Sign Permits

Sign Permit Application

A Guide to the
Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law No. 2005-439

By-Law No. 2005-439 regulates the design, construction, installation, relocation, alteration, and repair of permanent signs located on private property in the City of Ottawa.

The Sign By-Law describes regulations that may impact on the design of your sign.

The By-law regulations were developed to ensure that signs installed on private property are appropriate for the permitted use of the land. The regulations govern the sign type, location, size, dimensions, and illumination aspects of the sign.

The zoning of your property will be required to determine what signs are permitted under the by-law. Each zone has been classified under one of five District regulations, each District permitting compatible signage. To confirm the zoning of your property, contact a Development Information Officer (DIO). Alternatively, you can use eMAP on the City’s website to determine your zoning. A step-by-step guide is available by visiting how to find your zoning .

What Signs Require a Permanent Sign Permit?

The Permanent Sign on Private Property By-law requires any individual involved in the installation, relocation or alteration of a sign located on private property within the City of Ottawa to obtain a sign permit.

You do not need a Sign Permit if…

Generally, the following signs are exempt:

Official signs or signs on public property as approved by City Council
Incidental signs (bench, bicycle racks, etc.)
Election signs
Lettering on licensed motor vehicles
Some small non-illuminated information signs
Official flags

PLEASE NOTE: signs must comply with the safety and maintenance requirements of the By-Law even if exempt.

Prohibited Signs

Generally, the following signs are prohibited:

Roof signs (a sign, other than an inflatable sign, that is, in any way, supported by or affixed to a roof)
Signs on stationary vehicles or trailers
Signs on sheds, poles, fences, posts, etc.
Signs that imitate, resemble, or could be mistaken for a traffic control device or official sign
Signs that could obstruct the view or visibility of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, a traffic control device, or an official sign
Signs that are illuminated or animated in such a way that it constitutes a hazardous distraction for vehicular or pedestrian traffic
Signs that could, in any manner, endanger a person or property
Signs that interfere with electrical light, power or telephone wires
Signs that obstruct windows, doors or fire escapes

How to Apply for your Permanent Sign Permit

A permit is required before constructing, relocating, renovating or installing a sign. Your submission package shall include the following:

Completed Application: Form 1 and Form 2
Fees
Submission Requirements

PLEASE NOTE: Fees are due when you submit your application and can be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. Please note that credit card transactions over $3,000 cannot be accepted.

Submissions can be made via:

Visit: Client Service Centre
Mail: Building Code Services Branch
City of Ottawa
Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Drive
Ottawa ON K2G 5K7

Please ensure your submission package is complete to avoid unnecessary delays.

Design Considerations

While the Sign By-law controls the size, height, location, etc., of signs, additional consideration must be given to the following elements:

The architectural features of your building and surrounding buildings
The character of your area
Whether your sign is geared to pedestrian or vehicular traffic
The location, size, shape, content, lettering and colours of the sign in relation to the building façade and existing signs

Additional Approvals are Required when:

Site Plan Control Approval: Where there is previous Site Plan Control Approval, a new or re-located freestanding ground sign may generate a requirement to revise the approved plan.
Ministry of Transportation: All signs located within 400 metres and visible from a Provincial Highway must obtain a Ministry of Transportation sign permit prior to City of Ottawa approval.
National Capital Commission: Signs adjacent to a NCC Ceremonial Route, Confederation Boulevard, may require NCC Design Approval.
Building Permit: Structures that exceed the scope of the Sign By-law will require a Building Permit.
Professional Design: Professionally engineered drawings may be required for free standing ground sign structures, wall signs, and canopy signs depending on the size, weight and height of the proposal.
Heritage Approval: Signs proposed for heritage buildings may require approval by the Planning Branch.

Contact Information

Phone: 613-580-2424, ext. 41162
E-mail: mailto:addressingandsigns@ottawa.ca