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1
THE CITY OF VAUGHAN
BY-LAW
SIGN
(Consolidated Version - Enacted as By-law 140-2018)
Last consolidated on February 27, 2024. City of
Vaughan by-laws are provided online for convenient
public reference. By-laws are consolidated on an
ongoing basis, but recent amendments may not be
reflected in the latest consolidated version. Check the
Amendment History to get a complete listing of all
pertinent regulations. For further information contact
the Office of the Director and Chief Licensing Officer.
A By-law to regulate Signs in the City of Vaughan.
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 8(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a
by-law may regulate or prohibit respecting the matter, require Persons to do
things respecting the matter, and provide for a system of licences respecting
the matter;
AND WHEREAS subsection 11(1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a
municipality may provide any service or thing that the municipality considers
necessary or desirable for the public;
AND WHEREAS subsection 11(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a
municipality may pass by-laws respecting: 5. Economic, social and
environmental well-being of the municipality; 6. Health, safety and well- being
of Persons; 7. Services and things that the municipality is authorized to provide
under subsection (1); 8. Protection of Persons and property, including
2
consumer protection; 10. Structures, including fences and Signs;
AND WHEREAS section 99 refers to specific municipal powers under Part III
of the Municipal Act, 2001 for structures, including fences and Signs;
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 section 445 provides that a municipality may 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 section 446 of the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that where a
municipality has the authority to direct or require a Person to do a matter or
thing, the municipality may also provide that, in default of it being done by the
Person directed or required to do it, the matter or thing shall be done at the
Person's expense, and that the municipality may recover the costs of doing a
matter or thing by action or by adding the costs to the tax roll and collecting
them in the same manner as property taxes;
AND WHEREAS section 11(3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25,
provides that a Municipality may pass by-laws respecting Signs, including the
authority to grant Sign variances to the City's Sign By-law;
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 quasi-judicial powers
under the Municipal Act, 2001 to an individual who is an officer, employee or
agent of the Municipality;
AND WHEREAS section 88(7) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25,
advises that If a Municipality is satisfied that there has been a contravention of
section 88.3, 88.4 or 88.5, the Municipality may require a person who the
municipality reasonably believes contravened the section or caused or
permitted the contravention, or the owner or occupier of the land on which the
contravention occurred, to remove the advertisement or discontinue the
advertising;
AND WHEREAS Council wishes to delegate its authority to make decisions
regarding Sign variances to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or
her absence, to the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit
Services;
WHEREAS, for housekeeping purposes, Council wishes to consolidate all of
the previous sign by-laws into one comprehensive by-law;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of City of Vaughan
ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1 - TITLE......................................................................................................... 6
1.1 SHORT TITLE .................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 INTENT AND SCOPE ...................................................................................................... 6
2
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 6
3
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE BY-LAW ...................................... 14
3.1 PERMITS REQUIRED.................................................................................................... 14
3.2 RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR PERMIT ........................ 15
3.3 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT ........................................................................................ 15
3.3.1 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT ...................................................................................... 15
3.4 CONFORMITY WITH THE BY-LAW AND THE APPROVED PLANS ............................ 15
3.5 EXPIRATION OF PERMIT ............................................................................................. 15
3.6 RENEWAL OF PERMIT ................................................................................................. 15
3.7 REVOCATION OF PERMIT ........................................................................................... 16
3.8 FEES .............................................................................................................................. 16
3.9 REMOVAL OF SIGNS .................................................................................................... 16
3.10
ADMINISTRATIVE MONETARY PENALTIES .......................................................... 18
3.10.1 FINES ......................................................................................................................... 18
3.11
PRESUMPTION CLAUSE ......................................................................................... 18
3.12
VALIDITY .................................................................................................................. 19
3.13
CONFLICT WITH OTHER BY-LAWS ........................................................................ 19
3.13
BUILDING CODE AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ......................................... 19
3.14
LIABILITY .................................................................................................................. 19
3.15
INDEMNIFICATION ................................................................................................... 19
4
SIGNS PERMITTED FOR ALL USE CATEGORIES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY ........... 19
4.1 PERMITTED SIGNS ...................................................................................................... 19
5
PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.......................................................... 22
5.1 PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY .......................................................... 22
6
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY ....................... 23
6.1 LIMIT ON NUMBER OF SIGNS ..................................................................................... 23
6.2 COMPLIANCE WITH SITE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS ....................................... 24
4
6.3 COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING BY-LAWS ..................................................................... 24
6.4 MIXED USES ................................................................................................................. 24
6.5 GROUND SIGNS ........................................................................................................... 25
6.6 WALL SIGNS ................................................................................................................. 25
6.7 CANOPY SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 26
6.8 SOFFIT SIGNS .............................................................................................................. 26
6.9 PROJECTING SIGNS .................................................................................................... 26
6.10
READOGRAPH SIGNS ............................................................................................. 27
6.11
REVERSED GRAPHICS SIGN .................................................................................. 27
6.12
AWNING SIGNS ........................................................................................................ 27
6.13
WINDOW SIGNS ....................................................................................................... 28
7
SIGNS PERMITTED FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ................................................. 28
7.1 SINGLE FAMILY, SEMI-DETACHED. STREET TOWNHOUSE DWELLINGS .............. 28
7.2 MULTIPLE FAMILY BUILDINGS, BLOCK TOWNHOUSES AND APARTMENT
BUILDINGS ................................................................................................................... 28
7.3 OTHER SIGNS ............................................................................................................... 28
8
SIGNS PERMITTED FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS ................. 28
8.1 GROUND SIGNS ........................................................................................................... 28
8.2 WALL SIGNS ................................................................................................................. 29
8.3 CANOPY SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 29
8.4 AWNING SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 30
8.5 SOFFIT SIGNS .............................................................................................................. 30
8.6 PROJECTING SIGNS .................................................................................................... 30
8.7 SHOPPING CENTRE SIGNS ......................................................................................... 30
8.8 SERVICE AND GAS STATION SIGNS .......................................................................... 31
8.9 OFFICE BUILDINGS ..................................................................................................... 31
8.10
A-FRAME, MOBILE AND FEATHER BANNER SIGNS ............................................ 32
8.12
LANDSCAPING SIGNS ............................................................................................. 34
8.13
[Deleted] ................................................................................................................... 35
8.14
OTHER SIGNS .......................................................................................................... 35
9
SIGNS PERMITTED FOR INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS .............................................. 35
9.1
GROUND SIGNS ....................................................................................................... 35
5
9.2
WALL SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 35
9.3
OTHER SIGNS .......................................................................................................... 35
10 AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL BUILDINGS ................................................. 36
10.1
GROUND SIGNS ....................................................................................................... 36
10.2
OTHER SIGNS .......................................................................................................... 36
11 SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS .......................................................................................... 36
11.1
GENERAL PROVISIONS .......................................................................................... 36
11.2
SINGLE USE BUILDING GROUND SIGNS .............................................................. 38
11.3
MULTI-USE BUILDING GROUND SIGNS................................................................. 38
11.4
WALL SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 38
11.5
CANOPY SIGNS ....................................................................................................... 38
11.6
PROJECTING SIGNS ................................................................................................ 38
11.7
WINDOW SIGNS ....................................................................................................... 38
11.8
OTHER SIGNS .......................................................................................................... 38
12 DEVELOPMENT SIGNS ................................................................................................ 38
12.1
DEVELOPMENT SIGNS ............................................................................................ 38
12.2
SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT SIGNS ON SALES TRAILERS AND SALES
PAVILIONS .................................................................................................................... 38
13 CONSTRUCTION SIGNS .............................................................................................. 38
13.1
CONSTRUCTION SIGNS .......................................................................................... 38
14 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS ......................................................................................... 39
14.1
NON-CONFORMING SIGNS ..................................................................................... 39
15 BILLBOARDS ................................................................................................................ 39
15.1
VACANT INDUSTRIALAND COMMERCIAL ZONED LANDS AND UTILITY
CORRIDORS ................................................................................................................. 39
15.2
DEVELOPED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ZONED LANDS .......................... 40
16 PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PUBLIC LANDS .................................................................... 41
16.1
PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PUBLIC LANDS ............................................................... 41
17 SIGNS ALLOWED ON PUBLIC LANDS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT ........... 41
17.1
PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGNS ............................................................................... 42
17.2
REAL ESTATE OPEN HOUSE SIGNS ..................................................................... 42
17.3
HOME BUILDER A-FRAME SIGNS .......................................................................... 42
6
17.4
TEMPORARY SIGNS USED BY RELIGIOUS/CHARITABLE/COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS ................................................................. 43
18 [Deleted] ........................................................................................................................ 43
18 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DIGITAL SIGNS ........................................................... 43
18.1
DIGITAL SIGNS ......................................................................................................... 44
19 MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................. 45
19.1
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 45
20 MATERIALS AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 45
20.1
MATERIAL ................................................................................................................ 45
20.2
STRUCTURAL .......................................................................................................... 45
21 SIGN VARIANCE COMMITTEE ..................................................................................... 45
21.1
THE COMMITTEE ..................................................................................................... 45
21.2
GENERAL PROVISIONS .......................................................................................... 46
21.3
PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT ................................................................................. 46
21.4
RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................. 46
21.5
POWER AND AUTHORITY ...................................................................................... 46
21.6
APPEALS ................................................................................................................. 46
22
EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................................................... 46
22.1
EXEMPTIONS ........................................................................................................... 46
22.2
AMENDMENT OF OTHER BY-LAWS ....................................................................... 46
SCHEDULE "A" - THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA.... 49
SCHEDULE "B" - KLEINBURG HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA ... 50
SCHEDULE "C" - WOODBRIDGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA
. ...................................................................................................................................... 51
SCHEDULE "D" - MAPLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA ........... 52
SCHEDULE "E" - CITY OF VAUGHAN EMPLOYMENT AREAS ....................................... 53
SCHEDULE "F" - RULES OF PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS ON THE
SIGN VARIANCE COMMITTEE..................................................................................... 54
E1 - QUORUM ..................................................................................................................... 54
E2 - MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ................................................................................. 54
E3 - CALLING A MEETING TO ORDER AND QUORUM .................................................... 54
E4 - ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRMAN .................................................................................. 54
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E5 - DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN ...................................................................................... 54
E6 - MINUTES ..................................................................................................................... 54
E7 - ADOPTION OF MINUTES ............................................................................................ 54
E8 - PREPARATION OF AGENDA ..................................................................................... 55
E9 - ORDER OF BUSINESS ............................................................................................... 55
E10 - MOTIONS ................................................................................................................... 55
E11 - AMENDMENTS TO A MOTION .................................................................................. 55
E12 - QUESTIONS CONTAINING TWO OR MORE MATTERS .......................................... 55
E13 - VOTING ON THE MATTER ........................................................................................ 55
E14 - VOTING ON MOTIONS .............................................................................................. 55
E15 - RECORDED VOTE ..................................................................................................... 56
E16 - SPEAKING ON MOTION ........................................................................................... 56
SECTION 1 - TITLE
1.1
SHORT TITLE
This By-law shall be known and cited as the "Sign By-law".
1.2
INTENT AND SCOPE
This by-law shall apply to the whole of the City of Vaughan. The intent of the
by-law is to regulate Signs for controlling community appearance, safety, and
the impact upon areas identified for their historical or architectural Significance
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
In this by-law:
"A-frame Sign" means a self-supporting Portable Sign shaped like an "A";
"Agricultural Use" means any general farming or Agricultural Uses which is not
obnoxious to the public welfare, such as animal hospitals, apiaries, aviaries,
berry or bush crops, animal husbandry, dog kennels, or the breeding, boarding,
or the sale of dogs or cats, field crops, forestry station, goat or cattle dairies,
mushroom farms, orchards, riding stables or academies, the raising of sheep
or goats, the raising of swine, tree and shrub farms, and such uses or
enterprises as are customarily carried out on in the field of general agricultural,
as permitted by the City of Vaughan Zoning By-law 1-88, as amended, or its
successor by-law;
"Alter" means any change to the Sign structure or Sign Face, with the
exception of:
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i.
a change in the message being displayed; and/or
ii.
repair and maintenance, including replacement by identical components
as required by this by-law;
"Applicant" means the Owner, where such Owner is an individual, or means any
individual authorized in writing, by the Owner to apply for a permit on the
Owner's behalf;
"Attached Canopy" means an architectural integral part of a building providing
shelter from the elements for entrances to buildings and walkways in
unenclosed Shopping Centres, plazas, theatres, hotels, apartments buildings,
places of entertainment and other similar building types;
"Awning Sign" means a Wall Sign supported entirely from the Exterior Wall of
a building, not forming an integral part thereof, and composed of non-rigid
materials except for the supporting framework;
"Banner" means a Sign composed of non-rigid material so as to allow
movement that is caused by atmospheric conditions;
"Billboard Sign" means a Third-Party Sign that displays advertising with images,
copy that changes mechanically and/or displays information or images on a
digital or electronic screen, but not include a Ground Sign as defined by this by-
law;
"Building Code" means the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c.23, as
amended from time to time, and includes any regulations thereunder;
"Candidate" means a person whose nomination as a candidate at an election
has been confirmed under any federal, provincial or municipal regulation, or
who should be a registered candidate under any Canadian statute or
regulation; [Amended by section 4. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"Canopy Sign" means a Sign Erected as an integral part of an Attached
Canopy or a free-standing Canopy; "Chairman" means the Chairman of the
Sign Variance Committee elected annually at the first Committee meeting
in the calendar year;
"Charitable Organization" means an incorporated association of Persons that
is charitable under the laws of Ontario or of Canada;
"City" means the Corporation of the City of Vaughan, in the Regional
Municipality of York and its employees and agents acting on the City of
Vaughan's behalf;
"Commercial Use" means the use of any land, buildings, or structures for the
purposes of buying and selling of commodities or supplying of services, as
distinguished from such uses as manufacturing or assembling of goods,
warehousing and construction, as permitted by the City of Vaughan Zoning By-
law 1-88, as amended, or its successor by-law;
"Committee" means the Sign Variance Committee of the City of Vaughan;
9
"Common Entrance" means an entrance to an indoor corridor, passageway or
staircase serving Premises not having Direct Access;
"Community Organization" means a not for profit group of Persons whose
primary purpose is to provide recreation, cultural, leisure or community
services to the residents of Vaughan;
"Council" means the Council for the City of Vaughan;
"Daylighting Triangle" means the area of a corner Lot which is formed by
measuring from the projected point of intersection of the two street curbs
abutting the front and exterior side Lot lines a distance of:
i.
15.0 metres in the case of local to local street;
ii.
25.0 metres in the case of local or collector to collector street; or
iii.
30.0 metres in the case of local, collector or arterial to arterial street to
two points, and the triangle area formed by the joining of those two
points;
"Development Sign" means a Sign advertising real estate that may include, in
whole or in part, information promoting a development, or relating to or
advertising the location, construction, sale or lease of a building or structure
either proposed, or in the process of being constructed;
"Digital Sign" means a Sign that displays information or images on a digital or
electronic screen;
"Direct Access" means access to a covered or uncovered walkway, sidewalk,
parking area or other outdoor public way, but shall not include an interior
corridor;
"Directional Sign" means a Ground Sign or Wall Sign that provides directional
information for the control of vehicular traffic intended for public safety, such as
an entrance, exit, or loading area Sign, and that contains no commercial
advertising;
"Director and Chief Licensing Officer" means the Director of By-law &
Compliance, Licensing & Permit Services and Chief Licensing Officer of the
City of Vaughan, or his or her designate; [Added by section 1. of By-law 147-
2023 on September 26, 2023]
"Directory Sign" means a Sign that lists information about onsite organizations
and their related information;
"Election Sign" means a Sign advertising, promoting or opposing a registered
Candidate, or someone who should be a registered Candidate or Registered
Third Party, or an Elections Question, in any federal, provincial or municipal
election, including an election of a local board or commission, and includes
Third-Party Election Signs; [Amended by section 3. of the By-law 079-2019 on
June 19, 2019]
10
"Elections Question" means a "yes" or "no" question referred to in subsection
8 (1), (2) or (3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.S. 1996, c. 32.;
"Erect" means the placing or relocation of any Sign or part thereof, and the
posting of notices; "Exterior Wall" means a portion of the perimeter wall of a
building facing one direction;
"Feather Banner Sign" means a Temporary Sign constructed of non-rigid
material attached to the ground and supported on a pole, but does not
include a flag; [Amended by section 13. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
2019]
"First-Party" means a Sign related to a business, enterprise, or other activity
conducted within the building or upon the Premises on which the Sign is
Erected;
"Free Standing Canopy" means a building or structure unenclosed on all
sides, that may provide protection or shelter from the weather;
"Gas Price Sign" means a Sign displaying the price of gasoline at a gasoline
station;
"Governmental Entity" means the government of a jurisdiction, any political
subdivision of a jurisdiction, such as a federal, provincial, or municipal body,
performing a function of the government; [Added by section 5. of the By-law
079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"Ground Sign" means a Sign directly supported by the ground without the aid
of any other building or structure, other than the Sign structure;
"Homebuilder A-frame Sign" means an A-frame Sign used to advertise the
sale of new homes and used to direct traffic to sale trailers, sales pavilions,
and model homes; [Added by section 6. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
2019]
"Highway" means a common and public Highway, any part of which is
intended for or used between the property lines thereof;
"Illuminated Sign" means a Sign that provides artificial light directly or through
any transparent or translucent material, from a source of light connected with
such Sign, or a Sign Illuminated by a light focused upon or chiefly directed at
the surface of the Sign;
"Illumination" means the act of lighting up a sign by way of an artificial light
source located within, on or external to the sign, the brightness and intensity
of which are measured in lux and nits;
"Industrial Use" means the use of any land, buildings, or structures for the
purposes of warehousing, manufacturing, processing or assembly of goods or
materials to a finished product or by-product, including the storage of such
goods or materials, as permitted by the City of Vaughan Zoning By-law 1-88,
as amended, or its successor by-law;
11
"Institutional Use" means the use of any land, buildings or structures for the
purposes of any institution owned and operated by a religious, educational or
charitable institution permitted by the City of Vaughan Zoning By- law 1-88, as
amended, or its successor by-law;
"Landscaping Sign" means a Sign that utilizes only landscaping materials,
including shrubs, grasses, flowers, ornamental plants, and landscape
elements;
"Lawn Sign" means a Temporary Sign composed of a Sign attached to
spokes intended to be driven into a surface to stand the Sign in place;
[Amended by section 14. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"Lot" means a parcel of land fronting on a street separate from any abutting
land to the extent that a consent contemplated by Section 53 of the Planning
Act, R.S.O. 1990, C.P. 13 would not be required for its conveyance; for the
purposes of this paragraph, land defined in an application for a City of Vaughan
Building Permit shall be deemed to be a parcel of land and a reserve shall not
form part of the street;
"Member" means appointed City staff on the Sign Variance Committee;
"Mobile Sign" means a Portable Sign that is designed for rearrangement of
copy on the Sign Face and that is capable of readily moving from one location
to another, such as by being part of or attached to a readily re- locatable
wheeled trailer or frame, but that does not include a Sign painted on or attached
to a vehicle whose principal function is the transportation of people, goods or
other materials;
"Municipal Law Enforcement Officer" means an individual appointed or
employed by the City as a municipal law enforcement officer under section 15
of the Police Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.15, as amended; [Added by
section 8. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"No Trespassing Sign" means a Sign on Private Property that advises that
Members of the public are not permitted to enter onto the property;
"Office Building" means a building having more than one Storey used for
business and professional office purposes, in which a partial second floor or a
mezzanine level shall not be considered to constitute a Storey;
"Owner" means the registered Owner of the land on which a permit is sought
or obtained;
"Permit Holder" means the Owner as defined by this bylaw, the Person in
possession of the property or
Premises, including the lessee, a mortgagee in possession, or a Person in
charge of the property;
"Person" means an individual, partnership, association, firm or corporation,
business entity or club, incorporated group or organization, federal or provincial
12
government, crown agents, school boards and Regional municipalities, to
whom the context can apply in accordance with the Interpretation Act of
Ontario, as amended, but specifically excludes the City;
"Personal Property" means any object or item of property other than real
property, that is owned by a Person;
"Portable Sign" means any Sign not securely anchored to the ground or to a
building or which because of its design may be moved, such as A-frame Signs,
Mobile Signs and any Signs located on a vehicle that identify, advertise or give
information in respect to a Premises or a part thereof, but does include a Sign
that is printed or painted on the side of a commercial vehicle identifying
Ownership;
"Poster Sign" means a device, structure or medium that uses any colour, form,
graphic, Illumination, symbol or writing to convey information of any kind to the
public, including but not limited to an advertisement, bill, handbill, leaflet, flyer,
sticker or placard, and includes a community poster;
"Premises" means the area of a building(s) or part thereof and/or land(s) or part
thereof occupied by a user in a multiple occupancy building, where each single
occupancy shall be considered a separate Premises;
"Private Property" means a parcel of real property, as it is described in the
records of the land registry office, that is owned by a Person, and includes all
buildings and structures thereon;
"Projecting Sign" means a Sign which is affixed to a building, wall, or structure
and which projects therefrom for a distance greater than 0.6 m but does not
include an Awning Sign;
"Public Boulevard Appurtenance" [Deleted by section 1. of By-law 001-2024
on January 30, 2024];
"Public Information Sign" means any Signs:
a.
Erected by or under the direction of a government agency;
b.
designating public hospitals, schools operated by a Regional
Municipality of York School Board and the Regional Municipality of York
Separate School Board, Vaughan Public Libraries, Vaughan
Community Centres, Vaughan Public Arenas or other public
government use; and/or
c.
required by the City to inform the public of proposed zoning changes,
official plan amendments, severance, plans of subdivision on the
property subject to the application;
"Public Infrastructure" means any asset belonging to a Governmental Entity
or a local utility company, or an asset belonging to a private company that is
placed on Public Lands and that is located above grade on the Boulevard and
includes, but is not limited to, fire hydrants, hydro boxes, street lamps, street
13
furniture, trees or other plantings, and mailboxes; [Added by section 2. of By-
law 001-2024 on January 30, 2024]
"Public Lands" means lands owned by the City, and shall include but not be
limited to the Boulevard, any Highway, lane, alley, square, place, viaduct or
trestle, water, way or bridge, park, woodland, greenbelt, storm water
management facility, open space, municipal golf course or cemetery, and all
parts thereof, including any surface, grassed area, boulevard, ditch, curb,
gutter and sidewalk, but does not include property owned by the Regional,
Provincial, Federal Government, a Crown Corporation, Hydro, Utility or
Railway Company;
"Quorum" means three Members of the Sign Variance Committee, including
the Chairman;
"Readograph Sign" means a Sign constructed so that the message located
thereon may be easily rearranged or changed;
"Real Estate Open House Sign" means a Temporary Sign, not anchored to the
Ground, intended to provide direction to a building, property, Premises or a
portion thereof offered for sale, rent or lease and may indicate information as
to the real estate agent and the name and location of the sales office;
"Real Estate Sign" means a Temporary Sign intended to advertise a building,
property, Premises or a portion thereof offered for sale, rent or lease and may
indicate information as to the real estate agent and the name and location of
the sales office, but which does not include Real Estate Open House Signs;
[Added by section 2. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"Recreational Use" means the use of any land, buildings or structures for the
purposes of parks, playgrounds, requite courts, lawn bowling greens, curling
and skating rinks, athletic fields, picnic areas, swimming pools, day camps,
community centres, snow skiing, walking trails, golf courses, miniature golf
courses, golf driving ranges, and other similar uses permitted by the City of
Vaughan Zoning By-law 1-88, as amended, or its successor by- law;
"Region" means the Corporation of the Regional Municipality of York;
"Registered Third-Party" means, in relation to an election in a municipality, an
individual, corporation or trade union that is registered under section 88.6 of
the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32;
"Religious Organization" means an incorporated association of Persons that
is:
i.
chartable under the laws of Ontario;
ii.
organized for the advancement of religion and for the conduct of
religious worship, services or rites; and
iii.
permanently established as to the continuity of its existence;
"Residential Use" means the use of any land, buildings, or structures for the
14
purposes of human habitation and includes accessory home occupation uses
permitted by the City of Vaughan Zoning By-law 1-88, as amended, or its
successor by-law;
"Reversed Graphics Sign" means an internally Illuminated Sign having
translucent or transparent advertising copy on an opaque background where
the background is similar in colour to the wall or Canopy Sign to which the Sign
is attached;
"Roof Sign" means a Sign supported by the roof of a building or a Sign
supported by a portion of a building or structure Projecting above the surface
of the roof;
"Sequential" in reference to Signs means when two or more Signs on an
Exterior Wall used in series to convey a cohesive message related to the
subject matter;
"Shopping Centre" means a unified group of commercial establishments on a
site designed, developed and managed as a single operating unit for which
parking is provided in common off-street areas, as opposed to a business area
comprising of unrelated individual commercial establishments;
"Sign Area" means the number of square metres on the surface of a Sign
including the border and/or frame, and where there is no border shall include
all the area of the surface lying within the extremities of the smallest geometric
form which can wholly enclose the surface area of the Sign;
"Sign Face" means that portion of the Sign upon which, as part of, or through
which a message is displayed or is capable of being displayed;
"Sign Variance Committee" means a Committee of City staff whose purpose it
is to grant or deny requests for minor variances to this by-law;
"Sign" means any advertising device or notice and means any visual medium
including its structure and other component parts, which is used or is capable
of being used to attract attention to a specific subject matter, other than itself,
for identification, information, or advertising purposes;
"Soffit Sign" means a Sign supported by the underside of a projecting canopy
or soffit;
"Special Event" has the same meaning as in the Special Events By-law 045-
2018, as amended, or its successor by-law; [Added by section 7. of the By-law
079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
"Storey" means the portion of a building other than the cellar, basement or
unfinished attic, which lies between the surface of the floor and the surface of
the next floor above, and if there is no floor above it, then the surface next
above it, provided its height is not less than 2.3 m;
"Temporary" in reference to a Sign, means a Sign not intended or designed
for permanent installation;
15
"Text Area" means the area of text, calculated as the smallest triangle,
rectangle, square, circle, semicircle or other geometric form which can wholly
enclose the advertising copy of the Sign;
"Third-Party Election Sign" means a Sign that has the purpose of promoting,
supporting or opposing a Candidate or "yes" or "no" question in line with the
definition in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32., but does not
include an Election Sign Erected by or under the direction of a Candidate;
"Third-Party Sign" means a Sign related to a business, enterprise, or other
activity not conducted within the building or upon the Premises on which the
Sign is Erected;
"Unlawful Sign" means a Sign not complying with the requirements of the by-
law;
"Use Category" means an Agricultural Use, Commercial Use, Industrial Use,
Institutional Use, Residential Use, or Recreational Use, as permitted by the City
of Vaughan Zoning By-law 1-88, as amended, or its successor by- law;
"Wall Sign" means a Sign which is Erected against the Wall of any building, the
display area of which is parallel to the face of and supported by such wall and
which does not project more than 0.5 m from such wall;
"Window Sign" means, any Sign located on the interior of a Premises which
is intended to be seen from off the property on which the Premises is located
and is constructed in such a manner as intended to be of a permanent nature,
but shall not include Illuminated Signs commonly used to advertise products
sold on the Premises; [Amended by section 1. of the By-law 079-2019 on
June 19, 2019]
"Zone" means a designated area of land use a per City of Vaughan Zoning
By-law 1-88, as amended, or its successor by-law.
SECTION 3 - ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE BY-LAW
3.1 PERMITS REQUIRED
Except for the Signs referred to in Sections 4 and 17, or unless otherwise
specified in this by-law, no Person shall Erect, attach, place, display, or
Alter a Sign, or cause or permit the Erection, attachment, placement,
display or Alteration of a Sign without a permit, agreement or other written
approval from the City. [Amended by section 15. of the By-law 079-2019 on
June 19, 2019]
3.2 RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
No Person shall make application for a Sign permit who is not the Owner, or
16
authorized in writing by the Owner of the property on which the work is to be
performed. No Person shall submit false or misleading information or
documents or make omissions that may mislead in connection with any
application for a Sign permit, detail of construction, or revision thereto.
3.3 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
The Applicant for a Sign permit shall:
a.
submit an application on a prescribed form furnished for that purpose;
b.
submit plans describing the land on which the proposed Sign is to be
Erected. The plans shall show the location of the proposed Sign on the
Lot;
c.
submit scale drawings and specifications of sufficient detail and quality
as is necessary to ascertain whether or not the Sign and its structure will
be in compliance with this by-law and the Building Code;
d.
submit the approval of other authorities having jurisdiction; and
e.
sections 3.3(b). and 3.3(c). do not apply to applications for Mobile
Signs permits. [Amended by section 2. of By-law 147-2023 on
September 26, 2023]
3.3.1 REFUSAL OF PERMIT
a. Where an application remains incomplete or inactive for six (6) months after it is
made, the application is deemed to have been abandoned and may be cancelled
without notice;
b. The application for Mobile Sign permit may be refused, when in the opinion of
Director and Chief Licensing Officer there are ongoing compliance issues. [Added
by section 3. of By-law 147-2023 on September 26, 2023]
3.4
CONFORMITY WITH THE BY-LAW AND THE APPROVED PLANS
In addition to the Owner, it shall be the responsibility of the Permit Holder to
comply with this by-law and the plans and specifications, on the basis of
which the permit was issued.
3.5
EXPIRATION OF PERMIT
Except for Portable Signs, every permit issued by the City shall expire six (6)
months from the date of issuance unless diligently acted upon and shall
become null and void upon the removal of the Sign.
3.6
RENEWAL OF PERMIT
Except for Portable Signs, where before the expiry date of a permit, an
17
application is made to extend this permit for a further six (6) months, the City
may renew the permit after payment of the prescribed application fee.
3.7
REVOCATION OF PERMIT
A permit may be revoked by the City under any of the following
circumstances:
a.
where the Sign does not conform to this by-law;
b.
where the Sign does not conform to any regulation, law or requirements
of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the area where
the Sign is situated;
c.
where the permit has been issued as the result of false or misleading
statements, or undertakings, in the application;
d.
where the permit has been issued in error; and/or
e.
where construction or installation of the Sign has not, in the opinion of the
Director of Building Standards, been seriously commenced within six (6)
months of the date of permit issuance.
3.8
FEES
Any fees payable under this or any other by-law of the City related to a Sign
permit or renewal of a Sign permit are due at the time of application for the
permit or renewal of the permit.
3.9
REMOVAL OF SIGNS
a.
When a Sign is in contravention of a provision of this by-law, such Sign
may be removed immediately without notice, if located on, over, partly on,
or partly over, Public Lands and/or property under the jurisdiction of the
City.
b.
If such Sign is located on property other than Public Lands and/or property
under the jurisdiction of the City, the City may deliver a notice by personal
service or registered mail, to the Lessee or Owner of the Sign, or their
agents, or to the Person or agent having the use or major benefit of the
Sign, requiring that the Sign be permanently removed within the time
specified in the notice and thereafter not replaced with any Sign in
contravention of this by-law.
c.
If the notice is not complied with, the City of Vaughan may require that the
municipality, its employees, or an independent contractor enter upon the
land and remove such Sign at the expense of the owner of the Sign.
d.
Where a Poster Sign or Lawn Sign is not in compliance with this by-law,
the Sign may be removed immediately by the City and disposed of without
notice or compensation.
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e.
Where a Sign constitutes a safety hazard or poses a safety concern, the
City may immediately pull down or remove the Sign without notice or
compensation, regardless of whether the Sign is in compliance with this
by-law.
f.
Signs, other than those specified in subsections (d)(e) or (i), that are not
in compliance with this by-law shall be removed and stored by the City for
a period of not less than 60 days, during which time the Sign Owner or the
Sign Owner's agent may be entitled to recover the Sign from the City,
subject to paying the fee set out in the Fees and Charges By-law, 171-
2003 and submitting a signed acknowledgement and release on a
prescribed form.
g.
Where a Sign has been removed by the City and stored for a period of at
least 60 days, and the Sign has not been claimed, the Sign may be
destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the City.
h.
Where a Sign has been removed and stored by the City, all costs and
charges for the removal, care and storage of the Sign under this by-law
are a lien upon the Sign, which may be enforced by the City in the manner
provided by the Repair and Storage Liens Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. R.24, as
amended; and
i.
In the instance where the City has issued an order requiring the owner of
the land where a Sign is located to remove the Sign, and the owner fails
to comply with the order, the City may remove the Sign and the cost
incurred by the City in removing a Sign may be added to the tax roll and
collected in the same manner as municipal taxes. The cost incurred by
the City in removing a Sign under this part of the By-law is a debt payable
to the City.
j.
For the purposes of an inspection, a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
may:
i.
require the production for inspection of documents or things,
including drawings or specifications, that may be relevant to Sign;
ii.
require information from any Person concerning a matter related to
a Sign;
iii.
be accompanied by a Person who has special or expert
knowledge in relation to a Sign; and
iv.
alone or in conjunction with a Person possessing special or
expert knowledge, make examinations of the Sign necessary for
the purposes of the inspection [Added by section 34. of the By-law
079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
3.10 ADMINISTRATIVE MONETARY PENALTIES
19
a.
Instead of laying a charge under the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990,
Chapter P.33, as amended, for a breach of any provisions of this By-law, an officer
may issue an administrative monetary penalty to the Person who has contravened
this By-law.
b.
If an administrative monetary penalty is issued to a Person under section 3.10(a),
no charge shall be laid against that same Person for the same breach.
c.
The amount of the administrative monetary penalty for a breach under this By-law
is $400.
d.
A Person who is issued an administrative monetary penalty shall be subject to the
procedures provided for in the Administrative Monetary Penalties By- law 063-
2019, as amended, or its successor by-law.
e.
An administrative monetary penalty imposed on a Person that becomes a debt to
the City under the Administrative Monetary Penalties By-law 063- 2019, as
amended, or its successor by-law, may be added to the municipal tax roll and
collected in the same manner as municipal taxes. [Amended by section 1. of By-
law 181-2023 on November 14, 2023];
f.
Notwithstanding subsection 3.10c., the amount of the administrative monetary
penalty for the Erecting of or allowing to Erect Signs on infrastructure belonging to
Governmental Entity is $500. [Added by section 3. of By-law 001-2024 on January
30, 2024]
3.10.1 FINES
a.
A Person who contravenes a provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence;
b.
Every director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the
contravention of a provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence;
c.
A Person who is convicted of an offence is liable on first conviction to a fine not
less than $400 and not more than $20,000, and is liable on subsequent
convictions to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $50,000;
d.
If the Person convicted is a corporation, the corporation is liable on first conviction
to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $50,000, and 19 is liable on
subsequent convictions to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than
$100,000; and
e.
In addition to the fines in section 3.10.1(c) and 3.10.1(d), a Person convicted of a
subsequent offence is liable to a fine not more than $1,000 for each day or part of
the day on which the contravention has continued after the day on which the
Person was first convicted. [Amended by section 1. of By-law 181-2023 on
November 14, 2023];
3.11 PRESUMPTION CLAUSE
a.
Where a Sign that is in contravention of this by-law is found on Private
20
Property, the Owner of the Private Property, its manager, tenant and/or
Person in charge of the property, shall be presumed to have been the
Person who placed or Erected the Sign, which presumption may be
rebutted by evidence to the contrary, on a balance of probabilities;
b.
Where a Sign that is in contravention of this by-law is found on a Highway
as defined under Section 1(1) of the Highway Traffic Act R.S.O. 1990, c.
H.8. as amended, Public Lands, on rights-of-way, or on utility poles, any
Person named on the Sign shall be presumed to have been the Person
who placed or Erected the Sign, or to have caused or permitted the Sign
to be placed or Erected; and
c.
Where no name appears on the Unlawful Sign, but a telephone number,
website or email address, or other contact information appears, any
Person to whom the telephone number, website, email address or other
contact information is found to be connected to, such as is listed
according to a telephone directory, shall be presumed to have been the
Person who placed or Erected the Unlawful Sign, or to have caused or
permitted the Unlawful Sign to be placed or Erected. The presumption
herein may be rebutted by evidence to the contrary on a balance of
probabilities.
3.12 VALIDITY
In the event any part or provision of this by-law is held to be illegal or void, it
shall be considered separate and servable from the remaining provisions of
this by-law, which shall remain in force and be binding.
3.13 CONFLICT WITH OTHER BY-LAWS
Where there is a conflict or a contradiction between this by-law and any other
by-law of the City of Vaughan, the provisions of this by-law shall prevail.
3.13 BUILDING CODE AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
Any Sign, which is Erected, shall comply with this by-law, the Building
Code and any other applicable government regulation, where the more
restrictive provisions of the requirements shall prevail.
3.14 LIABILITY
The provisions of this by-law shall not be construed as relieving or limiting the
responsibility or liability of any Person who Erects or displays, or causes or
permits or allows to be Erected or displayed, any Sign, for personal injury
including injury resulting in death, or property damage resulting from such Sign
or from acts or omissions of such Person, or his agents, servants, employees,
contractors in construction, Erection, maintenance, display, Alteration, repair or
21
removal of any Sign Erected in accordance with a permit which is issued
hereunder. Likewise, provisions of this By-Law shall not be construed as
imposing on the City, its officers, employees, servants, and agents any
responsibility or liability whatsoever by reason of the approval of or issuance
of a permit for any Sign or removal of any Sign.
3.15 INDEMNIFICATION
The Applicant of a permit for a Sign 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, Erection,
maintenance, display, Alteration repair or removal of such Sign.
SECTION 4 - SIGNS PERMITTED FOR ALL USE CATEGORIES ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY
4.1
PERMITTED SIGNS
Notwithstanding Sections 6 to 19 inclusive of this by-law, the following Signs
shall be permitted for all use categories in the City and shall be exempt from
the requirements of a permit; however, such Signs shall comply with the
provisions specified herein.
a.
No Trespassing Signs or other such Signs regulating the use of a
property, of no more than 0.50 square metres in Sign Area;
b.
Real Estate Signs that are subject to the following provisions: [Amended
by section 16. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
i.
Signs shall not exceed 1.0 square metres in Sign Area for
Residential Use and 2.0 square metres in Sign Area for all other
Use Categories;
ii.
Signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
the acceptance of an offer or the lease or rental of the Premises;
iii.
A maximum of one (1) Sign shall be permitted per Lot; and
iv.
[Deleted by section 17. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019];
c.
Directional Signs not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area;
d.
Memorial Signs or tablets and Signs denoting the date of Erection of
buildings, either free-standing or attached to the Wall of a building or
structure;
e.
Flags bearing the crest, emblem or insignia of any corporation,
government agency, Religious Organization, Charitable Organization, or
fraternal organization to a maximum number of three (3) such flags per
Lot;
22
f.
Election Signs and Third-Party Election Signs, subject to the following
conditions:
i.
No Candidate or his or her agent shall Erect, attach, place, display,
cause or permit the Erection, attachment, placement or display of
an Election Sign unless the Candidate has paid to the City the
applicable Election Sign non-refundable fee, as indicated in Fees
and Charges By-law 171-2013, as amended; [Amended by section
10. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
ii.
No Registered Third-Party shall Erect, attach, place, display, cause
or permit the Erection, attachment, placement or display of a Third-
Party Election Sign unless the Registered Third-Party has paid to
the City the applicable Election Sign non-refundable fee, as
indicated in Fees and Charges By-law 171-2013, as amended, for
each Candidate and Elections Question for which they wish to Erect
Signs; [Amended by section 11. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
2019]
iii.
The Registered Third-Party is deemed to be responsible for the
placement and content of their Third-Party Election Signs,
regardless of whether the Registered Third-Party physically Erected
such Signs;
iv.
No Person shall cause or permit the Erection of an Election Sign that
exceeds a maximum Sign Area of 1.49 square metres. No Person
shall cause or permit the Erection of an Election Sign unless in
accordance with the following:
i.
be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from all street lines;
ii.
be set back a minimum of 1.5 m from any common Lot
boundary with an adjacent lot;
iii.
not be located within a Daylighting Triangle; and
iv.
No Person shall cause or permit the Erection of Election Signs
more than six weeks prior to the Election Day;
v.
Every Election Sign shall be removed within seventy-two hours after
Election Day;
vi.
No Person shall cause or permit the Erection of Election Signs on
municipal property under the jurisdiction of The Corporation of the
City; and
vii.
No Person shall cause or permit the Erection of Election Signs on
all public road allowances;
g.
Public Information Signs;
h.
Temporary Signs advertising festivals and community events operated
23
by a Religious Organization, Community Organization or Charitable
Organization that subject to the following provisions:
i.
Temporary Signs shall comply with Section 8.11 a(i) to (v) or b(ii)
with respect to size, location and standards;
ii.
A maximum of one (1) Sign per event and shall be located on
Private Property; and
iii.
Such Sign shall be permitted to be displayed for a maximum of thirty
(30) days prior to and shall be removed immediately after the event;
i.
Signs not exceeding 0.5 square metres in Sign Area indicating the
municipal address of a building;
j.
Lawn Signs are permitted to be used by Renovators, Fence Installers,
Pavers, Landscapers, Pool Installers licensed in the City, and trades
which are licensed or otherwise certified by provincial legislation, provided
that Lawn Signs:
i.
may only be displayed with the permission of the property Owner;
ii.
may not exceed 0.6 square metres;
iii.
display the business' municipal licence number, if applicable;
iv.
may only be displayed for the duration or their work; and
v.
removed within five business days of the date of completion of the
work performed.
SECTION 5 - PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
5.1
PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
No Person shall Erect, install, post, display, maintain or keep on a Premises
any of the following types of Signs:
a.
Signs which by reason of size, location, content, colouring, or manner of
Illumination obstruct the vision of drivers or pedestrians, or obstruct or
detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic Sign or control
device on public streets and roads or which are located in a Daylighting
Triangle;
b.
Signs which make use of words such as "Stop", "Look", "One Way",
"Danger", "Yield", or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights, or
characters in such manner as to tend to interfere with, mislead, or confuse
traffic and which are not Erected by a Public Authority;
c.
Signs located so as to obstruct or impede any required fire escape, fire
exit, walkway, passageway, door, window, skylight, flue or air intake or
exhaust or so as to prevent or impede free access of firefighters to any
part of the building;
24
d.
[Deleted by section 18. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019];
e.
Signs painted on, attached to, or supported by a tree, stone or other
natural object;
f.
Signs painted on the Exterior Walls of any building;
g.
Roof Signs and Signs Erected in part or entirely above the surface of the
Roof of a building or structure;
h.
String lights, other than Temporary holiday decorations;
i.
Banners and other Temporary Signs that are not expressly
permitted, such as, but not limited to, pennants, spinners, and
streamers;
j.
A Ground Sign in excess of 2.40 m in height within 15 m of a traffic light;
k.
Signs attached to a Projecting or freestanding Canopy except Canopy
Signs and Soffit Signs;
l.
Any obsolete Sign which no longer advertises a business conducted, or
a product sold. Such obsolete Signs shall be removed within 30 days of
the closing of the business;
m.
Signs not related to any business located on the Lot except as provided
in Section 15;
n.
Signs which obstruct a required parking space or utilize such parking
space for purposes of locating a Sign;
o.
Signs Erected, attached, affixed or displayed on a vehicle or trailer
that is parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said
Sign;
p.
Poster Signs; and
q.
Digital Signs that are not in compliance with Section 19 of this of this by-
law.
SECTION 6 - GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS ON PRIVATE
PROPERTY
The following provisions shall apply in all use categories:
6.1
LIMIT ON NUMBER OF SIGNS
a.
Except as may otherwise be permitted in this by-law, the maximum
number of Signs that may be Erected shall be:
i.
One only of the following Sign types per Exterior Wall per business
Premises, though Sequential Wall Signs, Canopy Signs, Soffit
Signs and Awning Signs are deemed to be one Sign:
25
a.
Wall Sign
b.
Canopy Sign
c.
Soffit Sign
d.
Window Sign
e.
Reverse Graphics Sign
f.
Awning Sign
b.
One Ground Sign per Lot, except when the following conditions are met:
i.
One additional Ground Sign may be Erected for a lot having a street
frontage greater than 125 m;
ii.
Where a lot abuts two or more streets an additional Ground Sign
may be Erected on each street frontage provided that said street has
a minimum frontage of 15.0 m;
iii.
For Industrial and Commercials properties that meet the conditions
of subsections (i) and (ii), in lieu of the Erection of one additional
Ground Sign on the lot, one Ground Sign containing third-party
advertising may be Erected on the lot in accordance with the
requirements that Signs:
a.
be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from all street lines;
b.
have a maximum Sign Area of 4 square metres for any single
Sign Face with a total Sign Area of 16 sq. m. for all Sign Faces
combined;
c.
have a maximum height of 4.5 metres from the finished grade
at the base of the supporting structure;
d.
be setback a minimum of 1.5 metres from any common lot
boundary with an adjacent lot;
e.
be setback a minimum of 7.5 metres from any other Sign; and
f.
not be located within a Special Sign District as shown on
Schedules "A", "B", "C", and "D" of this by-law.
6.2
COMPLIANCE WITH SITE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
a.
Where a site plan approved by the City provides standards for
Signage and the Signs for the Development comply therewith, such
Signs shall be deemed to comply with this by-law.
b.
A variance to a Sign regulated by an approved site plan shall be
considered as an amendment to the site plan and the appropriate
application shall be made to the Development Planning Department.
26
6.3
COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING BY-LAWS
No Person shall Erect or maintain a Sign upon a parcel of land or building
unless it is accessory to a use that is lawfully being operated on such land.
6.4
MIXED USES
Where a building or part of a building contains more than one Use Category
of this by-law, the Signs permitted shall be in accordance with the portion of
the building attributed to each Use Category.
6.5
GROUND SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Ground Signs:
a.
Ground Signs shall be set back a minimum of 1.0 m from all street lines;
b.
No Ground Sign shall exceed 5.0 m in any dimensions of the Sign Face;
c.
No more than one (1) Sign shall be mounted to the supporting structure
of any Ground Sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, additions may be
allowed to existing Ground Signs provided that additions are of the same
design, material and shape as the existing Sign;
d.
No Ground Sign shall exceed a maximum height of 7.5 m from the
finished grade level at the base of the supporting structure of the said
Sign;
e.
Ground Signs shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 m from any common lot
boundary with an adjacent lot;
f.
A Ground Sign including any part of its structure shall not be located closer
than 1.0 m to any driveway;
g.
No Ground Signs shall be Erected where the distance between a
structure and the street line is less than 4 m;
h.
One (1) Projecting Sign shall be permitted in-lieu of a Ground Sign
where such distance is less than 4 m;
i.
Not less than 2.44 m clearance shall be provided to the underside of any
part of a Ground Sign located above a walkway;
6.6
WALL SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Wall Signs:
a.
No Wall Sign shall extend above the top of the Roof surface;
b.
No Wall Sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5 m from the
Wall upon which it is mounted;
c.
No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor
27
level immediately below such Sign;
d.
No Wall Sign shall extend beyond the extremities of the Wall to which it is
attached;
e.
No Wall Sign shall extend around the corners of the Wall upon which it is
mounted, except that when a Premises is located at the corner of a
building, a Wall Sign may extend around the corner on which it is mounted.
Signs extending around the corner lawfully Erected under this section
shall be deemed to be two (2) Signs for the purpose of calculating the
permitted number of Signs and permitted Sign Area; and
f.
Wall Signs shall only be located at the Storey having Direct Access to a
street, except that where a Premises occupies all stories in a multi-Storey
building the Wall Sign may be Erected on the next Storey immediately
above the Storey having Direct Access to the street.
6.7
CANOPY SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Canopy Signs:
a.
A Canopy Sign shall be designed as an integral part of the Canopy
fascia;
b.
No Canopy Sign shall extend beyond the limits of the Canopy fascia;
c.
No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor
level immediately below such Sign;
d.
No Canopy Sign shall extend around the corners of the Canopy upon
which it is mounted, except that when a Premises is located at the corner
of a building, a Canopy Sign may extend round the corner on which it is
mounted. Signs extending around the corner lawfully Erected under this
section shall be deemed to be two (2) Signs for the purpose of calculating
the permitted number of Signs and permitted Sign Area; and
e.
Canopy Signs shall only be located on the Storey having Direct Access to
a street.
6.8
SOFFIT SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Soffit Signs:
a.
No portion of any Soffit Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished
grade or floor level immediately below such Sign;
b.
No Soffit Sign shall be located above the first Storey of any building;
c.
No Soffit Sign shall be closer than 0.2 m from the outer edge of the
canopy upon which it is suspended;
28
d.
No Soffit Sign shall have a vertical dimension greater than 0.4 m or have
a horizontal dimension greater than 1.9 m; and
e.
No Soffit Sign shall exceed 0.6 square metres in Sign Area.
6.9
PROJECTING SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Projecting Signs:
a.
No portion of a Projecting Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the
finished grade or floor level immediately below such Sign;
b.
No Projecting Sign shall exceed 1.0 square metres in area per Sign
Face; and
c.
No Projecting Sign shall be Illuminated internally.
6.10 READOGRAPH SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Readograph Signs:
a.
Readograph Signs shall be designed as an integral part of a Ground
Sign or Wall Sign.
6.11 REVERSED GRAPHICS SIGN
The following regulations shall apply to all Reversed Graphic Signs:
a. Where Reversed Graphics are used on a Wall Sign or Canopy Sign, the
Sign Area shall be the smallest triangle, rectangle, square, circle,
semicircle or other common geometric form which can wholly enclose the
advertising copy of the Sign. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum
permitted Sign Area for a reversed graphic Wall or Canopy Sign shall not
be more than 50% in excess of that which would be permitted for any
ordinary Wall or Canopy Sign.
6.12 AWNING SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all Awning Signs:
a.
No Awning Sign shall extend above the top of the Roof surface;
b.
No Awning Sign, or any part thereof, shall project more than 0.5 m
from the Wall upon which it is mounted;
c.
No portion of any Sign shall be less than 2.44 m above the finished floor
level immediately below such Sign;
d.
No Awning Sign shall extend beyond the extremities of the Wall to which
29
it is attached;
e.
No Awning Sign shall extend around the corners of the Wall upon which it
is mounted except that when a Premises is located at the corner of a
building, an Awning Sign may extend around the corner on which it is
mounted. Signs extending around the corner lawfully Erected under this
section shall be deemed to be two (2) Signs for the purpose of calculating
the permitted number of Signs and permitted Sign Area; and
f.
Awning Signs shall only be located at the Storey having Direct Access to
a street.
6.13 WINDOW SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to Window Signs:
a. Window Signs may occupy the entire surface of a window. [Added by
section 19. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
SECTION 7 - SIGNS PERMITTED FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Subject to the requirements in Section 6, no Person shall Erect, display, or
maintain or allow the Erection, display or maintenance of any Sign on a lot or
building used for Residential purposes, except in accordance with the
following:
7.1
SINGLE FAMILY, SEMI-DETACHED. STREET TOWNHOUSE
DWELLINGS
a.
A Sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or
occupant, not more than 0.2 square metres in Sign Area and shall not
include any commercial advertising.
7.2
MULTIPLE FAMILY BUILDINGS, BLOCK TOWNHOUSES AND
APARTMENT BUILDINGS
a.
Only one (1) Ground Sign per lot, identifying a multiple family building or
other permitted use, shall be permitted, that shall not exceed a Sign
height of 2.0 m or a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres; and
b.
In addition to the above, one (1) Wall Sign located at the Ground floor level
of a permitted use may also be permitted provided such Sign does not
exceed a Sign Area of 2.4 square metres and such Sign shall not contain
commercial advertising and shall identify only the building.
7.3
OTHER SIGNS
30
Those Signs permitted in Section 4 are also permitted.
SECTION 8 - SIGNS PERMITTED FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
BUILDINGS
Subject to the requirements in Section 6 and Section 11, no Person shall Erect,
display, or maintain or allow the Erection, display or maintenance of any Sign
on a lot or building used for Commercial Use or Industrial Use, except in
accordance with the following:
8.1
GROUND SIGNS
a.
Except as otherwise permitted in subsection (f), Section 8.7, and Section
8.9, no Ground Sign shall be larger than 10.0 square metres in area on a
single Sign Face, or 20.0 square metres of Sign Area for all Faces
combined.
b.
Every Ground Sign Erected shall display the Municipal Address assigned
to the property on which the Sign is located.
c.
A Ground Sign which incorporates a minimum of 60% soft landscaping
materials into its design shall be located:
i.
on a lot Zoned as an Industrial Use or Employment Areas shown in
Schedule "E", as amended, notwithstanding Section 8;
ii.
on a lot abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway; and
iii.
on a lot subject to a Site Plan or Site Plan letter of undertaking
which facilitates the Erection of the Ground Sign;
d.
A Ground Sign which incorporates a minimum of 60% soft landscaping
materials into its design shall not exceed:
i.
12.5 square metres where it is Illuminated;
ii.
15.6 square metres where it is Illuminated using solar power; or
iii.
18.8 square metres where it is non-Illuminated;
8.2
WALL SIGNS
a.
The area of a Wall Sign shall not exceed 1.0 square metres per linear
horizontal metre of the Exterior Wall of a building upon which such Sign is
located. In multiple occupancy buildings or Shopping Centres, the Sign
Area for each business Premises shall be proportional to the length of the
Exterior Wall forming part of the Premises. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the total area of a Wall Sign per business Premises shall not exceed 30.0
square metres or be limited to less than 2.0 square metres; and
b.
On a multiple occupancy building, a Directory Sign will be permitted at
31
first floor level, listing names of businesses not having Direct Access to a
public way. The area of such Sign shall not exceed 1.0 square metre.
8.3
CANOPY SIGNS
a.
A Canopy Sign shall not exceed 0.75 square metres per linear horizontal
metre of Canopy upon which such Sign is located. In multiple occupancy
buildings the Sign Area for each business Premises shall be proportional
to the length of the Exterior Wall forming part of the Premises.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total area of a Canopy Sign per
business Premises shall not exceed 20.0 square metres or be limited to
less than 2.0 square metres; and
b.
A Canopy Sign Erected as an integral part of a free-standing Canopy shall
not exceed 2.0 square metres.
8.4
AWNING SIGNS
Awning Signs may be installed in accordance with the provisions for Wall
Signs or in accordance with the following:
a.
The area of an Awning Sign shall not exceed 1.0 square metres per
linear horizontal metre of the Exterior Wall of a building upon which such
Sign is located; and
b.
The Text Area on an Awning Sign shall not exceed 0.5 square metres per
linear horizontal metre of the Exterior Wall of a building upon which such
Awning is located. In multiple occupancy buildings or Shopping Centres,
the Sign Area for each business Premises shall be proportional to the
length of the Exterior Wall forming part of the Premises. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the total Text Area on an Awning Sign per business
Premises shall not exceed 20.0 square metres or be limited to less than
2.0 square metres.
8.5
SOFFIT SIGNS
All Soffit Signs shall comply with the provisions in Section 6.8.
8.6
PROJECTING SIGNS
All Projecting Signs shall comply with the provisions in Section 6.9.
8.7
SHOPPING CENTRE SIGNS
In addition to the other provisions of this by-law, the following provisions
further apply to Shopping Centres:
a.
Ground Sign provisions are as follows:
32
i.
No individual business or other enterprise within a Shopping Centre
may Erect or maintain a Ground Sign.
ii.
Notwithstanding Section 8.1 respecting the maximum area of
Ground Signs, where a Shopping Centre is located on a lot having
an area in excess of 1.0 hectares, the maximum area of Ground
Signs may be increased to 20 square metres in area per single Sign
Face or 40 square metres for all Faces combined, provided this
increased area shall only apply to a Sign that is designed
professionally to conform with the architectural and design details of
the Development.
b.
An additional Wall Sign complying with Sections 6.6 and 8.2 may be
permitted in lieu of a Ground Sign for Shopping Centre identification
purposes only.
c.
Soffit Signs provisions are as follows:
i.
In the case of a Shopping Centre with an Attached Canopy, one
additional accessory Soffit Sign may be Erected per business
Premises beneath the Canopy and at right angles to each store
entrance, provided all such Signs are of uniform size.
ii.
The maximum Sign Area for each such Sign shall not exceed 0.6
square metres.
d.
All other Signs identifying each individual business Premises shall be
Erected in accordance with the provisions of this by-law.
8.8
SERVICE AND GAS STATION SIGNS
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, the following Signs may
also be permitted in association with service stations and gas stations:
a.
Gas Price Signs shall not exceed 0.5 square metres in Sign Area may be
permitted on the fascia of a freestanding Canopy associated with pump
islands provided that such Sign is an integral part of the Canopy design
and does not extend beyond the fascia limits, and further provided that
not more than two (2) such Signs shall be permitted per Canopy.
b.
Signs customarily displayed on gasoline pumps which are an integral part
of the pump or pump island design.
c.
Directory Signs not exceeding 0.5 square metres in area may be Erected
as an integral part of a Canopy Sign fascia provided that no Directory Sign
shall advertise, indicate or direct attention towards any activity not carried
on at the pump island with which the Canopy is associated.
d.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such Directory Signs shall be limited to
two (2) Signs per function per Canopy.
33
8.9
OFFICE BUILDINGS
a.
Notwithstanding Section 6.6 (e) respecting the location of Wall Signs
and Section 6.1 respecting the number of Wall Signs, Office Buildings
three (3) or more Storeys in height may be permitted additional Wall
Signs in accordance with the following:
i.
A maximum of four (4) Wall Signs on the uppermost wall or
parapet or mechanical penthouse, displaying only the business
name, logo, symbol or crest of a major occupant.
ii.
Such Wall Signs may be located on different elevations of the
building or on a single elevation.
iii.
Such Signs shall have a combined maximum Sign Area of 2% of
the area of the building face on which they are located.
iv.
No Sign or combination of Signs shall have a combined
maximum Sign Area of more than 20% of the wall area at the
uppermost Storey. [Amended by section 22. of the By-law 079-
2019 on June 19, 2019]
8.10 A-FRAME, MOBILE AND FEATHER BANNER SIGNS [Amended by
section 23. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
a.
Notwithstanding the preceding, Premises used for Commercial or Industrial
purposes may Erect Mobile Signs in accordance with the following
provisions:
i.
A maximum of one Mobile Sign shall be permitted along each street line of a
Lot if it is directly abutting a Residential Use property; if the Lot is not abutting
a Residential Use property:
a)
where a Lot is zoned "NC" (Neighbourhood Commercial Zone) under
the City Zoning By-law 001-2021, as amended or its successor by-law,
up to a maximum of three Mobile Signs are allowed per Lot, provided
that there is a minimum of 30 metres between Mobile Signs located on
the same street frontage;
b)
where the Lot is not zoned "NC", up to a maximum of three Mobile
Signs are allowed per Lot; [Amended by section 4. of By-law 147-2023
on September 26, 2023]
ii.
The Mobile Sign permit shall be valid for twenty-one (21) days, starting on the
date indicated on such permit. [Amended by section 5. of By-law 147-2023 on
September 26, 2023]
iii.
Each Mobile Sign requires a separate application and fee, as per
the Fees and Charges By-law, as amended or its successor by-law.
34
[Amended by section 6. of By-law 147-2023 on September 26,
2023]
iv.
[Deleted by section 7. of By-law 147-2023 on September 26,
2023].
v.
Every Mobile Sign shall:
a.
have a maximum Sign Area of 4.4 square meters (48 square
feet) with a total Sign Area not to exceed 8.8 square metres (96
square feet);
b.
have a maximum Sign height of 2.5 metres;
c.
be located entirely on Private Property and not located within 5.0
metres from any other Sign
d.
not be located in a parking space or driveway;
e.
be located a minimum of 3.0 metres from a driveway vii) not
be located within a Daylighting Triangle;
f.
not be located within a minimum of 22 metres (72 feet) from a
Mobile Sign located on an adjacent property;
g.
comply with relevant Ontario Hydro, and CSA Standards;
h.
not be located within the Special Sign Districts as shown on
Schedules "A", "B", "C", and "D" to this by-law;
i.
[Deleted by section 20. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
2019].
vi.
For the purposes of this Section, year shall mean the calendar year
commencing on January 1, and ending on December 31 of each
calendar year.
vii.
[Deleted by section 21. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019].
b.
Notwithstanding the preceding, Religious Organization, Community
Organization or Charitable Organization may Erect Mobile Signs
advertising festivals and community events in accordance with the
following provisions:
i.
The Sign shall comply with Section 8.10(a)(v) with respect to size,
location and standards, unless otherwise specified by City staff.
ii.
A maximum of one Sign shall be allowed per event by any one
organization.
iii.
The Sign shall be permitted to be displayed for a maximum of 30
days prior to and shall be removed immediately after the event.
[Amended by section 25. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
35
2019]
c.
Notwithstanding the preceding, Premises used for Commercial Use or
Industrial Use may Erect A- frame Signs in accordance with the following
provisions:
i.
A Commercial Use or Industrial Use Premises shall be entitled to
use one A-frame Sign per business Premises.
ii.
Each A-frame Sign shall:
a)
be located on Private Property;
b)
have a maximum Sign Area of 0.5 square metres with a total
Sign Area of 1.0 square metres;
c)
not be located as to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular
traffic;
d)
be taken in after business hours; and
e)
have a maximum Sign height of 1.0 metres above grade.
[Added by section 26. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19,
2019]
d.
Notwithstanding the preceding, Commercial Use or Industrial Use Premises
may Erect Feather Banner Signs in accordance with the following
provisions:
i.
Each Feather Banner Sign shall:
a) be located on Private Property;
b) have a maximum Sign Area of 3.5 square metres;
c)
have a maximum Sign height of 2.4 meters above grade;
d) be setback 1.0 metre from all street lines;
e) not be located within 5.0 metres of a different type of Sign or
adjacent property line.
ii.
A maximum of six (6) Feather Banner Signs are permitted per Lot.
iii.
Feather Banner Sign permits shall be issued in time increments of
six months [Added by section 27. of the By-law 079-2019 on June
19, 2019]
e.
Despite any restrictions in this section, the City may Erect Temporary
Signs on City property, including, but not limited to, Mobile Signs at
community centres, libraries and other City facilities. [Added by section
29. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
8.12
LANDSCAPING SIGNS
a.
A maximum of one (1) Landscaping Sign shall be located:
36
i.
on a lot Zoned as Industrial or Employment Areas shown in
Schedule "E", as amended, notwithstanding Section 8;
ii.
on a lot abutting a Regional Road or Provincial Highway; and
iii.
on a lot subject to a Site Plan Agreement or Site Plan Letter of
Undertaking which facilitates the Erection of the Landscape Sign.
b.
Landscaping Signs comprising of soft Landscaping materials only shall not
exceed:
i.
15 square metres in Sign Area where it is Illuminated;
ii.
18.8 square metres in Sign Area where it is Illuminated by solar
power; or
iii.
22.5 square metres in Sign Area where it is non-Illuminated.
c.
Landscaping Signs comprising of a minimum of 60% soft Landscaping
materials shall not exceed:
i.
12.5 square metres in Sign Area where it is Illuminated;
ii.
15.6 square metres in Sign Area where it is Illuminated by solar
power; or
iii.
18.8 square metres in Sign Area where it is Non-Illuminated.
d.
Landscaping Signs other than those listed in subsection (b) and (c) shall
not exceed 10 square metres in Sign Area.
e.
Landscaping Signs do not require a City permit. [Added by section 35. of
the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
8.13
[Deleted by section 28. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019].
8.14
OTHER SIGNS
Those Signs permitted in Section 4 are also permitted.
SECTION 9 - SIGNS PERMITTED FOR INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
Subject to the requirements in Section 6 and Section 11, no Person shall Erect,
display, or maintain or allow the Erection, display or maintenance of any Sign on
a lot or building used for Institutional purposes, except in accordance with the
following:
9.1
GROUND SIGNS
a.
No Ground Sign shall be larger than 2.0 square metres in area on a single
Sign Face or 4.0 square metres of area for all Sign Faces combined.
37
b.
Notwithstanding Section 6.5(d) no Ground Sign shall exceed 4.0 square
metres in height above the average finished grade level at the base of
such Sign.
9.2
WALL SIGNS
Wall Signs shall not exceed 1.0 square metre per linear horizontal metre of the
building wall and/or canopy upon which such Sign is located. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the total area of a wall Sign per Premises shall not exceed 10.0 square
metres or to be limited to less than 2.0 square metres.
9.3
OTHER SIGNS
Those Signs permitted in Section 4 are also permitted.
SECTION 10 - AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL BUILDINGS
Subject to the requirements in Section 6 and Section 11, no Person shall Erect,
display, or maintain or allow the Erection, display or maintenance of any Sign on a
lot or building used for Agricultural and recreational purposes, except in
accordance with the following:
10.1
GROUND SIGNS
A maximum of two (2) Ground Signs shall be permitted, each having a maximum
Sign Area of 5.0 square metres and a total Sign Area of 10.0 square metres. Such
Signs shall advertise the name of the occupant of the Agricultural or recreational
use and shall not include any Commercial advertising.
10.2
OTHER SIGNS
Those Signs permitted in Section 4 are also permitted.
SECTION 11 - SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICTS
Subject to the provisions of Section 6 and Section 8, the following provisions shall
apply to all Signs located in a Special Sign District. For the purposes of this by-
law, the following areas as shown in Schedule "A", "B" "C" and "D", attached
hereto, are hereby defined as Special Sign Districts within the City.
Schedule "A" - Thornhill Schedule "B" - Kleinburg Schedule "C" - Woodbridge
Schedule "D" - Maple
11.1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
a.
All applications for Signs in Special Sign Districts shall be forwarded to
the Manager of Urban design for comment prior to the issuance of a Sign
38
Permit;
b.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this by-law, Readograph Signs shall
not be permitted in a Special Sign District; and
c.
No Sign Erected in a Special Sign District, shall obstruct or interfere with
any architectural detailing on a building.
11.2
SINGLE USE BUILDING GROUND SIGNS
a.
Ground Signs for single use buildings shall not exceed 1.5 square metres
in area per single Sign Face or 3.0 square metres for all Faces combined;
b.
Such Ground Signs, notwithstanding Section 6.5(d), shall not exceed 3.0
m in height; and
11.3
MULTI-USE BUILDING GROUND SIGNS
a.
Ground Signs for multi-use buildings shall not exceed 2.0 square metres
in area per single Sign Face or 4.0 square metres for all Faces combined;
b.
Such Ground Signs, notwithstanding Section 6.5(d) shall not exceed 3.0 m
in height; and
11.4
WALL SIGNS
The area of Wall Signs shall not exceed 0.25 square metres of Sign Area per
linear horizontal metre of Exterior Wall upon which such Sign is located. No Sign
shall exceed 1.25 square metres in Sign Area.
11.5
CANOPY SIGNS
The area of Canopy Signs shall not exceed 0.25 square metres of Sign Area
per linear horizontal metre of canopy fascia upon which such Sign is located. No
Sign shall exceed 1.0 square metres in Sign Area.
11.6
PROJECTING SIGNS
Notwithstanding Section 6.9(b), no Projecting Sign shall exceed 0.75 square
metres in area per Sign Face.
11.7
WINDOW SIGNS
The maximum Sign Area of any window Sign shall not exceed 20% of the area of
the window in which the Sign is located or 0.50 square metres in Sign Area
whichever is less.
11.8
OTHER SIGNS
39
Those Signs permitted in Section 4, are also permitted.
SECTION 12 - DEVELOPMENT SIGNS
Subject to the requirements in Section 6, no Person shall Erect, display, or
maintain or allow the Erection, display or maintenance of any Development Sign,
except in accordance with the following:
12.1
DEVELOPMENT SIGNS
a.
Provisions for on-site Development Signs are as follows:
i.
Subdivision Development Signs must be located on lands within
the plan of subdivision. For all other Developments, the Signs
must be located on the subject lands;
ii.
Such Signs may advertise only the Development on the lands in
which the Sign is located, and not the sale of lots elsewhere or the
Realtor's, Developer's, or property Owner's business in general;
iii.
Each builder is permitted a maximum of two (2) Signs, with a
combined Sign Face area not to exceed 20.0 square metres;
iv.
Illumination of such Signs shall only be from an external source;
and
v.
No other Signs shall be permitted within the subdivision or on the
Premises.
12.2
SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT SIGNS ON SALES TRAILERS AND
SALES PAVILIONS
a.
One (1) Wall Sign advertising the sale of lots or dwellings may be Erected
on a Wall of a sales trailer or sales pavilion provided that it covers no more
than 50% of one (1) wall of the sales trailer or sales pavilion; and
b.
No part of the Wall Sign shall extend above the surface of the roof or beyond
the extremities of the wall to which it is attached.
SECTION 13 - CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
13.1
CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
a.
A Sign having an area of not more than 5.0 square metres incidental to
building construction shall be permitted on the property where such
construction is to take place. Such Signs shall not be Erected prior to the
commencement of said construction and shall be removed as soon as said
construction is completed or is discontinued for a period exceeding sixty
(60) days;
40
b.
Such Signs may identify the developer(s) architect(s), engineer(s),
consultant(s) and/or contractor(s) pertaining only to the construction of
buildings on the property on which the Sign is located; and
c.
Illumination of such Signs shall only be from an external source.
SECTION 14 - NON-CONFORMING SIGNS
14.1
NON-CONFORMING SIGNS
a.
Any Sign lawfully Erected, or displayed before the day this by-law shall
come into force, may remain and be maintained notwithstanding that it does
not conform with the by-law, provided that no such Sign shall be
substantially Altered, unless the same shall either conform or be made to
conform in all respects with this by-law;
b.
Where a Sign referred is substantially Altered, it will no longer be exempt
from the by-law and that Sign shall be brought into full conformity with this
by-law; and
c.
Signs will continue to be subject to any other statute, by-law or regulation
applicable to the Sign in question.
SECTION 15 - BILLBOARDS
15.1
VACANT INDUSTRIALAND COMMERCIAL ZONED LANDS AND
UTILITY CORRIDORS
Notwithstanding Section 6 and Section 8, one (1) Billboard Sign may be permitted
on vacant lot Zoned Industrial Use or Commercial Use, or within a Utility Corridor in
accordance with the requirements that Billboard Sign Signs be:
a.
be located within the limits of the Employment Areas as shown in
Schedule "E";
b.
be set back a minimum of 5.0 metres from all street lines;
c.
not exceed a maximum Sign Area of 20.0 square metres for any single
Sign Face with a total Sign Area of 40 square metres for all Sign Faces
combined;
d.
not exceed 8.0 metres in height measured from the finished grade level at
the base of the supporting structure;
e.
be set back a minimum of 5.0 metres from any common lot boundary with
an adjacent lot;
f.
not be located closer than 1.0 metre to any driveway;
g.
be set back a minimum of 600 metres from any other Billboard Sign
41
located on the same side of the street;
h.
not be permitted within 100 metres from a building containing Residential
dwelling units or lands Zoned Residential;
i.
not be located within, and be setback 100 metres from, Special Sign
Districts as shown on Schedules "A", "B", "C" and "D"; and
j.
shall not be placed within 400 m of any 400-series Highway unless
permitted by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario Corridor Signing
Policy, or successor policies.
15.2
DEVELOPED INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ZONED LANDS
Notwithstanding Section 6 and Section 8, one (1) Billboard Sign may be permitted
on a developed lot Zoned Industrial Use or Commercial Use, in accordance with
the following requirements that Billboard Signs Erected in accordance with this
subsection shall:
a.
only be permitted on a lot in lieu of the additional Ground Sign permitted
by Section 6.1 (i) of this by- law;
b.
be located within the within the limits of the Employment Areas as shown
in Schedule "E";
c.
be set back a minimum of 1.0 metre from all street lines;
d.
not exceed a maximum Sign Area of 20.0 square metres for any single
Sign Face with a total Sign Area of 40 square metres for all Sign Faces
combined;
e.
not exceed 8.0 metres in height measured from the finished grade level at
the base of the supporting structure;
f.
be set back a minimum of 5.0 metres from any common lot boundary with
an adjacent lot;
g.
not be located closer than 1.0 metre to any driveway;
h.
be set back a minimum of 600 metres from any other Billboard Sign
located on the same side of the street;
i.
not be permitted on a lot that abuts a Residential Zone and not be located
within 100 metres from a building containing Residential units or lands
Zoned Residential;
j.
not be located within, and be setback 100 metres from, Special Sign
Districts as shown on Schedules "A", "B", "C" and "D"; and
k.
shall not be placed within 400 m of any 400-series Highways, as per
Ministry of Transportation Ontario guidelines.
42
SECTION 16 - PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PUBLIC LANDS
16.1
PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PUBLIC LANDS
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this by-law, no Person shall Erect, install,
post, display, Alter, maintain, or keep any of the following types of Signs on public
properties or within road allowances under the jurisdiction of the City:
a.
Signs which incorporate in any manner any flashing or moving Illumination
which varies in intensity or which varies in colour, and Signs which have
any visible moving parts, visible mechanical movement of any description,
or other apparent movement achieved by electrical pulsations or by actions
of normal wind current;
b.
Signs which by reason of size, location, content, colouring, or manner of
Illumination obstruct the vision of drivers or pedestrians, or obstruct or
detract from the visibility or effectiveness of any traffic Sign or control device
on public streets and roads or which are located in a Daylighting Triangle;
c.
Signs which make use of words such as "Stop", "Look", "One Way",
"Danger", "Yield", or any similar words, phrases, symbols, lights, or
characters in such manner as to tend to interfere with, mislead, or confuse
traffic and which are not Erected by a Public Authority;
d.
Signs located so as to obstruct or impede any required fire escape, fire exit,
walkway, passageway, door, window, skylight, flue or air intake or exhaust
or so as to prevent or impede free access of fire fighters to any part of the
building;
e.
Signs on or over Public Lands, public rights-of-way, or road allowances
unless permitted by this by-law;
f.
Signs
painted
on,
attached
to,
or
supported
by
any Public
Infrastructure, tree, stone, or other natural object, or Signs placed on any
centre median of any roadway; [Amended by section 4. of By-law 001-
2024 on January 30, 2024]
g.
Banners, pennants, spinners and streamers; and
h.
Election Signs and Third-Party Election Signs
SECTION 17 - SIGNS ALLOWED ON PUBLIC LANDS THAT DO NOT
REQUIRE A PERMIT [Amended by section 31. of the By-law 079-2019 on June
19, 2019]
Notwithstanding Sections 3.1 to 3.3, the following Signs shall be permitted on road
allowances under the jurisdiction of City, in accordance with requirements
specified herein and shall be exempted from the requirements of a permit.
17.1
PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGNS
43
Public Information Signs as permitted.
17.2
REAL ESTATE OPEN HOUSE SIGNS
Real Estate Open House Signs are permitted for a dwelling that is presently
for sale, rent or lease shall be permitted in accordance with the following:
a.
Signs shall be displayed for a maximum 72 hours;
b.
A maximum of three (3) Signs per Open House;
c.
Signs shall have a maximum size of 0.60 metres by 0.60 metres and a
maximum Sign height of 0.60 metres;
d.
Signs shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metres from the street curb and
sidewalk or 3.0 metres from the edge of the pavement where there is no
curb; and
e.
Signs are required to list the address of the property being advertised.
17.3
HOME BUILDER A-FRAME SIGNS
Home Builder A-frame Signs shall be permitted in accordance with the
following:
a)
Signs shall be located within one kilometer of the from the
construction/project site in which the new homes are located/to be built
and shall be permitted to be displayed on Saturdays and Sundays only.
b)
A maximum of three Signs shall be permitted per builder per project, or
a maximum of three Signs per sales trailer or pavilion.
c)
Signs shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metres from the street curb
and/or sidewalk or 3.0 metres from the edge of the pavement where
there is no curb.
d)
Signs have a maximum Sign Area of 1.0 square metre per side,
maximum height of 1.2 metres, and maximum width of 0.8 metres.
e)
Notwithstanding the above, where a Sign is to be located within 20
metres of a street intersection the maximum Sign height shall be
reduced to 0.6 metres.
f)
Signs shall not be allowed on traffic islands.
g)
The Sign Owner shall have liability insurance in the amount of five (5)
million dollars naming the City as coinsured.
h)
Signs shall not be located within the Special Sign Districts as shown on
Schedules "A", "B", "C" and "D" to This By-law. [Amended by section
32. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
17.4
TEMPORARY SIGNS USED BY
44
RELIGIOUS/CHARITABLE/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FOR
SPECIAL EVENTS
Temporary Signs for Charitable Organizations, Community Organizations and
Religious Organizations advertising Special Events, except Mobile Signs as set
out in Section 8.10(b), shall be permitted in accordance with the following:
a)
Signs can only be Erected by Special Event permit holders at the location
of the Special Event.
b)
Signs shall be permitted to be displayed for a maximum of 30 days prior
to and shall be removed immediately after the event.
c)
Signs shall have a maximum Sign Area of 0.60 square metres.
d)
Signs shall be setback a minimum of 1.5 metres from any sidewalk, street
curb, roadway, driveway or any other Sign.
e)
Signs shall not be located within a Daylighting Triangle.
f)
Signs shall be constructed as to be easily dismantled in the case of
roadway, sidewalk or public utility, maintenance or construction.
g)
Written approval must be received from the appropriate road authority
having jurisdiction.
h)
Signs shall not be located within the Special Sign Districts as shown on
Schedules "A", "B", "C", and "D" to this by-law. [Added by section 33. of
the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
SECTION 18 - SIGNS PERMITTED WITH SIGN PERMITS ON PUBLIC LANDS
[Deleted by section 36. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
SECTION 18 - GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR DIGITAL SIGNS
18.1
DIGITAL SIGNS
The following provisions shall apply to Digital Signs:
a.
Ground Signs or Billboard Signs may be Digital Signs;
b.
a Digital Sign may only display static messages;
c.
the transition time between one image to the next cannot exceed one
second;
d.
a Digital Sign must display messages for a minimum of 10 seconds;
e.
to transition from one image to the next, the message may fade or gradually
transition, however, a transition must not include any other visible effects,
including, but not limited to blinking, flashing or other rapid movement;
f.
the light shall not project onto any adjacent Premises located in Residential
Use areas;
45
g.
the Illumination shall not increase the light levels within 10.0 metres of all
points of the Sign Face by more than 3.0 lux above the ambient lighting
level;
h.
the difference between the level of Illumination before and after there is a
transition of digital messages shall be no greater than 25 per cent;
i.
the Illumination shall not exceed 5,000 nits during the period between
sunrise and sunset;
j.
the Illumination shall not exceed 300 nits during the period between sunset
and sunrise;
k.
where Digital Signs are adjacent to Residential areas, Digital Signs shall
not be Illuminated between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
l.
notwithstanding provision (j), First-Party Digital Signs associated with a
lawful business may remain in operation while the business is in operating
lawfully;
m.
notwithstanding provision (j), Digital Signs for the following types of
organizations may remain Illuminated at any time:
i.
hospitals, emergency treatment facilities and blood banks;
ii.
telephone exchanges;
iii.
power generating stations and electrical substations;
iv.
control centres for land transportation;
v.
public transit facilities;
vi.
public water treatment and storage facilities;
vii.
water and sewage pumping stations;
viii.
emergency response facilities;
ix.
fire, rescue, and police stations;
x.
storage facilities for vehicles or boats used for fire, rescue and
police purposes; and
xi.
communication facilities, including radio and television stations;
n.
the Digital Sign must shut off in the event of a malfunction; and
o.
to obtain a permit, the Digital Sign owner must produce third-party
certification from a Digital Sign expert, such as a Digital Sign manufacturer,
advising, that the Sign meets the requirements of the by-law with respect
to the provisions in Section 19.
SECTION 19 - MAINTENANCE
19.1
MAINTENANCE
46
The Owner, Permit Holder and/or authorized agent of the Owner or Permit Holder,
shall maintain, or cause such Sign to be maintained, in a proper state of repair and
good condition, so that such Sign does not become unsafe, unsightly or dangerous,
to the satisfaction of the City and in accordance with any applicable Site Plan
Agreement(s) or Site Plan Letter(s) of Undertaking.
SECTION 20 - MATERIALS AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
20.1
MATERIAL
All materials incorporated into a Sign shall comply with the relevant requirements
of the Ontario Building Code Every Sign shall comply with all governing
requirements of the Ontario Hydro Electric Commission or the Vaughan Hydro
Electric Commission, whichever has the jurisdiction.
20.2
STRUCTURAL
All Signs shall be designed and installed, such as to resist safely and effectively
all loads that may be exerted upon them and in any case shall comply with
structural requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
SECTION 21 - SIGN VARIANCE COMMITTEE
21.1
THE COMMITTEE
A Sign Variance Committee, hereinafter called "Committee", be and is hereby
created.
21.2
GENERAL PROVISIONS
a.
The Committee shall consist of four Members with representation from
Heritage Resources, Development Planning, City Clerk's, By-law and
Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services and Building Standards
departments.
b.
The representatives form such departments shall be appointed in writing by
the Chief Administrative Officer or designate, to serve for a term as
specified in the appointment.
c.
A Member shall hold office until their successor is appointed, and are
eligible for reappointment, and, where a Member ceases to be a Member
before the expiration of their term, another eligible Person shall be
appointed for the unexpired portion of the term.
21.3
PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT
The Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Meetings of the Sign Variance Committee
47
attached hereto as Schedule "F", hereinafter referred to as "Rules of Procedure"
shall apply to the Committee, provided the Committee may amend the Rules of
Procedure from time to time.
21.4
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee shall consider all applications respecting minor variances to the
Sign By-law and make recommendations to the Director of Building Standards, or
in his or her absence, the Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and
Permit Services, on the disposition of the applications.
21.5
POWER AND AUTHORITY
The power and authority to grant or refuse a Sign variance application is hereby
delegated to the Director of Building Standards, and in his or her absence, the
Director of By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services.
21.6
APPEALS
Where an Applicant wishes to appeal the refusal of their application, the Applicant
shall deliver a notice of appeal in writing to the City Clerk's Department within 7
days of being served with the decision. Council shall review the appeal and make
a final determination to uphold or vary the decision.
SECTION 22 - EXEMPTIONS
22.1
EXEMPTIONS
The City, the Region, or any other Canadian Governmental Entity are exempt from
the requirements of the City's Sign By-law, which extends to Signs developed by
the City or Region or any other Canadian Governmental Entity for the purpose of
distribution by other parties, subject to prescribed conditions set out by the City or
Region or Canadian Governmental Entity in agreements with these parties.
[Amended by section 9. of the By-law 079-2019 on June 19, 2019]
22.2 AMENDMENT OF OTHER BY-LAWS
a. Schedule 1 of the Administrative Monetary Penalties By-law is hereby
amended by including this By-law as a Designated By-law. [Added by
section 2. of By-law 181-2023 on November 14, 2023].
Schedules "A", "B", "C", "D", "E" and "F" shall form part of this by-law.
This By-law shall come into effect on the 19th day of June, 2018.
By-laws 203-92, 212-94, 9-96, 168-96, 19-97, 110-97, 179-2003, 275-2006, 154-
2009, 12-2010, 154-2010, 107- 2011, 54-2012, 091-2013, 050-2014 -2003, 178-
2003, 209-2007, 286-91, 286-91 and 136-2017 are hereby repealed.
48
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor
Todd Coles, City Clerk
Authorized by Item No. 20 of Report No. 21
of the Committee of the Whole
Adopted by Vaughan City Council
on June 19, 2018
49
SCHEDULE "A" - THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA
This map was taken from the City Official Plan, posted at www.vaughan.ca.
50
SCHEDULE "B" - KLEINBURG HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA
This map was taken from the City Official Plan, posted at www.vaughan.ca.
51
SCHEDULE "C" - WOODBRIDGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN
AREA
This map was taken from the City Official Plan, posted at www.vaughan.ca.
52
SCHEDULE "D" - MAPLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PLAN AREA
This map was taken from the City Official Plan, posted at www.vaughan.ca.
53
SCHEDULE "E" - CITY OF VAUGHAN EMPLOYMENT AREAS
This figure was taken from the City Official Plan, posted at www.vaughan.ca, in which
Employment Areas are shown in turquoise.
54
SCHEDULE "F" - RULES OF PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS ON THE
SIGN VARIANCE COMMITTEE
E1 - QUORUM
If no Quorum is present one half hours after the time appointed for a meeting, the
Chairman shall record the names of the Members present, and the meeting shall stand
adjourned until the date of the next such regular meeting, provided that, if those Members
who are present at that time, remain until a Quorom is present, then the meeting shall
proceed.
E2 - MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE
A meeting of the Committee shall be held at the hour of 2:00 pm on the first and third of
each month, unless otherwise changed by a majority of the Member's present.
E3 - CALLING A MEETING TO ORDER AND QUORUM
As soon after the hour fixed for the holding of the meeting of the Committee as a
Quorum is present, the Chairman shall take the chair and call the meeting to order.
E4 - ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRMAN
In the absence of the Chairman, the Members present shall elect a Chairman.
E5 - DUTIES OF THE CHAIRMAN
It shall be the duty of the Chairman to:
a.
put to a vote all questions which are regularly moved and seconded, or necessarily
arise in the course of the proceedings, and to announce the results;
b.
decline to put to vote motions which infringe the rules of procedure;
c.
enforce on all occasions the observance of order and decorum among the Members;
d.
call by name, any Member, persisting in breach of the rules of the Committee,
thereby ordering that Person to vacate the meeting;
e.
decided all questions of order at meetings of the Committee; and
f.
authenticate by their Signature when necessary, all resolutions and minutes of the
Committee.
E6 - MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting shall be approved at the following meeting.
E7 - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
55
As soon as a regular meeting is called to order, the Chairman shall ask if there are an
objection to the minutes of the previous meeting and shall forthwith, or after correction or
change, declare the minutes adopted and shall Sign them.
E8 - PREPARATION OF AGENDA
Prior to each meeting, the Chairman shall prepare and agenda of all the business to be
brought before such meeting. The agenda shall be distributed to Members of the
Committee, together with all reports at least five days before the meeting.
E9 - ORDER OF BUSINESS
All discussions shall be through the Chairman. The Committee shall deal with matters in
the order shown on the agenda which shall normally be as follows:
a.
Adoption of minutes
b.
Disclosure of interest
c.
Items for discussion/deputations, if any
d.
Motion to adjourn
E10 - MOTIONS
Every motion or resolution other than a motion to adjourn, shall be read aloud, and
when duly moved and seconded, shall be open for discussion. The Chairman may not
move or second a motion.
E11 - AMENDMENTS TO A MOTION
Amendments to a motion shall be put to a vote in the reverse order to that in which they
are moved. Every amendment shall be decided or withdrawn before the main question
is put to the vote.
E12 - QUESTIONS CONTAINING TWO OR MORE MATTERS
When the question under consideration concerns two or more matters, then upon the
request of any Member, the vote upon each matter shall be taken separately.
E13 - VOTING ON THE MATTER
After a question is put by the Chairman, no Member shall speak to the question, nor shall
any other motion be made until after the result of the vote has been declared.
E14 - VOTING ON MOTIONS
a.
Each Member present and voting shall announce or indicate his vote openly, and no
56
vote shall be taken by ballot or any other secret means. In the event a Member
present abstains from voting, they will be deemed to have voted in the negative
unless the Member's reason for abstaining is a possible conflict of interest, in which
case, their abstention shall be deemed to be neither an affirmative nor a negative
vote.
b.
A simple majority of Members present is required to carry a motion of the Committee.
c.
The Chairman is entitled to vote all motions.
d.
A tie vote on a motion to recommend approval or refusal of an application, results
in the motion being recommended for refusal.
E15 - RECORDED VOTE
When a Member present requests a recorded vote, all Members present at the meeting
must vote in alphabetical order, except the Chairman who shall vote last, unless they have
declared a conflict of interest. The names of each Member who voted, and the manner in
which he voted, shall be noted in the Minutes. The Chairman shall announce the results.
E16 - SPEAKING ON MOTION
No Member shall speak more than once on the same question or for longer than five
minutes without the consent of the majority of Members present.
57
AMENDMENT HISTORY
SIGN BY-LAW
DATE
(YYYY/MM/DD)
BY-LAW
AUTHORITY
CONSOLIDATED
2018 / 09 / 27
079-2019
Item 27, Report 27 of the Committee
of the Whole
2019 / 06 / 12
079-2019
Item 32, Report 20 of the Committee
of the Whole
2023 / 09 / 26
147-2023
Item 6, Report 31 of the Committee of
the Whole
2023 / 11 / 14
181-2023
Item 6, Report 46 of the Committee of
the Whole
2024 / 01 / 30
001-2024
Item 11, Report 52 of the Committee
of the Whole