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SIGN BYLAW
NO. 1852, 2018
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
CITY OF QUESNEL
CITY OF QUESNEL SIGN BYLAW NO. 1852, 2018*
Consolidated: January 29, 2020
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY
CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE TO INCLUDE:
City of Quesnel Sign Regulation Amendment Bylaw No. 1858 of 2018
*This bylaw is a "consolidated" version and includes amendments up to the date listed
in the bylaw heading. It is placed on the Internet for convenience only, is not the official
or legal version, and should not be used in place of certified copies which can be
obtained through the Deputy Corporate Administrator at City Hall. Plan, pictures, other
graphics or text in the legal version may be missing or altered in this electronic version.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Goals of this Sign Bylaw are to: ...............................................................................................1
Section One - Preamble .................................................................................................................2
1.1
Title ........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.2
Interpretation .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3
Bylaw Application ................................................................................................................... 2
1.4
Effective Date .......................................................................................................................... 3
Section Two - Business Districts ...................................................................................................3
2.1
The Downtown District .......................................................................................................... 3
2.2
The West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District ............................................................... 7
2.3
The Highway Commercial/Industrial District .................................................................. 11
Section Three - Administration and Enforcement ...................................................................... 14
3.1
General Compliance............................................................................................................. 14
3.2
Enforcement .......................................................................................................................... 14
3.3
Offence ................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4
Penalty ................................................................................................................................... 14
3.5
Metric Units ........................................................................................................................... 14
3.6
Non-Conforming Signs ....................................................................................................... 15
3.7
Signs on Public Property .................................................................................................... 15
3.8
Sign Removal ........................................................................................................................ 16
Section Four - Permit Regulations .............................................................................................. 17
4.1
Permit Requirements .......................................................................................................... 17
4.2
Permit Application ............................................................................................................... 17
4.3
Permit Fees ........................................................................................................................... 17
4.4
Permit Application Completeness .................................................................................... 17
4.5
Permit Issuance/Denial Action .......................................................................................... 17
4.6
Lapsed Sign Permit .............................................................................................................. 18
4.7
Assignment of Sign Permit ................................................................................................ 18
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4.8
Violations ............................................................................................................................... 18
4.9
Appeal Procedure................................................................................................................. 18
4.10 Sign Permit Expiration ........................................................................................................ 18
Section Five - Prohibitions ........................................................................................................... 18
5.1
Signs Prohibited in all Zones ............................................................................................. 18
5.2
Design Prohibitions ............................................................................................................. 19
5.3
Sign Location Prohibitions ................................................................................................. 20
Section Six - Permitted Signs ...................................................................................................... 21
6.1
Sign Permit Requirements ................................................................................................. 21
6.2
Repair and Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 21
Section Seven - Additional Sign Regulations .............................................................................. 22
7.1
Freestanding Signs .............................................................................................................. 22
7.2
Home Occupation Signs ...................................................................................................... 23
7.3
Neighbourhood Identification Signs ................................................................................. 23
7.4
Shopping Centre, Plaza or Mall Signs .............................................................................. 24
7.5
Special Occasion Signs ....................................................................................................... 24
7.6
Temporary Signs .................................................................................................................. 24
7.7 Sponsorship Signs ................................................................................................................ 25
Section Eight - Definitions ........................................................................................................... 26
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The Goals of this Sign Bylaw are to:
Preserve and promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of
Quesnel;
Afford the business community equal and fair opportunity to advertise and promote its
products and services without discrimination;
Maintain and enhance the visual environment, and to preserve the right of the citizens to
enjoy the City of Quesnel's scenic beauty;
Improve pedestrian and traffic safety;
Minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property;
Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions.
The regulations in this Bylaw are intended to complement and reinforce the objectives of the
Official Community Plan.
Further, the regulations are intended to prohibit any signs which could be a hazard to life or
property, or be a traffic hazard.
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Section One - Preamble
1.1
Title
1.1.1
This bylaw may be cited as the "City of Quesnel Sign Bylaw No. 1852, 2018".
1.2
Interpretation
1.2.1
Any enactment referred to herein is a reference to an enactment of British
Columbia and regulations thereto, as amended, revised, consolidated or replaced
from time to time, and any bylaw referred to an enactment of the Council of the
City of Quesnel, as amended, revised, consolidated or replaced from time to time.
1.2.2
The headings given to sections and paragraphs in this bylaw are for convenience
of reference only. They do not form part of this bylaw and will not be used in the
interpretation of this bylaw.
1.2.3
If any section, paragraph or phrase of this bylaw is for any reason held to be
invalid by a decision of a Court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this bylaw.
1.3
Bylaw Application
1.3.1
This Bylaw is applicable to the erection, placement, display, alteration, or
movement of Signs on all private property and on Public Rights-of-Ways within
the boundaries of the City of Quesnel.
1.3.2
This Bylaw does not apply to:
a) Signs located inside a building, that are not Window Signs and are not visible
or intended to be visible from any Public Right-of-Way.
b) Signs on or over municipal streets, which are erected or authorized by the
City for the control of traffic and parking, or for street names and directions.
c) Street decorations and banners authorized by the City.
d) Building addresses containing number and street only.
e) Name and/or address plates for residential properties.
f) Public notices authorized by City bylaws or provincial or federal legislation.
g) Signs authorized by the City related to parkland and public conveniences.
h) Real Estate Signs.
i) Contractor Signs.
j) Window Signs in real estate offices advertising properties currently on sale.
k) Movie theatres advertising current and/or upcoming films.
l) Murals and flags, provided they contain no advertising or offensive content.
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1.4
Effective Date
1.4.1
This Bylaw comes into force and takes effect on the date of adoption.
Section Two - Business Districts
2.1
The Downtown District
The Downtown District is characterized by pedestrian-oriented uses close to the street.
Signs should be concentrated near the pedestrian level. The following map shows areas
included in this District.
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2.1.3
Businesses located within the Downtown District are permitted signage as displayed in the following table.
Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.1.3 a)
Awning
Any 2 of the following
per Business
Frontage:
- Awning;
- Wall; or
- Window Signs.
(i.e. A business may
have 1 Awning Sign
and 1 Wall Sign per
Business Frontage or
2 Wall Signs per
Business Frontage)
Total Sign Area of
ALL Awning, Wall
and Window Signs
combined shall not
exceed
0.5 m2 per linear
metre of Business
Frontage or a
maximum of 6.0
m2, whichever is
less.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Copy shall not exceed 40% of the
awning surface.
Must project at least 1.5 m into
the sidewalk, but no more than
2.0 m.
Must not project over a lane.
2.1.3 b)
Wall (Fascia)
-
-
2.1.3 c)
Window
-
Any permanently placed Window
Sign that contains advertising
will count towards the maximum
number of Signs.
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Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.1.3 d)
Marquee
Maximum of 1
(can be either
Marquee OR
Projecting)
per Business
Frontage
0.5 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of the
Sign.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Liability insurance is required if
over Public Right-of-Way.
2.1.3 e)
Projecting
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk,
AND a
maximum
Clearance of
3.0 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Liability insurance is required if
over Public Right-of-Way.
Must project horizontally more
than 0.3 m from face of the wall.
Must not project more than 0.8
m from the exterior of the
Building Face of which it is
attached.
Must not project over a lane.
2.1.3 f)
Sandwich Board
1 per Business
Frontage
1.0 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of the
Sign.
-
Exempt from obtaining a Sign
Permit provided the following are
met:
Must only be displayed when
business is open.
Must be located entirely on the
private property to which it
pertains.
Must not be placed in the Public
Right-of-Way (i.e. sidewalk).
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2.2
The West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District
The West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District is characterized by a mix of vehicle and
pedestrian oriented traffic. Signs shall be located where they can be most easily read.
The following map shows areas included in this District.
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2.2.2
Businesses located within the West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District are permitted signage as displayed in the following
table.
Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.2.2 a)
Awning
Any 2 of the following
per Business
Frontage:
- Awning;
- Wall; or
- Window Signs.
(i.e. A business may
have 1 Awning Sign
and 1 Wall Sign per
Business Frontage or
2 Wall Signs per
Business Frontage)
Total Sign Area of
ALL Awning, Wall
and Window Signs
combined shall not
exceed
0.5 m2 per linear
metre of Business
Frontage or a
maximum of 8.0
m2, whichever is
less.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Copy shall not exceed 50% of the
awning surface.
Must project at least 1.5 m into
the sidewalk, but no more than
2.0 m.
Must not project over a lane.
2.2.2 b)
Wall (Fascia)
-
-
2.2.2 c)
Window
-
Any permanently placed Window
Sign that contains advertising
will count towards the maximum
number of Signs.
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Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.2.2 d)
Marquee
Maximum of 1
(can be either
Marquee OR
Projecting)
per Business
Frontage
0.5 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of the
Sign.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Liability insurance is required if
over Public Right-of-Way.
2.2.2 e)
Projecting
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk,
AND a
maximum
Clearance of
3.0 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Liability insurance is required if
over Public Right-of-Way.
Must project horizontally more
than 0.3 m from face of the wall.
Must not project more than 0.8
m from the exterior of the
Building Face of which it is
attached.
Must not project over a lane.
2.2.2 f)
Freestanding
1 per Lot*
*See Section 7.1 for restrictions
Note, Freestanding Signs may require a building permit.
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Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.2.2 g)
Portable
1 per Lot
3.0 m2
-
Exempt from obtaining a Sign
Permit provided the following are
met:
Must not be located on public
property, or on required off-street
parking, driveways or sidewalks.
Must not be located in the Site
Triangle or obscure the line of
vision from a Public Right-of-
Way, access road, or sidewalk.
Must pertain to the business
where it is located.
Must only display current sales,
offers, and fundraising events.
2.2.2 h)
Sandwich Board
1 per Business
Frontage
1.0 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of the
Sign.
-
Exempt from obtaining a Sign
Permit provided the following are
met:
Must only be displayed when
business is open.
Must be located entirely on the
private property to which it
pertains.
Must not be placed in the Public
Right-of-Way (i.e. sidewalk).
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2.3
The Highway Commercial/Industrial District
The Highway Commercial/Industrial District is characterized by vehicle-oriented traffic.
Signs along the north and south entrances into the community should be legible while
avoiding Sign clutter. The following map shows areas included in this District:
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2.3.2
Businesses located within the Highway Commercial/Industrial District are permitted signage as displayed in the following
table.
Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.3.2 a)
Awning
Any 2 of the following
per Business Frontage:
- Awning;
- Wall; or
- Window Signs.
(i.e. A business may
have 1 Awning Sign
and 1 Wall Sign per
Business Frontage or
2 Wall Signs per
Business Frontage)
Total Sign Area of
ALL Awning, Wall
and Window
Signs combined
shall not exceed
0.5 m2 per linear
metre of Business
Frontage or a
maximum of 28.0
m2, whichever is
less.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Copy shall not exceed 80% of the
awning surface.
Must project at least 1.5 m into
the sidewalk, but no more than
2.0 m.
Must not project over a lane.
2.3.2 b)
Wall (Fascia)
-
-
2.3.2 c)
Window
-
Any permanently placed Window
Sign that contains advertising will
count towards the maximum
number of Signs.
2.3.2 d)
Freestanding
1 per Lot*
*See Section 7.1 for restrictions
Note, Freestanding Signs may require a building permit.
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Type of Sign
Maximum Number
Maximum Sign
Area
Minimum
Clearance
Additional Provisions
2.3.2 e)
Portable
1 per Lot
3.0 m2
-
Exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit
provided the following are met:
Must not be located on public
property, or on required off-street
parking, driveways or sidewalks.
Must not be located in the Site
Triangle or obscure the line of
vision from a Public Right-of-
Way, access road, or sidewalk.
Must pertain to the business
where it is located.
Must only display current sales,
offers, and fundraising events.
2.3.2 f)
Projecting
1 per Business
Frontage
1.0 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of
the Sign.
2.5 m from
grade or
sidewalk,
AND a
maximum
Clearance of
3.7 m from
grade or
sidewalk.
Liability insurance is required if
over Public Right-of-Way.
Must project horizontally more
than 0.3 m from face of the wall.
Must not project more than 1.8 m
from the exterior of the Building
Face of which it is attached.
Must not project over a lane.
2.3.2 g)
Sandwich Board
1 per Business
Frontage
1.0 m2 and
Copy is permitted
on both sides of
the Sign.
-
Exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit
provided the following are met:
Must only be displayed when
business is open.
Must be fully located entirely on
the private property to which it
pertains.
Must not be placed in the Public
Right-of-Way (i.e. sidewalk).
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Section Three - Administration and Enforcement
3.1 General Compliance
3.1.1
No person shall construct, place, erect, display, alter, repair, maintain or relocate
any Sign that does not conform to and comply with the provisions set forth in
this Bylaw, except that normal maintenance of an existing Non-Conforming Sign
shall be permitted.
3.2 Enforcement
3.2.1
A Bylaw Enforcement Officer is authorized to enter, at reasonable times, upon
any property in order to ascertain whether the bylaw requirements are being met
and the bylaw Regulations are being observed.
3.2.2
No person shall prevent or obstruct or seek to prevent or obstruct an authorized
Bylaw Enforcement Officer from carrying out any official duty under this Bylaw.
3.3
Offence
3.3.1
A person who:
a) Contravenes, violates, or fails to comply with any provision of this Bylaw;
b) Permits, suffers, or allows any act or thing to be done in contravention of this
Bylaw; or
c) Fails or neglects to do anything required to be done under this Bylaw;
commits an offence. Where the offence is a continuing one, each day that the
offence continues shall constitute a separate offence.
3.4
Penalty
3.4.1
Every person who commits an offence of this Bylaw is liable on summary
conviction to a penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) and the
costs of prosecution.
3.4.2
Fines for an offence against this Bylaw may be set out in the Municipal Ticket
Information Bylaw, as amended from time to time.
3.5
Metric Units
3.5.1
Metric units are used for all measurements in this Bylaw. In some cases, the
approximate equivalent of those units in commonly used units (feet, inches, etc.)
are shown in brackets following each metric measurement, and such bracketed
figures are included for convenience only and do not form part of this Bylaw.
3.5.2
For the purpose of this Bylaw, the following units of measure are abbreviated as
follows:
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Metres - m
Foot - ft
Square metres - m2
Square foot - ft2
3.6
Non-Conforming Signs
3.6.1
Any Sign in existence and use in the City on the date of adoption of this Bylaw,
which does not conform to, and comply with the provisions hereto, shall be
considered a Non-Conforming Sign and shall be allowed to remain in use
provided it also meets the following requirements:
a) The Sign was legally authorized by the issuance of a valid Sign Permit prior
to its installation; and
b) The Sign was in compliance with all applicable regulations on the date of its
installation.
3.6.2
A Non-Conforming Sign may be structurally altered under a Sign Permit if this
would make the Sign conform to the provisions of this Bylaw, but it must not be
made more Non-Conforming by increasing its height or Sign Area beyond what
is allowable under this Bylaw and shall comply with all other provisions of this
Bylaw.
3.6.3
A Non-Conforming Sign may be permitted to exist, except in the following
circumstances, where the owner may be asked to either alter such Sign to
conform to the requirements of this Bylaw, or to remove such Sign if:
a) The structure or use to which the Sign pertains to is damaged or destroyed to
the extent of 75% or more of the principal structures appraised value;
b) The Non-Conforming Sign has been destroyed, damaged, or deteriorated to
such extent that the cost of repair would exceed 35% of the replacement cost
of such Sign; or
c) The Sign creates a safety hazard to members of the public.
3.7
Signs on Public Property
3.7.1
No Sign shall be installed or placed wholly or partly on or over public property,
except where permitted by this Bylaw.
3.7.2
With every Sign Permit Application involving a Sign to be wholly or partly
installed on or over public property, including a street or sidewalk, the Applicant
shall:
a) Provide the City with documentation of liability insurance in the amount of
$2,000,000.00 naming the City of Quesnel as an additional named insured for
as long as the Sign remains on or over public property,
b) Such insurance shall include a 30-day cancellation provision that requires
prior notice be given by the insurer to the City.
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c) Maintain such insurance until the Sign has been removed. In the event that
the Sign owner allows such insurance to lapse without renewal, the Sign
Permit will be deemed revoked, requiring such Sign to be removed
immediately.
d) Ensure the maintenance and use of the Sign is in compliance with the terms
of the Sign Permit.
3.8
Sign Removal
3.8.1
The City may remove and impound any Sign on a Public Right-of-Way that is in
contravention with this Bylaw.
3.8.2
Any Sign, which does not fall under the Non-Conforming status, and does not
conform to this bylaw shall be deemed a public nuisance and shall be removed.
3.8.3
If a contravention of this Bylaw creates an imminent safety hazard to members
of the public, whether on City property or private land, the Bylaw Enforcement
Officer may immediately remove such Sign and provide notification to the owner
at a later time.
3.8.4
Any Sign which has been removed by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer may be
claimed within 30 days of removal by the owner, and is subject to payment of a
fee for the cost of removal and storage of the Sign. Where a Sign is not claimed
within 30 days, the Sign may be disposed of by the City and costs of disposal
shall be invoiced to the owner.
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Section Four - Permit Regulations
4.1
Permit Requirements
4.1.1
Prior to constructing, erecting, placing, or modifying a Sign, a Sign Permit must
be applied for and obtained.
4.1.2
Sign Permits must be obtained from the Development Services Department, and
are not valid until they are approved, signed by a D and the fee is paid.
4.2
Permit Application
4.2.1
All applications for a Sign Permit shall be submitted to the City Official.
4.2.2
An application for a Sign Permit shall not be considered complete and final and
received for processing until all of the requirements of Sign Permit Checklist
(provided by staff with the application) have been provided.
4.3
Permit Fees
4.3.1
Each application for a Sign Permit shall be accompanied by the applicable fees,
as established in the Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw, as amended
from time to time.
4.4
Permit Application Completeness
4.4.1
Within five (5) business days of receiving an application for a Sign Permit, the
City Official shall review it for completeness. If the City Official finds that it is
complete, the application shall then be processed.
4.4.2
If the City Official finds that it is incomplete, the City Official shall within such
five (5) day period, send to the applicant a notice of the specific ways in which
the application is deficient, with appropriate references to the applicable sections
of this Bylaw.
4.5
Permit Issuance/Denial Action
4.5.1
Within ten (10) business days of the submission of a complete application for a
Sign Permit, a City Official shall either:
a) Issue the Sign Permit, if the Sign(s) that is the subject of the application
conforms in every respect with the requirements of this Bylaw; or
b) Deny the Sign Permit if the Sign(s) that is the subject of the application fails
in any way to conform to the requirements of this Bylaw. In the case of a
rejection, a City Official shall specify the section(s) of this Bylaw or
applicable plan with which the Sign(s) is inconsistent.
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4.6
Lapsed Sign Permit
4.6.1
A Sign Permit shall lapse if the business licence for the Premises lapses, is
revoked, or is not renewed.
4.6.2
A Sign that was constructed or maintained in conformance with a Sign Permit
under this Bylaw, but for which the Sign Permit has lapsed, shall be in violation of
this Bylaw.
4.7
Assignment of Sign Permit
4.7.1
A current and valid Sign Permit shall be freely assignable to a successor as
owner of the property or holder of a business licence for the same Premises,
subject to the filing of such application as the City Official may require and
paying any applicable fees.
a) The assignment shall be accomplished by filing and shall not require
approval.
4.8
Violations
4.8.1
The Bylaw Enforcement Officer, upon finding that any provision of this Bylaw, or
any condition for a Sign Permit issued under this Bylaw is being violated, is
authorized to institute legal proceedings to prohibit violations of this Bylaw.
4.9
Appeal Procedure
4.9.1
Any person applying for a Sign Permit, who is denied a permit or disagrees with
any ruling by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, may appeal to the City Council.
4.10 Sign Permit Expiration
4.10.1 A Sign Permit shall expire if the allowed signage is not commenced within two
(2) years of its issuance.
Section Five - Prohibitions
5.1
Signs Prohibited in all Zones
5.1.1
Signs that are not expressly permitted in this Bylaw are prohibited and without
restricting and limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following Signs are
specifically prohibited:
a) Any permanent commercial balloon sign, Banner, Flag, pennant, ribbon,
spinner, streamers, or wind sign or other moving, fluttering devices which
contain advertising, except temporarily as permitted within Section 7.6 of this
Bylaw.
b) Signs displayed on roofs, dormers, and balconies.
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c) Rooftop Signs, including signs above the roofline.
d) Third Party Signs, except as permitted within this Bylaw and City-sponsored
wayfinding or Directional Signs.
e) Satellite dishes which have advertising displayed on them.
f) Signs affixed to any lamp standards, tree, utility pole, or painted upon or
otherwise affixed to any rock, ledge, or other natural feature.
g) Signs which may be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or
device.
h) Signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible mechanical
movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved
by electrical, electronic or mechanical means.
i) Signs with optical illusion of movement by means of a design that presents a
pattern capable of giving the illusion of motion or changing of Copy.
j) Signs with illumination that flash, blink, flicker, or vary in intensity or colour.
k) Signs in a Public Right-of-Way, other than those approved through a valid
Sign Permit and meeting requirements of Section 3.7 of this Bylaw, or City or
provincial signage.
l) Vehicle Signs. Any Sign on a vehicle or trailer that is used primarily as a
stationary advertising display, but not if said vehicle is insured to drive and
used in the normal day to day operations of the business.
m) Signs which advertise, identify, or pertain to any activity no longer in
existence shall be removed by its owner or persons otherwise responsible
within thirty (30) days from the time the activity ceases. This provision does
not apply to seasonal activities during the periods in which such businesses
are closed.
n) Signs which contain indecent or obscene pictures, drawings, or words, as
determined by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer.
5.2
Design Prohibitions
5.2.1
All Signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the
following standards:
a) B.C. Building Code, as amended from time to time; and
b) All building regulations of the City of Quesnel.
5.2.2
All Signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently
attached to the ground, a building, or another structure, except for Temporary
Signs, or Signs otherwise permitted under this Bylaw.
5.2.3
All Signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all
building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this Bylaw, at all times.
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Illumination
5.2.4
The illumination from any Sign must not cause any reflection or glare upon a
Public Right-of-Way, or adjacent property.
5.2.5
Illuminated Signs shall not be considered to pose a distraction to drivers of
vehicle traffic.
5.2.6
With the exception of the Downtown District, Signs on any building or Premises
shall not remain illuminated after 12:00 A.M (midnight) in zones adjacent to or in
proximity of residential areas, except:
a) At a business which remains open after 12:00 A.M. (midnight), at which they
shall be turned off at the time the business closes.
5.3
Sign Location Prohibitions
5.3.1
No Sign shall be placed on any property without the express permission of the
property owner; this includes City-owned property.
5.3.2
No Sign shall be placed at any location where, by reason of position, shape,
wording, or colour, it interferes or obstructs the view or movement of pedestrian
or vehicular traffic.
5.3.3
No Sign shall overhang a Public Right-of-Way except for an approved Sign
meeting requirements of Section 3.7 of this Bylaw.
5.3.4
No Sign shall be placed on any bus shelter, bus bench, or waste receptacle
without consent from the City.
5.3.5
No Sign shall obstruct any door, fire exit, fire escape, passageway, stairway,
walkway, window ventilator, or similar feature.
5.3.6
No Sign shall obstruct access to a public utility pole, wire, support, or attached
equipment.
5.3.7
No Sign shall obstruct architectural details or features of a building, such as
windows, sills, and cornices.
5.3.8
Every Sign must be placed on the same property as the advertised business to
which it refers.
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Section Six - Permitted Signs
6.1
Sign Permit Requirements
6.1.1
Unless otherwise exempted by this Bylaw, all Signs under this part are only
allowable with a valid Sign Permit and no person shall construct, erect, modify,
convert, expand, reconstruct, relocate, or replace any such Sign without first
having obtained a valid Sign Permit and if necessary, a Building Permit pursuant
to the City's Building Bylaw and/or a Development Permit pursuant to the City's
Official Community Plan Bylaw. Altering a Sign by replacing the Sign Copy does
require a Sign Permit.
6.2
Repair and Maintenance
6.2.1
Every owner of a Sign shall maintain that Sign in secure, safe and good working
order.
6.2.2
If the Bylaw Enforcement Officer is of the opinion that a Sign is not secure, safe,
or in good state of repair, written notice of this fact shall be given to the owner of
the Sign. If the defect is not corrected within thirty (30) days, the Bylaw
Enforcement Officer may revoke the Sign Permit, thus placing the owner in
violation of this Bylaw and liable for a fine and/or removal of the Sign by a Bylaw
Enforcement Officer.
6.2.3
An owner of a Sign may later reconfigure and repaint a Sign without need for a
Sign Permit if:
a) The original display of that Sign did not require a Sign Permit under this
Bylaw; or
b) The original display of that Sign did require a Sign Permit under this Bylaw or
any previous bylaw regulating Signs in the City, but:
i.
The alteration, reconfiguration, or repainting is in compliance with all
permits issued for the Sign;
ii.
The size, shape, and Sign Area remains the same;
iii.
The siting and location of the Sign remains the same; and
iv.
The letters, numbers, symbols, and other images on the Sign remain the
same.
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Section Seven - Additional Sign Regulations
7.1
Freestanding Signs
7.1.1
Freestanding Signs shall be located on the same Premises as the advertising
contained on the Freestanding Sign pertains to (must be an On-Premises Sign).
7.1.2
Freestanding Signs shall be permitted on a Premise where the building is
setback from the front property line by:
a) 7.6 m (25 ft.) or more in the West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District.
b) 13.7 m (45 ft.) or more in the Highway Commercial/Industrial District.
7.1.3
Freestanding Signs located on a property with a Shopping Centre, Plaza, or Mall
are exempt from meeting section 7.1.12, but must meet all other applicable
provisions.
7.1.4
Freestanding Signs must be setback at least 3.0 m from the property line.
7.1.5
Freestanding Signs shall meet setback requirements from the Ministry Right-of-
Way as determined by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
7.1.6
Freestanding Signs that are 2.0 m or more in height, must obtain a Building Permit
prior to erection. Freestanding Signs exceeding 2.0 m will be reviewed under a
Building Permit process, and therefore do not require a Sign Permit.
7.1.7
Copy is permitted on both sides of Freestanding Signs, therefore allowing the
Copy area to be double the permitted area.
Sign in the West Quesnel/Downtown Highway District
Signs in this District are permitted the following maximum sign heights and areas,
dependent on the lot frontage where the business is located:
Lot Frontage
(measured on the Frontage where the Sign is
placed)
Maximum
Sign Height
Maximum
Sign Area
7.1.8
18 m or less
2 m
3 m2
7.1.9
18.1 m to 45 m
4 m
4 m2
7.1.10
45.1 m to 60 m
4.75 m
4.75 m2
7.1.11
60.1 m to 75 m
5.5 m
5.5 m2
7.1.12
75.1 m or greater
6 m
8 m2
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Signs in the Highway/Industrial District
Signs in this District are permitted the following maximum sign heights and areas,
dependent on the lot frontage where the business is located:
Lot Frontage
(measured on the Frontage where the Sign is
placed)
Maximum
Sign Height
Maximum
Sign Area
7.1.13
45 m or less
8 m
12 m2
7.1.14
45.1 m to 90 m
8 m
15 m2
7.1.15
90.1 m or greater
8 m
28 m2
7.2
Home Occupation Signs
Signs are permitted for some types of Home Based Businesses as they are defined
within the City of Quesnel Zoning Bylaw, as amended from time to time.
Type I (Major Home Based Business)
7.2.1
One non-illuminated Sign, not to exceed 0.3 m2 (3.2 ft2) and shall be placed
within, or flat against the dwelling unit.
Type II (Minor Home Based Business):
7.2.2
No Signs permitted.
Type III (Rural Home Based Business):
7.2.3
Signage shall be limited to one non-illuminated Sign not to exceed 0.37 m2 (4.0
ft2) with no dimensions to exceed 0.9 m (3.0 ft.)
7.2.4
Maximum Sign Height shall not exceed 1.2 m (3.9 ft.).
7.2.5
The Sign shall be located on the subject property and may be indirectly
illuminated.
7.3
Neighbourhood Identification Signs
7.3.1
A Monument Sign may be constructed to serve as a Neighbourhood
Identification Sign for single-family subdivisions or multi-family complexes
(including mobile home parks, condominiums, apartments, etc.).
7.3.2
The display shall consist only of the neighbourhood or development name and, if
applicable, an address number.
7.3.3
Neighbourhood Identification Signs must be located on private property.
7.3.4
There may only be one Neighbourhood Identification Sign per entrance.
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7.3.5
The maximum Sign Copy area is 2.0 m2 (21.5 ft2) for Neighbourhood
Identification Signs.
7.3.6
The maximum Sign Height is 2.0 m (6.5 ft.) for Neighbourhood Identification
Signs.
7.4
Shopping Centre, Plaza or Mall Signs
7.4.1
In a Shopping Centre, Plaza, or Mall, the owner and/or the owner's agent, if any,
may allocate an appropriate Sign Area and number for each store, office, or other
floor area. The Sign Areas and numbers must meet the requirements of this
Bylaw for all externally visible signs.
7.4.2
Where the owner and/or owner's agent of a Shopping Centre, Plaza, or Mall sets
Sign allowances, the tenants are exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit provided
that the Sign allowances have been provided to and approved by the City Official
and are appropriately enforced by the owner and/or owner's agent.
7.4.3
Each property where a Shopping Centre, Plaza, or Mall is located shall be
permitted one (1) Freestanding Sign, to serve as a business directory, which is
subject to a Sign Permit.
7.5
Special Occasion Signs
7.5.1
The maximum Sign Area is 1.5 m2 (16 ft2) for a Special Occasion Sign.
7.5.2
Special Occasion Signs shall be permitted no more than three (3) days prior to
the event to which they pertain to, and must be removed one (1) day following
the event.
7.5.3
Advertising third party businesses is not permitted.
7.6
Temporary Signs
7.6.1
Temporary Signs shall not be included in the total number of Signs allowed per
Business Frontage, given that:
a) Each Temporary Sign shall not be displayed for more than thirty (30) days.
b) Temporary Signs shall be removed not more than four (4) days following the
end of the event which they pertain to.
c) Each property may only display Temporary Signs for no more than one
hundred and twenty (120) days in a calendar year.
d) Temporary Signs shall not exceed 1.22m x 2.44m (4 ft. x 8 ft.).
7.6.2
Any Sign intended to be displayed for longer than thirty (30) days is required to
apply for and obtain a Sign Permit, and will count towards the total number of
Signs per Business Frontage.
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7.7 Sponsorship Signs
7.7.1
Sponsorship Signs shall be permitted and are exempt from obtaining a Sign
Permit provided the following requirements are met:
a) Only one Sponsorship Sign is permitted per lot where the sponsored project
was completed.
b) Sponsorship Signs shall not exceed 4.65 m2 (50 ft2) in size and should be
affixed to the sponsored project where at all possible;
c) If there is no building or structure on which to attach the Sponsorship Sign, it
may be a Freestanding Sign, but must not exceed 1.8 m (5.9 ft.) in height and
must meet the minimum setback distances as specified in Sections 7.1.4 and
7.1.5 of this bylaw;
d) Sponsorship Signs shall only be displayed for a maximum of one (1) year
from the date of the sign installation.
e) Where Sponsorship Signs are permanent, they must obtain approval from
Council prior to installation.
Explanatory Note:
Refer to applicable District restrictions for the maximum number of signs allowed per
Business Frontage.
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Section Eight - Definitions
All words or phrases or terms in this Bylaw shall have their normal or common meaning unless
specifically defined by the Local Government Act or Community Charter; or by the definitions set
forth in this section as follows.
Explanatory Note:
The images in this Section are for ease of understanding only. They do not represent the only
image a particular sign type would look like.
A
AWNING SIGN means a Sign painted or affixed flat to the surface of an
awning which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond
the limits of such awning.
B
BANNER means an object composed of lightweight, non-
rigid material such as cloth, canvas, or similar fabric,
but excludes Flags.
BUILDING FACE means the area of a wall of a building.
BUSINESS FRONTAGE means the length of the building
parallel to the property line, limited to the suite which is
leased or owned by the business.
BYLAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER means the official or officials appointed by City Council to
enforce the provisions of this Bylaw, as described in the Municipal Ticketing
Information Bylaw, as amended from time to time.
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C
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN means any Sign on which Copy can be
changed manually through the use of attachable letters,
numbers, and pictorial panels.
CITY means the City of Quesnel.
CITY OFFICIAL means the official or officials appointed by City Council to administer the
provisions of this Bylaw, as described in this bylaw, as amended from time to time.
CLEARANCE means the vertical distance between the underside of a Sign and average finished
grade immediately below.
CONTRACTOR SIGN means a Sign erected for the
duration of construction by the contractor
listing the project name and firms involved
in construction. It may be a Freestanding,
or Wall Sign.
COPY means the text, illustrations, and symbols that make up the message on a Sign.
COUNCIL means the Municipal Council of the City of Quesnel.
F
FLAG means any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colours,
patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government,
political subdivision, or other entity.
FREESTANDING SIGN means a Sign self-supported by a pole or post and not attached to any
building, wall, or fence, but in a fixed location. Types of Freestanding Signs include:
Post and Arm; Monument; and Pole Signs.
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H
HANGING SIGN see Marquee Sign.
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN means a Sign identifying a home occupation as defined in the
Zoning Bylaw.
I
IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a Sign which contains no
advertising and is limited to the name, Logo,
address, and number of a building, institution, or
person, and to the activity carried on, or the
occupation of the person in the building or
institution.
ILLUMINATED SIGN means any Sign illuminated either
directly from a source of light incorporated in or
connected with the Sign, or indirectly from an
artificial source.
L
LOT means any parcel, block, or other area in which land is held or into which it is subdivided,
but does not include a Public Right-of-Way.
LOT FRONTAGE means that part of a Lot (a Lot line) abutting on a Public Right-of-Way; except
that the end of incomplete streets, or streets without a turning circle, shall not be
considered frontage.
M
MARQUEE SIGN means a Sign painted on, attached to, or
consisting of interchangeable letters on the face
of a permanent overhanging shelter, which
projects from the face of a building.
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MONUMENT SIGN means a Sign made of brick,
masonry or stone, the bottom of which is
attached directly and permanently to the ground
and physically separated from any other
structure.
MURAL means an artistic rendering, picture,
design, or drawing painted or otherwise
applied to a Building Face which is
intended as a public display and which
contains no advertising for a specific
brand, product, or service.
N
NON-CONFORMING SIGN means a Sign which lawfully occupied a building or land at the
effective date of this Bylaw, or any amendment thereto, that does not conform to the
regulations of the district in which it is located.
O
ON-PREMISES SIGN means a Sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, or
service located on the Premises where the Sign is located.
P
POLE SIGN means a Freestanding Sign with the base of the actual Sign
Area at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) above the ground supported by vertical
pole(s).
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PORTABLE SIGN means a Sign not designated or intended to be
permanently affixed into the ground or to a structure.
POST AND ARM SIGN means a Freestanding Sign comprised of a
vertical post to which a perpendicular arm is attached and from
which a Sign hangs.
PREMISE means the contiguous land in the same ownership or control, which is not divided by
a street.
PROJECTING SIGN means a Sign attached to a building wall or
structure that projects horizontally from the face of the wall.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY means any corridor designed for vehicular or pedestrian use that is
maintained with public funds.
R
REAL ESTATE SIGN means a Sign displayed only for a period of time,
advertising the real estate upon which the Sign is located as
being for rent, lease, or sale.
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ROOF SIGN means any Sign erected upon or above a roof or
parapet of any building. This includes any Sign fixed
vertically to the top of any canopy or similar feature.
S
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN means a moveable Sign consisting of two
flat surfaces joined at the upper end and resting on the ground.
SHOPPING CENTRE, PLAZA, OR MALL means a group of commercial and/or industrial
establishments planned and developed on a single property.
SIGHTLINE AREA (sight triangle) means the triangle area formed at any corner Lot, measuring
from the point of the intersection of the front and exterior side Lot lines and connecting
the points to form a sight triangle on the area of the Lot, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Sightline Area
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SIGN means an object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, displayed outdoors or visible
from a public way, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention
to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or
location; or to express a point of view, by any means including words, letters, figures,
design, symbols, advertising Flags, fixtures, colours, illuminations or projected images.
SIGN AREA means the facing of a Sign, including
Copy, insignia, and background; the
measurement shall be determined by the
smallest rectangle inclusive of all letters and
images.
SIGN HEIGHT means the vertical distance measured from natural grade at the base of the Sign
to the highest point of such Sign.
SIGN PERMIT means the permission or authorization required by this Bylaw and issued by the
Bylaw Enforcement Officer to perform work regulated by this Bylaw.
SPECIAL OCCASION SIGN means a Sign promoting a special occasion such as a birthday,
anniversary, or other occasion that is private in nature. It does not include Signs that are
related to any commercial goods or services, nor any public events.
SPONSORSHIP SIGN means a Sign erected for the purposes of acknowledging sponsors for
their direct involvement in a community-oriented development or project. Sponsorship
Signs do not include Third Party Signs and should not advertise sponsor's products.
T
TEMPORARY SIGN means an On-Premises Sign, such as a promotional sale or fundraising
Sign that is posted temporarily for a given event.
THIRD PARTY SIGN means a Sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or
entertainment conducted sold or offered at a location other than the Premise on which
the Sign is located.
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V
VEHICLE SIGN means a Sign mounted, posted, or
otherwise adhered on or to a motor vehicle.
W
WALL (FASCIA) SIGN means a Sign mounted parallel to the exterior
surface of a building.
WINDOW SIGN means any Sign that is attached to, or installed on, or
otherwise placed directly on the inside of a window or near to
a window, and is visible from the building exterior and does
not include merchandise located in the window for display
purposes, nor does it include Temporary Signs.
Explanatory Note:
Any window covers (blinds/shades) that contain advertising will be considered a sign.