9.3
Every owner of a parcel on which a sign is erected, placed, displayed or altered in contravention of
this Bylaw shall remove the sign upon 14 days' notice from the City, in default of which the City may
remove the sign and recover the costs incurred from the owner as a debt.
9.4
Any person designated as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to the City of Dawson Creek's
Bylaw Enforcement Notice Bylaw, as amended from time to time, or Dawson Creek's Municipal
Ticket Information Bylaw, as amended from time to time, is hereby authorized and empowered to
enforce the provisions of this Bylaw.
9.5
No person shall do any act or suffer or permit any act to be done or fail to do any act or suffer or
permit any act failed to be done in contravention of this bylaw.
9.6
No person shall obstruct or impede a Bylaw Enforcement Officer in lawful performance on any
property, at all reasonable times, in order to ascertain whether such regulations are being observed
as per the Community Charter.
9.7
Each day that an offence against this bylaw continues shall be deemed a separate and distinct
offence.
9.8
A person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw is liable to a fine of not more than $10,000
and not less than $100 for each offence.
9.9
Any penalty imposed pursuant to this bylaw shall be in addition to, and not in substitute for, any
other penalty or remedy imposed pursuant to any other applicable statue, law, or legislation.
SECTION 10 - ADMINISTRATIVE
10.1 If any provision of this bylaw is declared or held to be illegal, invalid, or ultra vires, in whole or in
part, then the provision shall not apply and the remainder of this bylaw shall continue in full force
and effect and be construed as if it had been enacted without the illegal, invalid, or ultra vires
provision.
10.2 Schedule "A", which is attached to this bylaw and forms part of this bylaw, is included to illustrate
the regulations set out in this Bylaw. In the event of a conflict between Schedule "A" and a provision
of this Bylaw, the provision of this Bylaw shall prevail.
10.3 For signs existing prior to adoption of this Bylaw, Sub-Sections 6.11.e and 6.12.h comes into effect
twelve (12) months after adoption.
10.4 Repeal and Adoption
a.
Sign Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 2512, 1986 is hereby repealed in its entirety.
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b. Sign Regulation Bylaw No. 3908, 2007 and all amendments made to it are hereby repealed in
its entirety.
READ a first time this
26th
day of
March
, 2018.
READ a second time this
26th
day of
March
, 2018.
CERTIFIED A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY of Bylaw
No. 4369 cited as "SIGN REGULATION BYLAW NO.
4369, 2018".
The Corporate Seal of THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY
OF DAWSON CREEK was affixed in the presence of:
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Brenda Ginter
Director of Corporate Administration
Dale Bumstead - Mayor
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
Brenda Ginter - Director of Corporate Administration
READ a third time this
26th
day of
March
, 2018.
RESCINDED third reading this
30th
day of
April
, 2018.
REREAD a third time as amended this
23rd
day of
July
, 2018.
ADOPTED this
20th
day of
August
, 2018.
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SCHEDULE "A"
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