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The Corporation of the City of Guelph
By-law Number (2025) - 21153
A by-law to regulate the installation, display, alteration, repair and removal of signs
within the City of Guelph (to be known as the Sign By-law) and to repeal and
replace By-law Number (2021)-20621, as amended.
Table of Contents
1.
Short title of By-law ............................................................................... 2
2.
Scope and Application ............................................................................ 2
3.
Severability ........................................................................................... 2
4.
Transition and repeal ............................................................................. 3
5.
Definitions ............................................................................................ 3
6.
Interpretation........................................................................................ 9
7.
Authority, Variances, and Appeals .......................................................... 11
8.
Prohibitions ......................................................................................... 12
9.
Prohibited signs ................................................................................... 14
10.
Sightline Restrictions ............................................................................ 15
11.
Signs exempt from this By-law .............................................................. 15
12.
Permits required .................................................................................. 16
13.
Permits not required ............................................................................ 16
14.
Permit application and issuance ............................................................. 16
15.
Permit refusal, cancellation, revocation and expiry ................................... 18
16.
Required inspections and reports ........................................................... 19
17.
Maintenance, Repair and Replacement ................................................... 19
18.
Regulations for Signs by Zoning or Precinct Designation ........................... 20
19.
Regulations For Legal Non-Conforming Commercial and Industrial Uses ...... 45
20.
Signs for Motor Vehicle Related Uses ...................................................... 49
21.
Development Signs and Real Estate Signs ............................................... 58
22.
Signs for Community Events ................................................................. 61
23.
Billboards ........................................................................................... 65
24.
Regulations for Electronic Message Centres ............................................. 66
25.
Enforcement ....................................................................................... 67
26.
Seizure, disposal, remediation, and return of signs .................................. 67
27.
Penalty ............................................................................................... 67
28.
Effective Date ..................................................................................... 68
Schedules: .................................................................................................. 68
WHEREAS subsection 5(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c.25 ("Municipal
Act, 2001"), provides that a municipal power shall be exercised by by-law;
AND WHEREAS subsection 8(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that the powers
of a municipality under this Act shall be interpreted broadly so as to confer broad
authority on the municipality to enable the municipality to govern its affairs as it
considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality's ability to respond to
municipal issues;
AND WHEREAS subsection 10(2)10 of the Municipal Act authorizes the City to pass
by-laws respecting signs;
AND WHEREAS subsection 10(2)7 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a single-
tier municipality may provide any service or thing that the municipality considers
1
necessary or desirable for the public;
AND WHEREAS section 63 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a by-law may
prohibit or regulate the placing or standing of an object on or near a Highway, and
may provide for the removal and impounding or restraining and immobilizing of any
object placed or standing on or near a Highway;
AND WHEREAS sections 425 and 429 of the Municipal Act authorize the City to pass
by-laws providing that any person who contravenes a by-law of the City is guilty of
an offence, and to prescribe fines in connection with such offences;
AND WHEREAS section 445 provides further authority for a municipality to make an
order requiring a person who has contravened a by-law or who caused or permitted
the contravention, or the Owner or occupier of land on which the contravention
occurred to do work to correct the contravention;
AND WHEREAS sections 9, 11, and 23.2(1)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O.
2001, c.25, provide that a municipality may delegate powers and discretion, within
defined parameters, to an individual who is an officer, employee or agent of the
municipality;
The Council of the Corporation of the City of Guelph enacts as follows:
1. Short title of By-law
1.1
This By-law may be referred to as the "Sign By-law".
2. Scope and Application
2.1
Unless otherwise stated, this By-law shall apply to all signs within the
geographic boundaries of the City of Guelph.
2.2
This By-law regulates the location, size, number, construction, alteration,
repair, and maintenance of all outdoor signs and signs visible from the
exterior of a building or structure, including signs located in windows.
2.3
Responsibility for compliance with this By-law rests both individually and
collectively on:
a)
persons who procure and/or install signs within the geographic
scope of this By-law;
b)
owners of property (other than property belonging to the City) on
which signs are installed, altered, maintained, and/or placed;
c)
lessee with care and control over property on which signs are
installed, altered, maintained and/or placed;
d)
a mortgagee in possession of property on which a sign or signs are
installed, altered, maintained and/or placed;
e)
persons whose business, organization, products and/or activities
are promoted by signs, whether or not the person is the owner or
tenant of the property where the sign is installed, altered,
maintained and/or placed;
f)
the applicant for a sign permit; and
g)
a permit holder.
3. Severability
3.1
If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision or part of a
provision of this By-law to be invalid, illegal, unenforceable or of no force
and effect, it is the intention of Council in enacting this By-law that the
remainder of this By-law will continue in force and be applied and enforced
in accordance with its terms to the fullest extent possible according to law.
2
4. Transition and repeal
4.1
All sign permits issued by the City prior to the coming into force of this
Sign By-law, for which sign permits are current and valid on the day this
By-law comes into force shall:
a)
remain current and valid under this By-law as if the sign permit
had been issued under this By-law, whether or not such sign
permit would be authorized to issue following the coming into force
of this Sign By-law;
b)
subject to section (a) above, are otherwise subject to all of the
provisions of this Sign By-law; and
c)
on expiry of the sign permit, the subject signs shall be subject to
this By-law as if no prior sign permit had been issued.
4.2
All prosecutions and other enforcement processes commenced under the
former Sign By-law, which have not been completed on the day this By-
law comes into force, shall be completed under the former Sign By-law,
as and the former Sign By-law shall remain in force to the extent
required to authorize the continuation and completion of all outstanding
prosecutions and enforcement processes which were commenced up to
and including the day this Sign By-law comes into force.
4.3
Where a variance has been approved by Council under the former Sign
By-law, a sign permit shall be issued in accordance with the terms and
conditions set out in the variance, and thereafter the sign shall be subject
to the provisions of section 4.1 above as if the sign permit had been
issued prior to the coming into force of this Sign By-law.
4.4
The former Sign By-law is otherwise repealed as of the day on which
this By-law comes into force.
4.5
Any sign lawfully installed or displayed before the day this By-law
comes into force, may remain and be maintained if it is not altered.
4.6
Where a sign referred to in Section 4.5 is altered, it is subject to all
general and zone or precinct-specific regulations and restrictions as are
provided in this By-law.
5. Definitions
In this By-law:
A-Frame sign means a temporary, double-faced sign, triangular in shape,
designed with two sides of similar length forming its apex allowing it to stand
on the ground. Such signs include, but are not limited to, sandwich board-
style signs.
Alter or alteration means any change to the sign structure or sign face
including the relocation of the sign and/or the addition, deletion or re-
arrangement of components other than changeable copy.
Applicant means the owner of a property or building who applies for a sign
permit or any person authorized by the owner to apply for a permit on the
owner's behalf.
Awning means a space-frame system covered with non-rigid materials
designed in a moveable, retractable or fixed position, which is attached to,
and projecting from a building or structure, but not forming an integral part
thereof. This definition does not include a canopy.
Awning sign means a single-sided sign painted on, or otherwise affixed to,
the surface of an awning and such sign shall not project off of or out from
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the awning in any direction.
Billboard means a ground sign that is a third-party sign that is owned
and maintained by a person engaged in the rental or leasing of the sign
face area for advertising goods, services, or facilities.
Boulevard means that part of a highway from the edge of the roadway to
the sidewalk, or if no sidewalk is present, that part of the highway from the
edge of the roadway to the nearest lateral street line.
Building façade includes all window and wall areas of a building or structure
that exist on the same side of such building or structure facing the same
direction. A building façade is considered to be a single façade if the interior
angle of the wall exceeds 90 degrees.
Building sign means a sign located on or attached to a building and
includes, but is not limited to a fascia sign, awning sign, entrance
canopy sign, and a projecting sign.
Building Code Act means the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 17, as
amended, or any predecessor or successor thereto, and includes the
Regulations thereunder, including the Ontario Building Code.
Building face includes all window and wall areas of a building or structure of
a premises that exist on the same side and on the same storey of such
building or structure.
Changeable copy means an area on which messages can be changed either
manually or automatically and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic
message centre.
Chief Building Official means a Chief Building Official appointed under By-
law Number (2015) -19985, as amended, or any successor thereto.
City means The Corporation of the City of Guelph.
City property means property, lands, or building owned by the City.
Community bulletin board means a bulletin board provided by the City
and located on City property within the downtown which is designed to
provide an area for posters to be displayed.
Community Planning Permit By-law means City of Guelph Community
Planning Permit By-law (2025) - 21065, as amended, or any successor
thereto.
cm when following a numeral means centimetre(s).
Development sign means a temporary double or single-faced sign that is
affixed to the ground that:
i
Includes, in whole or in part, information promoting a
development, and;
ii
Related to or advertises the location, construction of a building
or structure in the process of being constructed, or;
i
Promotes a plan of subdivision, a plan of condominium, or the
construction of a building or building complex on a premises
or;
iii
Promotes a bona fide model home, in a plan of subdivision, or
a plan of condominium.
Display includes authorizing, allowing or permitting the display of a sign.
Directional sign means a double or single-faced sign that gives directions
or instructions for the control of vehicular or pedestrian traffic within the
property on which the sign is located and at entrances to the property from
the street.
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Drive-through facility means a place used to provide or dispense
products or services through an attendant, a window, or an automated
machine to persons remaining in vehicles in a designated stacking lane(s),
which may or may not include an order box and drive-through menu
board but does not include a parking facility.
Drive-through menu board means a sign installed as part of a drive-
through facility and only used to display products and services available at
the drive-through premises.
Drive-through pre-sell menu board means a sign installed as part of a
drive-through facility and only used to display products and services
available at the drive-through premises.
Dwell time means the minimum duration that fixed sign copy on an
electronic message centre is displayed.
Election sign means any sign promoting, supporting, opposing or taking a
position with respect to:
i
A question, law or by-law submitted to the electors under the
Canada Elections Act, the Election Act, the Municipal Elections
Act, 1996, or any other legislation;
ii
An issue associated with a person or political party participating
in an election under the Canada Elections Act, the Election Act
or the Municipal Elections Act, 1996; or
iii
A candidate or political party participating in an election under
the Canada Elections Act, the Election Act or the Municipal
Elections Act, 1996.
Electronic message centre means a sign that is capable of displaying
words, symbols, figures, images or other messages digitally that can be
electronically changed by remote and/or automatic means.
Entrance canopy sign means a single-faced sign located, installed, or
displayed on a canopy, which includes a non-retractable roof-like structure,
that may be supported from the ground by poles or similar supports that is
attached to the exterior wall of a building at entrance(s) and that is mounted
parallel to the structural elements of the canopy; and shall not include an
awning sign or a projecting sign.
Façade means the entire exterior building wall including any parapet but
does not include the building wall of any structure erected above the top
storey of the building.
Fascia sign means a single-faced sign, constructed of a permanent and
rigid material, that is attached and positioned parallel to the exterior wall of a
building or structure and shall not include a window sign or an entrance
canopy sign.
Faux window means any window feature or design that is architecturally
integrated into a building façade for the purpose of aesthetic design.
Feather banner sign means a sign that is made from cloth or a similar
non-rigid material which is affixed to the ground and supported by a pole but
does not include a flag sign.
Flag sign means a double-faced sign made of cloth or lightweight non-rigid
material that is attached by one edge to a pole or rope on a permanent
supporting structure.
Former Sign By-law means By-law (1996)-15245, together with all
amendments adopted up until the day immediately preceding the date on
which this Sign By-law comes into force.
Garage sale means an occasional use sale, conducted on a residential
property by an occupant of such residential property, of household goods
belonging to the occupier thereof.
5
Garage sale sign means a sign associated with a garage sale.
Ground sign means a sign in a fixed location supported by uprights, braces,
or a support structure, which is in turn embedded into the ground. This
definition does not include a billboard, development sign, directional
sign, drive-through menu board, drive-through pre-sell menu sign,
hoarding sign, or real estate sign.
Heritage attributes means in relation to real property, and to the buildings
and structures on the real property, the attributes of the property, buildings
and structures that contribute to their cultural heritage value or interest.
Heritage Permit means a permit issued under sections 33 and 42 of the
Ontario Heritage Act or any successor(s) thereof.
Hoarding means any temporary construction barrier continuously enclosing
a construction site that is installed for the purpose of site protection.
Hoarding sign means a temporary single-faced sign installed on hoarding,
associated with the development of property, that advertises or identifies
the development of the property on which the sign is located.
Home occupation sign means a temporary single-faced sign that
advertises a home occupation as defined and permitted by the Zoning By-
law or Community Planning Permit By-law.
House identification sign means a sign which identifies the address of a
house or the occupiers name, excluding occupation.
Illuminated means the lighting of a sign in whole or in part by any type of
artificial light, whether by emission or reflection.
Illumination means the act of lighting a sign by way of an artificial light
source that is located within, on, or external to the sign, the brightness and
intensity of which are measured in nits.
Inflatable sign means a sign filled with air or gas.
Inspector means an inspector, by-law enforcement officer, or any City
employee authorized by Council to enforce a provision(s) of any City by-law,
provincial statute or federal statute.
Install includes any act of authorizing, allowing, displaying, or permitting
the physical placement of a sign.
Lifestyle sign means a sign and/or paintings, photographs, or imagery
affixed to or located within a faux window of any building or structure
depicting an activity, interest, or theme, which may not contain verbal
messages, specified products, company names, logos, or service.
m when followed by a numeral means metre(s).
Message transition means the way in which sign copy on an electronic
message centre changes from one message to another message.
Mobile sign means a sign which is designed to be moved from place to
place and which only utilizes manual changeable copy, but excludes A-
frame signs, T-frame signs, feather banner signs, and inflatable
signs. For further clarity, a mobile sign is considered a sign whether or not
manual changeable copy is on it.
Motor vehicle means an automobile, truck or any other vehicle, including
motorized construction equipment or farm equipment, motor home,
motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, recreational vehicle, a trailer or farm
implement or any other device which is capable of being driven, propelled or
drawn by any kind of power, but does not include a bicycle or any other
device powered solely by means of human effort.
Mural means any type of display or artistic endeavour applied to any
external wall or other part of a building or structure which does not include
6
any words, images, logos, or trademarks that advertise or convey any
promotional message.
Nit means a unit of measurement of luminance, or the intensity of visible
light, where one nit is equal to one candela per square meter. Nits are used
to describe the brightness of electronic displays, such as LCD and CRT
monitors.
Non-profit organization means a club, group, society, or association, that
is organized and operated solely for social welfare, civic improvement,
pleasure or recreation or any other purpose except profit and has a
registration number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, or successor
agency thereto.
Notice of refusal means actual or constructive notice that indicates that the
sign permit cannot be issued.
Owner includes, in respect of the property on which the construction,
alteration, repair and maintenance of a sign will or has taken place, the
registered owner, a lessee and a mortgagee in possession.
Parapet means an extension of the exterior wall of a building above the roof
deck that forms a barrier at the edge of the roof.
Permanent sign means a sign which is intended to remain in place for an
indefinite duration.
Permit holder means a person to whom a sign permit is issued by the
City as well as the registered owner, lessee and a mortgagee in possession,
of the property to which the sign permit pertains.
Person in this By-law means a natural person or a corporation.
Place includes any land, lot, building, structure, place or any part thereof.
POA in this By-law refers to the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.
P.33, as amended or any successor thereto.
Pole poster sign means a double or single-faced sign that is inserted into a
fixed frame attached to a freestanding light pole located within a surface
parking area.
Poster means a printed notice conveying information and includes, but is not
limited to, a bill, handbill, leaflet, notice and placecard.
Power of Entry By-law means City of Guelph By-law Number (2009) -
18776, as amended or any successor thereto.
Premises means the space(s) owned or operated by a business
establishment which can include the whole of a building or individual unit as
the case may be.
Projecting sign means a sign attached to and which projects out
horizontally from an exterior wall of a building in a perpendicular manner.
This definition does not include an awning sign, entrance canopy sign or
fascia sign.
Private property means property, lands, or buildings owned by a person,
other than City property.
Property means a lot which has specific boundaries, and which is capable of
legal transfer.
Protected heritage property means real property designated under Parts
IV, V, or VI of the Ontario Heritage Act or successor legislation; heritage
conservation easement property under Parts II or IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act or successor legislation; and property that is the subject of a covenant or
agreement between the owner of the property and a conservation body or
level of government, registered on title and executed with primary purpose of
preserving, conserving and maintaining a cultural heritage feature or
7
resource, or preventing its destruction, demolition or loss.
Public road allowance means a highway under the City's jurisdiction
established under authority of any statute, and includes where applicable the
curb, shoulder, boulevard, sidewalk and landscaping. A street is a public
road allowance for the purposes of this By-law.
Public Health means Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health or any
successor thereto.
Real estate sign means a temporary double or single-faced sign that is
affixed to the ground for the purpose of advertising the sale, lease or rental
of the lands and existing buildings located on the property. This definition
does not include a development sign.
Required parking space means a parking space that is required pursuant
to the Zoning By-law or Community Planning Permit By-law.
Roadway means a street.
Roof sign means any of the following:
i
Any sign that is attached to or is located more than one (1)
metre above the roof line of a building or structure;
ii
Any sign installed on or located wholly above the roof of a
building;
iii
Any sign installed, constructed, attached to or located wholly
or partially above the parapet of a building.
Separation distance means the physical distance between two signs.
Sign means any device, object or thing which directs attention to and which
is designed to convey a message and that is placed for the purposes of
advertising goods and services offered, for identifying a business,
organization, or enterprise, and/or for conveying any other type of message
and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this definition includes,
but is not limited to, the types of signs specifically defined in this section and
includes the supports, braces, or other appurtenances associated with such
signs.
Sign Administrator means the Chief Building Official or designate.
Sign face means the surface of a sign, including the border and frame,
upon which information and advertising is displayed.
Sign face area means the area on the surface of a sign including the
boarder and frame and where there is no border, shall include all of the
surface area lying within a rectangular box drawn around the full extent of
words, numbers, images, and/or symbols comprising the complete message.
Sign permit is a permit issued by the City authorizing a sign subject to any
conditions stated therein or in this By-law which is issued to a person based
on a review of this By-law, and when applicable, includes having the Chief
Building Official or designate confirm compliance with the Building Code
Act.
Sign structure means any object used to support or brace a sign face that
is attached to the ground or a building wall or structure.
Storey means that portion of a building, other than a cellar, which is
situated between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next
above and, if there is no floor above, that portion between the surface of
such floor and the ceiling above.
Street includes a common and public highway, street, avenue, parkway,
driveway, square, place, bridge, viaduct or trestle or any part of which is
intended for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles and
includes the area between the lateral property lines thereof.
8
Street line means a lot line dividing a lot from a street and is the limit of
the street allowance or in the instance of a private road, the distance from
the sidewalk edge furthest from the road or from the curb where the
approvals for the site do not contemplate a sidewalk.
Sunrise means the hour and minute designated as sunrise by the National
Research Council Canada for the applicable calendar date in Guelph, Ontario.
Sunset means the hour and minute designated as sunset by the National
Research Council of Canada for the applicable calendar date in Guelph,
Ontario.
Temporary sign means a fixed or moveable sign which is permitted for a
defined duration per the regulations set out in this By-law.
T-frame sign means a temporary double or single-faced sign which
supported by a base that rests on the ground and is not embedded into the
ground. A T-frame sign resembles an inverted "T".
Third party sign means a sign which identifies or directs attention to a
business, profession, commodity, service, event, or other activity not being
conducted, sold, or offered on the property to which the sign is located.
Traffic control device means a signal or sign located at an intersection
that is intended to control the flow of traffic at that intersection. For the
purposes of this By-law, any measurement from a traffic control device
shall be taken from the pole or post supporting such device.
Use includes used and using having corresponding meanings and means
the arrangement of design of or the intended use or actual use of any place.
User Fees By-law means the City of Guelph By-law (2019)-20460, as
amended or any successor thereto which regulates user fees or charges for
services or activities.
Variance means a permission granted by the Sign Administrator pursuant
to section 7 of this By-law (or by Council on appeal from the Sign
Administrator or for a variance request not within the scope of the
authority of the Sign Administrator) to install and display a sign in a
particular location which sign but for such permission would not comply with
this By-law.
Wall banner sign means a temporary sign that is made from cloth or a
similar lightweight non-rigid material which is secured or mounted to a
building. This definition does not include a flag sign, awning sign, entrance
canopy sign, window sign or inflatable sign.
Window sign means any sign located in, on, or within 2 m behind a window
which is visible from the exterior of the building.
Zoning By-law means the City of Guelph Zoning By-law (1995)-14864, as
amended, and Comprehensive Zoning By-law (2023)-20790, as amended, or
any successor thereto.
6. Interpretation
6.1
No person shall install, display, place or alter a sign within the
geographic limits of the City except in accordance with this By-law.
6.2
Signs that are not specifically permitted by this By-law are prohibited.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a variance pertains only
to the installation and display of a sign for which the application for a
variance was granted at the location specified in the variance. Any
alteration or removal of the sign will render the variance void. The
granting of variance for one sign is not an indication by the Sign
Administrator or Council, as the case may be, that a variance for a
similar (or even identical) sign and/or location will be approved in the
9
future.
6.3
A variance cannot address changes to the Zoning By-law or
Community Planning Permit By-law or signs within the jurisdiction of
or on property belonging to another government authority, nor can it seek
changes in conflict with provisions of the Ontario Building Code which
restrict signs or their installation.
6.4
Sign regulations vary by the zoning or precinct designation for the subject
property where the sign is located. Zoning and precinct designations used
in this Sign By-law use the same lettering, numbering and mapping as the
Zoning By-law and Community Planning Permit By-law. Signs are
permitted only where they are identified for the applicable zone or
precinct, subject to any additional regulations of general application. Any
sign not specifically permitted within a particular zone or precinct is
prohibited, subject to section 4.5 (legal non-conforming use).
6.5
Legal non-conforming status of a commercial or industrial use subject to
the interpretation of the Zoning By-law or Community Planning
System By-law, in conjunction with section 19 of this Sign By-law, shall
be as determined by the City.
6.6
Vehicle-related uses as outlined in Section 20 are governed both by the
zone or precinct-specific requirements and by the provisions specific to
such uses as set out in section 20 of this Sign By-law.
6.7
Additional regulations applicable to items within each table are below each
table. Letters in parentheses following any item in any table of this By-law
indicate that one or more additional regulations apply to the use,
designation, or standard indicated.
6.8
All imperial measurements converted to metric and all figures submitted in
metric but with 3 or more decimal places shall be rounded to 1 decimal
place to determine By-law compliance (e.g. 29.489 metres = 29.5
metres).
6.9
All measurements of length or area used in the By-law are subject to the
following rounding principles:
a)
Measurements where the second number of the decimal is four or
less than the first decimal number shall remain the same (e.g. 2.449
= 2.4); and
b)
Measurements where the second number of the decimal is five or
greater than the first number of the decimal shall be increased by
one or rounded upward (e.g. 2.45 = 2.5).
6.10
For the purposes of calculating maximum sign face area, any sign with
two or more faces shall be considered as having one sign face if the
interior angle of the abutting faces exceeds 90 degrees.
6.11
References in this By-law to any statute or regulation or by-law are
deemed to be references to that statute or regulation or by-law as it may
from time to time be amended.
6.12
This By-law shall be read with all changes in gender or number as the
context requires.
6.13
References in this By-law to items in the plural include the singular, and
references to the singular include the plural, as applicable.
6.14
The words "include", "includes" or "including" provide examples and shall
10
not be read or interpreted as limiting the words, phrases or descriptions
that precede or follow them.
6.15
If one or more sections of this By-law conflict the more restrictive
regulation shall apply.
6.16
In the event of a conflict between this By-law and the provision of any
other City by-law, the more restrictive provision shall take precedence.
6.17
The City, in regulating signs pursuant to this Sign By-law assumes no
liability for signs not installed or maintained by the City and makes no
representations and gives no warranties in respect to the safety of any
sign or the truth of its content, whether or not such sign is permitted
under this By-law.
7. Authority, Variances, and Appeals
7.1
Pursuant to section 23.2 of the Municipal Act, Council hereby delegates to
the Sign Administrator the power to create forms and processes for the
administration of this By-law and the power to issue and impose
conditions on a sign permit consistent with the objects, purposes, and
terms of this Sign By-law and/or with any other applicable legislation, by-
law, or regulation.
7.2
Pursuant to section 23.2 of the Municipal Act, Council hereby delegates to
the Sign Administrator the power to grant sign variances from any of
the provisions of this By-law. The Sign Administrator's authority is
limited in scope and shall not apply to sign variances related to:
a)
A sign prohibited under Section 8 and Section 9 of this By-law and
signs that are not listed within this By-law;
b)
Sightline Restrictions under Section 10 of this By-law;
c)
A reduction in distance required from a residential zone or precinct
for an illuminated sign; and
d)
A reduction in distance required for any sign from a traffic control
device.
7.3
Sign variances as listed in 7.2 shall be heard by Council.
7.4
A variance is an alteration of the Sign By-law with respect to a single
sign.
7.5
All applications for a variance under this By-law shall be submitted to the
Sign Administrator in accordance with such forms as the Sign
Administrator may prescribe and shall only be considered if and when all
required information has been provided.
7.6
The application for a variance shall be made in writing within 21 days of
notice of refusal of the sign permit application by the Sign
Administrator and shall contain the following, where applicable:
a)
The name and address of the applicant together with such
additional information as may be prescribed by the Sign
Administrator;
b)
The written authorization of the sign owner if not the same as the
applicant;
c)
Written authorization from the property owner(s) and occupant(s) of
the premises that have authorized the application;
d)
Where applicable, proof of approval for the proposed sign from all
11
other governmental authorities having jurisdiction;
e)
The notice of refusal of the sign permit application; and
f)
The fee as set out in the User Fees By-law.
7.7
In determining whether to grant a variance under this section the Sign
Administrator shall consider the following, where applicable:
a)
Whether the sign is compatible with Urban Design guidelines for
building, property and the surrounding area;
b)
Whether there is an impact on the heritage attributes of the
building, property, and/or the surrounding area;
c)
Whether there is a negative impact on any surrounding residential
uses;
d)
Whether the Sign By-law can be met with similar alternative
signage;
e)
Whether the applicant has complied with all terms and conditions
of approval of any previous sign permit issued to the applicant
under this section, if any,
f)
Impacts, if any, on accessibility; and
g)
Any written response(s), if any, received in response to a public
notice if required by the Sign Administrator.
7.8
The Sign Administrator may grant a variance in whole or in part. The
decision of the Sign Administrator, and, where a variance is refused,
the reasons for refusal, shall be provided in writing to the applicant
within 15 days of the decision.
7.9
An appeal lies to Council from the refusal of the Sign Administrator to
approve a variance. Such appeal shall be initiated by the applicant filing
a written request for an appeal to Council with the Sign Administrator
within 7 business days of the service on the applicant of the decision of
the Sign Administrator. All application material before the Sign
Administrator shall be placed before Council, which, on consideration of
the appeal, retains authority to grant or refuse the variance in whole or in
part. The decision of Council is final.
Service of a notice of decision
7.10
For the purposes of Section 7 and every subsection thereof, an applicant
shall be deemed to have received notice of the decision from the Sign
Administrator as the case may be, on the earliest of:
a)
The date on which a copy is delivered personally to the applicant;
b)
The fifth (5th) day after a copy is sent by regular mail to the
applicant's mailing address as indicated on the application for an
exception; or
c)
Upon receipt of a copy by email to the applicant's email address as
set out in the application.
8. Prohibitions
8.1
No person shall:
a)
Install, display, or alter a sign of a type which is not specifically
permitted under this By-law or by a variance issued under this By-
law;
b)
Install, display, or alter a sign for a use that is not specifically
permitted within a specific zone;
12
c)
Install or display a sign in a prohibited location;
d)
Install, display, alter, or repair a sign without a sign permit if a
sign permit is required under this By-law;
e)
Install, display, alter, or repair a sign for which a sign permit
has been issued except in accordance with the approved plans and
drawings submitted to the City as part of the sign permit
application;
f)
Install, display, alter, or repair a sign in a manner inconsistent
with the regulations of this By-law or the conditions of any sign
permit, or variance granted under this By-law;
g)
Install, display, alter, or repair a sign which is on or overhangs
City property, unless specifically authorized by this By-law;
h)
Install or display a sign on any sign pole, bench or waste
receptacle managed or controlled by the City except pursuant to a
contract for placement with the City or its authorized supplier;
i)
Install or display a sign in any location where such sign may
impede or in any way interfere with utility easements, public rights-
of-way, City snow removal, street cleaning, and/or maintenance
operations;
j)
Locate a sign face within 600 mm of the vehicular travelled portion
of a private lane or roadway, excluding a drive-through facility
or of a motor vehicle parking area, unless the minimum vertical
distance between grade and the bottom of the overhanging sign
face is at least 5 m. Where the height of all vehicles using any
private road or parking area is permanently restricted, the vertical
distance may be reduced to the amount of the actual height
restriction;
k)
Install, locate or display any sign upon any pole, traffic sign, or
control box which is located within the road allowance and which is
managed or controlled by the City or by a public utility;
l)
Install or display any sign upon any tree, fence, gate or railing
unless otherwise specifically permitted by this By-law;
m)
Install or display a sign that obstructs any traffic sign or device
from the view of any pedestrian, or driver of a motor vehicle, or
which interferes with vehicular traffic in a manner that could
endanger any person;
n)
Install or display an electronic message centre, or use a
television, monitor, or similar device as a sign, within 2 metres of
and visible through a window;
o)
Install or display a sign on private property for a purpose not
ancillary to a principal use permitted under the Zoning By-law or
Community Planning Permit By-law and carried on within a
building located on the property except as specifically permitted
under this By-law;
p)
Permit an electronic message centre to have a dwell time of
less than 20 seconds or a message transition time of more than 1
second;
q)
Fail to dim or turn off an illuminated sign within 60.0 metres of a
residential area between sunset and sunrise, if directed by
conditions of a sign permit or variance;
r)
Fail to turn off an illuminated sign when malfunctioning;
s)
Fail to maintain a sign in a proper state of repair;
t)
Fail to remove, alter, or repair a sign which is not in compliance
with this By-law when so directed by the Sign Administrator;
and/or
13
u)
Fail to notify the Sign Administrator of the completion of the
installation of any permanent sign installed pursuant to a sign
permit within 10 business days after the sign is installed.
9. Prohibited signs
9.1
Unless otherwise specifically permitted by this By-law, or by a variance
thereto granted under section 7, the following signs are prohibited:
a)
Any sign which, in whole or part, uses animation, scrolling content,
motion, rotation, fading, flashing, blinking light, or any effects that
create the illusion of movement;
b)
Any sign that emits light exceeding a maximum luminance of 5000
nits between sunrise and sunset;
c)
Any sign that emits light exceeding a maximum luminance of 300
nits between sunset and sunrise
d)
Any sign within 60 m of a residentially zoned or precinct property
that emits light exceeding 200 nits between sunset and sunrise;
e)
Any sign that imitates, resembles or could be confused with traffic
control signs and devices;
f)
Any sign(s) on overpasses;
g)
A sign that moves, swings, or revolves;
h)
Any sign which:
i
is obscene as that term is understood under the Criminal Code,
R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, as amended;
ii
publishes defamatory statements, and/or
iii
by its words, symbols, or images is degrading or dehumanizing
of an individual or group, particularly but not limited to on the
basis of grounds protected under the Human Rights Code
(Ontario);
i)
A roof sign;
j)
An inflatable sign;
k)
A vehicle displaying words or images that has been parked on a
property in a manner that is unrelated to its normal use as a vehicle
and which is more consistent with the use or intended use of the
vehicle as a sign;
l)
Any sign that obstructs a required parking space;
m)
Any sign which advertises a business no longer conducted, or
product no longer sold;
n)
Any sign that displays sequential messages, either on the same
sign or on subsequent signs;
o)
Any ground sign adjacent to the Hanlon Expressway (Hwy.6)
p)
A third party sign, subject to permitted zone or precinct-specific
exemptions for:
i
a garage sale sign,
ii
a portable directional sign associated with an open house or
model home,
iii
a mobile sign being used by a non-profit organization in
connection with the promotion of that organization or its
objects, or
iv
a poster or a billboard;
q)
Any building sign on the external wall façade of a building unless
14
posted in an area occupied by business associated with the sign
and/or over a common entrance that leads to the business
advertised; and
r)
Any sign not specifically listed in this By-law.
10. Sightline Restrictions
10.1
In addition to other requirements of this By-law, the following regulations
apply to all signs:
a)
On a corner lot, a sign which extends beyond 0.8 metres in height
above any adjacent roadway of a public road allowance shall not
be located within a triangle area formed by measuring, from the
corner of the lot where the two property lines adjacent the street
lines intersect, 9.0 metres along each property line of the lot and
then connecting those lines with a straight line across the corner of
the lot; and
b)
At a driveway, a sign which extends beyond 0.8 metres in height
above any adjacent roadway of a public road allowance shall not
be located within the triangle area formed on either side of a
driveway by measuring from the point of each edge of the driveway
on the private property side of the sidewalk or the edge of the
travelled portion of roadway of the adjacent public road allowance
(whichever is closer to the private property), a distance of 7.0
metres away from such edge laterally along the sidewalk or roadway
edge and from the same point a distance of 5.0 metres toward the
private property along the edge of the driveway (at a 90 degree
angle to the adjacent public road allowance).
11. Signs exempt from this By-law
11.1
This By-law shall not apply to:
a)
Any non-illuminated sign not exceeding 0.4 m2 in area per sign
face, installed for the sole purpose of indicating guidance on
permitted and prohibited uses of the property (for example no
trespassing, safety directions, caution, parking or traffic
requirements, no smoking, etcetera)
b)
Any sign installed by, on behalf of, or by specific direction from the
City, Public Health, the Province of Ontario, Government of
Canada or their agencies;
c)
Any sign providing public notices in fulfillment of statutory notice
requirements under the Planning Act or any other Provincial or
Federal statute installed in accordance with the applicable policy of
the City for such notices;
d)
Any sign authorized by the City and located in or on a bus shelter
or on a public bench at a bus stop;
e)
Any election sign regulated by a City of Guelph By-law;
f)
Temporary signs as authorized by the Sign Administrator as
part of a City-led program;
g)
City-approved murals that do not promote or advertise a person,
place or thing for profit;
h)
A memorial or commemorative sign, tablet, plaque or cornerstone
that does not advertise a person, place or thing for profit that does
not exceed a height of 1.8 m, a weight of 25 kg, and an area 0.4m2;
i)
Any flag bearing only patriotic, civic, or religious emblems and/or
support for diversity and inclusion;
j)
A sign contained within a building or structure that is not within 2 m
15
of a window or structure;
k)
A sign painted directly or otherwise attached to a motor vehicle,
provided that such motor vehicle is parked in accordance with the
Zoning By-law or Community Planning Permit By-law and is
not being used primarily for sign purposes; or
l)
Any permanent sign installed by or on behalf of the University of
Guelph that is:
i
located within an I.2 or specialized zone thereof;
ii
located on land owned and used by the University of Guelph for
academic purposes;
iii
located greater than 50 metres from the closest edge of an
arterial road as designated in the City's Official Plan; and
iv
located within 50 metres from the closest edge of an arterial
road as designated in the City's Official Plan but not visible
from the arterial road.
m)
Any temporary sign installed by or on behalf of the University of
Guelph that is:
i
located within an I.2 or specialized zone thereof;
ii
located on land owned and used by the University of Guelph for
academic purposes.
12. Permits required
12.1
Unless otherwise permitted by this By-law or by a variance, no person
shall install, display or alter a sign within the City without a sign
permit issued by the City.
13. Permits not required
13.1
A sign permit is not required for the following signs, however these
signs shall comply with all other requirements of this By-law unless
otherwise provided:
a)
A garage sale sign;
b)
A real estate sign less than 1.8 m in height;
c)
A poster;
d)
A sign for an occasional use as the term is defined in the Zoning
By-law;
e)
An A-frame sign for a home maintenance contractor;
f)
An A-frame sign or directional sign for an open house or model
home;
g)
A house identification sign not exceeding 0.2 square metres;
h)
A window sign or lifestyle sign;
i)
A fuel pump sign;
j)
An A-frame sign or T-frame sign located on private property;
k)
Any sign on land owned by the City which has been authorized by
the City as part of a special events permit;
14. Permit application and issuance
14.1
The applicant for a sign permit shall submit to the City such information
prescribed by the Sign Administrator in the prescribed format which
16
may include any or all of the following:
a)
A completed application and sign details form;
b)
The written authorization of the property owner or property
manager having authority from the owner to provide approval,
which authorization shall clearly indicate the consent of the owner to
the display of the sign on the property;
c)
A current plan of survey certified by a registered Ontario Land
Surveyor on which is shown the location of the proposed sign in
relation to the boundaries of the lot, adjacent streets and any
buildings on the lot;
d)
Drawings showing plan, building elevation and cross-section views
of the proposed sign and sign structure, including the dimensions,
copy design and materials, or engineered drawings if required by
the Chief Building Official;
e)
Where applicable, drawings and specifications showing the parts of
the building to which the proposed sign is to be attached;
f)
Where applicable, proof of approval of a heritage permit for a sign
located on a protected heritage property;
g)
Where applicable, written approval of the Ministry of Transportation
of Ontario for a sign placed within the MTO Control Area;
h)
Evidence satisfactory to the Sign Administrator of the consent or
approval of any other provincial or federal ministry or agency having
jurisdiction over the sign or the property on which the sign is
proposed to be installed;
i)
Where required, proof of general liability insurance with the City of
Guelph named as additional insured for no less than two million
dollars; and
j)
The applicable fee as set out in the City of Guelph User Fee By-
law.
14.2
The applicant for a sign permit and the permit holder for which the
sign is erected shall be jointly and severally responsible to indemnify the
City, its officers, employees, servants and agents from all losses,
damages costs, expenses, claims, demands, actions, suites, or other
proceedings of every nature and kind arising from and in consequence of
the construction, installation, display, alteration and maintenance or
removal of such sign.
14.3
Every applicant for a sign permit in respect of a sign which is, by this
By-law, permitted to be located on or over a public road allowance, and
every person who installs an open house or model home directional
sign on a public road allowance shall have general liability insurance in
the amount of at least $2,000,000 with the City named as an additional
insured, and every such person shall ensure that such insurance remains
in effect as long as the sign exists in such a location.
14.4
In addition to any other provision set out in this Sign By-law, the City may
impose other requirements in respect of a sign permitted to be located on
or over a public road allowance including, but not limited to, making
such sign permit conditional on an encroachment agreement with the
City.
14.5
Additional sign-specific conditions may be consistent with the general
intent and purpose of this By-law included in a sign permit at the
discretion of the Sign Administrator including conditions relating to
public safety and to the size and location of signs.
17
14.6
The Sign Administrator shall issue a sign permit if provisions of this
By-law, and any other applicable law known to the Sign Administrator,
including provisions of the Building Code Act as determined by the Chief
Building Official and any guidelines of the Ministry of Transportation for
the Province of Ontario for which approvals have been received.
14.7
The Sign Administrator may request the applicant to provide additional
information respecting the details of a sign for which a sign permit
application has been submitted, or concerning the structure of a building
or other structure to which such sign is to be secured, in order to
determine whether the proposed sign and the installation thereof
complies with City by-laws and any other relevant enactment, including
but not limited to having the Chief Building Official or designate confirm
compliance with the Building Code Act.
14.8
Except in the case of a sign permit for a temporary sign, the permit
holder shall provide written confirmation to the Sign Administrator
within 10 business days of installation confirming that the sign has been
installed in accordance with the specifications set out in the sign permit.
14.9
Sign permit applications for mobile signs (excluding those identified in
Section 21.4), wall banner signs, and feather banner signs shall be
submitted to the Sign Administrator no less than five business days in
advance but not more than 60 days prior to the location or display of the
wall banner sign, feather banner sign or mobile sign.
14.10
All sign permits are the property of the City. The issuance of a sign
permit does not create a vested right in the permit holder, and the
granting of a time-limited sign permit does not imply any renewal
thereof.
14.11
The permit holder may not assign a sign permit except on the written
direction of the City, and subject to such conditions respecting assignment
as the City may impose. The City has absolute discretion over the
assignment of a sign permit.
14.12
No person other than the City shall sell, purchase, lease, mortgage,
charge, assign, pledge, transfer, seize, distrain or otherwise deal with a
sign permit issued under this By-law.
15. Permit refusal, cancellation, revocation and expiry
15.1
The Sign Administrator may refuse to issue a sign permit for any of
the following reasons:
a)
The application is incomplete or the required information and/or
applicable application fee has not been submitted by the applicant;
b)
The proposed sign does not comply with this By-law, and/or with
any other City by-laws and/or with any applicable provincial or
federal statute or regulation;
c)
The applicant and/or the owner of the property on which the sign
is proposed to be installed is in non-compliance with this By-law in
respect of other signs; and/or
d)
A heritage permit is required and has not been obtained.
15.2
The Sign Administrator may cancel an application if:
a)
The applicant requests in writing that it be cancelled;
b)
The application has been refused for failure to provide information
required pursuant to Section 12.1 of this By-law and the applicant
18
has not provided the required additional written information to the
Sign Administrator within six (6) months of written notice from
the City that the application is considered incomplete.
15.3
The Sign Administrator may revoke a sign permit under any of the
following circumstances:
a)
Where the sign does not conform to this By-law or to the conditions
set out in the applicable sign permit;
b)
Without limiting the generality of section 15.3 (a), where the
permit holder does not comply with the requirements of the sign
permit in respect of requesting and cooperating with inspections
and/or submitting required reports during the construction and
installation of the sign;
c)
Where the sign has been installed, altered, or maintained in a
manner which is in breach of a statute, regulation, or other
enactment and/or contrary to the lawful directions of any
governmental authority having jurisdiction over the area where the
sign is situated;
d)
Where the sign permit has been issued in error;
e)
Where the sign permit was issued in reliance on false, mistaken,
incorrect or misleading information or undertakings provided to the
City;
f)
Where, in the opinion of the Sign Administrator, construction and
installation of the sign has not been seriously commenced within
six (6) months of the date of sign permit issuance;
g)
Where, in the opinion of the Sign Administrator, the construction
or installation of the sign has been substantially suspended or
discontinued for a period of more than one year; and/or
15.4
A sign permit shall expire:
a)
Upon the expiry of any display period specified by this By-law or in
the sign permit; or
b)
Immediately upon removal of the sign.
15.5
Any refunds relating to this By-law shall be governed by the User Fees
By-law.
16. Required inspections and reports
16.1
Where a sign permit specifies that an inspection is required, the permit
holder shall request an inspection at least 72 hours prior to the
commencement of each specified stage of construction or installation of
the sign requiring an inspection.
16.2
Reports required as a condition of a sign permit shall be forwarded to the
Sign Administrator and the Chief Building Official or designate, as the
case may be, within the time specified by the inspector or Sign
Administrator.
17. Maintenance, Repair and Replacement
17.1
Every person who owns or displays a sign, and/or who is the owner or
tenant of the property on which a sign is installed and/or displayed,
and any permit holder shall ensure that:
a)
The sign is maintained in a proper state of repair and operated in a
manner so that it does not become unsafe, structurally unsound,
19
unsightly or dangerous;
b)
An electronic message centre that malfunctions is turned off until
it is repaired and is able to operate as intended;
c)
A sign that has been defaced, damaged, or destroyed or that fails
to operate properly is repaired forthwith to its original condition or
removed; and
d)
Where a permanent sign sustains damage to the extent that it
requires repair or replacement, the sign may not be repaired or
replaced except by express permission of the City pursuant to this
By-law, and a new application shall be required for signs for which
a sign permit is required.
17.2
Where a person has not complied with Section 17.1 above, the City, in
addition to any other action, may send notice to any of the persons in
Section 2.3 of this By-law, requiring corrective action. In the event that a
notice is sent and the corrective action is not completed within the time
period set out in the notice, the City may carry out the corrective action
or remove the sign and may charge any costs incurred for such work to
the persons to whom a notice was sent.
18. Regulations for Signs by Zoning or Precinct Designation
18.1 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to mixed-use zoned private property without residential uses (including
specialized zones) designated in the Zoning By-law or Community
Planning Permit By-law as:
Commercial mixed-use centre - CMUC zone
Mixed-use corridor - MUC zone or precinct
Neighbourhood commercial centre - NCC zone or precinct
Service commercial - SC zone
20
Table 18.1.1 - Permanent signs for CMUC, MUC, NCC, and SC zones or
precincts without residential uses
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(C)
1 per
premises
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Permitted
location on a
building or
structure
1st storey
(D)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
1st storey
(D)(M)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
Minimum
clearance
above ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.4m
2.4m (E)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection
from building
or structure
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum
Sign Face
Area
(F)
0.8m2
(F)
(F)
(G)
0.6m2
Illumination
external
internal
internal
internal or
external
(P)
internal
or
external
(H)(I)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable
Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(J)(K)
prohibited
Minimum
setback from
Street Line
n/a
1m
1m
n/a
(G)
n/a
Maximum
height above
adjacent
Roadway
n/a
1.6m
n/a
n/a
(G)
n/a
Minimum
required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.1.1:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses, refer to
Section 20.
B)
Sign types only permitted on private property for CMUC, MUC, NCC,
and SC zones or precincts and specialized zones or precincts
thereof.
C)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street.
D)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised and shall be a minimum
distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
E)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
21
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please also
refer to Section 8.1.
F)
Fascia signs and awning signs may occupy a combined 20% of
the external wall area per façade of that part of the building
occupied by a business in connection with the sign to a maximum of
20m2.
G)
A ground sign set back a minimum 1m from a street line is
permitted a maximum height of 6m above the adjacent roadway
and a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage
to a maximum of 8m2. A ground sign set back 6m from the street
line is permitted a maximum height of 7m above an adjacent
roadway (6m when adjacent to a residential zone or precinct) and
a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage to a
maximum of 17m2. All ground signs must be located a minimum
distance of 3m from an adjacent property.
H)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
internally illuminated.
I)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
J)
Maximum sign face area for changeable copy is 60% of the sign
area to a maximum of 3m2.
K)
Electronic message centres shall comply with Section 24.
L)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
M)
SC ZONES ONLY - For buildings in an SC zone of 3 or more storeys
one (1) non-illuminated fascia sign per building façade may be
located on the top storey of the building if no signs are located on
any other storey of the building. If this section is utilized, then no
other signs are permitted to be located on any other storey of the
side of the building to which there is a sign on the top storey.
N)
Despite (M), an address number may be displayed on the top
storey of a building.
O)
One illuminated open/closed sign with a maximum area of 0.4m2 is
permitted to be located in a first storey window. Such sign is
required to display a static message with no motion, animation, or
flashing.
P)
Illuminated fascia signs facing an internal lot line abutting a
residential zone or precinct shall be setback a minimum of 15m from
the lot line and shall be turned off from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
22
Table 18.1.2 - Temporary signs for CMUC, MUC, NCC, and SC zones or
precincts without residential uses
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or
T-Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
Sign
Window
and
Lifestyle
signs
Number permitted
2 (C)
(C)
1(C)
1(M)
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.3m2 (E)
4.4m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(E)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(F)
1st storey (F)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(G)
(H)
(I)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
2.6
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Required
information on Sign
n/a
(K)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(N)
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(L)(M)
30 days
(L)(M)
n/a
30 days
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.1.2:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses, refer to
Section 20. Sign types listed are only permitted on private property
for CMUC, MUC, NCC, and SC zones or precinct and specialized
zones thereof. All signs shall also be in compliance with all other
provisions of this By-law.
B)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
C)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
D)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
E)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs or lifestyle signs are
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and those
parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign(s). Window and lifestyle signs do not require sign permits.
F)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
23
G)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same property
and are not permitted to be within 15m of a traffic control device
at an intersection.
H)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile signs and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between mobile signs. A mobile sign is not permitted to be within
15m of a traffic control device at an intersection
I)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
sidewalk/walkway remains unencumbered.
J)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
K)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
L)
mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
M)
No place shall have a wall banner sign and mobile sign
displayed at the same time.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
18.2 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to commercially zoned private property in Downtown zones (including
specialized zones) designated in the Zoning By-law as:
Downtown 1 - D.1 zone
Downtown 2 - D.2 zone
Downtown 3 - D.3 zone
Downtown 3a - D.3a zone
24
Table 18.2.1 - Permanent signs for D.1, D.2, D.3, and D.3a zones
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum number
of Signs
n/a
1 per
premises
n/a
1
1
Permitted location
on a building or
structure
1st storey
(D)
1st storey
(D)
1st storey
(D)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
Minimum
clearance above
ground surface
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m (E)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum Sign
Face Area
(F)
(F)
(F)
3m2
0.6m2
Illumination
external
internal
only
internal or
external
(L)
External or
internal
only (H)(L)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(I)(J)
prohibited
Minimum setback
from street line
n/a
n/a
n/a
1m
n/a
Minimum setback
from an adjacent
property
n/a
n/a
n/a
3m
n/a
Maximum height
above adjacent
Roadway
n/a
n/a
n/a
1.8m (G)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.2.1:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle uses, refer to Section
19.
B)
Signs are only permitted on private property for D.1, D.3, and D.3a
zones and specialized zones thereof.
C)
Despite Section 18.2.2 (B), awning signs, fascia signs, and
projecting signs, may encroach over City property where the
building setback causes the encroachment. Signs encroaching on or
over City property are required to maintain the insurance
requirements as set out in Section 14.3 and an encroachment
agreement with the City may also be required.
D)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
E)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building.
F)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 20m2.
G)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
25
internally illuminated.
H)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
I)
Maximum changeable sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a
maximum of 3m2.
J)
Electronic message centres shall comply with Section 24.
K)
One illuminated open/closed sign with a maximum area of 0.4m2
is permitted to be located in a first storey window. Such sign is
required to display a static message with no motion, animation, or
flashing.
L)
Illuminated fascia signs facing an internal lot line abutting a
residential zone or precinct shall be setback a minimum of 15m from
the lot line and shall be turned off from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
Table 18.2.2 - Temporary signs for D.1, D.2, D.3 and D.3a zones
Temporary Signs
A-Frame or
T-Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
Sign
Window
Signs and
Lifestyle
Signs
Number permitted
1
1
n/a
Maximum Sign Face
Area
1.5m2
4.9m2
(D)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
1st storey
(E)
1st storey
Minimum setback
from Street Line
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
7m
n/a
Separation Distance
(E)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
annually
(G)
30 days
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.2.2:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses refer to
Section 19.
B)
Signs are only permitted on private property for D.1, D.3, D.3a
zones and specialized zones thereof.
C)
Despite Section 18.2.3 (B), A-frame, T-frame and wall banner
26
signs may only encroach over City property where the building
setback causes such encroachment. A sign encroaching on or over
City property is required to maintain the insurance requirements
set out in Section 14.3 and an encroachment agreement with the
City may also be required.
D)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs and lifestyle signs are
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and only
those parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with
the sign(s). Window and lifestyle signs do not require sign
permits.
E)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign that is located in the Downtown
D.1 and D.2 zone shall be:
i
located in front of the place to which the sign permit for said
sign applies;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the face of the building abutting the
sidewalk upon which such sign is located;
iii
located at least 1.0 metres away from any adjacent building or
property; and located in such a manner so that at least 2.0
metres width of an accessible sidewalk route remains
unencumbered. Where an accessible sidewalk route is not
identified in this By-law, a minimum of 2m of width of a
sidewalk is required to remain unencumbered.
F)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
G)
A sign permit is only required if the sign is located on City
property.
Location of identified accessible sidewalk routes:
Street
East (E)
or West
(W) of
Wyndham
North
(N) or
South
(S) side
of street
Distance where accessible
sidewalk begins from
curb. 2m from that point
toward the building face
is the accessible route.
MacDonnell
W
S
0.92m
MacDonnell
W
N
1.32m
MacDonnell
E
N and S
1.22m
Carden
E
N
1.07m
Cork
W
S
0.82m
Cork
W
N
1.25m
Quebec
W
N
1.30m
Quebec
W
S
0.68m
Douglas
E
N (W)
0.69m
Douglas
north of
(beyond) St
Georges
Square
E
S (E)
1.20m
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
27
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
18.3 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to mixed-use zoned private property (including specialized zones) designated
in the Zoning By-law as:
Convenience Commercial - CC Zone
Mixed Office/Commercial - MOC Zone
Table 18.3.1 - Permanent Signs for CC, MOC zones
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum number
of Signs
n/a
1 per
premise
n/a
1
1
Permitted location
on a building or
structure
1st storey
(B)
1st storey (B)
1st storey
(B)(C)
n/a
1st storey (B)
Minimum
clearance above
ground surface
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m (C)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum Sign
face area
(D)
(D)
(D)
3m2
(F)
0.6m2
Illumination
external
internal only
internal or
external (I)
external
only (E)
Internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(F)(G)
prohibited
Minimum setback
from Street Line
n/a
n/a
n/a
1m
n/a
Minimum setback
from an adjacent
property
n/a
n/a
n/a
3m
n/a
Maximum height
above adjacent
Roadway
n/a
n/a
n/a
1.8m
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.3.1:
A)
Signs are only permitted on private property for CC and MOC zones
and specialized zones thereof.
B)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
C)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please also
refer to Section 8.
D)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 4.5m2.
28
E)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law. Every ground sign that
is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be internally illuminated.
F)
Maximum changeable copy is 60% of the sign face area.
G)
Electronic message centre shall comply with Section 24.
H)
One illuminated open/closed sign with a maximum area of 0.4m2 is
permitted to be located in a first storey window. Such sign is
required to display a static message with no motion, animation, or
flashing.
I)
Illuminated fascia signs facing an internal lot line abutting a
residential zone or precinct shall be setback a minimum of 15m from
the lot line and shall be turned off from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
Table 18.3.2 - Temporary Signs for CC and MOC zones
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
Sign
Window
Signs and
Lifestyle
Signs
Number permitted
2 (B)
(B)(C)
1(B)
1
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.3m2 (D)
4.2m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(E)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(F)
1st storey (F)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(G)
(H)
(I)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
3.5
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Required
information on Sign
n/a
(J)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(L)
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(K)
30 days
(K)(L)
n/a
30 days
(K)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.3.2:
A)
Signs are only permitted on private property for CC and MOC zones
and specialized zones thereof.
B)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
29
law.
C)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
D)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
E)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window sign or lifestyle signs is limited
to uses located on the ground floor of the building and those parts of
the building occupied by a business in connection with the sign(s).
Window and lifestyle signs do not require sign permits.
F)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
G)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same property
and are not permitted to be within 15m of a traffic control device
at an intersection.
H)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile signs and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between mobile signs. A mobile sign or feather banner sign is
not permitted to be within 15m of a traffic control device at an
intersection.
I)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
sidewalk/walkway remains unencumbered.
J)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
K)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
L)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Locations as defined in Section 9.
18.4 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to industrial zoned private property (including specialized zones) designated
in the Zoning By-law as:
Corporate Business Park - BP zone
Institutional/Research Park - IRP zone
Mixed Business - MB zone
Employment Mixed-use 1 - EMU.1 zone
Employment Mixed-use 2 - EMU.2 zone
30
Table 18.4.1 - Permanent Signs for BP, IRP, MB, EMU.1 and EMU.2 zones
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(C)
1 per
premises
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Permitted
location on a
building or
structure
1st Storey
(D)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
1st or 2nd
or 3rd
storey
(D)(M)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
Minimum
clearance
above ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.4m
2.4m (E)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection
from building
or structure
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum
Sign Face
Area
(F)
0.8m2
(F)
(F)
(G)
0.6m2
Illumination
internal or
external
internal
internal
internal or
external
internal
or
external
(H)(I)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable
Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(J)(K)
prohibited
Minimum
setback from
Street Line
n/a
1.0m
1m
n/a
(G)
n/a
Maximum
height above
adjacent
roadway
n/a
1.6m
n/a
n/a
(G)(H)
n/a
Minimum
required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.4.1
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses please
refer to Section 20.
B)
Sign types only permitted on private property for BP, IRP, MB,
EMU.1 and EMU.2 zones and specialized zones thereof.
C)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street. Two (2)
additional directional signs are permitted within the property.
D)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised to a maximum height of 12
metres and shall be a minimum distance of 7m from an adjacent
property. Fascia signs can be located on the 1st and 3rd storey or
2nd and 3rd storey or 1st and 2nd storey.
E)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
31
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please also
refer to Section 8.
F)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 22m2.
G)
A ground sign set back a minimum 1m from a street line is
permitted a maximum height of 4.5m above the adjacent roadway
and a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage
to a maximum of 12m2. All ground signs must be located a
minimum distance of 3m from an adjacent property.
H)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
internally illuminated.
I)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
J)
Maximum sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a maximum of
3m2.
K)
Electronic message centre shall comply with Section 24.
L)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
M)
For buildings with 4 or more storeys, one (1) non-illuminated
fascia sign per building façade may be located on the top storey
of the building if no signs are located on any other storey of the
building. If this Section is utilized, then no other signs are permitted
to be located on any other storey of the side of the building to
which there is a sign on the top storey.
N)
Despite (M), an address number may be displayed on the top
storey of a building.
O)
One illuminated open/closed sign with a maximum area of 0.4m2 is
permitted to be located in a first storey window. Such sign is
required to display a static message with no motion, animation, or
flashing.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
32
Table 18.4.2 - Temporary Signs for BP, IRP, MB, EMU.1 and EMU.2 zones
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or
T-Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
Sign
Window
Signs and
Lifestyle
Signs
Number permitted
2 (C)
(D)
1(C)
1
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.3m2 (E)
4.4m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(F)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(G)
1st storey (G)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(H)
(I)
(J)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
2.6m
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Required
information on sign
n/a
(K)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(M)
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
14 days (L)
30 days
(L)
n/a
30 days
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.4.2
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses please
also refer to Section 20.
B)
Sign types listed are only permitted on private property for BP, IRP,
MB, EMU.1 and EMU.2 zones and specialized zones thereof. All
signs shall also be in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
C)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
D)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
E)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
F)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs is limited to uses located on
the ground floor of the building and those parts of the building
occupied by a business in connection with the sign(s). Window
signs and lifestyle signs do not require sign permits.
G)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
33
H)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same
property and are not permitted to be within 15m of a traffic
control device at an intersection.
I)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile sign and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between mobile signs. A mobile sign is not permitted to be within
15m of a traffic control device at an intersection.
J)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
sidewalk/walkway remains unencumbered.
K)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
L)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
M)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
18.5 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to institutionally zoned private property (including specialized zones)
designated in the Zoning By-law as:
Neighbourhood Institutional - NI zone
Institutional - Major Institutional 1-General - I.1 zone
Major Institutional 2-University of Guelph - I.2 zone
34
Table 18.5.1 - Permanent Signs for NI, I.1 and I.2 zones
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(B)
1 per
premises
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Permitted
location on a
building or
structure
1st Storey
(C)
n/a
1st storey
(C)
1st or 2nd
storey
(C)(K)
n/a
1st storey
(C)
Minimum
clearance
above ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.4m
2.4m (D)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum Sign
Face Area
(E)
0.8m2
(E)
(E)
3m2
0.6m2
Illumination
internal or
external
internal
internal
internal or
external
internal
or
external
(G)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable
Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(H)(I)
prohibited
Minimum
setback from
Street Line
n/a
1.0m
1m
n/a
1m
n/a
Maximum
height above
adjacent
roadway
n/a
1.6m
n/a
n/a
1.8m
n/a
Minimum
required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(J)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.5.1:
A)
Sign types only permitted on private property for NI, I.1 and I.2
zones and specialized zones thereof.
B)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street.
C)
Shall be a minimum distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
D)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please refer to
Section 8.
E)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning sign may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade to a
maximum of 20m2.
F)
All ground signs must be located a minimum distance of 3m from
an adjacent property. A ground sign over 1.8m is only permitted
35
to have internal illumination.
G)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
H)
Maximum sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a maximum of
3m2.
I)
Electronic message centre shall comply with Section 24.
J)
Ground sign shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
K)
For buildings with 3 or more storeys, one (1) non-illuminated
fascia sign per building façade may be located on the top storey
of the building if no signs are located on any other storey of the
building. If this Section is utilized, then no other signs are
permitted to be located on any other storey of the side of the
building to which there is a sign on the top storey.
L)
Regulations in Table 18.5.1 and those listed in 18.5.2 do not apply
to any sign installed by or on behalf of the University of Guelph
that is:
i
located within an I.2 or specialized zone thereof;
ii
located on land owned and used by the University of Guelph for
academic purposes.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
36
Table 18.5.2 - Temporary Signs for NI, I.1 and I.2 zones
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Wall
banner
sign
Window
and
lifestyle
signs
Number permitted
2 (B)
(C)
1(B)
1
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.3m2 (D)
4.4m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(E)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(F)
1st storey
(F)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(G)
(H)
(I)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
2.6
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Required
information on Sign
n/a
(J)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(L)
prohibited
prohibited prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(K)
30 days
(K)
n/a
30 days
(K)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.5.2:
A)
Sign types listed are only permitted on private property for NI, I.1
and I.2 zones and specialized zones thereof. All signs shall also be
in compliance with all other general provisions of this By-law.
B)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
C)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
D)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
E)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs and lifestyle signs is
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and those
parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign(s). Window signs and lifestyle signs do not require sign
permits.
F)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
G)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
37
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same
property and are not permitted to be within 15m of a traffic
control device at an intersection.
H)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile sign and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between mobile signs. A mobile sign is not permitted to be within
15m of a traffic control device at an intersection.
I)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 3.0 metres of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
if located on a walkway, located in such a manner so that at
least 2.0 metres width of the walkway remains unencumbered.
J)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
K)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
L)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
M)
Regulations in Table 18.5.3 do not apply to signs installed by or on
behalf of the University of Guelph that are:
i
located within an I.2 or specialized zone thereof;
ii
located on land owned and used by the University of Guelph for
academic purposes.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
18.5.3
I.2 Zones - University of Guelph
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to any sign installed by or on behalf of the University of Guelph that is:
i
located within an I.2 or specialized zone thereof;
ii
located on land owned and used by the University of Guelph for
academic purposes; and
iii
is visible from and is located within 50 metres from the closest
edge of an arterial road as identified by the City of Guelph's
Official Plan.
18.5.3.1
All sign types shall be permitted with the following restrictions:
i
Ground signs shall be setback a minimum of 1 metre from a
public road allowance;
ii
Ground signs shall have a maximum height of 1.8m;
iii
Ground signs shall have a maximum area of 60% of the sign
to a maximum of 3m2 for changeable copy; and
iv
Electronic message centres shall be subject to the
regulations of Section 24.
38
18.6 In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to residentially zoned or precinct private property (including specialized
zones) for single detached, semi-detached and duplex dwellings, triplexes,
fourplexes, lodging houses, supportive housing and all townhouse types
designated in the Zoning By-law and Community Planning Permit By-
law as:
Low Density Residential 1 - RL.1 zone
Low Density Residential 2 - RL.2 zone
Low Density Residential 3 - RL.3 zone
Low Density Residential 4 - RL. 4 zone
Medium Density Residential 5 - RM.5 zone
Medium Density Residential 6 - RM.6 zone
Low Density Residential - LDR precinct
Medium Density Residential - MDR precinct
Table 18.6.1 - Permanent Signs for Residential RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RM.5
and RM.6 zones and LDR and MDR precincts
Permanent
Signs
Fascia Sign
(Address
Only)
Maximum number
of signs
1(B)
Permitted location
on/in a building
1st storey
Minimum
clearance above
ground surface
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
0.15m
Maximum Sign
Face Area
0.2m2
Illumination
internal or
external
Additional Regulations for Table 18.6.1:
A)
Signs are only permitted on private property.
B)
Fascia signs in RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RM.5 and RM.6 zones and
LDR and MDR precincts shall only display the address of the
property or occupier (for a temporary sign for a home occupation
please see Section 18.6.3, for real estate signs please see Section
21).
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24. All signs are subject to other general regulations
contained within this By-law.
39
Table 18.6.2 - Temporary Signs for Residential RL.1, RL.2, RL.3, RL.4, RM.5
and RM.6 zones and LDR and MDR precincts
Temporary
Signs
Garage
/Yard Sale
Sign
Home
Occupation
Sign
A-frame
Sign for
home
contractor
Maximum number
of Signs
1 (B)
1(C)
1(E)
Permitted location
on/in a building
n/a
1st storey
window
(C)(D)
n/a
Minimum setback
from Street Line
(property line)
1m
n/a
1m
Maximum height
above adjacent
Roadway
1.8m
n/a
1.2
Maximum Sign
Face Area
3m2
0.4m2
1.5m2
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Additional Regulations for Table 18.6.2:
A)
Signs only permitted on private property.
B)
May only be displayed during a garage/yard sale as permitted in
the Zoning By-law and Community Planning Permit By-law.
C)
Sign must be located in a window of the dwelling that the home
occupation is located and may only be displayed during operating
hours of the home occupation.
D)
Only one (1) sign permitted per dwelling unit.
E)
An A-frame sign for a home contractor may be displayed for a
maximum period of eight (8) consecutive weeks at a property
provided such sign is:
i
Only displayed on the property which the home maintenance
or construction is being carried out; and
ii
is only displayed during the time that the person or company
to which the sign pertains is actually onsite working to conduct
the home renovations, repairs, or maintenance activities.
Please refer to Section 21 for real estate signs.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
40
18.7
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations
apply to residentially zoned and precinct private property for apartments,
long term care facilities and retirement residential facilities (including
specialized zones) designated in the Zoning By-law and Community
Planning Permit By-law as:
Low Density Residential 4 - RL.4 zone
Medium Density Residential 5 - RM.5 zone
Medium Density Residential 6 - RM.6 zone
High Density Residential 7 - RH.7 zone
Medium Density Residential - MDR precinct
High Density Residential - HRD precinct
Table 18.7.1 - Permanent Signs for RL.4, RM.5, RM.6 and RH.7 zones and
MDR and HDR precincts
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Maximum number
of Signs
1(B)
1(B)
1(B)
1 per
frontage
(B)(C)(D)
Permitted location
on a building or
structure
1st storey
1st storey
1st storey
n/a
Minimum
clearance above
ground surface
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m
n/a
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
(E)
(E)
(E)
3m2
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Maximum
Changeable Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Minimum setback
from Street Line
n/a
1m
n/a
1m
Maximum height
above adjacent
Roadway
n/a
n/a
n/a
1.8m
Minimum required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
(D)
Additional Regulations for Table 18.7.1:
A)
Sign types only permitted on private property.
B)
Restricted to the name of the development, building and/or rental
information.
C)
All ground signs must be located a minimum distance of 3m from
an adjacent property.
D)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
41
property.
E)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning signs, may
occupy a combined maximum wall area of 3m2 per façade of a
maximum 20% of the building face.
18.8
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations
apply to mixed-use zoned and precinct private property with residential
uses (including specialized zones or precincts) designated in the Zoning
By-law and Community Planning Permit By-law as:
Commercial mixed-use centre - CMUC zone
Mixed-use corridor - MUC zone or precinct
Neighbourhood commercial centre - NCC zone or precinct
Table 18.8.1 - Permanent Signs for CMUC, MUC, and NCC zones or
precincts with residential uses
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Projecting
Sign
Maximum number
of Signs
n/a
1 per
premises
n/a
1 per
premises
Permitted location
on a building or
structure
1st storey
(B)
1st storey
(B)
1st storey
(B)
1st storey
(B)
Minimum
clearance above
ground surface
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
0.5m
0.76m
Maximum Sign
Face Area
(C)
(C)
(C)
0.6m2
Illumination
internal
internal
internal or
external
(F)
internal
Maximum
Changeable Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Minimum setback
from Street Line
n/a
1m
n/a
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.8.1:
A)
Sign types only permitted on private property.
B)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the commercial business advertised and shall be a
minimum distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
C)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs and awning signs for
commercial uses may occupy a combined area of 2.3m2.
D)
Despite 18.7.2 (C), the names of permitted commercial businesses
existing on the property may be displayed on the ground sign.
E)
Electronic message centres are prohibited.
F)
Illuminated fascia signs facing an internal lot line abutting a
residential zone or precinct shall be setback a minimum of 15m from
the lot line and shall be turned off from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m.
42
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
43
Table 18.8.2 - Temporary Signs for CMUC, MUC, and NCC
Temporary Signs
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Window
Signs and
Lifestyle
Signs
Number permitted
1(B)
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
1.5m2
(C)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
1st storey (D)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(E)
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
1.2m
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
n/a
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 18.8.2:
A)
Signs are only permitted on private property and are only permitted
for premises with a permitted commercial use.
B)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
C)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs and lifestyle signs are
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and those
parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign(s). Window signs and lifestyle signs do not require sign
permits.
D)
Restricted to the façade area of the part of the building occupied by
the business advertised.
E)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
sidewalk/walkway remains unencumbered.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restriction as set out in Section 10 and regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
44
19. Regulations For Legal Non-Conforming Commercial and Industrial Uses
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply
to legal non-conforming commercial and industrial uses on private property
(including specialized zones) as those terms are understood under the
Zoning By-law or Community Planning Permit By-law.
Table 19.1.1 - Permanent Signs for legal non-conforming commercial and
industrial uses
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(C)
1 per
premises
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Permitted
location on a
building or
structure
1st storey
(D)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
1st storey
(D)
n/a
1st storey
(D)
Minimum
clearance
above ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.4m
2.4m (E)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection
from building
or structure
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum
Sign Face
Area
(F)
0.8m2
(F)
(F)
(G)
0.6m2
Illumination
internal or
external
internal
internal
internal or
external
internal
or
external
(H)(I)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable
Copy
prohibited prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(J)(K)
prohibited
Minimum
setback from
Street Line
n/a
1.0 m
1m
n/a
1m
n/a
Maximum
height above
adjacent
Roadway
n/a
1.6m
n/a
n/a
4.5m
n/a
Minimum
required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 19.1.1:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle related uses refer to
Section 20.
B)
Signs only permitted on private property.
C)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street.
D)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised and shall be a minimum
45
distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
E)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please also
refer to Section 8.
F)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 20m2.
G)
0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage to a maximum of 12m2. All ground
signs must be located a minimum distance of 3m from an adjacent
property.
H)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
internally illuminated.
I)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone and precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-
law or Community Planning Permit By-law.
J)
Maximum sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a maximum of
3m2.
K)
Electronic message centres shall comply with Section 24.
L)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
46
Table 19.1.2 - Temporary Signs for Legal Non-conforming Commercial &
Industrial Uses
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Wall
banner
sign
Window
and
lifestyle
signs
Number permitted
2 (C)
(D)
1(C)
1
n/a
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.5m2 (E)
4.4m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(F)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(G)
1st storey
(G)
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
Separation
Distance
(H)
(I)
(J)
n/a
n/a
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
2.6
1.2m
n/a
n/a
Required
information on Sign
n/a
(K)
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(M)
prohibited
prohibited prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(L)
30 days
(L)
n/a
30 days
(L)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 19.1.2:
A)
For sign regulations specific to motor vehicle uses refer to Section
20.
B)
Sign types listed are only permitted on private property for CC,
NCC, CMUC, MOC, MUC and SC zones and MUC and NCC precincts
and specialized zones thereof. All signs shall also be in compliance
with all other provisions of this By-law.
C)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
D)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
E)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
F)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs and lifestyle signs are
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and to
those parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with
the sign(s). Window signs and lifestyle signs do not require
sign permits.
47
G)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
H)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same
property and are not permitted to be located within 15m of a
traffic control device at an intersection.
I)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile sign and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between each mobile sign. A mobile sign is not permitted to be
within 15m of a traffic control device at an intersection.
J)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located within 1.0 metre of the building; and
iii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iv
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
sidewalk/walkway remains unencumbered.
K)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
L)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
M)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
48
20. Signs for Motor Vehicle Related Uses
20.1
Signs for permitted motor vehicle gas bar uses
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
permitted and legal non-conforming motor vehicle gas bar uses on private property.
Table 20.1.1 Permanent Signs for Vehicle Gas Bar Uses
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia Sign
Fuel Pump
Canopy Sign
Fuel Pump
Sign
Ground Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(B)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Minimum
clearance
above
ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.59m
2.4m
(E)
4.45m
n/a
n/a
Maximum
projection
from building
or structure
n/a
n/a
0.5m
0.5m
n/a
n/a
n/a
Maximum
Sign height
1st
Storey
1.6m
4.5m
n/a
(D)
3.0m
6m
Maximum
Sign Face
Area
(F)
0.8m²
(F)
(F)
(G)
n/a
(H)
Illumination
external
internal
internal
internal
internal
internal
internal
(J)(K)
Minimum
setback
1.5m
1.0m
1.5m
(O)
n/a
n/a
n/a
(H)(I)
Changeable
Copy
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
30%
30%
(L) (M)
Minimum
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(N)
Additional Regulations for Table 20.1.1:
A)
Signs only permitted on private property.
B)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street.
C)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised and shall be a minimum
distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
D)
No sign shall project below the underside of the canopy structure
and no sign shall project more than 0.45m above the canopy
structure.
E)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Please also
refer to Section 8.
F)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs, and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
49
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 20m2.
G)
30% of each side of the canopy structure.
H)
A ground sign set back a minimum 1m from a street line is
permitted a maximum height of 6m above the adjacent roadway
and a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage
to a maximum of 8m2. A ground sign set back 6m from the street
line is permitted a maximum height of 7 m above an adjacent
roadway (6m when adjacent to a residential zone or precinct) and a
maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage to a
maximum of 17m2. All ground signs must be located a minimum
distance of 3m from an adjacent property.
I)
Electronic message centres limited to a static message setting
out the current price of fuel are permitted to be located in a ground
sign subject to the setback as required by 20.1.2 (H).
J)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
internally illuminated.
K)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
L)
Maximum sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a maximum of
3m2.
M)
Electronic message centres shall comply with Section 24.
N)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
O)
Location of canopy shall be in compliance with the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
50
Table 20.1.2 - Temporary Signs for permitted vehicle gas bar uses
Temporary
Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
sign
Window
and
Lifestyle
Signs
Pole
Posters
Number permitted
2 (C)
(D)
4(C)
1
n/a
2
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.5m2 (E)
4.2m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(F)
1m2
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
2
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(G)
1st storey
(G)
n/a
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
1m
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
3m
Separation
Distance
(H)(I)
(I)
(J)
n/a
n/a
30m
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
2.4
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
3.5
1.2m
n/a
n/a
4.5m
Required
information on
Sign
n/a
(K)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(M)
prohibited
prohibited prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(L)
30 days
(L)
n/a
30 days
(L)
n/a
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 20.1.2:
A)
Number permitted is the maximum number permitted for signs in
compliance with this By-law.
B)
Sign types listed are only permitted on private property. All signs
shall also be in compliance with all other provisions of this By-law.
C)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
D)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
E)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
F)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs is limited to uses located on
the ground floor of the building and those parts of the building
occupied by a business in connection with the sign(s). Window
signs and lifestyle signs do not require sign permits.
G)
Restricted to the façade area of the part of the building occupied by
the business advertised.
51
H)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same
property and are not permitted to be located within 15m of a
traffic control device at an intersection.
I)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile sign and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between each mobile sign. A mobile sign is not permitted to be
within 15m of a traffic control device at an intersection.
J)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iii
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
walkway remains unencumbered.
K)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
L)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
M)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
52
20.2
Signs for Vehicle Sales Establishments
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
permitted and legal non-conforming vehicle sales establishment uses on private
property.
Table 20.2.1 - Permanent Signs for Vehicle Sales Establishments
Permanent
Signs
Awning Sign
Directional
Sign
Entrance
Canopy Sign
Fascia
Ground Sign
Projecting
Sign
Maximum
number of
Signs
n/a
(B)
1 per
premises
n/a
n/a
1 per
frontage
Permitted
location on a
building or
structure
1st storey
(C)
n/a
1st storey
(C)
1st storey
(C)
n/a
1st storey
(C)
Minimum
clearance
above ground
surface
2.4m
n/a
2.4m
2.4m (D)
n/a
2.4m
Maximum
projection from
building or
structure
n/a
n/a
n/a
0.5m
n/a
0.76m
Maximum Sign
Face Area
(E)
0.8m
(E)
(E)
(F)
0.6m2
Illumination
internal or
external
internal
internal
internal or
external
internal
or
external
(G)(H)
internal or
external
Maximum
Changeable
Copy
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
(I)(J)
prohibited
Minimum
setback from
Street Line
n/a
1.0 m
1m
n/a
(F)
n/a
Maximum
height above
adjacent
Roadway
n/a
1.6m
n/a
n/a
(F)(G)
n/a
Minimum
required
Separation
Distance
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(K)
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 20.2.1:
A)
Sign types only permitted on private property.
B)
One (1) directional sign is permitted to be located at each
entrance and/or exit to a property from the street.
C)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised and shall be a minimum
distance of 7m from an adjacent property.
D)
One (1) fascia sign is permitted to be below the minimum
clearance of 2.4m providing that it has an area of no more than 1m2
and projects no more than 0.10m from the building. Refer to Section
8.
53
E)
Fascia signs, entrance canopy signs and awning signs may
occupy a combined 20% of the external wall area per façade of that
part of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign to a maximum of 20m2.
F)
A ground sign set back a minimum 1m from a street line is
permitted a maximum height of 6m above the adjacent roadway
and a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage
to a maximum of 8m2. A ground sign set back 6m from the street
line is permitted a maximum height of 7 m above an adjacent
roadway (6m when adjacent to a residential zone or precinct) and
a maximum sign face area of 0.3m2 for every 1m of frontage to a
maximum of 17m2. All ground signs must be located a minimum
distance of 3m from an adjacent property.
G)
Every ground sign that is greater than 1.8m in height shall only be
internally illuminated.
H)
Every illuminated ground sign shall be a minimum of 15m from
any residential zone or precinct, as identified by the Zoning By-law
or Community Planning Permit By-law.
I)
Maximum sign face area is 60% of the sign area to a maximum of
3m2.
J)
Electronic message centres shall comply with Section 24.
K)
Ground signs shall have a minimum separation distance of 120m
from another ground sign on the same property and a minimum
separation distance of 30m from a ground sign on an adjacent
property.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
54
Table 20.2.2 - Temporary Signs for Vehicle Sales Establishments
Temporary Signs
Feather
Banner
Sign
Mobile
Sign
A-Frame
or T-
Frame
Signs
Wall
Banner
Sign
Window
and
Lifestyle
signs
Pole
Posters/Fl
ag Signs
Number permitted
2 (C)
(D)
4(C)
1
n/a
(N)
Maximum Sign
Face Area
2.5m2 (E)
4.2m2
1.5m2
4.9m2
(F)
(O)
Number of Sign
Faces
2
2
2
1
n/a
2
Permitted location
on building
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st storey
(G)
1st storey
(G)
n/a
Minimum setback
from Street Line
1m
0m
0m
n/a
n/a
1m
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
3m
3m
7m
n/a
3m
Separation
Distance
(H)(I)
(I)
(J)
n/a
n/a
30m
Minimum height
above ground
surface
n/a
n/a
n/a
2.4m
n/a
2.4
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3m
3.5
1.2m
n/a
n/a
4.5m
Required
information on Sign
n/a
(K)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Illumination
prohibited
internal
(M)
prohibited
prohibited prohibited
prohibited
Permit period
14 days
(L)
30 days
(L)(M)
n/a
30 days
n/a
n/a
Additional Regulations for Table 20.2.2:
A)
Number permitted is the maximum number permitted for signs in
compliance with this By-law.
B)
Sign types listed are only permitted on private property. All signs
shall also be in compliance with all other general provisions of this
By-law.
C)
Per premises if in compliance with all other provisions of this By-
law.
D)
1 for every 60m (or portion thereof) of frontage to a maximum of 4
signs per property.
E)
A feather banner sign shall not exceed a maximum width of
0.76m.
F)
Window signs or lifestyle signs may cover a combined maximum
of 50% of the window or faux window area located on building
face of the ground floor of a building (regardless of product
perforation). The use of window signs and lifestyle signs are
limited to uses located on the ground floor of the building and those
parts of the building occupied by a business in connection with the
sign(s). Window signs and lifestyle signs do not require sign
permits.
G)
Restricted to the external façade area of the part of the building
occupied by the business advertised.
55
H)
Feather banner signs advertising the same premises shall be
located within 3m of one another. Feather banner signs shall be a
minimum of 50m from a mobile sign located on the same
property.
I)
A minimum separation distance of 50m is required between
mobile sign and feather banner signs located on the same
property. A minimum separation distance of 30m is required
between mobile signs. A mobile sign is not permitted to be within
15m of a traffic control device at an intersection (includes
signalized control device, stop and yield signs at an intersection)
J)
Every A-frame or T-frame sign shall be:
i
located in front of the premises to which the sign is
advertising;
ii
located at least 1.0 metre away from any adjacent building,
property and premises; and
iii
located in such a manner so that at least 2.0 metres width of
walkway remains unencumbered.
K)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
L)
The maximum number of display periods per premises in a
calendar year is four (4) and is shared between feather banner
signs, mobile signs and wall banner signs. No place shall have
feather banner signs, a mobile sign or wall banner signs or
any combination thereof displayed at the same time.
M)
Mobile signs are not permitted to be illuminated between 9:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when within 100m of a residential zone or
precinct.
N)
Shall only be permitted on light poles within the vehicle sales lot.
Total permitted number between both types of signs is equal to
50% of light poles within the vehicle sales lot.
O)
Maximum sign area for a pole poster sign is 1m2.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
20.3
Drive-through Facilities
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
permitted and legal non-conforming vehicle drive-through facility uses on private
property.
Table 20.3.1 Drive-through Facilities
Permanent Signs
Directional
Sign
Drive-Through
Pre-Sell Menu
Board Sign
Drive-through
Menu Board
Sign
Maximum number of signs
per drive-through lane
2 (A)
1
1
Maximum height
2.4m
2.4m
2.4m
Maximum Sign Face Area
1m²
2.3m²
2.3m²
Illumination
internal (B)
internal (B)
internal (B)
Changeable Copy
prohibited
permitted (C)
permitted (C)
56
Directional
Sign
Drive-Through
Pre-Sell Menu
Board Sign
Drive-through
Menu Board
Sign
Permanent Signs
Minimum setback nearest
public road allowance
9m
9m (D)
9m (D)
Minimum setback
adjacent property
from an
3m
3m (E)
3m (E)
Additional Regulations for Table 20.3.1:
A)
One (1) sign positioned at the entrance to the stacking lane and
one (1) sign positioned at the exit of the stacking lane.
B)
Luminance levels are restricted to the following:
i
A maximum of 5000 nits between sunrise and sunset
ii
A maximum of 300 nits between sunset and sunrise
(restricted to a maximum of 200 nits if the sign area or
display is visible and within 60m of a residentially zoned or
precinct property)
C)
Electronic message centres shall be in compliance with Section
24 with the exception that the required dwell time is 5 seconds and
animation during transitions is permitted.
D)
If sign area is visible from a street, the minimum required setback
is 15m.
E)
If the sign or display area is visible from a residentially zoned or
precinct property, then a minimum setback of 30m is required.
57
21. Development Signs and Real Estate Signs
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
development signs and real estate signs in all zones and precincts.
Table 21.1 Development Signs on Private Property
Temporary Signs
Develop-
ment
Signs -
lots less
than
0.2 HA
Develop-
ment
Signs -
lots over
0.2 HA to
1.0 HA
Develop-
ment
Signs -
lots over
1.0 HA
Hoarding
Signs -
detached
dwelling
lot
Hoarding
Signs -
all other
lots
Maximum number
of Signs per
frontage
1
1(A)
1(A)
1(B)
n/a
Maximum Sign
height
4m
6m
6m
2.0m (C)
3.6m (C)
Maximum Sign
Face Area
6m² (D)
11m² (D)
18m² (D)
4.65m²
(E)
100% (E)
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
prohibited
Minimum setback
from road
allowance
3m
(F)(G)(H)
6m (G)(H)
10m
(G)(H)
0.3m
(G)(H)
0.3m
(G)(H)
Minimum
separation
distance
60m (I)
60m (I)
120m (I)
n/a
n/a
Additional regulations for Table 21.1
A)
One (1) additional development sign is permitted for every 150m
of frontage.
B)
For detached dwelling lots, either a development sign or
hoarding sign is permitted, not both.
C)
Height indicated in table or maximum height of fencing for the zone
or precinct as identified in the Zoning By-law or Community
Planning Permit By-law, whichever is less.
D)
Separate signs identifying designers, builders, and/or contractors
performing work/services are not permitted. However, these signs
may be incorporated into the permitted sign face area of the
development ground sign in an orderly arrangement.
E)
Sign face area copy to only identify:
i
the project name and graphic depictions; and
ii
names and contact information for the developer(s) and/or
builders(s) or murals.
F)
Required setback from the road allowance is the measurement
indicated or equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.
G)
Any development sign or hoarding sign containing any element
or content in red, amber and/or green shall be installed more than
30m from a traffic control signal.
H)
No sign will be permitted on any lands to be conveyed to the City
or which may form part of the municipal road allowance.
I)
Minimum separation distance from another development sign
on the same property.
J)
All signs (including hoarding signs) must be removed from the
development site within 60 days of the first unit occupancy on the
lot.
58
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
Table 21.2 Temporary Real Estate Signs on Private Property
Temporary Signs
Real Estate
Sign
(residential)
Real Estate Sign
(non-residential)
Maximum number of Signs
per frontage
1 (A)
1 (A)
Maximum Sign height
1.5m
3m
Maximum Sign Face Area
0.75m2
6m²
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
Minimum setback road
allowance
1m
1m (B)
Minimum setback from an
adjacent property
1m
3m
Additional regulations for Table 21.2
A)
Real estate signs shall be removed no later than 30 days of after
the acceptance of a firm offer to purchase, lease, or rent the
property.
B)
Required setback from the road allowance is the measurement
indicated or equal to the height of the sign, whichever is greater.
C)
A maximum of three (3) additional ancillary signs, each no greater
than 0.15 m2, that support the marketing of the real estate property
may be attached to a real estate sign or its frame.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
59
Table 21.3 - Temporary Real Estate Open House and Model Home
Directional A-Frame Signs on the City Road Allowance
Temporary Signs
Real Estate
Open House
Model Home
Directional Signs
Maximum number of Signs
per location
8 (B)(C)(D)
(E)
8 (B)(C)(D)(F)
Maximum height
1.2m
1.2m
Maximum Sign Face Area
1.5m²
1.5m²
Illumination
prohibited
prohibited
Changeable Copy
prohibited
prohibited
Minimum setback from a
sidewalk
2.5m (D)
2.5m(D)
Minimum setback from a
driveway
7m (D)
7m (D)
Minimum setback from any
roadway
1m (D)
1m m (D)
Minimum setback from an
intersection, crosswalk, bus
stop
15m (D)
15m (D)
Minimum setback from a fire
hydrant
3m (D)
3m (D)
Additional regulations for Table 21.3:
A)
Only A-frame signs are permitted to be displayed on City road
allowance.
B)
Any person who installs, displays, or owns an A-frame sign that
is located on City property shall have general liability insurance in
the amount of at least two million ($2,000,000) with the City
named as an additional insured and shall ensure that such insurance
remains in effect as long as the sign is placed on City property.
C)
A total of 8 A-frame signs per real estate open house. A total of 8
model home directional A-frame signs per model home sales
location.
D)
Not permitted to be located on any sidewalk, vehicular
entrance/exit, traffic island, road allowance along the frontage of a
school or park.
E)
May only be installed six (6) hours prior to an open house and shall
be removed within six (6) hours of the end of the open house.
Signs are not permitted to be displayed at any other time.
F)
Signs may only be installed and displayed after 4pm on a Friday
proceeding the opening of a weekend model home sales centre and
shall be removed by no later than 10am the following Monday.
Signs are not permitted to be displayed at any other time.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
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22. Signs for Community Events
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
signs for community events.
22.1
Garage sales, and other events on private property
22.1.1
Signs related to garage sales, yard sales and other events on private
property shall only be located on the private property to which the
event is located.
22.1.2
Signs are not permitted to be located on any sidewalk, vehicular
entrance/exit, traffic island or required parking space.
22.1.3
Signs are restricted to posters, banners, or signs resting on the
ground.
22.1.4
A separation distance of 10m is required between each sign located
on the ground.
22.1.5
Signs on the ground are restricted to a height of 1.2m and shall be
setback a minimum of 1m from the nearest road allowance and 3m
from any adjacent property.
22.1.6
Signs are only to be used to support the event operation and not to
pre-advertise. Signs shall only be placed out for display a maximum of
six (6) hours prior to the event and shall be removed within a maximum
of six (6) hours after the event.
22.1.7
Not permitted to be located on any sidewalk, vehicular entrance/exit,
traffic island, road allowance, or along the frontage of a school.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
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22.2
City of Guelph Special Event Permits
22.2.1
Signs approved as part of a City of Guelph Special Event Permit shall
be in accordance with that permit.
22.2.2
If A-frame signs are approved as part of a City of Guelph Special
Event Permit for placement outside of the geographic location of the
special event, in addition to the other regulations of this By-law,
placement shall be in accordance with Table 22.2.3.
Table 22.2.1 City of Guelph Special Events Permits
Temporary Signs
Signs on the ground
Maximum number of Signs
As specified in the City of
Guelph Special Events Permit
(A)(B)(C)(D)
Maximum height
1.2m
Maximum Sign Face Area
1.5m²
Illumination
prohibited
Changeable Copy
prohibited
Minimum setback from a
sidewalk
2.5m
Minimum setback from a
driveway
7m
Minimum setback from any
Roadway
1m
Minimum setback from an
intersection, crosswalk, bus
stop
15m
Minimum setback from a fire
hydrant
3m
Additional regulations for Table 22.2.1:
A)
Only signs on the ground are permitted to be displayed on the
City road allowance.
B)
Signs are only to be used to support the event operation and not to
pre-advertise.
C)
Signs can only be placed out for display twenty-four (24) hours
prior to the event and shall be removed within forty-eight (48)
hours after the event or in accordance with the City of Guelph
Special Events Permit, whichever is more restrictive.
D)
Not permitted to be located on any sidewalk, vehicular
entrance/exit, traffic island, road allowance, or along the frontage of
a school.
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22.3
Temporary Poster Signs on the Community Bulletin Board (See "Schedule
1" for approved location)
Table 22.3.1 Posters
Temporary
Signs on a
Community
Bulletin
Board or
Approved
Pole Location
Maximum number
of Signs per
location
1 (A)(B)
Maximum Size
0.08m2
Required
information on
the Sign
(C)
Method of
attachment
Tape only (D)(E)
Display time
(F)
Permit
Not required, but approval is
required (B)
Additional Regulations for Table 22.3.1:
A)
1 per business, place, or event
B)
Each sign must be approved and stamped by the Guelph Downtown
Business Association or the City. There is no fee for this approval.
C)
Name, address and telephone number of the person or owner
responsible for installing the sign.
D)
No sign shall be attached with staples, nails, glue or similar
permanent fastening.
E)
No sign shall cover, overlap, or in any way obstruct another
authorized sign.
F)
Shall be installed no earlier than 14 calendar days prior to the
event and removed no later than 48 hours after the event.
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22.4
Temporary Mobile Signs for Non-profit Organizations at Park and
Recreation Centre Frontage
Table 22.4.1
Mobile Signs for Non-profit Organizations at Parks and
Recreations Centre Frontage
Temporary Signs
Mobile
Sign
Number permitted
1 (A)(B)(C)
Maximum Sign
Face Area
4.2m2
Number of Sign
Faces
2
Permitted location
(D)
Minimum setback
from any Street
6m
Minimum setback
from adjacent
property
3m
Maximum height
above ground
surface
3.5
Required
information on Sign
(E)
Illumination
prohibited
Permit period
7 days (F)
Additional Regulations for Table 22.4.1:
A)
Only 1 sign (based on availability) may be placed at an approved
park frontage or recreation centre frontage locations at any given
time.
B)
The maximum number of display periods per non-profit
organization is four (4) times in a calendar year (based on
availability).
C)
Signs must be installed and removed by an insured mobile sign
provider.
D)
In pre-approved park frontage or recreation centre frontage
locations only. Please contact the City for approved locations.
E)
Name and telephone number of person or owner responsible for
the sign.
F)
The seven (7) day permit period duration is from Monday to the
immediately subsequent Sunday.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
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22.5
Temporary Mobile Signs for Non-profit Organizations on Private Property
A)
Where a mobile sign is permitted on private property and written
permission from the property owner is obtained, a mobile sign
permit may be issued to advertise a non-profit organization's
event.
B)
A mobile sign under this section is required to comply with all sign
regulations applicable to the property on which the sign is to be
located.
C)
If a permit is issued for a sign under this section, it will count as
one of the available mobile sign permits available to the property
owner or the premises which provided written permission. For
mobile signs located in Industrial and Institutional Zones, one (1)
additional mobile sign permit shall be provided to a property owner
or premise who has made property available for the use of a non-
profit organization.
23. Billboards
In addition to other regulations of this By-law, the following regulations apply to
signs related to billboards.
Table 23.1 Billboards
Permanent
Billboard
Permitted location
(A)
Number of Sign
Faces
1
Maximum Sign
Face Area
20m2
Maximum height
above an adjacent
roadway
5m
Changeable copy
100% (B)
Lighting permitted
internal (B) or external only
Required
information on Sign
(C)
Additional Regulations for Table 23.1
A)
Billboards shall only be located at locations identified in Schedule
"2"
B)
In accordance with Section 24.
C)
The name of the company responsible for the operation of the
billboard shall be visibly displayed on the billboard.
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9, Sightline
Restrictions as set out in Section 10 and Regulations for Electronic message Centres
as set out in Section 24.
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24. Regulations for Electronic Message Centres
The following regulations shall apply to electronic message centres:
Table 24.1 Electronic Message Centres
Electronic
Message
Centres
Details
Permitted Sign
types
Electronic message centres are only permitted on
permanent ground signs, billboards, drive-through pre-
sell menu boards, and drive-through menu boards
regulated by this By-law.
Notwithstanding the above, electronic message centres
are not permitted for advertising adult entertainment
establishments.
Locations
restricted
Unless otherwise permitted by this By-law, electronic
message centres shall be located a minimum of distance
of 30m away from any residentially zoned or precinct
property and any intersection.
Copy content
Limited to static alphanumeric text and digital image
Prohibited
content
Animations, motion, scrolling content, fading, flashing, or
blinking light, or any effects that create the illusion of
movement
Any directional information, whether in text or graphics
Any sequential messages, either on the same sign or on
subsequent signs
Any imitation or resemblance of traffic control device
Minimum Dwell
Time
20 seconds
Maximum
transition time
between
messages
Limited to instantaneous transitions with no effects
Illumination
Maximum illumination permitted is 5000 nits between
sunrise and sunset
Maximum illumination permitted is 300 nits between
sunset and sunrise (200 nits when within 60m of a
residentially zoned property)
NOTE: All signs are subject to other general regulations contained within this By-
law, including but not limited to Prohibited Signs as set out in Section 9 and
Sightline Restrictions as set out in Section 10.
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25. Enforcement
25.1
The City's Power of Entry By-law applies to enforcement of this By-law
by every inspector and all persons listed in section 2.3 of this By-law
shall have the obligations of an "Occupier" under the Power of Entry By-
law
25.2
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, every permit holder and
every owner or occupant of a premises upon which a sign is displayed,
shall, upon request of an inspector, produce the sign permit.
26. Seizure, disposal, remediation, and return of signs
26.1
An inspector may remove any sign without notice, where such sign:
a)
Is installed or displayed on City property in contravention of this
By-law;
b)
Is installed or displayed on private property in contravention of
Sections 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, or 15.
26.2
The City may return any sign which has been seized to the sign owner
or the sign owner's authorized agent upon payment of the fees specified
in the User Fees By-law, provided that:
a)
The sign owner has contacted the City to make an appointment for
the retrieval of the sign(s); and
b)
The sign owner or the sign owner's authorized agent presents
acceptable government issued identification and, where applicable, a
signed authorization letter at the time of retrieving the signs.
26.3
Any sign that has been seized and is not retrieved by the sign owner or
the sign owner's authorized agent within 30 days of the date of removal
may, without notice or compensation, be destroyed or otherwise disposed
of by the City.
26.4
Despite Section 25.2 and 25.3 of this By-law, the inspector may without
notice or compensation immediately destroy or otherwise dispose of any
poster or temporary sign placed on City property.
27. Penalty
27.1
Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law is guilty of an
offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine as provided for pursuant to
the POA.
27.2
Each day on which a person contravenes any provision of this By-law
shall be deemed to constitute a separate offence under this By-law as
provided for in section 429(2) of the Municipal Act.
27.3
Pursuant to the authority established in section 429(2) of the Municipal
Act, every person, other than a corporation, who contravenes any
provision of this By-law, is guilty of an offence and upon conviction
pursuant to Part III of the POA, shall be subject to the following penalties:
i
Upon a first conviction is liable to a fine of not more than Ten
Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for each offence;
ii
Upon subsequent conviction, to a fine of not more than
Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) for each offence.
27.4
Pursuant to the authority established in section 429(2) of the Municipal
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Act, every corporation that contravenes any provision of this By-law is
guilty of an offence and upon conviction pursuant to Part III of the POA,
shall be subject to the following penalties:
i
Upon a first conviction is liable to a fine of not more than Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($50,000) for each offence;
ii
Upon subsequent conviction, to a fine of not more than One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for each offence.
All fines issued for offences under this By-law shall be recoverable by any
and all means of collection authorized under the POA.
28. Effective Date
Subject to section 4, this By-law shall come into effect immediately upon its
passage by Council.
Passed this twelfth day of November, 2025.
Schedules:
Schedule 1: Location of Community Bulletin Board
Schedule 2: Permitted locations of Billboards
Cam Guthrie, Mayor
Dylan McMahon, City Clerk
This by-law was approved by Guelph City Council on November 12, 2025.
Written approval of the by-law was given by Mayoral Decision 2025-A77 dated
November 12, 2025.
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Schedule 1 - Location of Community Bulletin Board
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Schedule 2 - Permitted Locations of Billboards
Note: Locations are approximate. Exact geographic locations shall be confirmed
prior to the issuance of a required sign permit.
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