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Sign By-law 2011-023

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Disclaimer 

By-laws contained on the website have been prepared for reference purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however it is not to be used in place of actual by-laws. If you require a by-law in an alternate format, please contact:

Clerks Division
100 Dissette Street, Unit 7&8
Bradford, ON L3Z 3G8
905-775-5366
Click to Email

Office By-law Consolidation Table

The following is an Office Consolidation as of September 7, 2022 that includes all amendments as per the table below.

 By-law #

Description

Date Passed

 

2011-023

Original By-law

February 8, 2011

 

2011-068

Amendment – Temporary portable signs, real estate signs,
first party signs, contraventions

June 7, 2011

 

2011-136

Amendment – Real estate signs, business grand openings

December 13, 2011

 

2018-30

Amendment – Election Signs

April 17, 2018

 

2022-59

Amendment – Election Signs

June 21, 2022

 

2022-78

Amendment – Advertising Devices

September 6, 2022

 

Being a By-law of The Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury respecting advertising devices, including signs, within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.


 

WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, provides that the council of a municipality may pass by-laws respecting advertising devices, including signs;

AND WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 provides that a municipality has various powers of regulation and enforcement, including powers of licensing, entry, inspection and rectification;

AND WHEREAS Council for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury recognizes the jurisdiction of both the Province of Ontario and the County of Simcoe to regulate signs and advertising devices;

AND WHEREAS the Council held public meetings to consider the regulation of advertising devices and signs and the Town held meetings with focus groups and stakeholders to consider the enactment of a by-law to regulate advertising devices and signs;

AND WHEREAS Council for the Town deems it necessary and in the public interest to regulate and license advertising devices, including signs, within the Town;

AND WHEREAS Council for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury passed By-law 2011-023, being a by-law respecting advertising devices, including signs, within the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (By-law 2011-068);

AND WHEREAS Council deems it necessary to revise certain provisions of By-law 2011-023 (By-law 2011-068);

NOW THEREFORE, the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury hereby enacts as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS 

1.1 In this By-law:


(a) “abandoned sign” means an advertising device erected on a lot, building or structure that has become vacant or unoccupied for a period of 30 days or more, or any advertising device that advertises a time, event or purpose that, in the opinion of the Clerk or Chief Building Official, has been completed for more than 30 days;


(b) “advertising device” means any device or object creating a design, that is erected on any lot, building or structure for the purpose of advertising and shall include signs, flags, banners, pennants, paint, lights, holograms or any other object intended for advertising purposes;


(c) “alter” means making a material change to an advertising device, but does not include the normal maintenance and repair of an advertising device or a change in the message or contents being displayed by an advertising device;


(d) “applicant” means the person who applies for a license for an advertising device or a variance pursuant to this By-law;

 

(e) “awning” or “canopy” means a retractable or fixed cover made of canvas or other suitable material, which normally extends over a doorway or window of a building with lettering (other than civic address number) on or affixed to it and may have supports on the ground;


(f) “banner sign” means an advertising device made from cloth, plastic, canvas or similar light-weight non-rigid material;


(g) “billboard” means a third-party ground sign displaying sign copy that is periodically replaced;


(h) “building” means a structure consisting of a wall, roof and floor or a structural system serving the function thereof;


(i) “Building Code Act” means the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, and its regulations;


(j) “By-law” means this Sign By-law;


(k) “Campaign Advertisement” means an advertisement in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium purchased by or under the direction of a Candidate or Registered Third Party; (Added by By-law 2018-30)


(l) “Campaign Office” means a building or structure, or part of a building or structure, used as part of an election campaign by a Candidate or Registered Third Party; (Added by By-law 2018-30)


(m) “Campaign Vehicle” means a vehicle that displays Campaign Advertisements; (Added by By-law 2018-30)


(n) "Candidate" means a person who is nominated under the Canada Elections Act, the Election Act or the Municipal Elections Act, 1996; (Amended by By-law 2018-30)

 

(o) “Chief Building Official” means the Chief Building Official appointed by Council pursuant to the Building Code Act and any person authorized by him or her to carry out the duties of the Chief Building Official under this By-law; 


(p) “Clerk” means the municipal clerk appointed by Council pursuant to section 228 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and any person authorized by him or her to carry out the duties of the Clerk under this By-law;


(q) “Council” means the Council of the Town;


(r) “County” means the County of Simcoe;


(s) “directional sign” means a sign erected on private property for the purpose of directing traffic upon the property with a sign face not greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


(t) “directory sign” means an advertising device displaying the unit numbers, names and/or business names of tenants or occupants on a lot or within a building;


(u) “Election Sign” means any Sign:


     (i) Advertising or promoting a Candidate in a federal, provincial or municipal election; or

 

     (ii) Intended to influence persons to vote for or against any Candidate, referendum, political viewpoint, or
     any question submitted to the electors under the Canada Elections Act, Election Act, or the Municipal
     Elections Act, 1996; (Amended by By-law 2018-30)


(v) “enforcement officer” means any person appointed or designated by the Town to enforce its by-laws, including any peace officer and any persons appointed under the Building Code Act;


(w) “erect” means to attach, affix, display, paint, post, project, construct, place, locate or install;


(x) “farm building” means a building or part thereof which does not contain a residential occupancy and which is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming and is used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock, or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds;


(y) “fascia sign” means a wall sign;


(z) “first-party sign” means an advertising device that identifies, advertises, promotes or directs attention to a business, service or activity available at or in the lot, building or structure where the sign is located;


(aa) “frontage” means the linear length of a lot or building that abuts a highway, save and except for the frontage of a shopping centre which shall be deemed to comprise the entire linear length of the shopping centre even if it is comprised of more than one lot;


(bb) “grade” means the average elevation of the surface of the ground where it meets the sign, the average elevation of the surface of the ground where it meets the structure on which the sign is erected, or the average elevation of the surface of the ground where it meets the wall of the building upon which the sign is erected;


(cc) “ground sign” means a freestanding sign that is permanently affixed to the ground and not supported in any manner by a building, including a billboard;


(dd) “height” means the vertical distance from grade to the highest point of the sign, including the sign structure;


(ee) “heritage property” means a building or area that is designated by a by-law passed by the Town pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18;


(ff) “highway” means a common and public highway or portion thereof, which is under the jurisdiction of the Town, County or Province, and includes any street, lane, bridge, trestle, viaduct or other structure that forms part of the highway and all lands along the lateral boundaries of the highway, including road allowances;


(gg) “hologram” means a three-dimensional image that is projected, displayed or reproduced;


(hh) “illuminate” means the act of lighting up an advertising device 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 (being a unit of illumination equal to one lumen or candela per square metre that is measured by the power and size of the source) and nits (being a unit of illumination equivalent to one candela per square meter that is measured by the power and size of the source and the distance and size of the object being illuminated);

 

(ii) “inflatable sign” means an instrument filled with air or gas and tethered to the ground, a vehicle, a building or any structure, and shall include any balloon being used as an advertising device;


(jj) “intersection” means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then of the lateral boundary a line of two or more highways that join one another at an angle, whether or not one highway crosses the other;


(kk) “landowner” means the person who is the registered or beneficial owner of real property;


(ll) “license” means the form of approval or permission that is issued under this By-law;


(mm) “licensee” means a person who holds a valid, non-expired license issued under this By-law;


(nn) “lifestyle sign” means visual imagery depicting how people live, spend time and money which seeks to affect a person’s activities, interests and opinions but that does not contain verbal messages or specified products or services;


(oo) “lot” means a parcel of land, described in a deed or other document legally capable of conveying land, or shown as a lot or block on a registered plan of subdivision;


(pp) “menu board” means a sign erected as part of an approved drive-through facility and used to display and order products and services available in association with the said drive-through facility;


(qq) “mobile sign” means an advertising device designed to be capable of being readily moved from one location to another, is usually built on a trailer or other solid platform and may include wheels but excludes a licensed motor vehicle or trailer that is stationary or immobile for longer than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours;


(rr) “official sign” means an advertising device required by, or erected under, any federal or provincial legislation or by-law or other directive of any federal, provincial or municipal government or agency thereof;


(ss) “owner” means any person who owns or operates a particular advertising device;


(tt) “parapet” means an extension of the wall above the actual roof level;


(uu) “person” means an individual, business, firm, body corporate, corporation, association, partnership, or municipality;


(vv) “portable sign” means a free-standing sign erected on but not permanently anchored to the ground and includes, but is not limited to, signs commonly referred to as A-frame, T-frame, or sandwich board, but shall not include a banner sign, inflatable sign or mobile sign;


(ww) “pre-menu board” means a sign erected as part of an approved drive-through facility and only used to display products and services available in association with the said drive-through business;


(xx) “projected display sign” means an advertising device that is formed by light projected onto any surface and includes holograms but excludes illuminated sign boxes;

 

(yy) “projecting sign” means an advertising device erected on and entirely supported by the wall of a building and projects more than 0.60 metres from the wall of the building;


(zz) “public office” means any position to which a person is elected by general election and without limiting its generality, includes a member of the Parliament of Canada, a member of the Legislative Assembly for the Province of Ontario, a member of a council of a municipality, or a member of a board of school trustees;


(aaa) “real estate sign” means a temporary non-illuminated sign advertising real property for sale, rent or lease that is located on private property, and does not include a portable or mobile sign;


(bbb) “Registered Third Party” shall mean any person or entity, an individual, corporation or trade union that is not a Candidate, who incurs expenses with respect to promoting, supporting or opposing:


     (i) a candidate; or


     (ii) a "yes" or "no" answer to a question, referendum, or an issue associated with a person or political party
     participating in an election, under the Canada Elections Act, the Election Act, or the Municipal Elections Act,
     1996
; (Added by By-law 2018-30)


(ccc) “road allowance” means the allowance for a public road and includes the traveled and untraveled portions of the road allowance, the road shoulders, ditches, boulevards and sidewalks;


(ddd) “roof” means the top of a building and includes a fin, mansard roof or parapet;


(eee) “roof sign” means an advertising device located entirely on a roof;


(fff) “shopping centre” means a group of commercial establishments, whether or not under one ownership, having a common parking area;


(ggg) “sign” means any device, fixture or medium, including the sign structure, that displays sign copy to attract attention or convey information of any kind;


(hhh) “sign copy” means any colour, graphic, logo, symbol, word, numeral, text, image, message, picture or combination thereof displayed on a single sign face;


(iii) “sign face” means the opaque, transparent, or translucent surface of an advertising device upon, against, or through which the sign copy is displayed, including any frame or border, whether connected or separate to the main sign face, and also including the portion of any surface upon which an advertising device is projected or painted;


(jjj) “sign structure” means the supports and framework for an advertising device, its sign face, its lighting fixtures and all other component parts;


(kkk) “third-party sign” means an advertising device that advertises, promotes, or directs attention to businesses, goods, services, matters or activities that are not available at or related to the lot, building or structure where the sign is located;


(lll) “Town” means The Corporation of the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury;

 

(mmm) “Voting Day” means the day on which the final vote is to be taken in an election; (Amended by By-law 2018-30)


(nnn) “Voting Period" means a day during an advance poll on which an eligible voter may cast their vote, including Voting Day, and shall include all hours between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.; (Amended by By-law 2018-30)


(ooo) “Voting Place” means the lot upon which electors cast paper ballots and includes the building located thereon, and


     (i) in the case of electronic voting, any location that has been established as a Voter Help Centre or Mobile
     Voter Help Centre by the Clerk, and


     (ii) when the Voting Place is located on private property, includes all of the common elements of the private
     property.


(ppp) “wall” means the exterior surface of a building extending from grade to the roof but shall not include windows;


(qqq) “wall area” means the total horizontal and vertical dimensions of the exterior surface of a wall of a building onto which an advertising device is erected or installed;


(rrr) “wall sign” or “fascia sign” means an advertising device erected on and entirely supported by the wall of a building and shall include sign copy displayed on an awning or canopy; and


(sss) “window sign” means an advertising device erected or projected onto the inside or outside of any part of a window, an advertising device located within or in place of the glass of a window, or any other sign erected or displayed in a manner so as to be visible through the window from the exterior of the building, including a fascia sign, but does not include an advertising device that forms part of a window display provided the sign is not more than 25% of the size of the window.

2. APPLICATION OF THIS BY-LAW

2.1 This By-law applies to the entire geographic area of the Town.

 

2.2 This By-law does not apply to an advertising device that was lawfully erected and displayed on the day this By-law comes into force if the advertising device is not substantially altered or if the use has not been discontinued for any period of time. For purposes of this Section, if an advertising device is changed from a first-party sign to a third-party sign, or from a third-party sign to a first-party sign, such sign shall be deemed to have been substantially altered. Maintenance of an advertising device undertaken or completed to comply with the provisions of this By-law shall not constitute a substantial alteration under this Section.

 

2.3 No person shall erect or alter or permit to be erected or altered any advertising device except as permitted by this By-law.


2.4 Any advertising devices permitted by this By-law shall at all times comply with this By-law, the Building Code Act, the Ontario Fire Code, and any other statute, regulation, by-law of the Town or County or subdivision or site plan requirement applicable thereto.

3. EXEMPTIONS

3.1 This By-law does not apply to:


     (a) an advertising device erected by or on behalf of the Town, the County or any Federal or Provincial
     authority;


     (b) an advertising device that has written authorization from the Director of Leisure Services to be used to
     identify a special event as that term is defined in the Special Events By-law No. 2008-013;


     (c) a single advertising device having a sign face not greater than 0.4 square metres (4.3 square feet)
     erected on privately-owned property;


     (d) a directional sign erected on private property for the purpose of directing traffic upon the property with
     a sign face not greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


     (e) a warning sign with a sign face not greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet) that indicates a
     caution such as "No Trespassing";


     (f) a flag, emblem, decoration or insignia used only for the identification of a nation, province, country,
     municipality, school, sorority or fraternity, political or religious group or holiday;


     (g) a memorial or historical interest sign or tablet with a sign face not greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4
     square feet), and in the case of a roadside memorial sign, so long as such sign does not interfere with
     traffic or pedestrian safety, is properly maintained and is completely removed six (6) months after it is first
     erected;


     (h) an entrance gate sign located at the entrance to a subdivision within the boundaries of the subdivision;


     (i) an advertising device displaying the name of a business owner, contractor, consultant or any other party
     affiliated with the ongoing construction or demolition of a building or structure provided the advertising
     device is removed immediately upon the completion or discontinuation thereof and the sign face is not
     greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


     (j) a first-party window sign provided:


          (i) the sign face is not greater than 35% of the total surface area of all windows per wall, and


          (ii) the window sign is not located above the third storey of the building;


     (k) an advertising device erected wholly within the interior of a building and is not visible from the outside
     of the building;


     (l) real estate sign;


     (m) official sign;


     (n) one (1) pre-menu board per lane provided the pre-menu board is not greater than 2.0 square metres
     (21.5 square feet) in size and is not higher than 2.0 metres (6.6 feet) in height;

 

     (o) one (1) menu board per lane provided the menu board is not greater than 4.0 square metres (43
      square feet) in size and is not higher than 3.0 metres (10 feet) in height;


     (p) a sign advertising a garage or yard sale temporarily displayed and removed within forty eight (48)
     hours of erection or posting;


     (q) the name of a farm or owner on a farm building; and


     (r) up to 75 temporary portable signs that promote fundraising events or charitable activities that benefit
     the local community, subject to:


          (i) the size of the signs shall be not greater than 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


          (ii) signs erected on private properties are subject to obtaining the written consent of the property
          owner;


          (iii) signs erected on municipal rights-of-way may be moved or removed at the discretion of the Chief
          building Official or enforcement officer if the signs could potentially interfere with public safety or
          operational matters; and


          (iv) signs must be erected no sooner than 21 days prior to, and no later than 48 hours after, the
          fundraising event or charitable activity. (By-law 2011-068)


     (s) temporary portable signs that advertise an open house associated with the sale of a property, subject
     to:


          (i) having a maximum of two (2) sign faces with neither sign face having an area greater than 0.55
          square metres (6 square feet);


          (ii) signs erected on private property are subject to obtaining the written consent of the property
          owner;


          (iii) signs erected on municipal rights-of-way may be moved or removed at the discretion of the Chief
          Building Official or enforcement officer if the signs could potentially interfere with public safety or
          operational matters;

 

          (iv) signs must be erected no sooner than 48 hours prior to, and no later than 24 hours after, the date
          of the open house; and,


          (v) notwithstanding section 3.1(s)(iii) above, signs shall not be erected within that section of a
          municipal right-of-way that abuts a property on which a public school, place of worship, cemetery, or
          public park is situated. (Added by By-law 2011-136)


     (t) Signs installed on a sales centre office that promotes a subdivision development, subject to:


          (i) signs must be removed three (3) years after it is erected. An extension may be applied for, subject
          to the discretion of the Chief Building Official;


          (ii) this exemption only applies to wall signs;


          (iii) the maximum sign age area of each wall shall not exceed 50% of the area of the wall upon which
          the sign(s) are erected;


          (iv) a building permit is still required for signs regulated under Section 3.15. of the Ontario Building
          Code; and,


          (v) the wall sign shall not project more than 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the surface of the wall upon which
          the wall sign is erected. (Added by By-law 2022-78)

 

3.2 This By-law applies to the extent to which it does not conflict with any Federal, Provincial or County authority to regulate signs and advertising devices within the Town.


4. LICENSING

4.1 No person shall erect or alter, or cause or permit to be erected or altered, an advertising device within the Town, unless otherwise exempted, without first obtaining a licence from the Chief Building Official pursuant to this By-law.


4.2 An applicant for a licence shall submit a complete application and such plans, drawings and/or specifications for the proposed sign or signs to the Chief Building Official as required by the Chief Building Official. Such documents may include, but are not limited to the following:


     (a) Application for a Sign License


     (b) Application got a Permit to Construct or Demolish


     (c) Schedule 1 or Commitment to General Review


     (d) Site plan showing the location of the proposed sign with all the setbacks to the property lines


     (e) Architectural and Structural Drawings including calculations if applicable


     (f) Approvals from Ministry of Transportation, County of Simcoe and Conservation Authority if applicable

 

     (g) Agent Authorization if applicable


     (h) Building Permit Fees


     (i) Sign License Fees


     (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


4.3 Every licence application shall be accompanied by the non-refundable application fee prescribed by Schedule “A” to this By-law and the application shall not be processed until the fee has been paid in full.
In addition and if applicable, every application shall provide a security deposit in the amount specified in the current Building By-law to ensure all construction conforms to the Building Code and drawings approved at time of permit issuance, and compliance with any other applicable law, which may be in the form of cash, letter of credit, debit or cheque. (Added by By-law 2022-78)


4.4 Every licence application shall include: (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


     (a) the licensee’s name, address and contact information; and


     (b) a description of the number and location of advertising devices the licensee proposes to erect, display
     or alter, or cause to be erected, displayed or altered, within the Town.


4.5 A licensee shall inform the Chief Building Official promptly of any changes to the information provided in Section 4.4 by notice in writing.


4.6 A licence may be revoked if a licensee is convicted of having erected or altered, or having caused or permitted to be erected or altered, an advertising device in contravention of this By-law.


4.7 Where a licence is revoked, the licensee shall, within fifteen (15) days of receiving written notice, remove all signs that the licensee is displaying within the Town as set out in the notice, except for any portable sign or mobile sign which are to be removed forthwith upon receipt of notice.


4.8 A licence is not transferrable.


4.9 An application proposing to erect or alter an advertising device on a heritage property shall be subject to review by the Bradford West Gwillimbury Heritage Committee.


4.10 An application proposing to erect or alter any of the following signs shall require written pre-approval from the Town’s Engineering Services Department:


     (a) an advertising device located, in whole or in part, in a road allowance;


     (b) an advertising device that projects, in whole or in part, over a highway or public thoroughfare, including
     any road allowance; or


     (c) an advertising device with an overhanging or projecting structure located within thirty (30) metres (98
     feet) of a traffic control device.

 

4.11 No licence shall be issued until approvals have been obtained, where applicable, from the following:


     (a) the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8;


     (b) the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority,
     pursuant to the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27;


     (c) the Chief Building Official, pursuant to the Building Code Act;


     (d) the County, pursuant to any other applicable by-laws of the County; and


     (e) the Town, pursuant to any other applicable by-laws of the Town.


4.12 No licence shall be issued unless the proposed sign complies with this By-law or a variance granted in accordance with Section 10 of this By-law.


4.13 The issuance of a licence pursuant to this By-law shall not be used as or construed as an approval or permission for any matter not regulated by this By-law or as a substitute for any approval or permission required by law, including a building permit issued pursuant to the Building Code Act.
(Amended by By-law 2022-78)


4.14 A licence issued under this By-law is valid for the period of time set out in Schedule “B”.


4.15 An applicant for a licence authorizing the erection or alteration of a third-party sign on private property shall submit proof of legal access to the location where the sign is proposed to be situated and shall provide written authorization for the right of entry of the Town for the purposes of inspection and enforcement of this By-law.

5. GENERAL REGULATIONS

5.1 This Section applies to all advertising devices erected or proposed to be erected within the Town, in addition to the regulations set out in the Schedules to this By-law.


5.2 The owner of any advertising device shall keep the advertising device in good condition and be solely responsible and pay for any damage to persons or property caused by the erection, alteration, maintenance or removal of the advertising device or any other cause whatsoever and every advertising device and its structure shall, at all times, be well maintained and in a good state of repair in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or an enforcement officer under this By-law.


5.3 No part of any advertising device shall be attached to, supported by, or painted on any tree, post, public utility structure, pole or support, street furniture, on municipal or public property, including any road allowance or interfere with any municipal or public utility services.


5.4 No advertising device shall obstruct the view of any pedestrian or motor vehicle driver, or cause an unreasonable distraction, so as to cause an unsafe condition in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or an enforcement officer under this By-law.


5.5 No advertising device shall obstruct or impede any fire escape, fire exit, functional door, false door, functional window, false window, scuttle, skylight, flue or air intake or exhaust so as to prevent or impede the free access of emergency personnel to any part of a lot, building or structure.


5.6 An advertising device or any part thereof in contravention of Sections 5.3, 5.4 or 5.5 may be removed immediately by the Chief Building Official, Clerk, an enforcement officer or any other authorized employee or agent of the Town.


5.7 An advertising device shall display only non-moving, non-electronic static copy unless otherwise permitted in accordance with Section 9 to this By-law.


5.8 No advertising device may be displayed by means of being held or carried by or attached upon a person.


5.9 No advertising device may be displayed upon or from within an unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicle or trailer.


5.10 A licensed motor vehicle or trailer displaying an advertising device and that is stationary or immobile for seventy-two (72) consecutive hours shall be deemed to be a mobile sign and must comply with the requirements of this By-law and Schedule “G”.


5.11 A flag that is being used as an advertising device may only be displayed on a flag pole and may not be erected within five (5) metres (16 feet) of any other flag that is being used as an advertising device.


5.12 Unless otherwise restricted by this By-law, an advertising device may be either a first-party sign or a third-party sign, except for Electronic Signs which may also be a first and third party sign.
(Amended by By-law 2022-78)


5.13 A third-party sign may not be erected within a forty (40) metre (131 feet) radius of another lawful third-party sign.

 

5.14 No advertising device shall display a mechanical sign face that is moving, spinning, revolving or twirling, unless otherwise permitted by Section 9 of this By-law.


5.15 With the exception of an election sign and real estate sign, no third-party sign may be erected on a lot zoned “Residential” by Zoning By-law 2010-050. (Added by By-law 2011-068)


5.16 Notwithstanding the provisions of Schedule “D” sections 1(a)(iii) and 4, Schedule “F” sections 1(f)(iii) and 3, Schedule “G” sections 1(f)(iii) and 3, and Schedule “H” sections 1(h) and 5, a maximum of one (1) license for a banner sign, inflatable sign, mobile sign, or portable sign may be issued to advertise a grand opening event associated with a new business, subject to:


     (a) no more than one (1) license is issued for a grand opening event per business;


     (b) a grand opening event is held for no more than seven (7) consecutive days;


     (c) the sign is not a third-party sign; and


     (d) the sign is erected no sooner than 14 days prior to, and no later than 24 hours after, the grand opening
     event.


     (Added by By-law 2011-136)

6. FIRST-PARTY SIGNS

6.1 This Section applies to all first-party signs in addition to the regulations set out in the Schedules to this By-law.


6.2 A first-party sign may advertise, promote, or direct attention to goods available at the lot, building or structure where the sign is located.


6.3 A tenant in a multiple-occupant building may have one primary first-party wall sign and one secondary first-party wall sign, which shall be regulated as follows:


     (a) one primary first-party sign may be displayed on the frontage of a lot, building or structure unless the
     lot, building or structure is located on a corner lot or end unit, in which case there may be two primary
     first-party signs displayed on different frontages for the building or structure that is located closest to the
     corner of the lot;


     (b) one secondary first-party sign may be displayed on a lot, building or structure if:


          (i) the sign face shall be a maximum of 0.6 square metres (6.4 square feet) per linear metre of wall
          face on which it is located and shall not comprise more than 15% of the total aggregate wall area on
          which it is located,


          (ii) if illumination is permitted, the secondary first-party sign is of a lower illumination than any primary
          first-party sign located on the same lot,

 

          (iii) the sign is more than twenty (20) metres (66 feet) from any lands designated in the Town’s Official
          Plan for a non-employment use, and


          (iv) the sign is located on a wall that is not the wall on which the primary first party sign is located;
          (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


6.4 A directory sign for a multiple-occupant lot or building is a first-party sign and shall:


     (a) be marked or impressed on durable material;


     (b) be of a contrasting colour to the background;


     (c) have a maximum sign face of 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


     (d) be located only on the first storey of the building or structure; and


     (e) shall be limited to one directory sign per building.


6.5 No first-party sign may be erected on a lot zoned “Residential” by Zoning By-law 2010-050.


6.6 Notwithstanding section 6.5, a wall sign or ground sign may be permitted on a residential lot for identifying a “Home Occupation” or “Custom Workshop” as defined by Zoning by-law 2010-050, subject to the following:


     (a) a maximum of one sign shall be permitted on the lot, inclusive of signs erected in accordance with the
     exemption provisions of section 3.1 (c) herein;


     (b) the maximum sign face shall be 1.0 square metres (10.76 square feet);


     (c) a ground sign shall not exceed 1.5 metres in height; and


     (d) no sign shall be closer than 1.0 metre from a front lot line and any side lot line
     (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


6.7 No first-party sign may be erected on a lot zoned “Residential” by Zoning By-law 2010-050.


6.8 Notwithstanding section 6.5, a wall sign or ground sign may be permitted on a residential lot for identifying a “Home Occupation” or “Custom Workshop” as defined by Zoning By-law 2010-050, subject to the following:


     (a) a maximum of one sign shall be permitted on the lot, inclusive of signs erected in accordance with the
     exemption provisions of section 3.1 (c) herein;


     (b) the maximum sign face shall be 0.5 square metres (5.4 square feet);


     (c) a ground sign shall not exceed 1.5 metres in height; and


     (d) no sign shall be closer than 3.0 metres from a front lot line and any side lot line.(By-law 2011-068)


7. SIGN SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

7.1 An election sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “C” to this By-law.


7.2 A banner sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “D” to this By-law.


7.3 A ground sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “E” to this By-law.


7.4 An inflatable sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “F” to this By-law.


7.5 A mobile sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “G” to this By-law.


7.6 A portable sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “H” to this By-law.


7.7 A projected display sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “I” to this By-law.


7.8 A projecting sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “J” to this By-law.


7.9 A roof sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “K” to this By-law.


7.10 A wall sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “L” to this By-law.


7.11 A window sign may only be erected or altered in compliance with Schedule “M” to this By-law.

8. ILLUMINATION

8.1 Where an advertising device is permitted to be illuminated, such illumination shall not:


     (a) be directed onto any neighbouring property or street so as to create an adverse impact in the opinion of
     the Chief Building Official;


     (b) spill generally beyond the sign face;


     (c) increase the light levels within ten (10) metres (33 feet) of all points of the sign face by more than 6.5
     lux above the ambient lighting level;


     (d) exceed 5,000 nits during the period between sunrise and sunset; or


     (e) exceed 500 nits during the period between sunset and sunrise.

9. ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL SIGNS

9.1 In this Section:


     (a) “electronic moving copy” means sign copy displayed utilizing electronic screens, televisions,
     computer video monitors, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode displays, or any other similar
     electronic technology where the sign copy displays moving images;


     (b) “electronic static copy” means sign copy displayed utilizing electronic screens, televisions, computer
     video monitors, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode displays, or any other similar electronic
     technology where the sign copy is fixed for a set period of time;


     (c) “mechanical copy” means sign copy that physically moves in whole or in part and shall include multi
     vision activated panels or tri-vision sign copy; and


     (d) “readograph copy” means sign copy composed of electronically interchangeable letters, numbers or
     symbols intended to convey a temporary message.


9.2 The following signs may display electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy if prior written approval is received from the Chief Building Official in accordance with Sections 9.3 and 9.4:


     (a) a ground sign;


     (b) a projecting sign;


     (c) a projected display sign;


     (d) a wall sign;


     (e) a window sign; and


     (f) a roof sign.

 

9.3 The Chief Building Official may authorize the display of electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy on a new or existing sign where the Chief Building Official is satisfied that the proposed new sign or proposed alteration to an existing sign:


     (a) will not alter the essential character of the area;


     (b) will not adversely affect adjacent properties; and


     (c) will not adversely affect public safety.


9.4 In granting authorization for the display of electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy, the Chief Building Official may attach additional restrictions or conditions that may deviate from any regulation as set out in this By-law, so long as such additional restrictions or conditions are intended to address the matters outlined in Section 9.3.


9.5 If the Chief Building Official gives written authorization as contemplated by this Section, prior to erecting or altering an advertising device to display electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy, the owner shall provide the Chief Building Official with:


     (a) copies of any other permit or authorization required by any other statute or by-law pertaining to the
     erection or alteration of the proposed sign;


     (b) 48 hours advance notice of the intended erection or alteration of the proposed sign; and


     (c) notice of the completion of the erection or alteration of the proposed sign within forty-eight (48) hours
     thereof.


9.6 An advertising device displaying electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy shall be designed so as to cease operating in the case of a malfunction and shall be designed with a light meter or sensor that detects the amount of outdoor light at any given time and automatically adjusts the brightness of the sign accordingly. (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


9.7 Where an advertising device is permitted to display electronic moving copy, electronic static copy or readograph copy:


     (a) the sign must at all times comply with Section 9 of this By-law;

 

     (b) the maximum size of the electronic copy, electronic static copy or readograph copy shall not exceed  
      50% of the permitted sign area;  (Deleted by By-law 2022-78)

 

     (c) the message duration shall not be less than five (5) seconds;


     (d) the message transition shall not exceed one (1) second; and


     (e) during the message transition, the sign shall not display any blinking, intermittent or flashing light or
     the illusion of such effects.


9.8 Where an advertising device is permitted to display mechanical copy, and such mechanical copy has the capacity to revolve, the mechanical copy shall not revolve at a rate faster than eight (8) revolutions per minute.

 

9.9 Where the Chief Building Official does not authorize the display of electronic moving copy, electronic static copy, mechanical copy or readograph copy,

 

     (a) written notice of the Chief Building Official’s decision shall be served on the applicant and the landowner
     and any other person who requested that he or she be provided with notice of the decision;


     (b) any person in receipt of notice may, within ten (10) days of receipt thereof, file a request in writing that
     the Chief Building Official’s decision be reviewed by Council and pay the required fee in accordance with
     Schedule “A”;


     (c) if a request for Council review is received, the decision of the Chief Building Official will be reviewed by
     Council within thirty (30) days and notice of this Council meeting shall be provided to the applicant and the
     landowner;


     (d) Council’s decision on the review shall be final.

10. VARIANCE APPLICATIONS

10.1 A variance from the provisions of this By-law may be granted where it is established that the proposed advertising device:


     (a) will not alter the essential character of the area;


     (b) will not adversely affect adjacent properties;


     (c) will not adversely affect public safety; and


     (d) is not expressly prohibited by this By-law or any other by-law of the Town or County.


10.2 An applicant for a variance shall file an application in the form and manner approved by the Chief Building Official and shall pay the non-refundable variance application fee prescribed by Schedule “A”.


10.3 An application for a variance shall not be processed until:


     (a) all information required by the Chief Building Official has been submitted by the applicant; and


     (b) the required fee has been paid in full.


10.4 With the exception of an application affecting a proposed election sign, if the application is for a variance of less than 25% to the applicable height or size requirements of this By-law or to permit two (2) additional projecting, wall or window signs per building or structure, as the case may be, such application may be approved, with conditions, by the Chief Building Official as may be applicable. All other variance applications must be approved by Council.


10.5 In the case of an application for a variance capable of being approved by the Chief Building Official:


     (a) written notice of the Chief Building Official’s decision shall be served on the applicant and the landowner
     and any other person who requested that he or she be provided with notice of the decision;

 

     (b) any person in receipt of notice may, within ten (10) days of receipt thereof, file a request in writing that
     the Chief Building Official’s decision be reviewed by Council and pay the required fee in accordance with
     Schedule “A”;


     (c) if a request for Council review is received, the decision of the Chief Building Official will be reviewed by
     Council within thirty (30) days and notice of this Council meeting shall be provided to the applicant and the
     landowner;


     (d) Council’s decision on the review shall be final; and


     (e) if no request for Council review is received, the variance approval is final and the applicant or his or her
     designate may proceed to apply for a licence in reliance upon the variance approval.


10.6 In the case of an application for a variance that is in compliance with the requirements of Section 10.3 that is not capable of being approved by the Chief Building Official:


     (a) the variance application shall be considered by Council within thirty (30) days of compliance with
     Section 10.3;


     (b) notice of this Council meeting shall be provided to the applicant and the landowner;

 
     (c) Council’s decision on the variance application shall be final; and


     (d) if Council grants the requested variance, the applicant or his or her designate may proceed to apply for
     a licence in reliance upon the granted variance.


10.7 A variance granted by either the Chief Building Official or Council will be deemed to have lapsed if a lawful sign has not been erected in accordance with the granted variance within six (6) months of the variance having been granted.


10.8 A variance application shall be accompanied with the following:


     (a) Application for a Sign Variance


     (b) Letter on official letterhead from the owner of the property AND a letter on official letterhead from the
     tenant of the building addressed to the Chief Building Official to provide variance details with the following:


          (i) Why the proposed sign cannot comply with Sign By-law 2011-023,


          (ii) List all sections of the by-law that require a variance, and


          (iii) Confirm the variance will comply with Section 10.1


     (c) Agent Authorization from the owner of the property AND the tenant of the building allowing the sign
     company to apply on their behalf (if applicable)


     (d) Required fee


     The above documents shall be required in addition to the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish,
     Schedule 1 or Commitment to General Review (if applicable), Application for a Sign License, site plan and
     all applicable drawings. (Added by By-law 2022-78)

 

10.9 In the case of an application for a variance that is in compliance with the requirements of Section 10.3 that is not capable of being approved by the Chief Building Official:


     (a) the variance application shall be considered by Council within thirty (30) days of compliance with
     Section 10.3;


     (b) notice of this Council meeting shall be provided to the applicant and the landowner;


10.10 In the case of an application for a variance that is in compliance with the requirements of Section 10.3 that is not capable of being approved by the Chief Building Official:


     (a) the variance application shall be considered by Council within thirty (30) days of compliance with
     Section 10.3;


     (b) notice of this Council meeting shall be provided to the applicant and the landowner;

11. INSPECTION

11.1 The Chief Building Official or any enforcement officer may enter upon or into any lot, building or structure at any reasonable time to inspect an advertising device for purposes of determining whether it complies with any licence and/or the provisions of this By-law.


11.2 An enforcement officer may be accompanied by a person under his or her direction.


11.3 If directed, an owner shall provide the Chief Building Official with forty-eight (48) hours advance notice of the erection or alteration of an advertising device for which a licence has been issued.


11.4 If directed, an owner shall provide the Chief Building Official with notice of the completion of the erection or alteration of an advertising device for which a licence has been issued within forty-eight (48) hours thereof.


11.5 Notwithstanding Sections 11.1 and 11.2, no person, including an enforcement officer, shall exercise a power of entry under this By-law to enter a place or part of a place that is actually being used as a dwelling unless:


     (a) the occupier of the dwelling, having been informed that the right of entry may be refused, consents to
     the entry; or


     (b) if the occupier refuses to consent, an order is issued pursuant to section 438 of the Municipal Act, 2001
     or a warrant is issued pursuant to section 439 of the Municipal Act, 2001, or a warrant is issued under the
     Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33.

 12. REVOCATION

12.1 The Chief Building Official may revoke a licence where:

 

     (a) the erection or alteration of the sign authorized by the licence has not, in the opinion of the Chief
     Building Official, been seriously commenced within six (6) months of the date of the issuance of the
     licence;

 

     (b) the erection or alteration of the sign authorized by the licence has not, in the opinion of the Chief
     Building Official, been substantially completed within twelve (12) months of the date of the issuance of the
     licence;


     (c) the licence was issued on mistaken, false or incorrect information;


     (d) the licence was issued in error;


     (e) the owner requests in writing that the licence be revoked;


     (f) any fees due under this By-law have not been paid;


     (g) in the opinion of the Chief Building Official, the sign has become an abandoned sign; or


     (h) any required approval obtained prior to the licence issuance has been revoked, rescinded or retracted.


12.2 Before revoking a licence issued pursuant to this by-law, the Chief Building Official shall provide the owner and any other person as the Chief Building Official deems appropriate with written notice of the Chief Building Official’s intention to revoke the licence.


12.3 Notice of a proposed revocation shall be served personally or by ordinary mail to the licensee’s last known address, and if the notice is served by ordinary mail, it shall be deemed to have been served on the fifth day after the day of mailing.


12.4 An owner or any other person to whom notice is served may, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of service of the notice, request in writing that the Chief Building Official not revoke the licence and shall include therein the reasons for the request.


12.5 When a request is made that the licence not be revoked, the Chief Building Official shall consider the reasons provided in the request and any other considerations he or she deems appropriate and shall thereafter provide the requestor with his or her decision in writing.


12.6 The decision of the Chief Building Official on a written request to not revoke a licence shall be served personally or by ordinary mail to the requestor’s last known address, and if the decision is served by ordinary mail, it shall be deemed to have been served on the fifth day after the day of mailing.


12.7 The Chief Building Official’s decision under Section 12.6 shall be final.


12.8 Where a written request to not revoke is not filed within twenty-one (21) days from the date of service of notice of the intention to revoke a licence, and the ground for revocation continues to exist, the Chief Building Official may proceed to revoke the licence.


12.9 Where the Chief Building Official revokes a licence, written notice of the revocation shall be provided to the owner and any other person as the Chief Building Official deems appropriate.


12.10 Notice of the revocation of a licence shall be served personally or by ordinary mail to the licensee’s last known address, and if the notice is served by ordinary mail, it shall be deemed to have been served on the fifth day after the day of mailing.


12.11 Where the Chief Building Official has revoked a licence, the owner or licensee shall within seventy-two (72) hours either remove the sign that was erected pursuant to the revoked licence or, where appropriate and at the discretion of the Chief Building Official, make blank white with no graphics.

 13. ENFORCEMENT

13.1 The Clerk or Chief Building Official may issue an order to any person who:

 

     (a) has erected or altered, or has caused to be erected or altered, an advertising device without first having
     obtained a licence to do so; or


     (b) having obtained a licence, has erected or altered, or has caused to be erected or altered, an advertising
     device contrary to the licence issued,


     (c) and the order shall require the advertising device to be brought into compliance with this By-law within
     fourteen (14) days.


13.2 The order shall set out reasonable particulars of the contravention adequate to identify the contravention, the location of the contravention and the date by which the advertising device must be brought into compliance with this By-law.


13.3 Where an order has been issued and an advertising device has not been brought into compliance with this By-law within fourteen (14) days, the Chief Building Official, Clerk, or enforcement officer may remove or cause to be removed the advertising device or any part thereof and/or may take any action necessary to prevent the advertising device from being displayed in a manner that is contrary to this By-law, and the Town may recover the costs incurred through an action or by adding the costs to the tax roll for the lot on which the advertising device was located and collecting them in the same manner as property taxes.


13.4 Where an advertising device or any part thereof has been removed by the Town, the advertising device or any part thereof may be stored or disposed of as the Clerk or the Chief Building Official deem appropriate. The Town may enforce the associated care and storage costs by claiming a lien under the Repair and Storage Liens Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. R.25.


13.5 Sections 13.1 to 13.3 do not apply to any portable sign or mobile sign.

 14. OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

14.1 Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law including an order issued under this By-law is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $350 and not more than $10,000. (By-law 2011-068) (Amended by By-law 2011-068)

 

14.2 A director or officer of a corporation who knowingly concurs in the violation or contravention by a corporation of any provision of this By-law is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a minimum fine of not less than $350 and a maximum fine of not more than $100,000. 0 (By-law 2011-068). (Amended by By-law 2011-068)


14.3 An offence under this By-law constitutes a continuing offence and for each day or part of a day that the offence continues, the minimum fine shall be $350 and the maximum fine shall be $10,000.


14.4 Upon a conviction being entered, the Court in which the conviction was entered and any Court of competent jurisdiction thereafter may, in addition to any other remedy and to any penalty imposed in this By-law, make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the offence by the person convicted and/or for the removal of any and all advertising devices.


14.5 No person shall hinder or obstruct, or attempt to hinder or obstruct, the Clerk, Chief Building Official, enforcement officer or any other authorized employee or agent of the Town in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this By-law.


14.6 Withholding, destroying, concealing or refusing to furnish any information or thing required by the Clerk or Chief Building Official or other authorized employee or agent of the Town in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this By-law shall be deemed to be hindering the enforcement of this By-law.

15. CONFLICTING LEGISLATION
15.1 Where there is any conflict between the provisions of this By-law and any of the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001, the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001 shall prevail to the extent of the conflict.
16. ADMINISTRATION & ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

16.1 The Chief Building Official shall be responsible for the administration of this By-law.


16.2 The Clerk and the Chief Building Official shall be responsible for the enforcement of this By-law.

17. INTERPRETATION AND VALIDITY

17.1 If a Court of competent jurisdiction declares to be invalid, unenforceable, illegal or beyond the powers of Council to enact, any provisions or parts of any provisions of this By-law, it is the intention of Council in enacting this By-law that the remainder of this By-law shall be deemed to be separate and independent therefrom and that the remainder of this By-law shall continue in force and be applied and enforced in accordance with its terms to the fullest extent possible according to law.

 

17.2 Any reference to a statute, regulation, by-law or other legislation in this By-law shall include such statute, regulation, by-law or other legislation or provision thereof as amended, revised, re-enacted and/or consolidated from time to time and any successor legislation thereto.

18. SCHEDULES

18.1 The following Schedules shall form an integral part of this By-Law:


(a) Schedule “A” – Non-Refundable Fees;


(b) Schedule “B” – Licence Periods;


(c) Schedule “C” – Election Signs;


(d) Schedule “D” – Banner Signs;


(e) Schedule “E” – Ground Signs;


(f) Schedule “F” – Inflatable Signs;


(g) Schedule “G” – Mobile Signs;


(h) Schedule “H” – Portable Signs;


(i) Schedule “I” – Projected Display Signs;


(j) Schedule “J” – Projecting Signs;


(k) Schedule “K” – Roof Signs;


(l) Schedule “L” – Wall Signs; and


(m) Schedule “M” – Window Signs.

19. SHORT TITLE

19.1 This By-Law may be referred to as the Sign By-law.

20. REPEAL

20.1 This By-law repeals By-law No. 1995-056, as amended by By-law 98-020, as of the date of final passage of this By-law.

21. FORCE AND EFFECT

21.1 This By-law shall come into force and take effect on the date of final passage hereof.

 

Original signed by Rebecca Murphy, Clerk and Rob Keffer, Mayor.

SCHEDULE "A" - NON-REFUNDABLE FEES

 

DESCRIPTION

FEE

Temporary Signs

Inflatable Sign

Mobile Sign

$125

Permanent Signs

Ground Sign

Projecting Sign

Roof Sign

Wall Sign

Projected Display Sign

$20/m2 of sign face (minimum fee of $50)

Temporary and Permanent Signs

Non-Profit Entities

$0 for temporary signs

$50 for permanent signs

Town Removal of Non-Compliant Sign

$100 + $10/day storage fee

Sign Variances

$800 for applications requiring Council approval

$400 for applications requiring CBO approval

Council Review of Decisions of CBO

$800

SCHEDULE "B" - LICENCE PERIODS

 

Sign Type

Schedule

Period

 

Banner Signs

D

60 days

 

Ground Signs

E

10 years

 

Inflatable Signs

F

30 days

 

Mobile Signs

G

30 days

 

Portable Signs

H

60 days

 

Projected Display Signs

I

5 years

 

Projecting Signs

J

5 years

 

Roof Signs

K

10 years

 

Wall Signs

L

5 years

 

SCHEDULE "C" - ELECTION SIGNS

Replaced by By-law 2022-59


1) Except as noted in this Schedule, an Election Sign shall comply with the Canada Elections Act, 2000, the Election Act, 1990, the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Ministry of Transportation regulations, and the County of Simcoe Sign By-law, as applicable, and comply with all of the applicable requirements of this By-law, as amended, depending upon the type of Election Sign being erected.


2) No person shall erect or display an Election Sign:


     (a) in the case of a federal or provincial election, prior to the issuance of the writ of election; and


     (b) in the case of a municipal election, prior to the first Tuesday after Labour Day of a regular election year
     and in the case of a by-election, at the close of nominations.


3) An Election Sign shall not exceed:


     (a) an aggregate sign face of 1.5 square metres (16 square feet); and


     (b) an aggregate height of 1.5 metres (5 feet),
     except for paid advertising on an Electronic Billboard or Mobile Digital LED Billboard Truck.


4) An Election Sign shall not be erected:


     (a) on any property owned or occupied by the Town, including, but not limited to, public parks, municipal
     building or facility, or public road allowance;

     (b) within, to or upon anything located on a road allowance including a utility pole, a light pole, a utility
     box, a tree, a planter, a bench, a waste receptacle, a newspaper box, or a mailbox;


     (c) within the sight triangle of an intersection;


     (d) closer than 1.0 metre (3 feet) from the edge of the travelled portion of a public highway;


     (e) where there is a sidewalk, within 1.0 metre (3 feet) of such sidewalk; and


     (f) without the express consent of the owner and/or occupant of the property


5) Despite subsection 4(a), an Election Sign is permitted in a public road allowance if it is erected no closer than 1.0 metre (3 feet) from the travelled portion of the roadway abutting a residential, commercial or industrial lot.


6) Not more than one (1) Election Sign is permitted per Candidate or Registered Third Party on any one lot. For a lot with more than one (1) abutting road allowance, the number of Elections Signs per Candidate or Registered Third Party can be no more than the number of abutting road allowances on the lot.


7) Despite section 6, owners of, or tenants in, multi-residential buildings greater than four units are permitted to display election signs on the premises that they own or lease (i.e. windows or balconies) subject to any reasonable restrictions on the size and type of election sign that may be established by the landlord, property manager, co-operative or condominium corporation.

 

8) Despite Section 2 and 3, an Election Sign may be placed, erected or displayed at a Campaign Office provided that:

 

     (a) the Candidate has filed his or her nomination or in the case of a Registered Third Party, registered with
     the Clerk, Chief Electoral Officer or the returning officer of the electoral district, as applicable; and


     (b) the Election Sign at the Campaign Office may be larger than 16 square feet, provided they otherwise
     comply with the provisions within the By-law, as applicable.


9) An Election Sign may be posted in or on a vehicle and must otherwise comply with this Schedule. Candidates may have one campaign vehicle which contains a maximum of two Election Signs and such campaign vehicle is permitted within a road allowance.


10) Election Signs shall be removed no later than 48 hours after Voting Day of the election for which the Election Sign was erected.


11) No person shall deface or wilfully cause damage to a lawfully erected Election Sign.


12) A permit under this By-law shall not be required to post, erect or display an Election Sign that is posted, erected or displayed in compliance with this Schedule and this By-law.


13) Where an Election Sign has been affixed, erected or otherwise displayed in contravention of any provision of the Canada Elections Act, 2000, Election Act, 1990, Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Ministry of Transportation regulations, County of Simcoe Sign By-law, or this By-law, the Chief Building Official, Clerk, municipal law enforcement officer, or any other individual designated by the Clerk may cause the sign to be removed immediately without notice to the owner, and may dispose of such sign without taking any further action.

SCHEDULE "D" - BANNER SIGNS

1) A banner sign shall not:


     (a) extend over any portion of a highway or public thoroughfare;


     (b) have a sign face that exceeds 22 square metres (237 square feet); and


     (c) be erected within:


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of a traffic control device,


          (ii) 3 metres (10 feet) of any rear or interior side lot line, or


          (iii) 10 metres (33 feet) of another banner sign.


2) Upon the expiry of licence for a banner sign, the banner sign must be immediately removed.


3) A person erecting or displaying a banner sign shall provide the Town with such evidence that is satisfactory to the Clerk evidencing satisfactory public liability insurance coverage.


4) Only one (1) licence for a banner sign may be issued in respect of a particular building in any four (4) month period.


5) A banner sign shall not be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "E" - GROUND SIGNS

1) A ground sign shall:


     (a) where required, be set in concrete footings of sufficient size and weight to prevent the overturning of
     the sign, to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official;


     (b) have a maximum of two (2) sign faces, erected back-to-back, and no one sign face shall have an area
     of greater than 0.3 square metres (3 square feet) for each 1.0 metre (3 feet) of lot frontage to a maximum
     of 22 square metres (237 square feet);


     (c) not exceed the following height requirements:


          (i) 3.5 metres (11 feet) when erected on a lot that has frontage of less than or equal to 20 metres (66
          feet),


          (ii) 5.0 metres (16 feet) when erected on a lot that has frontage of more than 20 metres (66 feet) but
          less than or equal to 30 metres (98 feet),


          (iii) 6.5 metres (21 feet) when erected on a lot that has frontage of more than 30 metres (98 feet) but
          less than or equal to 40 metres (131 feet), or


          (iv) 8.5 metres (28 feet) when erected on a lot that has frontage of more than 40 metres (131 feet);


     (d) not be erected within:


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic control device, or


          (ii) 1.5 metres (5 feet), or a distance equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the height of the ground
          sign, whichever is greater, of any lot line; and


     (e) display an illuminated or reflective street or municipal address.


2) A maximum of one ground sign may be erected on a lot having frontage of 100 metres (328 feet) or less. A second ground sign may be permitted on a lot having frontage greater than 100 metres (328 feet) provided that the ground sign is at least 100 metres (328 feet) apart from another ground sign on the same lot.


3) On a corner lot, only one ground sign may be erected in the triangular space formed by the street property lines for a distance of 15 metres (49 feet) from their point of intersection.


4) A ground sign shall not be erected within 10 metres (33 feet) of another lawful ground sign.


5) For the purposes of this Schedule, frontage means the linear length of a lot or building that abuts a highway and includes the frontage of a shopping centre.


6) A ground sign may be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "F" - INFLATABLE SIGNS

1) An inflatable sign shall:


     (a) comply with all applicable standards prescribed by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada;


     (b) not be a third-party sign;


     (c) not be erected on a vacant lot;


     (d) not be erected in a parking space;


     (e) not exceed 5 metres (16 feet) in height; and


     (f) not be erected within:


     (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic signalization,


          (ii) 3.0 metres (10 feet) of any lot line, or


          (iii) 25 metres (82 feet) of any other inflatable sign.


2) Upon the expiry of a licence for an inflatable sign, the inflatable sign must be immediately removed.


3) Only one licence for an inflatable sign may be issued in respect of a particular lot in any six (6) month period.


4) An inflatable sign shall not be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "G" - MOBILE SIGNS

1) A mobile sign shall:


     (a) have a maximum of two (2) sign faces and no one sign face shall have an area of greater than 4.5
     square metres (48 square feet);


     (b) not exceed 2.45 metres (8 feet) in height from grade;


     (c) not be erected on a vacant lot;


     (d) not be erected in a parking space;


     (e) not be erected on the same lot on which a portable sign has already been erected until such portable
     sign has been removed; and


     (f) not be erected within


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic signalization,


          (ii) 3.0 metres (10 feet) of any lot line, or


          (iii) 30 metres (100 feet) of any other mobile sign.


     (g) not be a third-party sign.

     (Added by By-law 2022-78)


2) Upon the expiry of a licence for a mobile sign, the mobile sign must be immediately removed.


3) Only one licence for a mobile sign may be issued in respect of a particular lot in any four (4) month period.


4) A mobile sign may be illuminated provided that it will not adversely affect adjacent properties as determined by the Town.

SCHEDULE "H" - PORTABLE SIGNS

1) A portable sign shall:


     (a) have a maximum of two (2) sign faces and no one sign face shall have an area of greater than 0.55
     square metres (6 square feet);


     (b) be removed and stored indoors each evening after the close of business on the lot upon which the
     portable sign is erected;


     (c) not exceed 1.0 metres (3 feet) in height from grade;


     (d) not be a third-party sign;


     (e) not be erected on a vacant lot;


     (f) not be erected in a parking space;


     (g) not be displayed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. EST;


     (h) not be erected on the same lot on which a mobile sign has already been erected until such mobile sign
     has been removed; and

 

          (i) not be erected within:


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic signalization, or


          (ii) 3.0 metres (10 feet) of any rear or interior side lot line.


2) The owner of a portable sign shall ensure that at all times, a minimum 1.0 metre (3 foot) radius surrounding the portable sign is kept clear to allow passage by and around the portable sign.


3) The owner of a portable sign must at all times maintain adequate general liability insurance to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official and must furnish proof of such insurance upon any reasonable request from the Chief Building Official.


4) The owner of a portable sign shall ensure that such a sign is designed and installed to withstand wind gusts of at least 60 km/hr (37 mi/hr), such as bottom-weighted wind flex signs.


5) Only one (1) licence for a portable sign may be issued in respect of a particular lot in any four (4) month period.


6) A portable sign shall not be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "I" - PROJECTED DISPLAY SIGNS

1) A projected display sign shall not:


     (a) exceed one projected display sign per lot;


     (b) be displayed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. EST;


     (c) have a sign face that exceeds 28 square metres (302) square feet; and


     (d) be erected within:


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic signalization,


          (ii) 3 metres (10 feet) of any lot line, or


          (iii) 25 metres (82 feet) of any other projected display sign.


2) A projected display sign may be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "J" - PROJECTING SIGNS

1) A projecting sign shall not:


     (a) exceed a sign face of 1.5 square metres (16 square feet) per face;


     (b) exceed one projecting sign erected on the elevation of any building;


     (c) be erected in a manner that allows any part of the projecting sign to be visible above the roof line of the
     building;


     (d) be erected less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above grade;


     (e) project out from the building more than 76 centimetres (30 inches); and


     (f) project over a lot line unless satisfactory permission is obtained from the rightful adjacent owner.


     (g) be a third-party sign. 

     (Added by By-law 2022-78)

 

2) Projecting signs that use mast arm structures are subject to the following additional regulations:

 

     (a) no mast arm shall project out from the building more than 76 centimetres (30 inches) inclusive of
     hardware and brackets;


     (b) the support pole or mast shall be of wrought iron or wrought aluminum construction and shall have a
     sway chain; and


     (c) the sign face shall be of metal or wooden construction only.


3) Notwithstanding the limitation in Section 1(b) of this Schedule, first party projecting signs shall be permitted to exceed one (1) projecting sign per elevation in buildings containing multiple tenants.


4) A projecting sign may be illuminated but not back lit.

SCHEDULE "K" - ROOF SIGNS

1) A roof sign shall:


     (a) not exceed one roof sign per building;


     (b) not exceed the height restrictions applicable to the building as set out in the Town’s Zoning By-law;


     (c) not exceed a maximum height of 5 metres (16 feet) above the roof to which it is mounted;


     (d) not display a sign face in excess of 18.5 square metres (200 square feet);


     (e) not be erected within


          (i) 15 metres (49 feet) of an intersection or traffic control device, or


          (ii) 25 metres (82 feet) of any other roof sign.


2) The supporting members of a roof sign shall appear to be free of any extra bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, etc. The supports shall appear to be an architectural and integral part of the building. Supporting columns of round, square or shaped steel members may be erected if the required bracing that may be visible to the public is minimized or covered.


3) A roof sign may be illuminated.

SCHEDULE "L" - WALL (FASCIA) SIGNS

1) A wall sign shall:


     (a) only be erected on the same wall that is used to calculate the maximum sign face for the wall sign;


     (b) be erected in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code;


     (c) in a single-occupant building, shall not exceed a maximum of four (4) wall signs per building, except in
     the case of a building larger than 7,432 square metres (80,000 square feet) which shall be permitted a
     maximum of six (6) wall signs;

     (Amended by By-law 2022-78)


     (d) not extend beyond the extremity of the wall on which the wall sign is erected;


     (e) not project more than 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the surface of the wall upon which the wall sign is
     erected; and


     (f) not extend above the roof line of the wall of the building on which the wall sign is erected, unless the lot
     upon which the building is situated has a frontage greater than 30 metres (98 feet), in which case no more      than twenty-five percent (25%) of the wall sign may extend above the roof line of the wall on which the
     wall sign is erected.


2) The maximum sign area of all wall signs shall not exceed 20% of the total area of the external wall occupied by the Tenant to which they are attached to. Where a wall includes horizontal or vertical indentations, the wall shall be considered to be continuous for purposes of calculating the maximum sign face for the wall sign.
(Amended by By-law 2022-78)


3) A wall sign may only be erected on one of either the first storey or second storey or top storey of a building.


4) A primary and secondary first party sign shall be permitted for each tenant on buildings containing multiple tenants subject to the limitations in Section 3 of this Schedule and Section 6.3 of this By-law.
(Amended by By-law 2022-78)


5) Notwithstanding the limitation in Section 1(c) of this Schedule, a wall may contain one or more lifestyle signs, in addition to one wall sign, provided that the lifestyle signs form or comprise an integral part of the wall, building or structure containing a first party sign and do not project from the wall, building or structure.


6) A wall sign may be illuminated.


7) The following additional regulations apply to canopies and awnings that are used as advertising devices:


     (a) No part of or attachment to a canopy or awning shall project:

 

          (i) over a sidewalk at a height that is less than 2.5 metres (8 feet) above grade, or


          (ii) beyond a point that is 46 centimetres (19 inches) inside the curb line of a street.

 SCHEDULE "M" - WINDOW SIGNS

1) A window sign shall not:

 

     (a) exceed 35% of the area of the affected window, excluding its frame, and


     (b) be located above the third storey of a building.


2) A window sign may be illuminated.

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