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By-law 2018-62
Page 1 of 41
The Corporation of the Municipality of Meaford
By-law Number 2018-62
Being a by-law to regulate the size, use, location and
maintenance of signs within the Municipality of Meaford
Whereas, Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c.25 provides that
municipal power shall be exercised by by-law; and
Whereas, Section 9 of said Act provides municipalities with broad authority
to legislate on matters related to the spheres of jurisdiction outlined in
section 11; and
Whereas, Section 11(3) of said Act authorizes the Municipality to pass by-
laws relating to structures, including fences and signs; and
Whereas, Section 99 of said Act provides the rules which apply to a by-law
of a municipality respecting advertising devices, including signs; and
Whereas, Section 425 of said Act establishes that any person who
contravene any by-law of the Municipality passed under the Act is guilty of
an offence; and
Whereas, Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Meaford deems it
expedient and necessary to pass such a by-law.
The Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Meaford enacts
as follows:
Part I - General
1.0
Purpose and Scope
1.1
The purpose of this By-law shall be to coordinate the type,
placement and scale of signs within the different land-use zones
to recognize and regulate the residential, commercial, industrial
and institutional requirements of all sectors of the community. In
doing so, this By-law shall encourage the innovative use of
design; shall encourage signs which are compatible to the
heritage and unique characteristics of the community; shall
promote both renovation and proper maintenance; and shall
guarantee equal treatment under the law through accurate
By-law 2018-62
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record keeping and consistent enforcement. These shall be
accomplished by regulation of the size, shape, material, display,
erection, use and maintenance of signs. The used of signs is
regulated according to land use as prescribed in zoning
regulations for the Municipality. No sign shall be permitted as a
main or accessory use except in accordance with the provisions
of this By-law.
1.2
This By-law shall not, however, relate to building design or any
non-commercial ornamentation of a building or structure. Nor
shall the By-law regulate official traffic or government signs; the
copy and message of signs; signs not intended to be viewed
from a public right-of-way; window displays which do not
constitute widow signs; product dispensers; scoreboards on
athletic fields; flags of any nation, government, or non-
commercial organization; gravestones; religious symbols;
commemorative plaques; the display of street numbers; or any
display or construction not defined herein as a sign.
1.3
The intent of this By-law shall be to regulate signs intended to
be viewed from any vehicular or pedestrian right-of-way within
the Municipality.
2.0
Interpretation
2.1
References to items in the plural include the singular, as
applicable.
2.2
The words "include", "including", and "includes" are not to be
read as limiting the phrases or descriptions that precede or
follow them.
2.3
Headings and the index are included for ease of reference only
and are not to be used as interpretation aids.
2.4
Specific references to legislation in this by-law are meant to
refer to the current laws applicable within the Province of Ontario
as at the time the by-law was enacted, as they are amended
from time to time. In all cases, the reference includes the
statute, as amended from time to time, including successor
legislation.
By-law 2018-62
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3.0
Definitions
3.1
"Abandoned Sign" means a sign which no longer identifies or
advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product,
or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
3.2
"Advertising Device" means any fancifully designed device,
object or any means of identification intended for advertising
purposes, that is visible from any public street creating a design
and intended to be erected, located or affixed on any land,
building or structure which directs attention to the land, building
or structure. But shall not relate to any building design or any
non-commercial ornamentation of a building or structure.
3.3
"Alter" or "Alteration" means any change to the sign structure
or the sign face, including addition, deletion, change of copy, or
re-arrangement of parts, with the exception of the re-
arrangement of the message on manual changeable copy signs.
3.4
"Animated Sign" means a sign which includes action, motion
or change of colour of any or all of the sign, excluding manual
changeable copy signs, clocks or thermometers.
a)
"Electrically Energized" means an illuminated signs
whose motion or visual impression of motion is activated
primarily by electrical means. Electrically animated signs
are of two types:
i)
"Flashing Signs" means an illuminated signs
exhibiting a pre-programmed repetitious cyclical
interruption of illumination from one or more courses
in which the duration of the period of illumination (on
phase) is either the same as or less than the
duration of the period of darkness (off phase), and in
which the intensity of illumination varies from zero
(off) to on hundred (on) during the programming
cycle.
ii)
"Illusionary Movement Signs" means an
illuminated signs exhibiting the illusion of
movements by means of a pre-programmed
repetitious sequential switching action in which
illuminated elements of the sign are turned on or off
to visually simulate the impression of motion
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characteristics of chasing, running, blinking,
oscillating, twinkling, scintillating, or expanding and
contracting light patterns.
b)
"Mechanically Energized" means a signs manifesting a
repetitious pre-programmed physical movement or
rotation in either one or a series of planes activated by
means of mechanically based drives.
c)
"Naturally Energized" means a signs whose motion is
activated by wind or other atmospheric impingement.
Wind-driven signs include pennants, streamers, spinners,
metallic discs, or other similar devices designed to move in
the wind, but does not include banners.
3.5
"Awning Sign" means a sign painted to or affixed to the
surface, but not extending beyond the limits, of any awning. An
awning being a temporary or roof-like projection that is
retractable, consisting entirely of non-rigid materials such as
canvas or cloth except for the rigid framework.
3.6
"Banner Sign" means a vertical or horizontal sign that is
generally made of canvas, cloth, plastic or similar lightweight,
non-rigid type of material.
3.7
"Bed and Breakfast Sign" means a ground sign advertising a
Bed and Breakfast operation on the lot where the sign is located.
3.8
"Billboard Sign" means a sign directly supported by the ground
without the aid of any building or structure, other than the sign,
which advertises goods, products, services or facilities not
available at the lot upon which the sign is located or which
directs persons to a different location from that upon which the
sign is located.
3.9
"Building Official" means the Chief Building Official or their
designate who are duly appointed by Council.
3.10 "Canopy Sign" means a sign attached to or constructed in or
on the canopy. A canopy being a permanent roof-like projection
which extends from part or all of the building façade.
3.11 "Clear Height" means the distance between the grade beneath
the sign and the lowest point of the sign face or structure, not
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including support posts.
3.12 "Commemorative Plaque or Cornerstone" means a plaque
or cornerstone of a non-advertising nature honouring a person,
landmark or historic event.
3.13 "Contractor Sign" means a temporary sign which identifies the
name of the contractor, or the name of the product being used
for an on-going construction, renovation or maintenance on the
lot on which the sign is erected.
3.14 "Copy" means the graphic content of a sign face in either
permanent or removable alphabetic letter, numeral, pictograph,
symbolic, or logo form.
3.15 "Council" means the Council of the Corporation of the
Municipality of Meaford.
3.16 "Directional Sign" means a sign giving directions, instructions,
or facility information and which may contain the name or logo
of an establishment but shall not contain any advertising
devices.
3.17 "Director" means the Director of the Corporation of the
Municipality of Meaford with responsibility for the administration
of the Sign By-law, or their designate.
3.18 "Façade" means the entire building wall including the parapet.
3.19 "Fascia Sign" means a sign attached to, marked or inscribed
on, erected or placed against the façade forming part of the
building, or supported by or through a wall of a building and
having the exposed face thereof on a plane approximately
parallel to the plane of such wall.
3.20 "Fees and Charges By-law" means a By-law that is by Council
to establish fees and charges for the Municipality.
3.21 "Flag" means a symbol representing a government, political
subdivision or other public entity that is generally made of a
canvas or similar lightweight, non-rigid material which is
normally hung from an object or structure using a rope or some
other fastening device and is designed and displayed so as to
allow movement which is caused by atmospheric conditions and
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is presented in compliance with a recognized protocol of design
and characteristics.
3.22 "Frontage" means the horizontal distance between the interior
side and/or exterior side lot lines, with such distance being
measured perpendicularly to the line joining the mid-point of the
lot line with the mid-point of the rear lot line at a point on that
line 8.0 metres from the front lot line. In the case of a lot with
no rear lot line, the point where two interior side lot lines
intersect shall be the point from which a line is drawn to the
mid-point of the front lot line. In the case of a corner lot with a
day lighting triangle, the exterior side lot line shall be deemed to
extend to its hypothetical point of intersection with the extension
of the front lot line for the purposes of calculating lot frontage.
3.23 "Garage or Yard Sale Sign" means a temporary sign
advertising the sale of personal merchandise.
3.24 "Grade" means the average elevation of the finished surface of
the ground directly beneath the sign.
3.25 "Ground Sign" means a permanent sign directly supported by
the ground without the aid of any other building or structure.
3.26 "Home Development Sign" means a sign for a draft approved
or an approved Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium.
3.27 "Home Development Directional Sign" means a temporary
sign intended to direct traffic to a draft approved or an approved
Plan of Subdivision or Plan of Condominium.
3.28 "Identification Sign" means a sign, installed on the ground or
attached to the wall of a building, on which the copy is limited to
the name and address of a place, building, business,
organization, person, or occupancy of the lot it identifies.
3.29 "Illuminated" means a light source that can be internal or
external to the sign.
3.30 "Incidental Sign" means a sign of minor consequence and size
whose use is incidental to another use and which therefore does
not require detailed regulation by this By-law.
3.31 "Inflatable Sign" means a sign or advertising device designed
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to be airborne and tethered to the ground or any other structure
and shall include balloons and any other inflatable advertising
device.
3.32 "Internal Sign" means a sign that is not intended to be viewed
from a public right-of-way and is located within and upon
privately owned lands and is wholly intended to be viewed by
patrons utilizing the amenities located within or upon privately
owned lands.
3.33 "Lot" or "Property" means a contiguous parcel of land.
3.34 "Lot Line" means a line delineating any boundary of a lot.
3.35 "Manual Changeable Copy Sign" means a mobile sign on
which the message can be manually changed through the use of
attachable letters, numerals or pictorial panels.
3.36 "Marquee" means a permanent roof structure which is
generally constructed of fabric but not limited to projecting
horizontally from the face of the building.
3.37 "Mobile Sign" means a sign that is designed so as to be
capable of being readily moved from one location to another,
and is usually built on a trailer or other solid framework with or
without wheels and may include a manual changeable copy sign.
3.38 "Municipality" means the Corporation of the Municipality of
Meaford or the geographic area of the Municipality of Meaford as
context indicates.
3.39 "Officer" means a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer as
appointed by the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of
Meaford, an Ontario Provincial Police Officer, a Provincial
Offences Officer, or other duly appointed individual.
3.40 "Official Sign" means a sign required or erected due to any
law, or at the direction of any government, governmental
authority, agency, department or commission.
3.41 "Open House Directional Sign" means a temporary sign
intended to direct traffic to a residential re-sale of a property but
does not include houses under new development.
3.42 "Owner" means a person having legal or equitable title to the
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land, building or structure upon which a sign is located and
includes all persons having a legal right to obtain physical
possession of the lands.
3.43 "Permanent Sign" means a sign which is permanently installed
or affixed to any sign structure or building, and is not easily
moveable. The message conveyed is not temporary in nature
and relates to the use of the building or lot on which it is located.
3.44 "Permit" means a written document issued by the Director
indicating that they have considered a specific application
referred to therein and has granted permission of the
Municipality to erect, display, structurally alter or relocate a sign
in accordance with the specifications and conditions of this By-
law.
3.45 "Poster" means any type of advertising device that is generally
a printed notice made of cardboard, plastic, fibreboard, paper or
similar flexible material conveying information intended to be
displayed for a temporary period of time.
3.46 "Private Notice Sign" means a sign that directs a notice to the
public including 'no trespassing', 'no hunting', 'beware of dog',
other public safety or warning notice.
3.47 "Projecting or Vertical Sign" means a sign which projects out
from a wall and the sign face is approximately perpendicular to
the plane of the wall to which the sign is attached.
3.48 "Public Property" means property owned by or under the
control of the Municipality of Meaford or any of its agencies or
boards, including highways, boulevards, and road allowances.
Public Property shall be deemed to include public utility facilities,
regardless of whether the poles are owned by or under the
control on the Municipality, and shall also include buses,
benches, municipal garbage containers or other structures
located on a highway regardless of whether benches, containers
or structures are owned by the Municipality. Property owned by
the Municipality and leased to another person or entity shall not
be deemed to be public property.
3.49 "Real Estate Sign" means a temporary sign installed, erected
or displayed on a property for the notification that a building, lot
or portion thereof is offered for sale, rent or lease.
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3.50 "Reverse Graphics" means graphics on an internally
illuminated sign having translucent or transparent advertising
copy on a background which is opaque and is substantially the
same colour as the wall or other surface on which the sign is
located.
3.51 "Road Allowance" means lands reserved by the government to
be used for public roads.
3.52 "Roof Sign" means a sign which is located entirely on or above
the main roof of a building or located entirely on top of or above
the parapet of a building.
3.53 "Rural Accessory Use Sign" means a sign which advertises a
use which is accessory to the rural use on the property such as a
seasonal agricultural stand, home industry, farm produce outlet,
agricultural tourism use or farm winery.
3.54 "Sidewalk Sign" means a self-supported temporary sign with
two sides that are adjoined at the top and displayed at an angle,
and designed to be placed upon a sidewalk.
3.55 "Sight Triangle" means the triangular space formed by the
street lines or a corner lot and a line drawn from a point in one
street line to a point in the other street line as contained in the
Zoning By-law.
3.56 "Sign" means any visual medium, including its structure and
other component parts, which is used or capable of being used
to attract attention to a specific subject matter, other than itself,
for identification, information, or advertising purposes offered on
the property which it is location. A window display shall not be
deemed to be a sign for the purposes of this By-law.
3.57 "Sign Area" means the entire area of the surface of a sign,
including the border or frame together with any material forming
an integral part of the backdrop of the display or used to
differentiate the sign from the backdrop or building against
which it is erected, but not including the sign structure. Where a
sign is comprised of individually installed letters, numerals or
shapers, the sign face shall mean the area of the smallest
rectangle, triangle or combination thereof, which encloses each
message.
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3.58 "Sign Face" means the portion of the sign on which the
message is displayed, but does not include the sign structure.
3.59 "Sign Height" means the vertical distance measured from the
highest point of the sign to grade, and including the sign
structure.
3.60 "Sign Structure" means anything used to support or brace a
sign face and which is attached to the ground, building or
structure.
3.61 "Special Event Sign" means a temporary sign installed for
various civic celebrations, festivals, or special events.
3.62 "Storey" means that portion of any building which is situated
between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next above
it and shall include a parapet or any other integral part of the
building, parallel to the same façade, excluding structures
enclosing mechanical equipment on the roof.
3.63 "Street" means a street, highway, road or other public right-of-
way but does not include a private lane, easement or right-of-
way.
3.64 "Street Line" means the limit of the road allowances and is the
dividing line between a lot and a street.
3.65 "Temporary Sign" means a sign which is temporarily installed
or affixed to any sign structure or building, and which conveys a
message applicable for a definable and specific limited time and
relates to the use of the building or lot on which it is located.
3.66 "Unsafe" when used with respect to a sign or sign structure
means a condition which is structurally inadequate or faulty, or
could be hazardous to a pedestrian or motorist.
3.67 "Vehicle" means any means of transportation propelled or
driven by any kind of power, including muscular power, and
includes trailers intended to be drawn, propelled or moved by a
vehicle.
3.68 "Window Display" means an arrangement or showing in the
exterior window of a business consisting of goods or products
marketed or offered for sale from or on the lot where the window
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display exists, or items not marketed or offered from the lot if
they are accessory to the main display of goods or products
3.69 "Window Sign" means a sign posted, painted, placed or affixed
in or on a window exposed to public view, and shall include an
interior sign that faces a window within a building and is in view
of the general public.
3.70 "Zoning By-law" means the Municipality of Meaford's
Comprehensive Zoning By-law, as amended.
Part II - Restrictions
4.0
General Provisions
4.1
No personal shall hereafter affix, erect, display, alter or allow the
erection, display or alteration of any sign including the change of
sign copy within the Municipality on publicly or privately owned
lands except without obtaining a permit or approvals under the
provisions of this by-law, the Building Code Act and the Ontario
Building Code, as amended thereto, and any other applicable
legislation or agency approvals.
4.2
The content on any sign shall not be in contravention of any
zoning or any other By-law, Act or regulation enforceable in the
Municipality, or which would identify, advertise or provide
information in relation to a use or occupancy not permitted
under the Zoning By-law.
4.3
Any sign herein may use manual, automatic or electrically
activated changeable copy. Manual changeable copy signs is
restricted to one change of copy in any twenty-four (24) hour
period. All other changeable copy signs may not be changed
more than once in a five minute interval.
4.4
All Home Development Signs, Service Station or Gas Bar Signs,
or Drive-thru Signs shall be subject to Site Plan Approval process
for the proposed development.
4.5
Unless otherwise specified, sign permits for any sign shall be
issued only for businesses or uses located on the property on
which the sign is to be located.
4.6
Except for an official sign or a sign otherwise permitted in this
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By-law or authorized by the Municipality or County, no sign is
permitted on, over, partly on or over a street.
5.0
Maintenance of Signs
5.1
All signs shall be properly maintained;
a)
The owner of any sign shall maintain all signs in a proper
state of repair, so that the sign remains completely
operative at all times and does not become unsafe,
defective or dangerous; and,
b)
Exposed surfaces shall be clean and painted, if paint is
required and defective parts shall be replaced.
6.0
Establishment of Zones
6.1
For the purposes of this By-law, signs are permitted the
following zone categories based on the zones established in the
Zoning By-law.
Zone Category
Zones in the Zoning By-law
Residential
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, RM, RT, CR, RR,
SR, RLS, MH
Downtown Commercial
C1
Commercial
C2, C3, C4, C5
Industrial
M1, M2, M3
Other
A, SA, RU, D, UAW, I, UI, MAR, MR,
OS, EP
All
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, RM, RT, CR, RR,
SR, RLS, MH, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, M1,
M2, M3, A, SA, RU, D, UAW, I, UI,
MAR, MR, OS, EP
7.0
Prohibited Signs
7.1
Any sign not expressly permitted by the by-law is prohibited and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following
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signs are specifically prohibited:
a)
Abandoned signs;
b)
Inflatable signs;
c)
Billboard signs;
d)
Roof signs;
e)
Signs located upon the upper surface area of any
marquee;
f)
Animated signs, including signs which by reason of their
size, locations, movement, message, colouring, or manner
of illumination, may be confused with or construed as an
official traffic control sign, signal, or device, or the light of
an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hides
from view any traffic or street sign or traffic signal or
device or within a sight triangle;
g)
Posters on public property which includes affixed to a light
standard or utility pole.
h)
Signs which are on, or project over, property owned by the
Municipality are prohibited with the exception of official
directional signs and as specifically permitted elsewhere in
this By-law;
i)
Signs attached, affixed to or display which is located on a
vehicle which is parked in a parking space and/or on a
street or private property and which is visible from a street
for the principle purpose of providing advertisement of
products or directing people to a business or activity and
located on the same or nearby property;
j)
Signs located within 3.0 metres of a fire hydrant;
k)
Signs painted directly on the exterior face of any building
or structure except within the permitted sign area;
l)
The tacking, pasting or otherwise affixing of signs of a
miscellaneous character, visible from a street located on
the walls of buildings, sheds, trees, poles, posts, fences or
other structures;
By-law 2018-62
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m)
Signs which interfere with any electrical light, power,
telephone wires or their supports or any other utility
infrastructure;
n)
Signs with are located so as to interfere in any way with
the free use of any fire escape, fire exit, door, window,
skylight flue, air intake or exhaust, or parking space;
o)
Signs which use 'Day-Glo', fluorescent, luminous or
reflective paint or similar products except for traffic control
signs;
p)
Signs which advertise any specific brand of product unless
the brand of the product is also the name of the business,
except on mobile signs and banners; and
q)
Any sign that is abandoned or structurally, materially or
electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public.
Part III - Regulations
8.0
Signs where Permits are required
8.1
Unless otherwise provided by this By-law, all signs shall
complete the necessary sign permit application for the specified
sign type and submit all necessary plans, drawings, and
payment of fees as prescribed in the Fees and Charges By-law. A
building permit may be required as part of the sign permit. No
permit is required for the maintenance of a sign.
8.2
No person shall erect, display, alter, or maintain any sign listed
in Schedule A, unless the sign complies with the regulations
applicable to that sign type and with any other provisions of this
By-law, and a permit has been issued for the sign.
8.3
No property shall be permitted to have more than two
permanent signs, except on a property with multiple businesses
where each business shall be entitled to one permanent sign,
plus one permanent sign for the lot.
8.4
No property shall be permitted to have more than 4 temporary
sign permits in any one calendar year. A maximum of two
permits may run consecutively. On a lot with multiple
businesses, a maximum of six permits may be issued per
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calendar year.
8.5
Any sign located within the Heritage Conservation District, as
established in By-law 67-2014, may also require a Heritage
Permit.
9.0
Signs where no Permit is required
9.1
Notwithstanding Section 4.0, a sign permit is not required for the
signs listed in Schedule B. The signs in Schedule B shall comply
with all other requirements of this By-law.
9.2
Any sign located within the Heritage Conservation District, as
established in By-law 67-2014, may require a Heritage Permit.
10.0 Size of Letters
10.1 The maximum height of each letter on a sign shall be limited as
follows:
Width of Adjacent Street
Maximum Letter Height
20.12 metres (66 feet) or less
50 centimetres
Greater than 20.12 metres (66 feet) 70 centimetres
11.0 Lighting
11.1 Except as expressly permitted herein or expressly prohibited
herein, all approved signs may be illuminated only by an
external light source. External light sources shall be shielded so
that the light source is not visible off the property on which the
sign is located;
11.2 Where backlighting is expressly permitted in this By-law, the use
of backlighting is restricted to: individual incised plastic or glass
letters or symbols mounted on a solid opaque sign face;
individual halo-lit or channel lettering or symbols mounted on a
solid opaque background.
11.3 All wiring and conduits to electric signs and lighting sources shall
be placed within the building walls, located underground or
otherwise concealed from view, and shall be constructed to
applicable building code standards.
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12.0 Existing Signs
12.1 This By-law does not apply to any permanent sign or permanent
advertising device that is lawfully erected or displayed on the
day of this By-law comes into force and effect; if the sign or
advertising device is not substantially altered. The maintenance
and repair of the sign or advertising device or a change in the
copy displayed shall not be deemed in itself to constitute an
alteration.
13.0 Non-conforming Signs
13.1 Signs which have been legally erected prior to the date of the
passing of this By-law, or signs which do not conform to the
specific provisions of this By-law may be eligible for "legal non-
conforming" status provided that:
a)
The Director determines the sign is not defective,
damaged, or substantially deteriorated and such signs are
maintained and do not in any way endanger the public;
b)
The sign was installed in conformance with a valid permit
or variance, or complied with all applicable laws on the
date of adoption of this By-law.
13.2 Loss of Legal Non-conforming Status
a)
A sign with Legal Non-conforming status may lose its
designation if:
i)
The sign is relocated or replaced;
ii)
The structure or size of the sign is altered in any way
except towards compliance with this By-law.
13.3 Maintenance and Repair of Non-conforming Signs
a)
The legal non-conforming sign is subject to all
requirements of this By-law regarding safety,
maintenance, and repair. However, if the sign has suffered
significant damage or deterioration, it shall be brought into
conformity with this By-law or removed.
14.0 Application for Permit
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14.1 Every person requiring a sign permit shall complete the required
application form. Such application shall contain all the necessary
required information, plans and drawings, and pay all applicable
fees as established in the Fees and Charges By-law, prior to
being filed with the Director.
14.2 All signs shall comply with all other applicable By-laws and Laws.
Additional permits may be required from other governing
agencies, such as the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the
County of Grey or the Niagara Escarpment Commission. All signs
shall be erected and designed in accordance with the
requirements of the Ontario Building Code Act, as amended.
14.3 Requirement for a Building Permit in conjunction with any Sign
Permit can be waived by the Building Official.
14.4 Where the sign permit application meets all the requirements of
this By-law and any other applicable laws, a sign permit shall be
issued by the Director.
15.0 Expiration of a Sign Permit
15.1 Every permit issued by the Municipality shall expire six (6)
months from the date of issuance unless the sign is erected or
displayed for its intended purpose or within such earlier period of
time as otherwise stated in the By-law.
a)
Where a permit has been issued and before it has expired,
a written request may be made to extend the permit for
another six (6) months.
15.2 A sign which has been approved and for which a permit has been
issued pursuant to this By-law, may stand or be displayed for
the time period of the permit, which shall expire upon the
earliest of the following events;
a)
The passing of twenty (20) years from the date of the
permit;
b)
The permanent closing of the business identified on the
sign after a period of forty-five (45) days; or
c)
The sale or transfer of the business identified on the sign
where there is a change of the name of the successor
By-law 2018-62
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business.
15.3 Any sign which continues to stand or be displayed after one of
the above events shall be removed by the owner, or a new
application for the sign shall be submitted.
16.0 Revocation of a Sign Permit
16.1 The Municipality may revoke a permit under the following
circumstances:
a)
Where the permit has been issued in error by the
Municipality; or
b)
Where the sign does not conform to this By-law, the
Ontario Building Code, or any other applicable regulation
or legislation; or,
c)
Where the permit has been issued as a result of false,
mistaken, incorrect, or misleading statements, or
undertakings on the application.
17.0 Referral or Denial of a Sign Permit
17.1 The Director and/or Building Official may:
a)
Refuse a permit for any sign if the building or structure to
which the sign is, or is to be attached, is incapable of
supporting such sign, or if the information submitted
regarding the construction of said building or structure is
not sufficient to enable him/her to adequately determine
the capability of such building or structure to give support;
b)
Refuse a permit for any sign if the information submitted
on the permit application is incomplete or incorrect; and,
c)
The Director may refer to Council, or its designated
authority, any sign for which a permit is being requested,
which in the opinion of the Director, is unsightly,
grotesque, or offensive in character. Council shall consider
the referral and make a decision regarding permit issuance
or denial, which shall be final and binding, regardless of
compliance with the provisions of this By-law.
d)
If a permit is denied, the permit fee minus a $50
By-law 2018-62
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administrative fee, will be refunded to the applicant.
18.0 Variances
18.1 A variance may be authorized by the Director, if in their opinion
the general intent and purpose of this By-law is maintained. Any
variance not considered to maintain the general intent and
purpose of this By-law shall be directed to Council for
consideration.
18.2 Any application to vary this By-law shall be made by completing
the required application form. Such application shall contain all
the necessary required information, plans and drawings, and pay
all applicable fees as established in the Fees and Charges By-
law, prior to being filed with the Director.
18.3 In considering the application for variance, the Director or
Council shall have regard for:
a)
Special circumstances or conditions applying to the land or
building;
b)
Whether the sign that is subject of the variance application
will alter the essential character of the general area or
premises in which the sign is proposed to be located,
erected, or displayed.
18.4 The Director or Council shall keep a record with respect to the
justification for any variance approval or denial.
18.5 If the variance is approved, a sign permit will be required prior
to any sign being located, erected or displayed.
Part IV - Administration and Enforcement
19.0 The Director shall be responsible for the administration of this By-law
and Municipal Officers shall be responsible for the enforcement of this
By-law, both as provided herein:
20.0 The Director shall perform the following functions:
20.1 Receive and review all applications in conjunction with any sign
or sign structure governed by this By-law;
20.2 When the application conforms to the provisions of this By-law
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and all other by-laws and laws, issue the permit with drawings
and specifications, and ensure that all records are appropriately
filed.
20.3 Perform any such inspection as may be necessary to satisfy
themselves that the construction is in compliance with the
provisions of this By-law and the Sign Permit.
20.4 Issue or cause to be issued the required notice whenever work is
found not to be in conformity with the provisions of this By-law.
21.0 The Director and any duly appointed Officer is empowered, to enter or
inspect any building, structure or premise within the Municipality for
the purpose of inspection of a sign to ensure compliance with all
applicable codes and ordinances. Such inspections shall be carried out
during business hours unless an emergency exists.
22.0 Every sign shall be designed, constructed and maintained to
adequately withstand all loads which may be expected to come upon
them and the loads and designs shall be equal to those specified in the
Ontario Building Code. The Building Official shall review the application
and if necessary inspect to ensure that the sign is in accordance to the
application and the provisions of the Ontario Building Code.
23.0 The Municipal Law Enforcement Officer shall perform the following
functions:
23.1 May issue a notice whenever a violation is found and not to be in
conformity with the provisions of this By-law; and,
23.2 May proceed in accordance with the provisions of this By-law and
in accordance with the penalty for non-compliance as provided in
Section 24 of this By-law.
24.0 Violations and Removal of Illegal Signs
24.1 When, in the opinion of the Director, the Building Official or the
Officer a violation of the by-law exists, a verbal or written notice
may be issued to the owner of the sign. The notice shall state
the nature of the violation and provide a period of time to correct
the alleged violation.
24.2 When a sign is erected or displayed in contravention of the
provisions of this By-law and the Notice referred to in Section
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23.1 has not been complied with, such sign may be removed by
the Officer which may require that the municipality, its
employees, or an independent contractor to enter upon the land
and remove such sign. Any and all costs associated with the
removal of said sign includes a $50 administrative surcharge,
plus all applicable costs to remove and store the sign. Costs
shall be borne by the land owner where the sign, except in cases
where the sign is on municipal lands where the costs will be
borne by the owner of the sign.
24.3 In the instance of a sign that is deemed to be potentially
dangerous or hazardous to the public by the Director, the
Building Official or the Officer, such sign may be caused to be
immediately removed without Notice which may require that the
municipality, its employees, or an independent contractor to
enter upon the land and remove such signs. Any and all costs
associated with the removal of said sign includes a $50
administrative surcharge, plus all applicable costs to remove and
store the sign. Costs shall be borne by the land owner where
the sign, except in cases where the sign is on municipal lands
where the costs will be borne by the owner of the sign.
24.4 Except as specifically permitted in this By-law and authorized by
the authority having jurisdiction, any sign on, over or partly on
or over any Municipal, County or Provincial property and/or
highway or right-of-way, including, but not limited to, paths,
trails, walkways, ditches and/or shoulders, may be removed by
the Officer without notice, which may require that the
municipality, its employees, or an independent contractor to
enter upon the land and remove such signs. Any and all costs
associated with the removal of said sign includes a $50
administrative surcharge, plus all applicable costs to remove and
store the sign. Costs shall be borne by the owner of the sign.
24.5 Signs that are removed shall be stored by the Municipality for a
period of not more than fourteen (14) business days, during
which the owner of the sign or his agent may be entitled to
redeem such sign upon payment of the costs associated upon
receipt by the Treasurer of the amount calculated by the Director
for the removal plus any applicable administrative surcharge plus
a $5.00 per day storage charge or as set out in the Fees and
Charges By-law.
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24.6 Signs that have been stored by the Municipality for a period in
excess of fourteen (14) days and that have not been redeemed,
may be forthwith destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the
Municipality on authority and direction from the Director or
Officer, and the owner of the sign shall be liable to pay to the
Municipality the cost of removal, any applicable administrative
surcharge plus a $5.00 per day storage charge or as set out in the
Fees and Charges By-law. Any person who fails to pay for the
removal and storage costs as provided in this By-law or in the
Fees and Services Charges is guilty of an offence, and upon
conviction, is liable to a fee and/or fine as provided in Section 24
of this By-law.
25.0 Penalty for Non-Compliance
25.1 Every person who contravenes any provisions of this By-law shall
be deemed to be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall
be liable to such fines as may be provided for the Provincial
Offences Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.P-33, as amended, or permitted to
continue, shall constitute a separate offence and may be
punishable as such there under. Such fine shall be recoverable
under Provincial Offences Act.
25.2 Where a person has been convicted of an offence under this By-
law the Court may in addition to any other penalty imposed on
the person convicted, issue an order prohibiting the continuation
or repetition of the offence or the doing of any act or thing by
the person convicted directed toward the continuation or
repetition of the offence.
25.3 Neither the granting of a permit not the approval of the drawings
and specifications, nor inspection made by the authority having
jurisdiction during the erection of a sign shall, in any way,
relieve the owner of such sign, tenant or the owner of property
on which the sign is located, from full responsibility for carrying
out the work in accordance with the provisions of this By-law.
26.0 Part V - Other Matters
27.0 Liability
27.1 The provisions of this by-law shall not be construed as relieving
or limiting the responsibility of any person erecting or owning
any sign for personal injury or property damage resulting from
By-law 2018-62
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the placing of such signs or resulting for the negligence or willful
acts of such person, or their agents or employees, in the
construction, erection, maintenance, repair or removal of any
such signs.
27.2 The provisions of this section shall not be construed as imposing
on the Corporation of the Municipality of Meaford, its officers,
employees, servants, agents and contractors any responsibility
or liability whatsoever by reason of the removal of any sign.
28.0 Conflict with any Other By-law
28.1 In the event of any conflict between any provisions of this by-
law and any other by-law hereto are passed; the provisions of
this by-law shall prevail.
29.0 Validity
29.1 In the event any provision, or part thereof, of this by-law is
found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be ultra vires, such
provision, or part thereof, shall be deemed to be severed, and
the remaining portion of such provision and all other provisions
of this by-law shall remain in full force and effect.
30.0 Repeal
30.1 By-law 022-2014 and all by-laws and/or resolutions that are
inconsistent with the provisions of this By-law and the same are
hereby repealed or rescinded insofar as it is necessary to give
effect to the provisions of this By-law.
31.0 Short Title
31.1 This by-law shall be known as the "Sign By-law".
32.0 Effective Date
32.1 This by-law shall come into force and take effect upon passing.
By-law 2018-62
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Read a first, second and third time and finally passed this 10th day
of September, 2018.
Barb Clumpus, Mayor
Matthew Smith, Clerk
By-law 2018-62
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Schedule A - Signs Requiring Permits
Sign Type
Permitted
Zones
Permits
Required
Regulations
Awning Sign
Downtown
Commercial,
Commercial,
Industrial
Permanent
Sign Permit
Building
Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) awning sign per frontage
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
be restricted to the skirt of
the Awning, not to exceed
15.0 centimetres in height.
Clear Height: Shall be a
minimum of 2.43 metres. If
the Awning is located within
0.6 metres of a street the
clear height shall be a
minimum of 4.25 metres.
Banner Sign
Commercial
Temporary
Sign Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) Banner Sign, for a
maximum of thirty (30) days
is permitted per frontage.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 4.0 metres
squared.
Sign Placement: Shall be
fastened to the façade. Shall
not be located closer than
9.0 metres from any
permanent sign.
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Canopy Sign
Commercial,
Industrial
Permanent
Sign Permit
Building
Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) Canopy Sign per
frontage
Maximum Size: Shall not
exceed the frontage.
Clear Height: Shall be a
minimum of 2.43 metres.
Sign Placement: Shall only
be permitted below the
second storey.
Fascia Sign
Downtown
Commercial,
Commercial,
Industrial
Permanent
Sign Permit
Building
Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) Fascia Sign per frontage
Maximum Size: Shall not
exceed ninety percent (90%)
of the frontage in width.
Sign face shall not exceed
91.44 centimetres in height.
Clear Height: Shall be a
minimum of 2.43 metres.
Lighting: In C1 zone,
external illumination only.
In other permitted zones,
back lit signs are permitted
where the sign is composed
of reverse graphics.
Sign Placement: Shall be
located at the centre of the
façade.
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Ground Sign
Downtown
Commercial
Permanent
Sign Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) Ground Sign per
frontage.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 2.0 metres
squared per sign face. Sign
face shall not exceed 1.5
metres in width. A maximum
of two sign faces permitted.
Maximum Sign Height:
Shall not exceed 2.0 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways.
Lighting: In C1 zone,
external illumination only.
No additional signage shall
be attached to the sign face
or sign structure.
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Ground Sign
All Zones,
except
Downtown
Commercial
Permanent
Sign Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One
(1) Ground Sign per
frontage.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 7.5 metres
squared per sign face. Sign
face shall not exceed 3.0
metres in width. A maximum
of two sign faces permitted.
Maximum Sign Height:
shall not exceed 3.0 metres.
Lighting: Back lit signs are
permitted where the sign is
composed of reverse
graphics.
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways.
No additional signage shall
be attached to the sign face
or sign structure.
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Home
Development
Ground Sign
Within lands
that are draft
approved or
approved for
a Plan of
Subdivision or
Plan of
Condominium.
Home
Development
Sign Permit
Maximum Number: One
(1) Home Development Sign
per street frontage within a
draft or approved Plan of
Subdivision, or Plan of
Condominium.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 1.0 metres
squared.
Maximum Sign Height:
Shall not exceed 1.5 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways.
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Home
Development
Temporary
Ground Sign
Within lands
that are draft
approved or
approved for
a Plan of
Subdivision or
Plan of
Condominium.
Home
Development
Sign Permit
Maximum Number: One
(1) New Home Development
Sign per frontage within a
draft or approved Plan of
Subdivision, or Plan of
Condominium.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 9.0 metres
squared per sign face, a
maximum of two sign faces
are permitted. Sign face
shall not exceed 5.0 metres
in width. Sign faces must
intersect at an angle of not
less than ninety (90)
degrees.
Maximum Sign Height:
Shall not exceed 3.5 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways.
Permit Period: Permitted
for up to 3 years. Renewal
for another 3 year period
may be approved at the
Director's discretion.
No additional signs may be
attached to the sign
structure or sign face
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Home
Development
Directional
Sign
Municipal
Road
Allowances
Temporary
Sign Permit
Maximum Number: Two
(2)
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 0.75 metres
squared.
Maximum Height: Shall not
exceed 1.22 metres.
Lighting: Shall not be
illuminated.
Sign Placement: Shall only
be placed in accordance with
schematic drawing provided
with the approved permit.
Shall not be displayed at any
time that may interfere with
snow removal.
Time Permitted: April 15 to
November 15 each calendar
year.
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Mobile Sign
Commercial
Temporary
Sign Permit
Maximum Number: One
(1) Mobile Sign, for a
maximum of thirty (30) days
is permitted per property.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 4.0 metres
squared per sign face, with
no dimension exceeding 2.5
metres. A maximum of two
sign faces permitted.
Lighting: Shall not be
illuminated.
Sign Placement: Shall only
be located upon finished
grade.
Sign shall be located on the
property containing the
business or activity being
advertised.
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways. Shall be a
minimum of 9.0 metres from
any other permanent sign.
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Projecting/
Vertical Sign
Downtown
Commercial,
Commercial,
Industrial
Permanent
Sign Permit
Building
Permit
*May require
a Heritage
Permit if
within the
Heritage
Conservation
District
May include an overhanging
sign.
Maximum Number: One
(1) Projecting/Vertical Sign
per frontage
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 1.0 metres
squared.
Maximum Projection:
Shall not exceed 1.0 metres
from adjacent wall.
Maximum Thickness: Shall
not exceed 10 centimetres.
Clear Height: Shall be a
minimum of 2.43 metres;
Located below the second
storey of the building.
Service
Station and
Gas Bar
Canopy Sign
C2, C4
Permanent
Sign Permit
Gas price signs may be
incorporated into the fascia
of a freestanding canopy
associated with pump islands
up to a limit of 0.5 metres
squared, no more than two
such signs shall be permitted
per canopy.
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Sidewalk
Sign
Downtown
Commercial
Temporary
Sign Permit
Sign message shall advertise
the business on the permit,
and the message shall be
relative to the business.
Maximum Number: One
(1) Sidewalk sign per
frontage.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 0.75 metres
squared.
Maximum Height: Shall not
exceed 1.22 metres.
Lighting: Shall not be
illuminated.
Sign Placement: Shall only
be placed in accordance with
schematic drawing provided
with the approved permit.
Shall not be displayed at any
time that may interfere with
snow removal.
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Special
Event Sign
All
Temporary
Sign Permit
Shall be affixed to the
ground by temporary wire.
Maximum Number: Ten
(10) Event Signs located
throughout the Municipality.
Additional signs may be
permitted at the event
location at the discretion of
the Director or their
designate.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall
not exceed 0.5 metres
squared.
Maximum Height: Shall not
exceed 1.0 metres
Setbacks: Shall be setback
a minimum of 3.0 metres
from any property lines or
driveways.
Sign Placement: Shall be a
minimum of 9.0 metres from
any other permanent sign.
Permit Period: Signs shall
not be displayed more than
7 days in advance of the
event and shall be removed
within 24 hours of
termination of the event, as
specified in the permit.
No additional items shall be
attached or affixed to the
sign.
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Schedule B - Signs Not Requiring Permits
Sign Type
Permitted Zones
Regulations
Bed and
Breakfast
Sign
Residential Zones
(excluding RM and
MH).
Including A, SA,
RU, and D zones.
*May require a
Heritage Permit if
within the Heritage
Conservation
District
Maximum Number: One (1) Ground
Sign per street frontage.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.5 metres squared
Maximum Height: Shall not exceed
1.5 metres
Setbacks: Shall be setback a
minimum of 3.0 metres from any
property lines or driveways.
Contractor
Sign
All zones
May include contractors, architects,
engineers, and related personnel.
Maximum Number: Three (3)
temporary Contractor Sign per
property.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 1.0 metres squared in
residential zones; And shall not exceed
2.0 metres squared in all other zones.
Maximum Height: Shall not exceed
1.5 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback a
minimum of 3.0 metres from any
property lines or driveways.
Display Period: Sign must only be
displayed while the project is in
progress and up to one week following
completion. Sign shall not be displayed
for more than twelve (12) months.
Sign shall not be affixed to a light
standard or utility pole.
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Commemora
tive Plaque
or
Cornerstone
All zones
None.
Directional
Sign
All zones
May include parking entrance and exits
signs.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.5 metres squared.
Maximum Height: Shall not exceed
1.0 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback a
minimum of 3.0 metres from any
property lines or driveways.
Flags
All zones
Maximum: Three (3) flags per
property.
Garage or
Yard Sale
Sign
Residential Zones
Sign shall indicated the date and
location of the sale.
Maximum Number: Any property
shall be restricted to advertising four
(4) garage or yard sales in a twelve
(12) month period.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.36 metres squared.
Sign Placement: Signs shall only be
displayed on private property, and
shall not be affixed to and lighting
standard or utility pole.
Display Period: Signs shall not be
displayed until more than one day
prior to the sale and should be
removed immediately following the
closure of the sale.
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Identification
Sign
All zones
May include name and address of a
place, building, business, home
occupation, organization, person, or
occupancy of a building (ie.
Apartment, condominium, multiple
residential or townhouse dwelling).
May also include a building name
plate.
Maximum Number: One (1) Address
Sign per property.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.2 metres squared.
Maximum Height: Shall not exceed
1.5 metres.
Setbacks: Ground mounted signs
shall be setback a minimum of 3.0
metres from any property lines or
driveways.
Lighting: External illumination only.
Incidental
Sign
All zones
Shall include park benches, mailbox,
newspaper box, numerical street
numbers, signs which are an integral
part of equipment or part of the
packaging of a product or of a display,
including real estate listing
information, and those which are not
advertising signs.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.2 metres squared with no
part of the sign exceeding 45.72
centimetres.
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Internal Sign All zones
May include Awning, Banner, Canopy,
Directional, Drive-Thru Signs, Fascia,
Ground, Projecting, Vertical and Roof,
but shall not include Billboards.
Sign may include a building permit
pursuant to the Building Code Act,
such determination shall be made by
the Building Official, and the onus to
have such determination made shall
lay solely with the landowner or their
agent.
Internal Signs may be subject to Site
Plan Approval.
Official Sign
All zones
None.
Open House
Directional
Sign
All zones
Maximum Number: Four (4) Open
House Directional Signs per Open
House.
Maximum Sign Face: Shall not
exceed 0.5 metres squared.
Sign Placement: Shall be located
within the untraveled portion of the
street allowance in a manner so as to
not interfere with traffic, pedestrians
or the sight triangle.
Display Period: Shall not be erected
before 5:00 PM of the day immediately
before the open house event. All signs
shall be removed on the date of the
event, immediately following the
closure of said Open House event.
No additional items shall be attached
to the signs.
Poster Sign
All zones
Shall not be affixed to a light standard
or utility pole.
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Private
Notice Sign
All zones
Message shall be 'no trespassing',
'beware of dog', 'no hunting', other
public safety or warning notice.
Maximum Number: None.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.2 metres squared.
Lighting: Shall not be illuminated.
Real Estate
Sign
Maximum Number: One (1) Real
Estate Sign per 100 metres of frontage
permitted on the property for rent,
lease or sale.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 0.75 metres squared per sign
face in a Residential Zone. Otherwise,
shall not exceed 3.0 metres squared.
Lighting: Shall not be illuminated.
Display Period: Signs shall be
removed upon completion of the Real
Estate transaction.
Rural
Accessory
Use Sign
May include seasonal agricultural
stand, home industry, farm produce
outlet, agricultural tourism use or farm
winery.
Maximum Number: One (1) Rural
Accessory Use Sign per lot.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed 1.0 metres squared.
Maximum Sign Height: Shall not
exceed 2.43 metres.
Setbacks: Shall be setback a
minimum of 3.0 metres from any
property lines or driveways.
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Window Sign
May include any interior sign located
within 0.6 metres of a window.
Maximum Sign Area: Shall not
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of
the total area of the structural window
opening.