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2870901 1
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER
SIGN BYLAW NO. 7867, 2017
EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 10, 2017
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
(April 17, 2026)
This is a consolidation of the bylaws listed below. The amendment bylaws have been
combined with the original 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 bylaws on this subject.
Amendment Bylaw
Effective Date
Bylaw No. 7961, 2017
November 20, 2017
Bylaw No. 8132, 2019
January 13, 2020
Bylaw No. 8182, 2020
December 14, 2020
Bylaw No. 7867, 2026
April 13, 2026
The bylaw numbers highlighted in this consolidation refer to the bylaws that amended the
principal Bylaw No. 7867, 2017. The number of any amending bylaw that has been
repealed is not referred to in this consolidation.
Obtainable from the City Clerk's Office
2870901 2
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER
BYLAW NO. 7867, 2017
A bylaw to regulate signs within the City of New Westminster.
2870901 3
Table of Contents
BYLAW NO. 8132, 2019
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER
1
SIGN BYLAW NO. 7867, 2017
1
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER
2
BYLAW NO. 7867, 2017
2
1.
TITLE AND PURPOSE
6
2.
DEFINITIONS
6
3.
APPLICATION OF THIS BYLAW
12
3.1
Application
12
3.2
This Bylaw does not apply to:
12
3.3
Compliance
12
4.
ADMINISTRATION OF THIS BYLAW
13
4.1
Authorization
13
4.2
Sign Permits
13
4.3
Application for a permit
13
4.4
Permits not issued
14
5.
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLANS
16
6.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS
17
6.1
Maintenance of Signs
17
6.2
Support Structures
17
6.3
Abandoned Signs
17
6.4
Design
17
7.
SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
18
8.
SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
19
8.1
Signs installed by the City for municipal purposes
19
8.2
Official notices
19
8.3
Heritage designation plaques
19
8.4
Information plaques
19
8.5
Decorative banners
19
8.6
Home-Based Business signs
19
8.7
Prohibition or "No trespassing" signs
19
8.8
Directional signs
19
8.9
Transit shelter signs
19
2870901 4
8.10
Courtesy bench signs
20
8.11
Directory signs
20
8.12
Landscaping signs
20
8.13
Identification signs
20
8.14 Murals
20
9.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR AWNING, CANOPY, FASCIA, UNDER-AWNING, UNDER-CANOPY,
PROJECTING AND FREESTANDING SIGNS
21
9.1
Sign Area
21
9.2
Channel Letters
21
9.3
Sign Clearance
21
9.4
Sign Illumination
22
9.5
Number of sign types
22
9.6
Digital Electronic Signs and signs with Changeable Copy
22
10.
SIGNS PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL, PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MIXED USE
ZONING DISTRICTS
24
10.1
Awning Signs
24
10.2
Canopy Signs
24
10.3
Under-Awning and Under-Canopy Signs
25
10.4
Fascia Signs
25
10.5
Projecting Signs
26
10.6
Freestanding Signs
26
10.7
Display Boxes
27
10.8
Window Signs
28
10.9
Murals
28
10.10 Service Station Signs
28
10.11 Drive-Through Signs
28
11.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
29
11.1
Restrictions
29
11.2
Banners
29
11.3
Portable Signs
29
11.4
Community Event signs
30
11.5
Realty signs
30
11.6
Election signs
31
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11.7
Development signs
31
11.8
Light Projection Signs
32
12.
SPECIAL DESIGN DISTRICTS
34
12.1 Special Design Districts
34
12.2
Sign Regulations
34
12.3
Heritage Building Sign Compliance
34
13.
INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
36
13.1
Inspections
36
13.2
Dangerous or hazardous signs
36
13.3
The Director of Engineering
36
14.
ENACTMENT
37
14.1
Severability
37
14.2
Non-Conforming Signs
37
14.3
Repeal of Previous Bylaw
37
APPENDIX A
38
COLUMBIA STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT AND TWELFTH STREET AREA DESIGN GUIDELINES
38
PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY SIGNS
38
SIGN MATERIALS
38
TYPES AND SIZES OF SIGNS
38
TYPEFACE AND COLOUR
39
METHOD OF ATTACHMENT
39
SATELLITE DISHES
39
ILLUMINATION OF SIGNS
39
2870901 6
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER BYLAW
NO. 7867, 2017
A bylaw to regulate the installation, alteration, maintenance and removal of signs,
advertisements, sign boards and structures within the City of New Westminster.
1.
TITLE AND PURPOSE
1.1
This Bylaw shall be cited for all purposes as "Sign Bylaw No. 7867, 2017".
1.2
The purpose of this Bylaw is to regulate signs in a manner that promotes public safety,
provides sufficient opportunities for a range of signs to advertise goods, services and
businesses, and protects and enhances the character and aesthetic standards of the City
and the vitality of its commercial districts
2.
DEFINITIONS
2.1
In this Bylaw:
"A-frame sign" see portable sign;
"abandoned sign" means any sign which no longer serves its intended purpose, or a sign that
remains in place after the business it is advertising has vacated, or a sign that is not
maintained as required by this Bylaw;
"anchor tenant" means the largest occupier of contiguous commercial or office floor space, or
the business that attracts the most users to the site, within a building that contains one
or more businesses;
"awning" means a detachable weather protection structure made of non-rigid material,
projecting from the wall of a building and supported entirely by a fixed or retractable
frame;
"awning sign" means any sign applied to, attached to or constructed on an awning;
"banner" means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, non-rigid material such as vinyl,
cloth, canvas or similar fabric;
"billboard" means any freestanding or fascia sign containing third party advertising;
"building" means any structure designed or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter or
protection of persons or property;
2870901 7
"business unit" means a building, or portion of a building, used for the carrying on of a
commercial or industrial activity, or providing professional or personal services for the
purpose of gain or profit. Business units may include but are not limited to retail stores,
restaurants, offices, commercial services, industrial or manufacturing;
"canopy" means a rigid, permanent hood, cover or shelter, which is supported entirely from a
building and projects beyond the building face to provide weather protection, but is not
a projecting roof;
"canopy sign" means a sign attached to, forming part of or supported by a canopy, but does not
include an under-canopy sign;
"changeable copy sign" means any sign on which sign copy can be changed manually through
the use of attachable letters, numbers or pictorial panels, also called reader-board signs;
"channel letter sign" means a sign with shaped, dimensional letters and symbols which do not
have a defined frame or border;
"City" means the Corporation of The City of New Westminster;
"clearance" means the shortest vertical distance between the lowest part of a sign and grade;
"community event sign" means a temporary sign providing information on a specific community,
arts, charitable, civic, religious or other similar event;
"comprehensive sign plan" means a coordinated plan for all of the signs on a parcel, which
specifies the size, type, design, location and number of signs proposed for a building or
group of buildings;
"courtesy bench sign" means any sign on a bench owned, leased or licensed by the City and
situated on public property, including at a transit stop, rest area, park or other public area;
"development sign" means a sign advertising a new development or the nature of a proposed
or in progress construction project on the parcel or building where the sign is located;
"digital electronic sign" means the sign copy is displayed utilizing electronic technology,
including electronic screens, televisions, computer video monitors, liquid crystal displays,
light emitting diode displays, the illumination of lamps or tubes, or any other similar
electronic technology which can be changed through remote or automatic programming;
"directional sign" means any sign which provides information regarding pedestrian, bicycle or
vehicular movement on the parcel on which the sign is located;
2870901 8
"display box" means a sign within a frame displaying and promoting goods and services provided
in the business unit, including a restaurant menu, or advertising of special promotions
and events;
"Director of Development Services" includes any person the Director of Development Services
may authorize to exercise his or her powers, or carry out his or her duties, under this
Bylaw;
"Director of Engineering" includes any person the Director of Engineering may authorize to
exercise his or her powers, or carry out his or her duties, under this Bylaw;
"directory sign" means a sign providing address information regarding the tenants or occupants
in a residential, institutional, commercial or industrial building;
"election sign" means any sign installed to support the election of a candidate or political party
at a municipal, provincial or federal level or public authority office, or providing
information related to an election, political initiative, or referendum;
"entrance" means a door or entry located on the first storey of a building used by the public or
staff to enter or exit the building or business unit, including doors used access a parking
area;
"face change" means the removal and replacement of the sign face or sign copy while retaining
the existing support structure;
"fascia sign" means a sign painted on, attached to, constructed on or recessed into the face or
wall of a building, on a plane parallel to the building wall, and may include light boxes and
channel letter signs;
"flashing" means intermittent displays or bursts of light, text or images;
"freestanding sign" means a sign, other than a billboard, which is permanently attached to the
ground and not supported by a building or other structure;
"frontage" means the length of a property line of a parcel abutting a public street, except where
a property is on a corner lot, the frontage shall be the shorter of the property lines;
"fuel island" includes the elevated concrete pump island, dispensing pumps, canopy columns,
and all other equipment and structures located beneath a fuel island canopy;
"grade" means the finished elevation of the ground surface directly below the sign;
"height" means the vertical distance from the average grade directly below the sign to the
highest point of the sign;
2870901 9
"home-based business sign" means a sign indicating that a home-based business is carried out
on the parcel where the sign is located or in the building to which the sign is affixed, and
may include a sign for a family child care or bed and breakfast operation;
"identification sign" means a sign containing only the name, logo, address and/or number of the
building;
"illuminated" means a sign which is designed to give forth artificial light, either directly from a
source of light incorporated in the sign, or indirectly by reflecting light from a source
intentionally directed upon it;
"information plaque" means a sign or plaque that conveys a message about a building, site,
historic event, person or subject of interest;
"lane" means a public thoroughfare or highway with a right-of-way which is less than 6.1 metres
in width;
"landscaping sign" means a sign made entirely of living, planted flowers, shrubs or other
vegetation, that used changes in colour and texture of the plants to represent letters,
words or logos;
"legally non-conforming sign" means a sign that was permitted, legally installed, and is
maintained but does not conform to the current Sign Bylaw;
"lifestyle graphics" means graphic images or designs that form part of a sign;
"light projection sign" means a sign created using an electronic device to project light or lasers
onto a surface;
"logo" means a symbolic representation, not including words, names or numbers unless part of
a registered trademark, which is used exclusively to identify a product, business, service
or activity, and which contains no additional identification, information or message;
"monument sign" means a freestanding sign, attached to the ground, which is supported by an
integrated, solid base at least the width of the sign;
"mural" means an artwork applied on or attached to a building wall surface;
"owner" means an owner or occupier as defined in the Community Charter, or its amendments;
"parapet" means an extension of a wall vertically above the roofline, including a mansard type
structure;
"parcel" means a lot, block or other area in which land is held or into which land has been
subdivided;
2870901 10
"parking area" means a site or portion of a site unoccupied by buildings, the surface of which is
prepared for and is used, or is intended to be used, primarily for the parking or storage of
motor vehicles;
"portable sign" means a sign that is self-supporting, easily moved, and not permanently attached
to the ground, a building, or a vehicle; which can include sandwich board or A-frame signs
with two rigid surfaces attached at one edge; or may be supported by a rigid frame with
a stable base;
"pylon sign" means a freestanding sign supported by a pole or similar structure;
"projection" means the horizontal distance from a building face to the furthest point of a sign
attached to the building;
"projecting sign" means a sign which is attached to and projects perpendicularly from the wall
of a building, that is mounted vertically on the face of a building;
"realty sign" means a temporary sign indicating that a building, business unit or parcel is for
sale, rent or lease;
"realty directional sign" means a temporary sign directing the public to a building, business unit
or parcel which is for sale, rent or lease;
"roof sign" means any sign installed above the roof line or top of a parapet of a building;
"sandwich board sign" see portable sign;
"sign" means any visual communication device or medium, including its structure, which through
sign copy, illumination, inscription or other means, attracts attention for advertising,
identification or information purposes;
"sign area" means the total area within the outer edge of the frame or border of a sign. Each
face or side of a multi-faced sign shall be included in the calculation of the sign area.
Where a sign consists of sign copy that has no frame or border, the sign area shall be
determined to be the maximum area of the sign as though the sign copy is contained
within a frame or border;
"sign copy" means the letters, characters, numbers, logos and graphics which make up the
message on a sign, but does not include the background colour;
"sign copy area" means the area within square, rectangle, triangle, circle or combination of these
or other figures which encloses all of the sign copy;
"sign face" means a side of a sign where sign copy may be placed;
2870901 11
"street" means a public thoroughfare or highway with a right-of-way which is 6.1 metres in width
or greater;
"support structure" means the frame and attachments used to affix a sign to a building or
surface;
"temporary sign" means a sign installed for a limited period of time as authorized by this Bylaw;
"third party sign" means any sign displaying advertising content which directs attention to a
business, commodity, service or entertainment which is conducted, sold or offered
elsewhere than on the parcel on which the sign is located;
"third party directional sign" means a sign located on public or private property which contains
the name of a business or a group of business located elsewhere than on the parcel on
which the sign is located and contains information on the location of the businesses, and
includes such signs held or carried by people;
"transit shelter sign" means a sign on a structure intended to shelter public transit patrons and
adjoining a bus stop in ordinary use by buses operated by a public transit authority;
"under-awning sign" means any sign located entirely beneath and attached to or suspended
from an awning;
"under-canopy sign" means any sign located entirely beneath and attached to or suspended
from a canopy;
"vehicle sign" means a sign attached to, painted on or mounted on a parked vehicle or trailer in
a location not normally used in the daily activity of the business, with the sign visible from
a public location so as to act as a sign for the advertisement of products or direction to a
business or activity;
"window sign" means any sign applied, etched or attached to or installed on a window or glazed
area of a door for the purpose of viewing from outside the building, but does not include
the display of merchandise located in a window;
"zoning district" means a district as identified in the Zoning Bylaw of the City of New
Westminster.
2.2
Where a word or term is not defined in this Bylaw, it shall have the meaning assigned by
the Zoning Bylaw.
2.3
Any reference in this Bylaw to another Bylaw or provincial legislation is a reference to the
bylaw or legislation, as amended or replaced from time to time.
2870901 12
3.
APPLICATION OF THIS BYLAW
3.1
Application
This Bylaw applies to all signs on private property within the boundaries of the City of
New Westminster, including signs which encroach on or over public land, including public
streets and lanes.
3.2
This Bylaw does not apply to:
3.2.1 Traffic control devices pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia; or
3.2.2 Signs installed or authorized by the Director of Engineering for the control of
traffic, pedestrian and cycling movement and parking, for street names and for
directions, or signs regulated by the Street and Traffic Bylaw; or
3.2.3 Signs located wholly within the interior of a building and not visible or intended
to be visible from any street or any parcel other than the one in which the signs
are located; or
3.2.4 Seasonal or holiday decorations that do not function as signs.
3.3
Compliance
No sign shall be installed, altered or moved within the City except in compliance with the
provisions of this Bylaw.
2870901 13
4.
ADMINISTRATION OF THIS BYLAW
4.1
Authorization
The Director of Development Services is authorized to receive and process applications,
and shall issue a sign permit if the signs proposed in an application comply with all
provisions of this Bylaw, and any other applicable bylaws or regulations.
4.2
Sign Permits
4.2.1 No person shall place, install, or relocate any sign, or alter a sign, change the
supporting structure of a sign, or change the sign copy of a sign without a sign
permit issued by the City, except in the case of a sign specifically indicated in this
Bylaw as being allowed without a permit;
4.2.2 The following signs do not require sign permits:
4.2.2.1 signs described in section 8, sub-sections 8.1 to 8.12 and 8.14;
4.2.2.2 signs described in section 10, sub-sections 10.7, 10.8, 10.9 and 10.10.3;
and
4.2.2.3 signs described in section 11, sub-sections 11.2 to 11.6; or
4.2.2.4 face changes on existing signs that were permitted, legally installed, and
are maintained.
4.2.3 Normal painting, repair or maintenance of a sign does not require a permit.
4.3
Application for a permit
Every application for a sign permit, shall include a completed application form signed by
the owner of the parcel, building or business unit, or by the authorized agent of the
owner, and shall include:
4.3.1 the required fee as set out in the Development Services Fees Bylaw No. 7683,
2014;
4.3.2 the names and addresses of the sign manufacturer and person responsible for the
installation of the sign, including proof of commercial general liability insurance
satisfactory to the City and, where applicable, names of electrical contractors
authorized by the BC Safety Authority;
4.3.3 the civic address and legal description of the parcel and business unit on which
the signs are proposed;
2870901 14
4.3.4 a site plan of the property showing the street frontage, other streets and lanes,
property lines or buildings, and including the location and scale of all existing and
proposed signs and the location and extent of any encroachment of the sign onto
public property;
4.3.5 scaled design drawings showing each elevation of the building with existing and
proposed signs, including the proposed location, metric dimensions, sign area,
sign copy, height, projection, clearance, weight, materials, finishes, colours and
method of illumination where applicable;
4.3.6 drawings identifying the building material and the attachment hardware and
required reinforcements; and
4.3.7 Except as permitted in 4.3.8., the installation of a sign requires a letter of
assurance and drawings from a professional engineer qualified and in good
standing in the Province of British Columbia certifying the structural safety of the
sign.
4.3.8. Except as required by the Chief Building Official, the following signs are exempted
from the requirements of section 4.3.7:
4.3.8.1 All under-awning and under-canopy signs; or
4.3.8.2 Fascia signs, awning signs, canopy signs, and projecting signs below 25kg
in weight;
4.3.8.3 Freestanding signs lower than 2.2 meters in height;
4.3.8.4 Development signs smaller than 3.0 square metres; or
4.3.8.4 Any other sign at the discretion the Chief Building Official.
4.4
Permits not issued
The Director of Development Services shall not issue a permit where:
4.4.1 the application is incomplete; or
4.4.2 the proposed sign does not comply with all provisions of this Bylaw; or
4.4.3 the proposed sign does not comply with all other applicable bylaws or statutes,
including the British Columbia Building Code and the Canadian Electrical Code; or
4.4.4 the proposed sign is for a business that does not have a Building Permit issued by
the City; or
2870901 15
4.4.5 the building or structure on which the sign is to be located or attached is
determined 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
4.4.6 the sign or support structure could cause damage to historic materials on a
protected heritage building.
4.5
For a Sign Permit issued prior to the business obtaining a current Business License, the
sign shall be covered or otherwise hidden from view, such that the sign copy is not visible,
until a Business License is issued by the City.
4.6
A sign permit shall expire if active work is not commenced within 90 days of the issuance
of the permit.
4.7
Upon completion of the sign installation, the engineer or firm responsible shall deposit
with the Director of Development Services, a letter of assurance stating that the sign has
been installed and inspected under their supervision and that the work has been
completed in accordance with the permitted plans, except for signs exempted under
section 4.3.8 from the requirements of section 4.3.7.
4.8
If any portion of a proposed sign would encroach on or over a public property including a
public street or lane, the owner shall be required to enter into an encroachment
agreement with the City which will set out the terms and conditions of the encroachment.
2870901 16
5.
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLANS
5.1
Comprehensive sign plans are used to coordinate the number and the type of signs, as
well as the design, colour scheme, shapes, illumination, locations and proposed for a
building or a group of buildings.
5.2
Comprehensive sign plans are required for any new development with one or more
business units and shall be submitted as a component of a development permit
application.
5.3
Where awning signs are proposed in a comprehensive sign plan, the awnings themselves
must be included in the development permit submission.
2870901 17
6.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS
The following General Regulations apply to all signs:
6.1
Maintenance of Signs
6.1.1 All signs shall be maintained in a safe and structurally sound condition and free
from all hazards;
6.1.2 Signs and all supporting structures shall not pose a risk to City property; and
6.1.3 All sign area, sign copy and illumination shall be maintained in clean, operational
and legible condition.
6.2
Support Structures
6.2.1 All supporting structures and stands shall be constructed of high quality materials
and be designed to complement the type, size, finish and design of the sign.
6.2.2 All sign support structures shall be maintained in clean and operational condition.
6.2.3 All wires, cables and electrical connections shall be screened from view.
6.3
Abandoned Signs
If a sign becomes an abandoned sign, the owner of the parcel, building or business unit
on which the sign is located shall remove the sign and any support structure within 30
days of being abandoned. Signs deemed to be historic by the Director of Development
Services may be permitted to remain in place.
6.4
Design
6.4.1 Signs shall be designed to integrate with the architectural style and detail of the
building; and
6.4.2 Where there is more than one sign on a building or property, all signs shall be
consistent and compatible in height, character and design; and
6.4.3 Signs shall not contain profane or derogatory language or images.
2870901 18
7.
SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
7.1
Signs that are not expressly permitted by this Bylaw are prohibited.
Without limiting section 7.1, the following signs are expressly prohibited in all zoning
districts:
7.2
Animated signs, or any sign which includes action, motion, rotation, flashing lights or
changes of colour of all or any part of the sign, other than a digital electronic sign, an
electronic clock, calendar or thermometer;
7.3
Balloon or inflatable signs;
7.4
Billboards, except for billboards located on City owned property;
7.5
Flag signs, or self-supporting, easily moved, sign made of cloth or other non-rigid
material, supported by a cross base or ground stakes and a pole;
7.6
Flashing signs;
7.7
Portable changeable copy signs;
7.8
Roof signs;
7.9
Temporary signs tacked, posted or otherwise affixed to any structure, tree, pole, fence
or other surface, except for signs specifically allowed under Section 11;
7.10
Vehicle Signs;
7.11
Any sign which resembles or imitates an official notice or a traffic control device as
referred to in the Motor Vehicle Act of British Columbia;
7.12
Any sign which interferes with the safe use of the street by vehicles, pedestrian traffic or
cyclists, or impedes traffic or interferes with the use or visibility of a traffic control device
or other equipment installed by the City or by a utility company;
7.13
Any sign which obstructs any window, door opening, passageway, fire escape, exit,
walkway, street, lane, sidewalk or similar feature;
7.14
Any sign which emits sound or odour; and
7.15
Third party signs, except for transit shelter signs, courtesy bench signs, realty directional
signs, or billboards located on City property.
2870901 19
8.
SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
The following signs are permitted in all zoning districts where the associated land use is
permitted, provided they comply with all regulations of this Bylaw.
8.1
Signs installed by the City for municipal purposes;
8.2
Official notices issued by the Government of Canada, the Government of British
Columbia, the City or by a court;
8.3
Heritage designation plaques, memorial plaques and cornerstones;
8.4
Information plaques provided they do not exceed a maximum sign area of 1.5 square
metres, 20 percent of which may be used to identify any sponsoring organization;
8.5
Decorative banners and seasonal decorations installed on streetlights authorized by the
Director of Engineering;
8.6
Home-Based Business signs provided that a maximum of one fascia sign, freestanding
sign or window sign may be installed for each home-based business operation, provided
that:
8.6.1 the sign is not illuminated;
8.6.2 a fascia sign or window sign shall not exceed 0.4 square metres in sign area; and
8.6.3 a freestanding sign shall not exceed 0.4 square metres in sign area or a height of
1.5 metres.
8.7
Prohibition or "No trespassing" signs or signs which provides a warning, or conveys a
prohibition or penalty respecting the parcel on which the sign is placed, or signs advising
that the property is provided with a security system, provided they are not illuminated
and do not exceed 0.5 square metres in sign area;
8.8
Directional signs as freestanding or fascia signs in a parking area provided that:
8.8.1 there shall be a maximum of two directional signs per entrance or exit; and
8.8.2 directional signs shall not exceed 0.5 square metres in sign area.
8.9
Transit shelter signs provided that:
8.9.1 there shall be a maximum of two sign faces placed at only one end of the transit
shelter; and
8.9.2 the total sign area shall not exceed 5.0 square metres.
2870901 20
8.10
Courtesy bench signs provided that the sign area shall not exceed 1.5 square metres;
8.11
Directory signs, to a maximum of one per building which does not exceed a sign area of
0.65 square metres per building or a sign area of 0.2 square meters per business unit.
8.12
Landscaping signs, provided that the sign area shall not exceed 14 square metres.
8.13
Identification signs as fascia or freestanding signs provided that:
8.13.1 there is a maximum of one identification sign per building which does not exceed
a sign area of 1.0 square metres;
8.13.2 for any place of worship, identification signs shall be permitted provided that:
8.13.2.1 the maximum sign area for fascia or freestanding signs shall not
exceed 5.0 square metres, or for awning, canopy or projecting signs
shall not exceed 2.0 square metres;
8.13.2.2 the signs may be Digital Electronic Signs and may contain changeable
copy, sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2 notwithstanding;
8.13.2.3 not more than one sign shall be permitted per street frontage; and
8.13.2.4 freestanding signs shall only be allowed as monument signs which
shall not exceed a height of 2.2 metres.
8.13.3 Identification signs for any multi-unit residential buildings shall be permitted as
fascia, canopy, awning, projecting or freestanding signs provided that:
8.13.3.1 the maximum sign area shall not exceed 1.0 square metre;
8.13.3.2 the signs may not be Digital Electronic Signs or contain changeable copy;
8.13.3.3 not more than one sign shall be permitted per street frontage; and
8.13.3.4
freestanding signs shall only be allowed as monument signs which
shall not exceed a height of 1.5 metres.
8.14 Murals provided that not more than 10 percent of the copy area is for advertising, in
which case the advertising sign area will be considered a fascia sign as permitted under
section 10.4.
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9.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR AWNING, CANOPY, FASCIA, UNDER-AWNING,
UNDER-CANOPY, PROJECTING AND FREESTANDING SIGNS
9.1
Sign Area
The maximum sign area of any combination of awning signs, canopy signs and fascia
signs shall not exceed 1.0 square metre of sign area for each 1.0 linear metre of building
wall to a maximum sign area of 14.0 square metres, except in the C-10 Large Format
Commercial District to a maximum of 37.2 square meters.
9.2
Channel Letters
The maximum area for channel letter signs will be calculated as 50% of the maximum
permitted sign area provided from Part 9.1, to a maximum of 7.0 square metres, except
in the C-10 Large Format Commercial District to a maximum of 18.6 square meters.
9.3
Sign Clearance
The minimum clearance for any awning sign, canopy sign, fascia sign, under-awning and
under-canopy sign, projecting sign, or freestanding sign projecting over a street,
sidewalk or other pedestrian, cycling or vehicular area shall be 2.5 metres, with the
following exceptions:
9.3.1 Signs over any parking area or driveway shall have a minimum clearance of 4.5
metres;
9.3.2 Fascia signs which do not project more than 0.1 metres from a building shall not
be subject to a minimum clearance requirement;
9.3.3 Freestanding signs located entirely in a landscaped area shall not be subject to a
minimum clearance requirement, except where any portion of the sign is located
within 4.57 metres of the corner of a site at the intersection of streets
freestanding signs shall not block or interfere with visibility of pedestrians or
traffic from a point 0.92 metres to a point 1.83 metres above the ground;
9.3.4 Monument signs shall not be subject to a minimum clearance requirement; or
9.3.5 Awning signs, canopy signs, fascia signs, under-awning and under-canopy signs
and projecting signs may have a minimum clearance of 2.0 metres if one or
more of the following conditions exists:
9.3.5.1 Where a sign meets the 2.5 metre clearance requirement on the
lower slope but not on the upper slope of a steeply sloping site;
2870901 22
9.3.5.2 Where a canopy, awning or architectural feature of the building
restricts the height at which a sign can be placed;
9.3.5.3 Where reducing the clearance allows for consistent and
compatible height, character and design of all signs across on the
building, business unit or parcel, consistent with section 6.4.
Where reducing the clearance allows for consistent and compatible height, character and design
of all signs across on the building, business unit or parcel, consistent with section 6.4.
9.4
Sign Illumination
9.4.1 Signs may be directly or indirectly illuminated, and
9.4.2 Any illuminated sign shall be designed in such a manner that it does not create
direct glare on any surrounding property, street or lane and that it complies with
the Light Intrusion Bylaw 7277, 2008.
9.5
Number of sign types
A building or business unit in a Commercial or Industrial Zoning District is allowed a
maximum of two of the following sign types per street frontage: awning sign, canopy
sign, fascia sign, under-awning sign, under-canopy sign, projecting sign or freestanding
sign.
9.6
Digital Electronic Signs and signs with Changeable Copy
Digital Electronic signs or signs containing Changeable Copy shall be permitted provided
that:
9.6.1 The sign is located in a Commercial, Industrial or a P-1, P-2 and P-3 Institutional
zoning district;
9.6.2 in Commercial zoning districts, excluding Commercial Service, Commercial
parking and C-10 Large Format Commercial, a digital electronic sign or sign
containing Changeable Copy shall be only be installed as a window sign, display
box, service station sign or drive-through sign;
9.6.3 The sign is not an awning sign;
9.6.4 The sign area of Digital Electronic signs or signs containing Changeable Copy is
limited to 50% of the maximum allowed sign area;
9.6.5 A freestanding digital electronic signs with sign copy area exceeding 5.0 square
meters shall not be located closer than 20 meters to a street; and
2870901 23
9.6.6 Digital Electronic signs shall not contain flashing or continually moving lettering
or images, and the display shall not change more frequently than once every six
seconds.
2870901 24
10.
SIGNS PERMITTED IN COMMERCIAL, PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL,
INDUSTRIAL AND MIXED USE ZONING DISTRICTS
In addition to the signs described in Part 8, the signs described in Part 10 are permitted
in Commercial, Industrial, Public and Institutional zoning districts and in applicable Mixed
Use and Comprehensive Development zoning districts.
10.1
Awning Signs
Awning Signs shall be permitted on the front and sides of awnings provided that:
10.1.1 a maximum of one awning sign is provided per entrance to a building or business
unit;
10.1.2 the awning sign shall not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of the
awning, except that where more than one sign is permitted, the signs may extend
along each awning face to meet at the corner of the awning common to both
signs;
10.1.3 the awning sign shall not project more than 0.3 metres beyond the awning face
and shall not project within 0.6 metres of any curb line; and
10.1.4 the maximum sign copy area of the awning sign shall be 40 percent of the area of
the awning, and shall not exceed a maximum of 1.0 metre in vertical dimension.
10.2
Canopy Signs
Canopy signs shall be permitted on the front, sides and top of canopies provided that:
10.2.1 a maximum of one canopy sign is provided per entrance to a building or business
unit;
10.2.2 the canopy sign shall not project more than 0.3 metres beyond the apron or face
of the canopy and shall not project within 0.6 metres of any curb line;
10.2.3 the copy area of the canopy sign has a vertical dimension not exceeding 2.0
metres for theatres and cinemas and not exceeding 1.0 metre for all other uses;
10.2.4 the canopy sign shall not extend more than 0.6 metres below the lowest portion
of the canopy apron or face; and
10.2.5 the canopy sign shall not extend horizontally beyond the limits of the canopy
except that where more than one sign is permitted, the signs may extend along
each building face to meet at the corner of the canopy common to both signs.
2870901 25
Where the canopy has more than one face, the sign may be extended horizontally
around the perimeter of the canopy.
10.3
Under-Awning and Under-Canopy Signs
Under-Awning Signs and Under-Canopy Signs shall be permitted provided that:
10.3.1 the under-awning sign and under-canopy sign are attached to awnings and
canopies that extend over the entrance to a building or business unit;
10.3.2 a maximum of one under-awning or under-canopy sign is provided per entrance
to a building or business unit;
10.3.3 the sign area shall not exceed 1.0 square metres;
10.3.4 the vertical dimension of the sign shall not exceed 0.5 metres;
10.3.5 an under-awning and under-canopy signs may be attached to the under-side of
an awning or canopy perpendicular to or parallel with the wall to which the
awning or canopy is attached, but shall not extend horizontally beyond the limits
of the awning or canopy; and
10.3.6 the distance between the top of an under-awning and under-canopy sign and the
lowest portion of the awning or canopy to which the sign is affixed shall not
exceed 0.3 metres.
10.4
Fascia Signs
Fascia Signs shall be permitted on the exterior walls of a building provided that:
10.4.1 not more than one fascia sign shall be permitted for each street fronting wall of
a building or business unit, except:
10.4.1.1 in the C-10 Large Format Commercial District where one fascia sign is
permitted for each building wall; or
10.4.1.2 where there is an anchor tenant, one sign advertising the anchor tenant
per street fronting wall of a building is permitted in addition to other fascia signs;
10.4.2 where fascia signs are interrupted by columns or other architectural features of
the building, they may be divided into two or more parts that extend horizontally
along the face of the building, and the width of the column will be included as part
of the sign in the calculation of sign area;
10.4.3 a fascia sign shall not project more than 0.3 metres from the face of the building
to which it is attached;
2870901 26
10.4.4 a fascia sign shall not extend horizontally beyond the limits of the building face to
which it is attached, except where more than one sign is permitted the signs may
be extended horizontally along each street frontage to meet at the corner of the
building common to both signs; and
10.4.5 a fascia sign shall not extend above the limit of the roofline of a building, or the
uppermost portion of a building storey used for commercial purposes where
residential uses are located above.
10.5
Projecting Signs
Projecting signs constructed of rigid or fabric material shall be permitted provided that:
10.5.1 a maximum of one projecting sign per ground floor business unit;
10.5.2 the total sign area of a projecting sign shall not exceed 2.8 square metres;
10.5.3 a projecting sign shall be attached perpendicularly to the face of the building;
10.5.4 a projecting sign shall be located below the floor of the second storey;
10.5.5 a projecting sign shall be mounted not more than 0.3 metres from the exterior
face of the building;
10.5.6 a projecting sign shall project not more than 1.5 metres from the building wall;
10.5.7 a projecting sign shall not extend to within 0.6 metres from the curb line;
10.5.8 Where a projecting sign is located at the intersecting street frontages of a corner
lot, it may be placed at equal angles to the two street frontages; and
10.5.9 a projecting sign shall not extend above the parapet or roofline of the building to
which it is attached.
10.6
Freestanding Signs
Freestanding signs shall be permitted provided that:
10.6.1 the freestanding sign shall be located entirely within the parcel to which it
pertains and no part of the sign shall project or extend beyond the boundaries of
the parcel;
10.6.2 a freestanding sign shall not be located within 1.5 metres of a building;
10.6.3 a freestanding sign may have sign copy on up to two sign faces;
2870901 27
10.6.4 a freestanding sign in Industrial, Commercial Service, Commercial Parking and C-
10 Large Format Commercial zoning districts shall be either pylon or monument
signs; shall be a maximum height of the lesser of the height of the principal
building located on the parcel, or 6.0 metres; and shall have a sign area of not
more than 15 square metres for each sign face;
10.6.5 a freestanding sign in other Commercial and Public and Institutional zoning
districts shall be a monument sign only and shall not exceed a height of 2.2
metres, and shall not have a sign area greater than 2.0 square metres for each
sign face;
10.6.6 not more than one freestanding sign shall be permitted for each street frontage
of a parcel, except that one additional freestanding sign shall be permitted where
the street frontage exceeds 50 metres provided no freestanding sign shall be
located within 25 metres of another freestanding sign on the same parcel;
10.6.7 two or more businesses on a parcel may combine their signs on one freestanding
sign provided the sign area, height and other provisions of this Bylaw are
maintained; and
10.6.8 a freestanding sign above a height of 2.2 metres shall include a landscaped planter
at the base of the freestanding sign, which shall be at least the size of the sign
area, except that the area of the required landscape planter may be reduced by a
maximum of 50% if otherwise meeting the size requirement would prevent
meeting the minimum parking requirements as specified in the Zoning Bylaw.
10.7
Display Boxes
Display boxes shall be permitted provided that:
10.7.1 the Display box is permanently affixed to the building, or incorporated into a
fence or barrier that is part of an outdoor patio or sidewalk café;
10.7.2 the sign area of the display box shall not exceed 0.6 square metres;
10.7.3 a maximum of one display box shall be permitted for each entrance to a building
or business unit; and
10.7.4 two or more businesses in a building may combine their signs in one display box
provided the sign area, height and other provisions of this Bylaw are maintained.
2870901 28
10.8
Window Signs
Window Signs are permitted, provided that the total area of the signs, including all sign
copy, logos, lifestyle graphics, images and decorative boarders shall not exceed 20
percent of the area of windows and glazed areas of doors along street frontages of a
building or business unit.
10.9
Murals
Murals are permitted on walls of buildings provided that not more than 10 percent of the
mural is used for advertising copy area.
10.10 Service Station Signs
Service station signs are permitted on fuel island canopies, fuel islands, and as
freestanding signs and as directional signs at service stations provided that:
10.10.1 A maximum of one sign identifying the name and logo of the company is
permitted on each face of a canopy over service station pumps provided that the
sign shall be a maximum of 20 percent of the length of the canopy and the sign
copy shall be a maximum vertical dimension of 0.6 metres; and
10.10.2 A maximum of one freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage, subject to
the sign area, height and other requirements of section 10.6 of this Bylaw,
notwithstanding section 10.6.4; and
10.10.3 Directional signs and advertising for products and promotions available on site
may only be installed on the fuel island and must be located wholly under the fuel
island canopy
10.11 Drive-Through Signs
Drive-through signs, including business information, logos, menu boards and ordering
systems, are permitted on parcels containing drive-through restaurants as freestanding
or fascia signs, provided that:
10.11.1 a maximum of two drive-through signs shall be permitted per drive-through aisle;
10.11.2 the sign area for each drive-through sign shall not exceed 2.0 metres;
10.11.3 a maximum height shall be 2.2 metres for freestanding signs; and
10.11.4 despite section 9.6.4, drive-through signs may be digital electronic signs where
the copy area may be up to 100 percent of the sign area.
2870901 29
11.
TEMPORARY SIGNS
The temporary signs described in Part 11 are permitted in all zoning districts, or in the
zoning districts listed, where the associated land use is permitted, provided they comply
with all regulations of this Bylaw.
11.1
Restrictions
11.1.1 No temporary sign shall be illuminated, a digital electronic sign, or shall be a
changeable copy sign, with the exception of development signs according to section
11.7.7 and light projections signs according to section 11.8; and
11.1.2 Temporary signs are permitted in addition to any signs types identified in Sections
8, 9 and 10, unless otherwise stated in the specific regulations for that sign type.
11.2
Banners
Banners shall be permitted:
11.2.1 as a temporary sign in place of a fascia, canopy or awning sign for new business
for a maximum of 60 consecutive days from the date of the issuance of the
business licence for the business unit pending the installation of permanent signs;
11.2.2 as advertising for a sale, special promotion, change of management or similar
event to a maximum of one banner for each building or business unit, for a
maximum of 30 consecutive days per banner, and a maximum of one banner per
calendar year; or
11.2.3 provided that the maximum sign area of banner signs shall not exceed 1.0 square
metre of sign area for each 1.0 linear metre of building wall to a maximum sign
area of 14.0 square metres.
11.3
Portable Signs
Portable signs shall be permitted provided that:
11.3.1 a maximum of one portable sign shall be permitted per business unit;
11.3.2 a portable sign shall not exceed a height of 0.9 metres or a width of 0.6 metres;
11.3.3 the copy area of a portable sign shall not exceed 50 percent of the sign area;
11.3.4 a portable sign shall be located at street grade directly in front of the building or
business unit, and shall be located so that a minimum continuous 2.0 metre wide
clear pedestrian area on sidewalks is maintained;
2870901 30
11.3.5 a portable sign shall be located on private property where possible. Where the
front yard setback of the building is less than 1.0 metre, the sign may encroach
onto city sidewalks provided that there is a space no greater than 0.1 metre
between the portable sign and the building;
11.3.6 a portable sign shall be displayed only during the operating hours of the business;
11.3.7 a portable sign shall not be located in any parking area or landscaping area and
shall not block or impede access to a building;
11.3.8 a portable sign shall not be attached to utilities or amenities including benches,
bicycle racks, utility poles and streetlights, other signs, trees or planters, transit
stops, waste receptacles or parking meters;
11.3.9 a portable sign shall be set back a minimum of 2 metres from electrical kiosks, fire
hydrants and driveways and 8 metres from intersections; and
11.3.10 a portable sign shall be constructed of good quality, durable materials of a weight
and construction to prevent the sign from being blown over by wind or passing
traffic, and shall be maintained in a high standard of design and finish.
11.4
Community Event signs
Community Event signs are permitted as temporary banners, portable signs or on a
frame provided that:
11.4.1 the sign area shall not exceed 6.0 square metres;
11.4.2 the Community Event sign is installed for a maximum of 30 days and shall be
removed no later than 48 hours following the event; and
11.4.3 If the City installs a permanent freestanding sign frame on City-owned property,
temporary Community Event signs can be installed provided they do not exceed
a sign area of 3.0 square metres, and are posted for a maximum of 30 days.
11.5
Realty signs
Realty signs shall be permitted provided that:
11.5.1 there is a maximum of one realty sign per street frontage of the parcel, building
or business unit for sale, lease or rent;
11.5.2 the sign area shall not exceed 1.0 square metre in all residential zoning districts
and 3.0 square metres in other zoning districts; and
2870901 31
11.5.3 a realty directional sign up to 1.0 square metre is permitted for up to one day
during an open house or similar sales event.
11.6
Election signs
Election signs shall be permitted provided that:
11.6.1 the election sign is installed during the period commencing on the first day of the
campaign period and removed within fourteen (14) days after general election
day;
11.6.2 the election sign may have up to two sides, and each side of the sign may not
exceed 0.61m by 0.61m.
11.6.3 they are not placed on City property including parks, civic facilities, buildings,
streets and lanes including landscaped medians and boulevards, lanes and
sidewalks, or attached to utility poles and streetlights, transit stops, waste
receptacles, parking meters, trees or planters, or other sign posts;
11.6.4 they are placed on private property only with the consent of the owner of the
parcel, building or business unit; and
11.6.5 they comply with all other provisions of this Bylaw regarding sight lines and
pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular safety.
11.6.6 any window sign must comply with sections 7.13 and 10.8 of this bylaw.
11.6.7 election signs are subject to section 7.10 of this bylaw.
11.7
Development signs
Development signs including the name, nature and details of the development, the names
of the developer, contractors, architects and consultants; logo identifying the project and
lifestyle graphics, shall be permitted for projects with current development applications
or which have been approved by the City, provided that:
11.7.1 for residentially zoned properties only, a minimum of five units are contained within
the project at which the development sign is placed;
11.7.2 not more than one development sign shall be allowed for each street frontage,
to a maximum of two signs;
11.7.3 a development sign may be installed on a wall, frame or affixed to hoarding or
perimeter fences;
2870901 32
11.7.4 a development sign attached to construction or perimeter fencing of a project
shall be on securely attached, rigid hoarding panels, not on mesh or fabric;
11.7.5 a development sign shall not exceed a sign area per street frontage of:
11.7.5.1 3.0 square metres, with a maximum height of 2.2 metres, in one and two
unit residential zoning districts;
11.7.5.2 14.0 square metres, with a maximum height of 4.0 metres, on a wall or
frame, in all other zones; or
11.7.5.3 28.0 square metres, with a maximum height of 2.5 metres in other zones,
as hoarding or affixed to perimeter or construction fencing, in all other
zones;
11.7.6 development signs shall be removed not more than 30 days following the receipt
of an Building Permit final inspection for the project;
11.7.7 an illuminated development sign shall be designed in such a manner that it does
not create direct glare on any surrounding property, street or lane and that it
complies with the Light Intrusion Bylaw 7277, 2008; and
11.7.8 rezoning application information signs, as required by the City's Planning Division
do not require sign permits, provided they are installed according to the guidance
in the Development Approval Procedures Bylaw 5658, 1998.
11.8
Light Projection Signs
Light projection signs shall be permitted provided that:
11.8.1 the light projection signs shall not exceed 1.0 square metre of sign area for each
1.0 linear metre of building wall to a maximum sign area of 14.0 square metres;
11.8.2 a light projection sign may be projected for a maximum of 30 days per year
11.8.3 a business unit may have a maximum of one light projection sign per calendar
year;
11.8.4 a light projection sign may be projected upon a building's street fronting wall,
side wall or in a parking area, but not on any other surface;
11.8.5 a light projection sign shall be designed in such a manner that it does not create
direct glare on any surrounding property, street or lane and that it complies with
the Light Intrusion Bylaw 7277, 2008;
2870901 33
11.8.6. the light projection sign is not projected onto a residential zoned property;
11.8.7 a light projection sign must be displayed on the parcel or building where the
business is located, however associated light projection equipment may be
installed on another property, with the permission from the property owner, and
11.8.8 a light projection sign may be projected upon city streets or sidewalks, or
associated projecting equipment may be installed upon city streets and sidewalks,
with permission from the Director of Engineering.
2870901 34
12.
SPECIAL DESIGN DISTRICTS
12.1 Special Design Districts
Special Design Districts include the Columbia Street Historic Area and Twelfth Street Area,
the design guidelines for which are attached as Appendix A. Special Design Districts do
not apply to buildings that are used exclusively for residential purposes, and are specific
to the following properties:
12.1.1 Columbia Street Historic District: Properties fronting on Columbia Street between
Fourth Street and Eighth Street;
12.1.2 Twelfth Street Area: Properties fronting on Twelfth Street between Royal Avenue
and Tenth Avenue; and
12.1.3. Any protected heritage property or any building on the Heritage Register.
12.2
Sign Regulations
Signs shall be designed in accordance with Columbia Street Historic Area and Twelfth
Street Area Design Guidelines attached as Appendix A to and forming part of this Bylaw.
All provisions of this Bylaw shall apply, except where varied by the more specific
provisions contained in this section:
12.2.1 the vertical dimensions of awning or canopy signs shall not exceed 0.3 metres.
One logo or identifying symbol is permitted on the sloping portion of the awning
with the total sign area including the logo not exceeding 10 percent of the total
awning area;
12.2.2 fascia signs shall be located between the first and second floor or on the bulkhead,
and shall not exceed a vertical dimension of 0.6 metres or a length of 90 percent
of the width of the building;
12.2.3 window signs with heritage character painted or etched on glass, shall be
excluded from the calculation of allowable sign area;
12.2.4 freestanding signs are not permitted in the Columbia Street Historic District; and
12.2.5 digital electronic signs are not permitted in the Columbia Street Historic District.
12.3
Heritage Building Sign Compliance
Where adherence to any provision or regulation of this Bylaw could cause damage to or
otherwise affect the historic materials or detract from heritage value of any building
located in a Special Design District, or a building listed on the Heritage Register, then an
alternative design solution may be approved by the Director of Development Services,
2870901 35
should it be deemed to fulfil the original intent of the Bylaw. All provisions of Sign Bylaw
7867, 2017 shall apply, except that:
12.3.1. The installation of a sign that would cause damage to or otherwise affect the
historic materials or detract from heritage value of any building is not permitted;
12.3.2. In the case of 12.3.1, alternate solutions may be approved by the Director of
Development Services, should they be deemed to fulfill the original intent of Sign
Bylaw 7867, 2017 and;
12.3.3 If in substantial compliance with Sign Bylaw 7867, 2017, a sign is not considered
an alteration subject to the review of the Community Heritage Commission.
2870901 36
13.
INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
13.1
Inspections
The Director of Development Services may, in the administration of this Bylaw, enter any
parcel, building or business unit at any reasonable hour to inspect any sign and to
determine compliance with the provisions of this Bylaw.
13.2
Dangerous or hazardous signs
The Director of Development Services may:
13.2.1 Order the cessation of work that is proceeding without the required permit or in
contravention of any provision of this Bylaw;
13.2.2 Order the correction of any work which is being, or has been improperly done
under permit or is done in contravention of a permit issued;
13.2.3 Revoke a permit where there is a violation of any terms and conditions of the
permit;
13.2.4 Give written notice to the owner to clean, repair, maintain, repaint, alter or
remove of a sign which has become damaged, soiled, dilapidated or unsightly;
13.2.5 Give written notice to the owner to repair or remove any sign that poses a danger
to property or a hazard to public safety; and
13.2.6 Give verbal notice to an owner to remove any sign that poses an immediate hazard
to public property or public safety. If the owner does not take the required action,
the Director of Development Services may remove the sign and charge any
associated costs back to the property owner.
13.3
The Director of Engineering may remove any sign placed on public property without the
required permit or permission of the City.
13.4
Any person who violates, or causes or allows to be violated, any provision of this Bylaw,
fails to comply with an order, direction or notice given under this Bylaw or obstructs or
seeks to obstruct the entry of a person authorized to carry out inspections under this
Bylaw commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $2,000.
Each day that such violation is caused or allowed to continue shall constitute a separate
offence.
2870901 37
14.
ENACTMENT
14.1
Severability
If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Bylaw is for any reason held to be invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, the section, sub-subsection, clause or phrase will
be deemed to be severed and the remainder of the Bylaw shall continue in full force and
effect, and be construed as if the Bylaw had been adopted without the section,
subsection, clause or phrase deemed severed.
14.2
Non-Conforming Signs
Any sign which lawfully exists at the time of the adoption of this Bylaw, which does not
conform with the provisions of this Bylaw, may continue to be used provided it is
maintained in accordance with the maintenance and safety provisions of this Bylaw, but
shall not be reconstructed, altered, moved or replaced except in conformity with this
Bylaw.
14.3
Repeal of Previous Bylaw
City of New Westminster Bylaw No. 6625, 2000 is repealed.
Adopted July 10, 2017
2870901 38
APPENDIX A
COLUMBIA STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT AND TWELFTH STREET AREA DESIGN GUIDELINES
(revised April 2017)
While the varied needs of businesses must be respected, the style should suit the overall
streetscape. Signage can contribute to a sense of history and add to the overall character of the
streetscape. Signs should not be designed in a way that mimics or suggests that the sign was
always there.
Building owners and tenants should hire professionals to design and construct and install signs,
ensuring they are appropriate for the age and style of the building and fit within the context of
the neighbouring buildings. Signs permit applications in the Special Design Districts should
include photographs of the neighbouring buildings for context.
The following are to be used as guidelines. Signs not in accordance with these guidelines can be
permitted with approval from the Director of Development Services and may be referred to the
Community Heritage Commission at the discretion of the Director of Development Services.
PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY SIGNS
These guidelines are for permanently installed signs. Temporary sign identified in section 11 of
the Sign Bylaw are not expected to follow these guidelines.
SIGN MATERIALS
All signs should be respectful of and appropriate to the individual building. Materials should be
durable, well-crafted and appropriately design to convey a good business image. High quality
materials (including wood panels or lettering, metal, painted facades or glass, tiles, baked
enamel, stone and plastic channel lettering) are preferred. New materials and technology
developed since the writing of this document will be considered on a case by case basis.
TYPES AND SIZES OF SIGNS
Signs should be directly related to the buildings and the businesses within. The types of signs
must conform the provisions of the New Westminster Sign Bylaw, and in addition, within this
area:
1. Fascia Signs should be located between the first and second floors of buildings or on storefront
bulkheads. If wooden, they may have blunt cut or decorative ends, and should be mounted
flush to the building to not interfere with moldings, glass or building ornamentation. Lettering
may be routed, incised, applied flat, cut out, carved or painted. Fascia signs include painted
wall signs.
2. Projecting Signs should be appropriately aligned with the architectural features of the building,
hung at ninety degrees from the face of the building and should not interfere with adjacent
buildings. Wood or metal projecting signs hung from decorative standards are preferred.
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3. Awning signs containing lettering will only be permitted on the awning valance. Logos or
symbols are allowed on the slope of the awning. Letters and logos should be painted onto the
fabric of the awning. Signs attached to the face of an awning are not permitted.
4. Canopy signs should be made of material that complements the canopy structure.
5. Under-awning and under-canopy signs may be should be hung perpendicular or parallel to the
building face and be securely attached with appropriate hangers.
6. Window Signs may be painted or etched or use stick-on material.
7. Identification signs may include building name, date, and builder. They may be located at
cornices. Three-dimensional letters may be used.
TYPEFACE AND COLOUR
The use of only one typeface is preferred.
Typeface may be varied in line weight, size or mix of upper and lower case letters.
Letters should appear to be equally spaced.
The typeface should match the period and style of the building.
Fluorescent colours are not acceptable.
METHOD OF ATTACHMENT
The condition of the structure should be investigated prior to erecting a sign, to avoid
physical damage to the building.
Original materials on historic buildings should not be damaged by the sign, support
structure or attachments.
Expansion bolts should be anchored into mortar so as not to harm historic building
material.
Sign fastenings should be inconspicuous unless they form an integral part of the sign
design.
SATELLITE DISHES
Satellite dishes and antennas should not be visible.
ILLUMINATION OF SIGNS
Lights used to illuminate a sign should be shielded from the viewers' eyes to prevent glare
and from adjacent residential units to prevent light intrusions.
Power sources and connections should not be visible.
Spotlighting and backlighting
Spotlighting is preferred over backlighting.
Focus lights may be used to illuminate from above, below or to the side, or a row of
concealed lights may be used.
Spot lighting should be white, not coloured.
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Rows of small lights that outline the edge of the sign or a canopy (marquee lighting or
chaser lighting) may be considered.
Backlit signs, halo lit and reverse lit channel letters are acceptable.
Backlit plastic sign boxes are not acceptable.
Awnings should be opaque and may not be backlit.
Projecting signs should not be backlit or internally lit.
Neon Lights
Neon tubing may be used for lettering or outlining.
Fluorescent Lights
Florescent backlit signs or exposed florescent tubing are not acceptable.
Fluorescent lights are only acceptable as an integral part of an historic application such as
an early theatre marquee.
LED Lights
Energy efficient lighting should be used for the illumination of signs.