Williams Lake, British Columbia
· adopted 2022-06-21
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CONSOLIDATED VERSION OF
CITY OF WILLIAMS LAKE SIGN BYLAW
NO. 2360, 2022 &
SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS
THERETO
(For convenience only)
CITY OF WILLIAMS LAKE
BYLAW NO. 2360
A BYLAW OF THE CITY OF WILLIAMS LAKE TO REGULATE SIGNAGE.
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 526 of the Local Government Act of the Province of British
Columbia, Council may regulate the number, size, type, form, appearance, and location of any
signs and may prohibit signs subject to Section 526(3);
AND WHEREAS pursuant to Sections 8(4) and 65 of the Community Charter of the Province of
British Columbia, Council under Section 8(4) may by bylaw regulate and impose requirements in
relation to the erection, placing, alteration, maintenance, demolition, and removal of a sign,
sign board, advertisement, advertising device or structure, or any class of them;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed desirable to regulate such signs and structures in the City of
Williams Lake;
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Williams Lake, in open meeting assembled, enacts
as follows:
TITLE
1. This bylaw may be cited as the "City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022".
REPEALS
2. Bylaw No. 1062, being cited as the "Canopy and Awning Bylaw No. 1062, 1986", and all
amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
3. Bylaw No. 2153, being cited as the "City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 2153, 2012", and all
amendments thereto are hereby repealed.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION...................................................
4
APPLICATION......................................................................................................................
4
DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................................................
4
SCHEDULES.........................................................................................................................
12
SEVERABILITY......................................................................................................................
12
GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................................................................................
12
PART II - SIGN SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................
21
AWNING AND CANOPY SIGNS...........................................................................................
21
SUSPENDED SIGNS..............................................................................................................
22
FACE SIGNS...........................................................................................................................
22
FREESTANDING SIGNS........................................................................................................
23
PENTHOUSE SIGNS..............................................................................................................
23
PROJECTING SIGNS.............................................................................................................
23
PORTABLE SIGNS (EXCEPT SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS) ..................................................
24
CANNABIS RETAIL SIGNS.....................................................................................................
24
CANNABIS INDUSTRIAL SIGNS ...........................................................................................
25
ILLUMINATED SIGNS............................................................................................................
25
DIGITAL AND PROJECTED ADVERTISING DISPLAY (DPAD) SIGNS .................................
26
ANIMATED SIGNS ................................................................................................................
27
ROOFTOP SIGNS ..................................................................................................................
27
MURALS ................................................................................................................................
28
PART III - REGULATIONS FOR SIGNS IN ZONES ............................................................
29
RESIDENTIAL AND ACREAGE RESERVE ZONES .................................................................
29
INSTITUTIONAL ZONES .......................................................................................................
30
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES ...........................................................................
30
PART IV - SIGN PERMITS ..................................................................................................
33
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................
33
PERMIT APPLICATION ..........................................................................................................
33
ISSUANCE OF SIGN PERMIT .................................................................................................
35
PERMIT FEES ..........................................................................................................................
36
RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNER ................................................................................................
36
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 3
PART V - ENFORCEMENT AND OFFENCES ......................................................................
38
ENFORCEMENT .....................................................................................................................
38
VIOLATION .............................................................................................................................
39
DEEMED OFFENCES ..............................................................................................................
39
TICKETING ..............................................................................................................................
40
PART VI - ADOPTION ........................................................................................................
41
SCHEDULE "A" ...................................................................................................................
42
SCHEDULE "B" ....................................................................................................................
43
SCHEDULE "C" ....................................................................................................................
44
SCHEDULE "D" ....................................................................................................................
46
SCHEDULE "E" ....................................................................................................................
48
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 4
PART I - ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION
APPLICATION
4. Unless otherwise exempted by this bylaw, this bylaw is applicable to the erection, placement,
display, alteration, or movement of signs on all private property and the placement of off-
site signs and sandwich board signs on highway right-of-ways within the boundaries of the
City of Williams Lake;
5. The purpose of this bylaw does not extend to:
a) Signs located inside a building that are not visible or intended to be visible from any
street.
b) Building addresses containing street name and/or number only.
c) Name and/or address plates for private residences.
d) Street name and traffic signs.
e) Temporary residential signs.
f) Parking designation signs.
DEFINITIONS
6. In this bylaw:
"Abandoned Sign" means a sign that advertises an activity, product, or service no longer
conducted or available. Or a sign that has been left deserted, as by the owner or guardian;
abandoned: a derelict sign.
"Advertisement" means any word, letter, model, picture, symbol, device, or
representation, whether illuminated or not, and employed wholly, or in part for the purpose
of advertisement, announcement, or direction.
"Agent" includes a firm, corporation, or other person representing the owner by written
designation or contract and includes a hired tradesperson or constructor who may be
granted a permit for work within the limitations of their licence.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 5
"Alteration" means a change, repair, or modification of the construction or arrangement of
any sign or sign structure.
"Animated" means action, or motion of all or any part of the sign but does not include a
digital and projected advertising display.
"Awning" means a hood or cover, composed of non-rigid materials, which projects from the
wall of a building.
"Awning Sign" means a sign which incorporates an awning in its design.
"Banner Sign" means any sign composed of material either enclosed or not enclosed in a
rigid frame, which may be secured or mounted so to allow movement of the sign caused by
airflow.
"Billboard Sign" means a sign which advertises goods, products, or services not sold on the
premises on which the sign is located - Billboard signs are usually of the following types:
a) Poster panel or bulletin mounted on a building wall or free-standing structure with
advertising copy in the form of pasted paper;
b) Multi-Prism Sign - alternating messages on the one display area; or
c) Painted Bulletin - where the advertiser's message is painted directly on the
background of a wall or free-standing display area.
"Balloon Sign" means any sign composed of material either enclosed or not enclosed in a
rigid frame, designed to be filled with gas, which may be secured or mounted so to allow
movement of the sign caused by air movement.
"Building Code" means the British Columbia Building Code as adopted by the Minister
responsible under provincial legislation, as amended or re-enacted from time to time.
"Building Face" means that portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from
grade to the eaves or the top of the parapet wall and the entire width of the building
elevation.
"Building Frontage" means the linear length of a building directly facing a street.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 6
"Building Official" means the person designated in or appointed to that position by the City,
and includes a building inspector, plan checker, and plumbing inspector; For certainty the
Building Official is the "Building Inspector" referred to in the Community Charter and Local
Government Act.
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" means an officer or employee of the City who has
responsibility for inspection and enforcement relating to bylaw compliance.
"Canopy" means a permanent hood or cover which projects from the wall of a building but
does not include a roof projection.
"Canopy Sign" means a sign attached to, constructed in, or constructed as part of a canopy.
"City" means the City of Williams Lake.
"City Public Land" means any road right of way, or land owned or occupied by the City of
Williams Lake or any agency of the City, but excludes lands held by private interests
pursuant to a land lease granted by the City.
"Commercial/Industrial Park" means an area outside the City Centre zoned for industrial or
commercial use, where the group of businesses share the same zoning class, are located off
of a highway collector; and are separately owned parcels of land.
"Construct" means to build, erect, install, repair, alter, add, enlarge, move, locate, relocate,
reconstruct, demolish, remove, excavate, or shore.
"Constructor" means a person who constructs.
"Construction Sign" means a temporary sign placed or maintained in advance of occupancy
of a building or structure under construction, indicating the name of the building or
structure, the architects, engineers, contractors, or other information regarding the building
or structure.
"Copy" means the wording of a sign in permanent or removable letter form, including
figures, symbols, logos, and other things comprising the sign.
"Copy Area" means the area in square metres of the smallest geometric figure which could
enclose the actual copy of a sign.
"Council" means the Municipal Council of the City of Williams Lake.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 7
"Digital and Projected Advertising Displays (DPAD)" means a sign on which copy is changed
or backlit automatically by electronic means and includes electronic LED signs, and tv
screens.
"Director" means the Director of Development Services for the City of Williams Lake, or the
designate.
"Dwelling Unit" means a suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used, or intended to be
used by one or more persons and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping, and
sanitary facilities. For the purposes of this bylaw, a dwelling unit includes a residential unit
in a community care facility, group residence, or seniors supportive or assisted housing.
"Fascia" means a flat, usually horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band
or broad fillet: such as a horizontal piece (such as a board) covering the joint between the
top of a wall and the projecting eaves.
"Face Sign" means a flat sign which is attached to, marked, inscribed, painted, erected on,
or placed against the fascia or wall of a building or structure and having the exposed face
thereof on a plane approximately parallel to the plane of such fascia or wall.
"Flag" means any single piece of hanging fabric or banner sign containing the colours,
patterns, or symbols of a government, political party, or other entity, and contains no
commercial message.
"Freestanding Sign" means a sign erected as part of a free-standing frame, mast or pole,
permanently fixed to the ground and not attached to any building.
"Grade" means the surface elevation of the ground where said ground is in contact with the
applicable building, sign, or other structure.
"Graffiti" means any unauthorized drawing, mural, printing, or writing which is scribbled,
scratched, sprayed, painted, or similarly placed directly on any surface by means of paint,
ink, or other substance, or by chisel, hammer, stone, or other device, but does not include
any of the following:
a) Signs, notices, and traffic control devices authorized by any City bylaw or provincial
or federal legislation; or
b) Murals approved in accordance with this bylaw.
"Height" means the vertical distance measured from the average level of finished grade to
the highest point of the sign, including supportive framework or bracing.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 8
"Highway" means a public street, road, path, lane, walkway, trail, bridge, viaduct,
thoroughfare, and any other public way, but specifically excludes private right-of-way on
private property.
"Highway Collector" means a street that carries traffic from local highway to arterial
highway (as defined in the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw) and includes the
principal entrance streets for circulation of traffic within such a subdivision.
"Home Occupation Sign" means any sign for the purpose of advertising a business operated
from a residential dwelling that is consistent with a valid City of Williams Lake Business
Licence.
"Identification Sign" means a sign which is limited to the name, address, or number of a
building, institution, or person, or a description of an activity carried on in the building or
institution.
"Illuminated" means artificially lighting by a deliberate means in which an artificial source
of light is used to make the message readable on the sign and shall include internally and
externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing, or radiating signs.
"Lot" means the smallest unit in which land is designated as a separate and distinct parcel
as shown on the records of the Land Titles Office.
"Lux" means a unit of illumination equal to the direct illumination on a surface that is
everywhere one metre from a uniform point source of one candle intensity or equal to one
lumen per square metre.
"Multi-Prism Sign" means a sign made with a series of triangular vertical sections that turn
and stop, or index, to show three pictures or messages in the same area.
"Mural" means any authorized - by City bylaw or Council approval - painting, drawing,
sketching, or other markings that are inscribed, painted, or otherwise applied directly upon
any building, wall, fence, or any other structure, and does not include any advertising
content or logos.
"Non-Conforming Sign" means any sign which was lawfully erected pursuant to a permit
prior to this Bylaw and being maintained at the passage of this bylaw but fails to conform to
all applicable regulations and restrictions of this bylaw.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 9
"Off-Site Sign" means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or
entertainment, not exclusively related to the premises on which the sign is located, or to a
business, commodity, service, or entertainment which is conducted, sold, or offered
elsewhere than on the premises on which the sign is located.
"Owner" means the registered owner in fee simple, or an agent duly authorized by the
owner in writing in the form attached as Schedule C.
"Parapet/Parapet Wall" means that portion of a perimeter building wall that rises above
the roof level.
"Parcel" means the smallest unit in which land is designated as a separate and distinct
parcel as shown on the records of the Land Titles Office.
"Pennant" means any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not
containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually designed
to move in the wind.
"Penthouse" means a structure projecting above a building roof or parapet, housing a suite,
elevator shaft, or stairwell; or forming a wall or screen around equipment mounted on the
roof.
"Penthouse Sign" means a face sign attached to a penthouse.
"Permit" means permission or authorization in writing by the Building Official to perform
work regulated by this bylaw.
"Person" means and includes an association, corporation, firm, individual, organization,
partnership, party, or society.
"Political Campaign Sign" means a temporary sign primarily intended to promote the
activities or cause of any political group or entity, or to encourage or discourage any person
from voting in any manner at an election or public referendum, whether Federal, Provincial,
or Municipal.
"Portable Sign" means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building.
"Premises" means an area of land with its appurtenances and buildings, which may be sold
or leased as a unit because of its unity of use. A premise may include a separately leased
portion of a building or a building and lot.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 10
"Projecting Sign" means a sign which projects from the building face, excluding an awning
sign, canopy sign, or face sign.
"Public Institution" means a college, hospital, civic building, museum, golf course, or other
such attraction.
"Pump Island" means a fuel pump or series of fuel pumps.
"Registered Professional" means a person who is registered or licensed to practice as an
architect under the Architects Act, or a person who is registered or licensed to practice as a
professional engineer under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act.
"Real Estate Sign" means any sign that gives notice of a business or real property offered
for sale, rent, lease, development, or exchange.
"Roof Line" means the horizontal line made by the intersection of the wall of the building
with the roof of the building. In the case of a building with a sloped roof, the roof line shall
be deemed to follow the top line of the fascia or the top line of a mansard roof. In the case
of a parapet/parapet wall, the roof line shall be deemed to follow the top of the
parapet/parapet wall for the horizontal extent of said parapet/parapet wall.
"Sandwich Board Sign" means a freestanding sign intended for temporary use during
business hours and is a non-illuminated (no electrical power) sign consisting of two flat
faces/surfaces joined at one end and resting on the ground.
"Setback" means the minimum horizontal distance measured from the respective lot lines
or natural boundary to any building or structure or part thereof, as in building setbacks.
"Sign" means any device or medium including its structure and component parts which is
used or intended to be used to attract attention for the purpose of information, direction,
identification, or promotion of a place, person, product, service, or activity.
"Sign Area" means the total area within the outer edge of the frame or border of a sign.
Where a sign has no frame, border, or background, the sign's area shall be the area
contained within the shortest line surrounding the whole group of letters, figures, or other
things comprising the sign. In the case of a multi-faced sign, only that face or faces which
can be seen from any one direction at one time shall be deemed a sign area. The sign area
shall not include the sign structure.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 11
"Sign Structure" means a structure that is capable of, or intended for supporting any sign
face, except for the building structure, which in turn is supported by the ground or by a
building or structure which is not an integral part of the sign.
"Site" means any lot or number of lots that are of sufficient area and dimension to meet
minimum zoning requirements for size, coverage, and use, and any other zoning regulation
regardless of the presence of internal legal boundaries, which is used for a single purpose or
development.
"Street" means a public highway, road, road allowance, or sidewalk within a road allowance
or thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting lots.
"Street Frontage" means the distance over which a site shares a common boundary with a
road right of way, from one lot line intersecting that road right-of-way to the furthest
distant lot line intersecting that same road right of way.
"Structure" means a construction of any kind, whether fixed to, supported by, or sunk into
land or water, or attached or affixed to any other construction and includes buildings and
fences.
"Suspended Sign" means a sign attached to the underside of an awning or a canopy.
"Unlawful Sign" means:
a) A sign, other than a non-conforming sign, which does not comply with the provisions
of this bylaw, or any other bylaw of the City;
b) An abandoned sign;
c) Any sign which the Building Official may declare to be dangerous to the public safety
by reasons of dilapidation; or
d) Any sign for which a required insurance policy has lapsed or been cancelled for any
reason whatsoever.
"Window Sign" means a sign affixed to the inside of a window of a building in view of the
general public.
"Zone" means a land use established by the current Zoning Bylaw of the City of Williams
Lake and amendments thereto.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 12
SCHEDULES
7. Schedule A through E are attached to and form part of this bylaw.
SEVERABILITY
8. If a section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, or phrase of this bylaw is for any reason
declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this bylaw.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
General Compliance:
9. No person shall erect, construct, alter, move, or otherwise establish a sign within the City
unless the sign conforms with this bylaw and all other bylaws of the City and any applicable
regulations of the provincial Ministry of Transportation.
Non-Conforming Signs:
10. A non-conforming sign may be maintained so long as it is in a safe condition. A non-
conforming sign shall not be rebuilt, reconstructed, altered, or moved except in conformity
with the provisions of this bylaw. If a sign or any part of a sign is located on or over City
property or a road right-of-way, the owner of the property may be required to enter into an
encroachment agreement with the City to be registered on the subject property. The fee
for the registration of such an agreement in the Land Titles Office will be the responsibility
of the applicant and will be billed by the City according to the Land Titles and Survey
Authorities fee structure for registration of a charge.
11. A person is not required to enter into an encroachment agreement subject to meeting the
following provisions:
a)
Drawings show a minimum clearance of 2.75 metres vertical clearance above
grade, and a maximum horizontal projection of 0.6 metres into the sidewalk; and
b)
The owner of the property shall obtain liability insurance and enter into an
indemnification agreement with the City as set out in Section 17 under "Liability"
as an alternative to entering into an encroachment agreement.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 13
Bylaw Conflicts:
12. If any portion of this bylaw is found to be in conflict with any other bylaw of the City, the
provisions which establish the most restrictive provisions shall prevail and nothing in this
bylaw shall be taken to relieve any person from complying with the provisions of any other
bylaw of the City.
Maintenance of Signs:
13. All signs shall be structurally sound and free from all hazards caused or resulting
from decay or the failure of structural members, fixtures, lighting, or appurtenances.
14. All faces within a sign box shall remain free of defects. Sign box faces must contain copy
related to a currently operating business or be blank. Sign boxes without a face are not
permitted.
15. All signs shall be maintained in readable and clean condition and the site of the sign shall be
kept free of weeds, debris, and rubbish.
16. Routine sign maintenance does not require a permit but shall conform to all other
requirements of this bylaw.
Liability:
17. Whenever any sign is installed or erected either wholly or partially over public property or a
road allowance, the owner shall obtain and at all times maintain in full force and effect a
policy of liability insurance covering bodily injury and/or property damage for claims arising
out of the ownership of such sign in the minimum amount of $3,000,000 for as long as the
sign or any portion thereof remains over public property.
18. The City of Williams Lake shall be named as co-insured on any such insurance policy. An
endorsement in the form set out in Schedule B to this bylaw shall form a part of such
insurance policy. The owner shall provide the City with a certified copy of such insurance
policy and any renewal thereof. In the event that the owner does not maintain such
insurance, or allows such insurance to lapse without renewal thereof, the permit used for
such sign shall be deemed to be revoked and the owner shall have the sign removed.
19. In addition to the maintenance of the insurance in accordance with the above paragraph,
every owner of a sign which is installed or erected over public property shall enter into an
agreement with the City in the form set out in Schedule A to this bylaw to indemnify
against, and save the City harmless from any and all liability resulting from injury to persons
or damage to property which results from the presence, collapse, or failure of the sign.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 14
Signs Permitted in All Zones:
20. The following signs shall be permitted within all zones and shall be exempt from the
requirement to obtain a permit, provided however, that no sign shall obstruct any electric
light, power, or telephone wire, and all other provisions of this bylaw are met:
a)
Traffic control signs as defined in the "Motor Vehicle Act", subject to the
provision of said Act;
b)
Signs to be maintained or posted by Law or Governmental Order, Rule, or
Regulation;
c)
Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical tablets, and the like;
d)
Onsite direction signs, not exceeding 1 square metre each in area, intended to
facilitate the movements of pedestrians and vehicles within the site upon which
such signs are located;
e)
No Trespassing, No Dumping, and No Shooting signs, not exceeding 0.5 square
metres each in area;
f)
Temporary signs pertaining to events for community causes and charitable
fundraising campaigns or recognized civic, philanthropic, educational, or
religious organizations, provided that such signs:
(i)
Shall not be established more than thirty days prior to the event and shall
be removed not later than four days after the event;
(ii)
Shall be of such size and design and posted at such locations for such
periods as determined by the Manager of Public Works; and
(iii)
No person, owner, or tenant shall allow an electrical cord for a temporary
sign to pass over a sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, roadway, driveway,
aisle, or parking space;
g)
Political campaign signs are permitted in all zones only:
(i)
From the beginning the campaign period, as defined by the Local
Elections Campaign Financing Act, until four days following the general
voting day for local government elections and byelections;
BL2437 (12/05/26)
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 15
(ii)
From the issue of the writ of the election/referendum and four days
following the electoral event for federal or provincial elections, byelections
or referendums;
(iii)
From the day that the text of the question is approved by Council or the
Regional District Board, by bylaw or by resolution, until four days
following General Voting Day for local government referenda or opinion
poll questions.
g.1)
Political campaign signs shall not be installed:
(i)
On or over a street, including any boulevards or public right of ways;
a. As an exception to section 20.(g.1)(i) of this bylaw, a political campaign
sign may be placed on a boulevard immediately in front of, and
connected to, a parcel used solely for residential purposes if the sign
does not impact any City utilities and with the consent of the adjacent
property owner; and
b. This Bylaw does not regulate political campaign signs located within the
rights of way of Provincial arterial highways, which are the jurisdiction
of the Provincial Government;
(ii)
Within any City-owned park or public space;
(iii)
On private property, without the written consent of the property owner
where the sign will be located;
(iv)
Within three metres of a fire hydrant;
(v)
If it exceeds two metres in height, as measured from the grade of the site
to the top of the political campaign sign or its supporting structure,
whichever is greater;
(vi)
With a sign face exceeding 1.5 square metres in area;
(vii)
In a manner that obstructs, simulates, or detracts from the visibility of
regulatory signs or other traffic control devices;
(viii)
In any manner that obstructs pedestrian or vehicle traffic as determined
by the City's Chief Election Officer.
g.2)
For clarity, this bylaw does not apply to Provincial arterial highways such as
Highway 97 and Highway 20, which are governed by the Provincial Government.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 16
h)
Flags, Pennants, or Emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or
religious organizations.
i)
Temporary real estate signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of a lot or
premises are permitted in all zones, provided that such signs:
(i)
Are removed immediately upon completion of a lease, rental, or sale of
the property to which the sign refers;
(ii)
Shall only be present on the property of active listings, however,
directional signage may be permitted on private property with the
written consent of a property owner and shall be limited to one
directional sign per property;
(iii)
Are not illuminated;
(iv)
That are "Open House" signs are removed upon completion of the open
house; directional signage for an open house may be permitted on public
or private property with the permission of the property owner, but must
be removed on the same day of the open house;
(v)
Are no larger than 2 square metres and shall not exceed 1.8 metres in
maximum height in a residential zone, and are no larger than 10 square
metres in area, and unless attached to a building shall not exceed a
height of 2.5 metres above grade in all non-residential zones; and
(vi)
Not more than two real estate signs for each fronting street shall be
permitted;
j)
Home occupation signs shall be limited to 1.0 square metre in area;
k)
Temporary construction signs indicating the name and nature of a construction
or demolition project, including the names of the contractors, sub-contractors,
the entity providing the finances, and the professional advisors, provided that
such signs:
(i)
Do not exceed 3.0 square metres of area in residential zones, and 6.0
square metres in all other zones;
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 17
(ii)
Erect only one temporary construction sign for each street fronting the
construction project; and
(iii)
Shall be limited to a period not to exceed the duration of the
construction project;
l)
Sandwich board signs are permitted in all zones subject to the following:
(i)
The sign must be located either on the property or located along the
frontage of the said business;
(ii)
The sign does not exceed the height of 1.2 metres;
(iii)
Not more than one sandwich board sign shall be permitted for each
business holding a valid business licence with a maximum of two
sandwich board signs permitted per building frontage;
(iv)
They are not located within 6 metres of an intersection measured from
the nearest curb of the intersection;
(v)
They shall not be sited less than 0.31 metres from the back of the curb or
the edge of the road if a curb is not in place;
(vi)
In the case of a sandwich board sign on a public sidewalk or walkway,
there must be a minimum 1.8 metre wide, unobstructed pedestrian
corridor after the sign is installed so as not to disrupt pedestrians using
the sidewalk or walkway;
(vii)
The sandwich board sign shall not be installed in a location that will
interfere with parking meters, crosswalks, landscape planters, street
furniture, street trees, and fire hydrants;
(viii)
The sign holder must endorse the City on their insurance policy if a
sandwich board is to be placed on public property or road right-of-way;
and
(ix)
Sandwich board signs must not fall into a state of disrepair;
m)
Signs on farms advertising farm produce for sale, provided that such signs:
(i)
Shall be located only upon the lot to which the sign refers;
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 18
(ii)
Shall not be larger than 3 square metres in area;
(iii)
Shall be non-illuminated; and
(iv)
Remain only for the period that the agricultural product is available;
n)
Window signs, provided that such signs:
(i)
Do not project from the window they are placed in;
(ii)
Are not placed within a window required for secondary egress;
(iii)
Do not obstruct or restrict access to any door or window hardware; and
(iv)
Are constructed of non-combustible material if placed on a required exit
door; and
o)
Public institution signs indicating the location of a public institution, provided
that such signs:
(i)
Be limited to two signs containing a maximum of 0.5 square metres of
sign area each, per institution or facility; and
(ii)
Have a maximum height that does not exceed 2 metres above grade;
p)
Operations that do not require a business licence, including but not limited to a
children's lemonade stand, a residential garage sale, a church bake sale, etc.,
provided that such signs are no larger than 1.0 square metre in sign area.
Signs Prohibited in All Zones:
21. Signs not specifically permitted in this bylaw are hereby prohibited, and without restricting
or limiting the generality of this bylaw, the following signs are prohibited:
a)
Off-site signs are prohibited, except the following:
(i)
A digital and projected advertising display may, in addition to advertising
the business located on the lot where the sign is located, advertise
businesses and/or events located elsewhere in the City;
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(ii)
Public institution signs;
(iii)
Temporary signs advertising special events for community causes and
charitable fund-raising campaigns;
(iv)
Temporary signs advertising special events or sales for businesses shall
be permitted only on private property with the written permission of the
property owner;
(v)
Temporary signs are permitted provided that the sign does not exceed
3.0 square metres in area, and the maximum height of the sign does not
exceed 2.5 metres;
(vi)
A maximum of one temporary sign is permitted on a property fronting
each street abutting a lot, except where the lot has more than 75 metres
of street frontage, one additional temporary sign may be erected for
each full additional 75 metres of street frontage; and
(vii)
Mobile or human held signage as advertising is permitted within
commercial zones on a City sidewalk or boulevard only;
b)
Backlighting or animation of signs is not permitted in residential and agricultural
Zones;
c)
Balcony signs and signs mounted on or supported on a balcony are prohibited;
d)
Billboard signs are prohibited;
e)
Any sign that obstructs windows, fire escapes, exits, utilities, municipal works,
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or any part of a doorway is prohibited;
f)
Abandoned signs located on premises which become vacant or unoccupied for a
period greater than 90 days are prohibited;
g)
Signs which bear or contain statements, words, or pictures that the Canadian
Human Rights Act specifically recognizes, or those considered obscene,
pornographic, or of an immoral character, or which contain advertising matter
which is untruthful, are prohibited;
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h)
Banner signs are prohibited unless permitted by the Director of Development
Services;
i)
Signs which by reasons of their size, message, location, movement, content,
colouring, or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a
traffic control sign, signal, device, or the light of an emergency or road
equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign, or traffic
signal or device, are prohibited; and
j)
Signs which emit audible sounds, odours, or visible matter are prohibited.
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PART II - SIGN SPECIFICATIONS
AWNING AND CANOPY SIGNS
22. For the purposes of this Bylaw an awning and canopy shall be considered as part of an
awning or canopy sign.
23. Subject to the absolute limit of 1 metre horizontal clearance from the curb line of a street,
the maximum horizontal projection of an awning or canopy over a street shall not exceed 2
metres.
24. The minimum height of an awning or canopy shall be 2.75 metres above grade.
25. An awning or canopy installed under this Bylaw shall be wholly supported by the building to
which it is attached and shall have no structural or decorative support posts or columns
installed in, or over the highway.
26. The maximum copy area shall be no more than 40% in area of the face of the awning or
canopy.
27. The awning or canopy shall be in conformance with the Building Bylaw.
28. The maximum height of an awning or canopy sign shall not be higher than the roof line of
the building to which it is attached.
29. No awning or canopy sign shall extend or project above the upper edge of the awning or
canopy.
30. Awnings and canopies shall be designed so that storm water will not be directed into the
highway from the edges of the awning or canopy. Drainage through the building shall be an
integral part of the design of an awning or canopy.
31. Where property is adjacent to an intersection of a lane and a highway, no awning or canopy
shall be installed within 1.2 metres from the corner of the property adjacent to the
intersection.
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SUSPENDED SIGNS
32. The minimum clearance of a suspended sign shall be 2.5 metres from grade;
33. No suspended sign shall extend horizontally beyond the limits of the awning or canopy;
34. The maximum vertical dimension of a suspended sign shall not exceed 300 millimetres; and
35. The maximum sign area of a suspended sign shall be 0.6 square metres.
FACE SIGNS
36. Only the building face to which a face sign is attached shall be used for sign area
calculation.
37. The maximum sign area shall be no more than 40% in area of the entire building face to
which it is attached.
38. A face sign shall not project beyond 450 millimetres from the building face to which it is
attached.
39. A face sign shall not extend above the sill of any window above such sign or above guard
rails or balustrades immediately above such sign.
40. No part of a face sign shall project more than 0.5 metres above the roof line of the building
to which it is affixed.
41. A face sign may project over a street subject to the requirements of this bylaw.
42. Face signs which project over a street shall have a minimum height of 2.75 metres above
grade.
43. A face sign attached to a fence shall be no more than 25% of the fence area to which it is
attached.
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FREESTANDING SIGNS
44. Where a freestanding sign projects over a vehicular traffic area such as a parking lot or
driveway, a minimum clearance of 4.4 metres shall be maintained.
45. Any portion of a freestanding sign shall not be located closer than 1.5 metres to the point of
the intersecting street lines.
46. Any portion of a freestanding sign shall not be located closer than 1.5 metres to any
adjoining lot.
47. A freestanding sign shall not be installed or project on or over a street.
48. Illuminated freestanding signs shall be connected to an underground electrical supply.
49. No stabilizing wires shall be used for a freestanding sign. The support structures shall be an
integral part of the design.
50. No freestanding sign shall obscure a pedestrian or driver's line of vision from a street,
access road, or sidewalk to oncoming traffic.
PENTHOUSE SIGNS
51. The sign area of a penthouse sign shall not exceed 0.10 square metres per lineal metre of
building frontage facing a street;
52. The maximum penthouse sign area shall not exceed 6.0 square metres;
53. Penthouse signs shall be affixed in a plane parallel to the wall of the penthouse; and
54. No more than one penthouse sign per exterior penthouse wall shall be installed on a
building.
PROJECTING SIGNS
55. The minimum clearance height of a projecting sign shall be 2.75 metres from grade where it
projects over a street or a path of travel.
56. Projecting signs shall have a maximum vertical height of 2 metres on single storey buildings
plus an additional 1.6 metres for every storey thereafter.
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57. A projecting sign is permitted to extend 0.3 metres above the roof line of the building to
which it is attached.
58. Subject to the absolute limit of 1 metre horizontal clearance from the curb line of a street,
the maximum horizontal projection of a projecting sign over a street shall not exceed 2
metres.
59. No projecting sign may project more than 250 millimetres for each metre of distance
between the sign and the nearest intersecting property line or lease line of the premises to
which it refers.
60. Subject to the requirements of this bylaw, where a projecting sign projects over a street,
such permit will require:
(a)
An Indemnification Agreement as set out in Schedule A of this bylaw;
(b)
An Endorsement of Insurance Policy as set out in Schedule B of this bylaw; and
(c)
The owner of the property will be required to enter an Encroachment
agreement with the City to be registered on the subject property. The fee for
the registration of such an agreement in the Land Titles Office will be the
responsibility of the Applicant and will be billed by the City according to the Land
Titles and Survey Authorities fee structure for registration of a Charge.
PORTABLE SIGNS (EXCEPT SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS)
61. The maximum height of any portable sign shall not exceed 2 metres above grade, and shall
not exceed an area of 3.0 square metres.
62. Portable signs shall not be located on a street, road allowance, or other public place, or in a
manner that obscures street vision.
CANNABIS RETAIL SIGNS
63. Cannabis retail stores shall prominently display a sign on the premises indicating that no
persons under 19 years of age are permitted on the premises.
64. Cannabis retail signs may only display the name, logogram, address, hours of operation, and
contact information of the business.
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65. Cannabis retail signs must not contain a depiction of a person, character, or animal,
whether real or fictional;
66. Portable signs or sandwich board signs located in the public right-of-way in front of a
cannabis business are prohibited.
67. No person shall place, allow, or maintain any off-site sign, or any other form of commercial
advertising for cannabis, cannabis products, commercial cannabis activity, or any business
engaged in any commercial cannabis activity.
68. Shall comply with all regulations of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
CANNABIS INDUSTRIAL SIGNS
69. Cannabis industrial signs shall prominently display a sign on the premises indicating that no
persons under 19 years of age are permitted on the premises.
70. Cannibis industrial signs must not contain a depiction of a person, character, or animal,
whether real or fictional;
71. Cannabis industrial signs may only display the name, logogram, address, hours of operation,
and contact information of the business.
72. Off-site signs are prohibited.
73. Shall comply with all regulations of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
ILLUMINATED SIGNS
74. If externally illuminated, be equipped with a shield directing light downwards, or be
installed on a downward angle so-as-to not direct light into roadways.
75. If an awning or canopy sign, any lighting source must be contained and concealed under the
awning or canopy.
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DIGITAL and PROJECTED ADVERTISING DISPLAYS (DPAD)
76. The minimum duration of a display shall be 8 seconds.
77. Transitions between successive displays must last less than 0.25 seconds with no visual
effects including, but not limited to:
a) Fades;
b) Dissolves; or
c) Animations.
78. Shall not use message sequencing or scrolling text. Message sequencing refers to the
segmentation of a single message over multiple successive display phases on a single DPAD.
79. Shall not display video, animation, flashing, movement, or appearance of movement.
80. Shall not display advertising content that interacts with or is specific to individual drivers or
vehicles through any observed or obtained personal information.
81. Must be equipped with ambient light sensors which adjust display brightness due to time of
day and surrounding conditions.
82. Shall have a maximum illuminance of 0.3 foot-candles or 3.2 lux above ambient light levels.
83. Must default to a black screen if the DPAD malfunctions.
84. Shall not interfere or overlap with the line of sight of any traffic control devices or signal
heads.
85. Shall not be placed within an outward distance of 300 metres measured from the centreline
or centre of Decision Making Points including, but not limited to:
a) Signalized intersections;
b) Interchanges;
c) Pedestrian crossings;
d) At-grade railroad crossings; and
e) Roundabouts.
86. Must be at least 30 metres from a dwelling unit facing the copy area of the sign;
87. Shall have a maximum screen size of 4 square metres on a site less than 0.4 hectares, and a
maximum screen size of 8 square metres on a site equal to or greater than 0.4 hectares; and
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88. May be subject to a review by the Traffic Advisory Committee to determine whether or not it
will pose a distraction to drivers.
ANIMATED SIGNS
89. Can be installed in the form of a freestanding, projecting, face, or rooftop sign.
90. Must meet all the regulations within this bylaw associated with the related sign type.
91. Shall not be placed within an outward distance of 300 metres measured from the centreline
or centre of Decision Making Points including, but not limited to:
a) Signalized intersections;
b) Interchanges;
c) Pedestrian crossings;
d) At-grade railroad crossings; and
e) Roundabouts.
92. Will be subject to the requirements for illuminated or digital and projected advertising
displays if, in addition to the animation, it features an electronic screen or an artificial light
source.
93. May be subject to a review by the Traffic Advisory Committee to determine whether or not
it will pose a distraction to drivers.
ROOFTOP SIGNS
94. Shall require a structural engineer to review roof loading and attachment.
95. The maximum height of a rooftop sign shall be 2 metres above the roof line.
96. The proposed sign plan must show an exceptional effort toward creating visual harmony
among natural views, and other architectural elements of the building structure.
97. Must be constructed so as not to block the natural view.
98. Third-party advertising is prohibited.
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MURALS
99. Must not contain advertising of any person, business, organization (excluding non-profits), or
product.
100. Are permitted to cover up to 100% of the wall area on which they are placed.
101. If a face sign is to be placed on the same building face as the mural it shall have a maximum
sign area of no more than 10% of the mural space to which it is attached.
102. Maintenance of murals is the responsibility of the property owner. The City has the right to
remove murals if not maintained.
103. Any mural not approved by means of a sign permit shall be considered graffiti.
104. Murals shall be exempt from any sign permit fees.
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PART III - REGULATIONS FOR SIGNS IN ZONES
104. Signs for which a permit is not required as set out in Part I, Section 20 of this bylaw are
permitted in any zone in the City.
RESIDENTIAL AND ACREAGE RESERVE ZONES
105. No sign shall be erected, placed, or maintained in a residential or acreage reserve zone as
designated by the City's Zoning Bylaw, except the following:
(a)
Signs for home identification purposes, provided the total area of such signs do
not exceed 1.0 square metre, and are not illuminated or animated;
(b)
One sign fronting each street abutting the lot to advertise a permitted business
in the rural residential or acreage reserve zone, provided that the sign does not
exceed 3.0 square metres in area, the maximum height of the sign does not
exceed 2.5 square metres, and the sign is not illuminated or animated;
(c)
One face or freestanding identification sign for an apartment building or
mobile home park located in the R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 zones, provided that the
sign is not more than 3.0 square metres in area, the sign is not animated, and
the maximum height of a freestanding sign is 2.5 metres; and
(d)
Neighbourhood signs indicating a specific neighbourhood, such as "Westridge
Estates" or "Pine Tree Village", provided that:
(i)
They do not exceed 3.0 square metres in area;
(ii)
They do not exceed 3 metres above grade in height;
(iii)
They are located within the neighbourhood to which they refer; and
(iv)
No more than two neighbourhood identification signs shall be allowed for
each neighbourhood.
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INSTITUTIONAL ZONES
106. No sign shall be erected, placed, or maintained in any institutional zone as designated by
the City's Zoning Bylaw, except the following:
(a)
Identification signs in the form of face or freestanding signs, provided
that:
(i)
The total area of all face signs shall not exceed 40% of the area of the
entire building face upon which it is placed; and
(ii)
The total area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 6.0 square metres
and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be 5.0 metres. A
freestanding sign is permitted to have a zero setback, provided that sight
triangles are maintained at intersections and driveways.
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES
107. No sign shall be erected, placed, or maintained in an industrial or commercial zone as
designated by the City's Zoning Bylaw, except the following:
(a)
One commercial/industrial park sign is permitted for an area outside the City
Centre zoned for industrial or commercial use, where the group of businesses
share the same zoning class. In the case of commercial parks that share a
contiguous parking area, are located off a highway collector, and are separately
owned parcels of land, the signage must meet the following requirements:
(i)
A lease agreement must be signed over the area of land where the sign is
being erected;
(ii)
The sign shall have a maximum height of 10 metres;
(iii)
The sign must comply with the line of sight and setback requirements
under the City's Zoning Bylaw; and
(iv)
The property owner is required to carry Liability Insurance of $3,000,000;
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(b)
One freestanding sign fronting each street abutting a lot, except where the lot
has more than 75 metres of street frontage, one additional freestanding sign,
except in the case of a lot containing cannabis industrial use, may be erected for
each full additional 75 metres of street frontage, provided that:
(i)
The freestanding signs do not exceed a height of 10 metres and a sign
area of 0.6 square metres per lineal metre of street frontage, up to a
maximum sign area of 24.0 square metres per allowable sign;
(c)
Signs for each separate business or premises on a lot in the form of face,
awning or canopy, suspended, or projecting signs, fronting each
street abutting the lot on which the sign is located, provided that:
(i)
The total area of face signs shall not exceed 40% of the entire building
face to which it is attached; and
(ii)
The total area of awning or canopy signs shall not exceed 0.6 square
metres per metre of awning/canopy face, but in no case shall the total
sign area exceed 40% of the area of the face of the awning/canopy;
(d)
Where a premises has an exposed building face which does not have street
frontage, one additional face sign having a maximum area not exceeding the
allowable face sign area for the building frontage shall be permitted for each
such building face;
(e)
Portable signs provided that all portable signs on any lot do not exceed a sign
area of 3.0 square metres;
(f)
Balloon signs or other gas-filled figures provided that:
(i)
The setback distance is equal to or greater than the overall height of the
sign or figure;
(ii)
It must be placed at a location that does not interfere with the line of
sight of vehicles;
Bylaw No. 2360
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(iii)
It is not placed within an outward distance of 300 metres measured from
the centreline or centre of Decision Making Points including, but not
limited to:
- Signalized intersections;
- Interchanges;
- Pedestrian crossings;
- At-grade railroad crossings; and
- Roundabouts;
(iv)
It must be secured directly to the ground or building it is placed on by a
minimum of three points to prevent the sign or figure from tipping over;
and
(v)
No person, owner, or tenant shall allow an electrical cord for a balloon
sign to pass over a sidewalk, pedestrian walkway, roadway, driveway,
aisle, or parking space;
(g)
Service stations may, in addition to all other allowable signage, have one sign per
pump island, provided that the sign shall not exceed a maximum height of 3
metres above the pump island and shall not extend beyond the pump island at
either end; and
(h)
A digital and projected advertising display as specified in Part 1, Section 21,
Subsection (a), Clause (i), "Signs Prohibited in All Zones" of this bylaw, provided
that the sign consists of or replaces all other allowable freestanding and
projecting signs on the property.
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PART IV - SIGN PERMITS
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
108. Except as provided under Part 1, Section 20, "Signs Permitted in All Zones" of this bylaw,
no person shall erect, construct, alter, paint, move, or otherwise establish a sign within the
City unless they hold a valid and subsisting permit issued pursuant to this bylaw.
109. No person shall commence or continue work on a sign after the Building Official has
ordered cessation thereof.
110. No person shall erect, construct, alter, move, or otherwise establish a sign that is at
variance with the conditions of the permit including the description, plans, and
specifications of the sign for which the permit has been issued unless such change has
been approved in writing by the Building Official.
111. Unless authorized by the Building Official, no person shall reverse, alter, deface, cover,
remove, or in any way tamper with any notice or certificate posted on or fixed to any sign
pursuant to any of the provisions of this bylaw.
112. No person shall interfere with or obstruct any entry of the Building Official onto land or
premises as authorized by this bylaw.
113. Sign permit applications shall be accompanied by the prescribed permit fees as set out in
Part IV, Section 121 of this bylaw.
PERMIT APPLICATION
114. An application for a sign permit under this bylaw must:
(a)
Be made in the form attached as Schedule C and signed by the owner, or a
signing officer if the owner is a corporation;
(b)
Include copies in duplicate of specifications and drawings to a scale of not less
than 1:100 showing:
(i)
The dimensions, sign maker's name, and weight of the sign and, where
applicable, the dimensions of the wall or fascia surface of the building to
which it is to be attached;
Bylaw No. 2360
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(ii)
The dimensions and weight of the sign's supporting members, including
the method of attachment and specifications of the structural member to
which attachment is to be made;
(iii)
The clearance and height of the sign from grade;
(iv)
The materials of the sign;
(v)
Where applicable, the proposed location of the sign in relation to the
building face, in front of which or above which it is to be erected;
(vi)
Where applicable, the proposed location of the sign in relation to the
boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated;
(vii)
The size and location of all existing signs on the premises;
(viii)
Where applicable, the foundation dimensions for the sign; and
(ix)
The location of all underground utilities in the vicinity of the sign;
(c)
If the sign is to be illuminated or animated, the colours to be used and details of
utilities routing to accomplish this;
(d)
A current photograph of the building face to which the sign is to be
attached;
(e)
Where required by the Building Official, include Letters of Assurance in the
form of Schedule B referred to in Division C, subsection 2.2.7, of the Building
Code, each signed by such registered professionals as the Building Official or
Building Code may require, to prepare the design for and to conduct field
reviews of the construction of the sign;
(f)
Where (e) of this section applies, include two sets of drawings at a suitable scale
of the design prepared by each registered professional containing the
information set out in (b) to (d) of this section; and
(g)
Where a registered professional provides Letters of Assurance in accordance
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with the Building Code, they must also provide proof of professional liability
insurance to the Building Official in the form and amount set by Schedule E of
this bylaw.
ISSUANCE OF SIGN PERMIT
115. The Building Official shall issue the permit for which an application is made where:
(a)
The proposed sign conforms with this bylaw and all other applicable bylaws of
the City;
(b)
The applicant has paid to the City the fee prescribed by this bylaw; and
(c) The owner of a sign, where the sign partially or wholly encroaches in or over a
street, has agreed to indemnify and save harmless the City of Williams Lake and
its employees from and against all claims, demands, loss, costs, damages,
actions, suits, or other proceedings in any way related to anything done or
omitted to be done by the applicant in connection with a sign or a permit issued
pursuant to the Bylaw; and has executed an indemnity agreement in the form
attached as Schedule A of this bylaw; and has listed the City of Williams Lake as
an insured to the applicant's liability insurance policy by execution of the
endorsement for insurance policy set out in Schedule B of this bylaw.
116. The permit shall expire if the work or activity authorized has not commenced within thirty
days of permit issuance, or if the work or activity authorized has not been completed
within a period of three months from the date of permit issuance.
117. The Building Official may require, as a condition of the issuance of any permit, that all
drawings and specifications, or any part thereof, be prepared and sealed by, and the
construction carried out under the supervision of a registered professional; and may
refuse to issue a permit until provided with a Letter of Assurance by a registered
professional, undertaken to supervise the work or any part thereof authorized by such
permit.
118. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist climatic and other
loads in accordance with the provisions of the City of Williams Lake Building Bylaw and
good engineering practices.
119. Signs, unless certified by a registered professional, shall not be fastened by nails, staples,
or screws to wooden blocks, plugs, or nailing strips built into masonry or concrete.
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120. No signs shall be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing
due to wind action.
PERMIT FEES
121. The sign permit fee shall be $100.00 for a sign valued at $1,000.00 or less and an
additional $10.00 per $1,000.00 value for any sign valued over $1,000.00.
122. A sign permit fee is not refundable if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced.
The following operations shall not be considered to require a permit, provided that the
work does not change the conformity with this bylaw and other bylaws of the City:
a)
Changing of advertising copy of the message on an existing approved sign,
provided the sign is specifically designed for use as a changeable copy sign;
b)
Painting, repainting, cleaning, or other routine maintenance and repair of a sign
not requiring structural changes; and
c)
The replacement of plastic sign faces as required because of breakage or
deterioration. The substitution of a new or different advertiser is a change
requiring a permit.
RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNER
123. Subject to Part I, Section 9, every owner must apply for and obtain a sign permit prior to:
(a)
Erecting a sign or sign structure;
(b)
Constructing a sign or sign structure;
(c)
Altering a sign or sign structure;
(d)
Moving a sign or sign structure; and
(e)
Otherwise establishing a sign or sign structure;
124. Every owner must:
(a)
Ensure that plans submitted with a permit application bear the name, phone
number, address, and email address of the designer of the sign or sign structure;
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(b)
Comply with the Building Code, the requirements of this bylaw, and the
conditions of the permit, and must not omit any work required by the Building
Code, this bylaw, or the conditions of the permit;
(c)
Carry out the work authorized by the permit under conditions which protect
public safety; and
(d)
Maintain all signs in a safe condition, free from any defects, and keep all signs
and sign structures clean and neatly painted.
125. Every owner must carry out construction, or have the construction carried out in
accordance with the requirements of the Building Code, this bylaw, and other bylaws of
the City; The issuance of a permit under this bylaw, the review of plans and supporting
documents, or inspections made by a Building Official or a registered professional shall not
relieve the owner from full and sole responsibility to perform the work in strict accordance
with this bylaw, the Building Code, and all other applicable codes, standards, and
enactments;
126. Every owner must allow a Building Official to enter any building or premises to administer
and enforce this Bylaw at any reasonable time. Every owner to whom a permit is issued
must, during construction:
(a)
Post the civic address on the property so that it may be easily read from the
public highway from which the property takes its address; and
(b)
Post the permit on the property so that it may be easily read from the public
highway from which the property takes its address.
127. Every owner must obtain, by giving the Building Official forty-eight hours notice, an
inspection of works at each of the following stages:
(a)
After the forms for footings of freestanding signs are completed, but prior to
placing of any concrete therein; and
(b)
Immediately upon the completion of the work authorized by the permit.
128. The owner shall make all required corrections, provide all required information as ordered
by the Building Official, and notify the Building Official once such corrections have been
made.
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PART V - ENFORCEMENT AND OFFENCES
ENFORCEMENT
129. The Building Officials and Bylaw Enforcement Officers or any appointee by the Director of
Development Services are empowered by this bylaw to:
(a)
Administer this bylaw;
(b)
Enter at all reasonable times, any building or premises, to ascertain whether the
provisions of this bylaw are being observed;
(c)
Prescribe a time limit within which any order given under Part V, Section 129,
Subsection d, e, f, g, h, or i is to be complied with by the owner, their agent, the
tenant of the premises, or the owner of the sign;
(d)
Order the correction of any work which is being or has been improperly done
under a permit, or is done in contravention of the terms and conditions of a
permit or this bylaw;
(e)
Order the cessation of work that is proceeding in contravention of this bylaw or
any permit issued pursuant to this bylaw;
(f)
Revoke a permit where there is a violation of any term or condition of the permit
or a contravention of this bylaw;
(g)
Order the removal of a sign when:
(i)
There is no valid and subsisting permit;
(ii)
The sign does not conform to this bylaw; or
(iii)
The sign is unlawful;
(h)
Order the painting, repair, alteration, or removal of any sign which has become
dilapidated or is abandoned, or in the opinion of the Building Official, constitutes
a hazard to public safety or property; and
(i)
Require the owner to supply a plan prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor
detailing the location of any sign on the lot.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 39
VIOLATIONS
130. Every person who:
(a)
Violates a provision of this bylaw;
(b)
Permits, suffers, or allows any act to be done in violation of any provision of this
bylaw; or
(c)
Neglects to do anything required to be done under any provision of this bylaw,
is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties imposed under this bylaw or
any other applicable bylaw of the City, and is guilty of a separate offence each
day that a violation continues to exist.
131. Every person who fails to comply with any order or notice issued by a Building Official or a
Bylaw Enforcement Officer, or who allows a violation of this bylaw to continue,
contravenes this bylaw.
132. A person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw is guilty of an offence and is subject
to the following enforcement provisions:
(a)
To the penalties imposed by the Offence Act, or
(b)
To a fine as imposed by means of the Municipal Ticket Information system under
the Community Charter, or a bylaw notice under the Local Government Bylaw
Notice Enforcement Act.
132.1 City staff are authorized to remove any political campaign sign that contravenes this
bylaw or Provincial or Federal statute.
DEEMED OFFENCES
133. An owner is deemed to have knowledge of and be liable under this bylaw in respect of any
construction on the parcel the owner owns.
134. No person is deemed liable under Part V, Section 133, who establishes, on a balance of
probabilities, that the construction occurred before they became the owner of the parcel.
135. Nothing in Part V, Section 134, affects:
BL2437 (12/05/26)
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 40
(a)
The City's right to require and the owner's obligation to obtain a permit; and
(b)
The obligation of the owner to comply with this bylaw.
TICKETING
136. The offences in Schedule A-14 of the City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement
Bylaw No. 2196, 2013 are designated for enforcement under Part 1, Section 2 (2) of the
Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act.
137. The following persons are designated as Bylaw Enforcement Officers under Part 1, Section
2 (2) of the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act for enforcing the offences in
Schedule A-14 of the City of Williams Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2196,
2013:
(a) Building Officials;
(b) Fire Inspectors; and
(c) Persons designated by Council as Bylaw Enforcement Officers.
138. Any person designated as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer pursuant to the City of Williams
Lake Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw is hereby authorized and empowered to enforce
the provisions of this bylaw, by bylaw notice or as otherwise provided by this bylaw.
Bylaw No. 2360
Page 41
PART VI - ADOPTION
139. That this Bylaw shall come into force and take effect upon the date of final adoption by
the Council of the City of Williams Lake.
READ A FIRST TIME THIS
7th
DAY OF
June
, 2022.
READ A SECOND TIME THIS
7th
DAY OF
June
, 2022.
READ A THIRD TIME THIS
7th
DAY OF
June
, 2022.
RECONSIDERED AND ADOPTED THIS
21st
DAY OF
June
, 2022.
*original signed by
_______________________________
MAYOR
*original signed by
_______________________________
CORPORATE OFFICER
SCHEDULE A
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS
has applied to the City of
Williams Lake for a permit pursuant to Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022.
hereby agrees to indemnify and save
harmless the City of Williams Lake, its employees and agents from and
against all claims, demands, loss, costs, damages, actions, suits or other
proceedings resulting from personal injury or property damage occurring as
a result of the installation or maintenance of a sign pursuant to a permit
issued by the City of Williams Lake under the Provisions of the Sign Bylaw
2360, 2022.
__________________________
Signature of Authorized Representative
SCHEDULE B
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
ENDORSEMENT FOR INSURANCE POLICY
At the request of the insured
, the City of Williams Lake
is hereby added to this policy as an additional insured in respect of the
at
the location hereinafter described. A permit having been granted by the City of Williams Lake
for the installation and maintenance of a
affixed to the
premises located at
,and generally described
as in the City of Williams Lake, subject to the indemnification of the City of Williams Lake
against loss or damages arising therefrom, it is hereby understood and agreed that the
insurance provided by this policy shall first be used to indemnify the City of Williams Lake
against all loss, costs, expenses, claims, damages, or liability imposed by law upon the City of
Williams Lake for or on account of bodily injuries accidentally sustained, including death
resulting therefrom, for all property damage for which the City of Williams Lake may be held
liable, as well as for property damage sustained by the City of Williams Lake by reasons of the
construction, installation, maintenance, use, non-repair, servicing or removal of the said
__________________________, providing that the insurer's liability shall not in any event
exceed in the amount the limits in this policy.
The limit of liability for any accident shall be not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000).
Any terms, conditions, agreements, or exclusions contained in this policy shall not be held
applicable to the prejudice of the City of Williams Lake. This policy shall not lapse or be cancelled
except upon thirty (30) days previous notice in writing to the City of Williams Lake. Nothing herein
contained shall be held to vary, alter, waive, or extend any of the Declarations, Agreements,
Exclusions, or Conditions of the under- mentioned policy other than as above stated.
Attached to policy number__________________________ Date of Endorsement____________
Insurance Company________________________________ Code Number_________________
SCHEDULE C
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION (2pages)
Sign Permit No: ________________(Office Use Only) Date Received____________________
Owner Information:
Name:_____________________________________________Email:______________________
Address:___________________________________________Phone:______________________
__________________________________________________
Builder Information:
Name:_____________________________________________Email:_____________________
Address:___________________________________________Phone:_____________________
__________________________________________________
Business Name:________________________________________________________________
Project Address:________________________________________________________________
Legal Description:_______________________________________________________________
Value of Work:____________________________________ No. Existing Signs:______________
Details of Proposed Signs:
# of Signs
Type of Signs
Refer to Sign Bylaw No. 2360 Part II
Total Area (sq.ft/m²)
THIS IS NOT A PERMIT AND DOES NOT AUTHORIZE THE COMMENCEMENT OF WORK.
1. This undertaking is given by the undersigned, as the owner of the property described
above, with the intention that it be binding on the owner and that the City will rely on the
same.
2. I confirm that I have applied for a sign permit pursuant to "City of Williams Lake Sign Bylaw
No. 2360, 2022" (the "Bylaw") and that I have carefully reviewed and fully understand all
of the provisions of the Bylaw and, in particular, understand, acknowledge, and accept
the provisions describing the purpose of the Bylaw, the conditions under which permits
are issued, the disclaimer of warranty or representation, and the limited extent of the
scope of the Bylaw and inspections there under.
3. Without limiting the foregoing, I acknowledge fully that it is my responsibility to ensure
compliance with the Building Code and the Bylaw whether any work to be performed
pursuant to the permit applied for is done by myself, a contractor, or a registered
professional.
4. I am not in any way relying on the City or its building officials, as defined under the Bylaw,
to protect the owner or any other persons as set out in Part I of the Bylaw. I will not make
any claim alleging any such responsibility or liability on the part of the City or its building
officials.
5. I hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless the City and its employees from all claims,
liability, judgments, costs, and expenses of every kind which may result from negligence
or the failure to comply fully with all bylaws, statutes, and regulations.
6. I am authorized to give these representations, warranties, assurance, and indemnities to
the City.
Owner's Initials:__________
Complete this portion if someone other than the owner will be acting as an agent to
represent the owner in all matters related to the sign permit.
I am the owner, as defined in the current "Sign Bylaw", of the above referenced property, and
hereby authorize the below representative to represent me in an application for a sign permit:
________________________________________________
Name of Representative (PRINT)
Tel. No.: _________________________ Cell No.: __________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________
Signature of Owner:______________________________________________________
Owner or Agent Name (PRINT): _____________________________________
Owner or Agent Signature:__________________________________________
Date: _____________________
SCHEDULE D
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
SIGN PERMIT
(Page 1 of 2)
Sign Permit No: ______________________
OWNER:______________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________
This Permit is issued pursuant to Part IV of Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022 in sole reliance on the
documents submitted by the Owner and the representations by the Owner (and if applicable
the registered professional) that this application and the documents comply with:
a) the requirements of the Bylaw,
b) the applicable requirements of the Building Code, and
c) the Building Code, and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
This Permit has been made to the best of the Building Official's knowledge, information, and
belief. It does not constitute approval or acceptance of any design, plan, or work not in
accordance with the requirements of the Sign Bylaw, the Building Code, or approved plans,
whether or not such defect(s) could have been observed or discovered during the plan review
or construction.
The Owner has read and understands the City's applicable bylaws and acknowledges that the
Owner is deemed to have knowledge of the requirements, regulations, and prohibitions in each
of the bylaws.
This Permit is issued expressly subject to Part I and all other terms, conditions, regulations,
prohibitions, and requirements of Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022.
Building Official:_____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________
This permit expires: _______________________________
SIGN PERMIT
(Page 2 of 2)
SCHEDULE D
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
Sign Permit No: ______________________
TO BE COMPLETED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Project Address: __________________________________ Property Zoning: _______________
Legal Description: _______________________________________________________________
Zoning setbacks to property lines:
Front: _____________ Side: _____________ Exterior Side _____________ Rear: ___________
Sign height: ______________ Sign Area: ______________ Fascia/Wall Area: ______________
Approved for permit by planning: __________________________________________________
Date: ______________________
TO BE COMPLETED BY BUILDING OFFICIAL
Permit Issued For: _______________________________________________________________
Project Value: __________________________________________________________________
Sign Permit Fee: ________________________________________________________________
TOTAL: ________________________________________________________________________
Owner or Agent: ______________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
SCHEDULE E
BYLAW No. 2360, 2022
Development Services Department
E: [email protected]
Confirmation of Professional Liability Insurance
1.
This Confirmation letter must be submitted along with each BC Building Code Schedule A
and Schedule B before the issuance of a sign permit. A separate Confirmation Letter
must be submitted for each registered professional.
2.
Only an original Confirmation Letter printed by the City, or an unaltered photocopy of
this document is to be completed and submitted.
Attention: Manager, Development Services
Property Address: _______________________________________________________________
Legal Description: _______________________________________________________________
The undersigned hereby gives assurance that:
a)
I have fulfilled my obligation for insurance coverage as outlined in the City of
Williams Lake Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022;
b)
I am insured by a policy of insurance covering liability to third parties for errors and
omissions in respect to the above project, in the amount of at least One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000);
c)
I have enclosed a copy of my certificate of insurance coverage indicating the
particulars of such coverage;
d)
I am a registered professional; and
e)
I will notify the building official in writing immediately if the undersigned's insurance
coverage is reduced or terminated at any time during construction.
__________________________________
________________________
Name (Print)
Date
__________________________________
Signature
(Affix professional seal here)
Note: This confirmation letter must be signed by a registered professional. The BC Building Code
defines a registered professional as a person who is registered or licensed to practice (a)
as an architect under the Architects Act, or (b) as a professional engineer under the
Engineers and Geoscientists Act.