Sign Permit

A sign permit is required whenever a new permanent sign is installed on a building or into the ground, or if you plan to install a temporary sign.

Refer to the following guides to determine what type of sign permit you require:

• Permanent Sign Guide
• Temporary Sign Guide

Installing a sign in the Town of Oakville without a valid permit is a violation of the town’s by-laws and can result in the sign being removed and/or charges laid.

Any change to the structure, face, or attachment details of a previously approved sign, including adding, removing, or rearranging parts, is considered an alteration and would require an alteration permit. 

However, simply changing the message displayed or performing maintenance on the sign structure does not count as an alteration.

A single-faced sign, constructed of a permanent and rigid material, that is attached and positioned parallel to the exterior wall of a building or structure and shall not include a window sign or a canopy sign

To apply for a fascia sign, you must complete a fixed sign permit application and provide drawings of the proposed sign. The drawings must include:

• Section through wall, showing wall thickness, floor and/or roof construction and anchorage.
• Show elevations of the structure to which the sign is to be attached, showing the location of openings, thickness, construction and dimensions of the wall. 
• The proposed location of the sign, the height of the sign above the sidewalk and the projection of the sign beyond the street line, if any.
• Depict the proposed sign, its weight and structure including dimensions, copy design and materials (type of bolts/screws, length, material, etc.).
• Show all lettering and lighting (including colour) on the sign(s).

Additional drawing requirements:

• If the sign weighs more than 115 kg (253 lbs) – a design sealed by a Professional Engineer (PEO) or Architect (OAA).
• All signs not designed by an engineer and/or architect, a Schedule 1 Designer Information form (pdf) completed by the sign designer. The designer must complete and sign the form and provide the basis for exemption (OBC Div. C. Clauses 3.2.4.1.(3)(g) or 3.2.5.1.(3)(f)). 

You also must provide:

• A letter of authorization from the property owner/agent.
• A current plan of survey certified by a registered Ontario Land Surveyor showing the location of the proposed sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot, setback from the property line, adjacent streets, driveways, traffic lights and any buildings on the lot.
• Proof of general liability insurance with the Town of Oakville named as additional insured or co-insured for no less than three million dollars. Insurance to be submitted by sign installer.
• Ministry of Transportation approval (certificate) if the sign(s) is within 400 metres of any 400 Series Highway.
• For awning applications – documentation showing that the material meets Canadian flame spread rating CAN-ULC-S109.

Note that additional approvals and fees may be required if the sign encroaches or overhangs municipal property. Additional approvals will also be required if the proposed sign is to be installed on a designated heritage property.

Sign alterations

If you are applying for a sign alteration, drawings showing the alteration to the sign are required.

A double or single-faced freestanding sign that is permanently affixed to the ground and not supported in any manner by a building.

Before applying for a permit for a ground sign, including directory signs, monolith signs, drive-through pre-sale menu board signs and drive-through menu board signs, consult Sign By-law 2018-153 for maximum sign face area and maximum message area requirements. Ground signs also require a portion of the sign to be open construction (the portion of a ground sign free from the display surface or face of the sign), depending on the height and sign face area of the sign. Consult the sign by-law for specific requirements for open construction.

To apply for a ground sign, you must complete a fixed sign permit application online and provide duplicate copies of sign drawings with the application. The drawings must show:

• The proposed sign, sign structure, location, height sign face area, message area and open construction area including dimensions, copy design and materials and how the sign is affixed/installed in the ground.
• All lettering and lighting (including colour) on the sign(s).
• Details of connection and fasteners to be used.

Additional drawing requirements:

• If the sign weighs more than 115 kg (253 lbs), drawings/design must be sealed by a Professional Engineer (PEO) or Architect (OAA).
• Ground signs with height exceeding 7.5 metres must include a design sealed by a Professional Engineer or Architect and reviewed on site.
• All signs not designed by an engineer and/or architect, require a Schedule 1 Designer Information form (pdf) completed by the sign designer. The designer must complete and sign the form and provide the basis for exemption (OBC Div. C. Clauses 3.2.4.1.(3)(g) or 3.2.5.1.(3)(f)). 

You must also provide:

• A current plan of survey certified by a registered Ontario Land Surveyor, when required, on which is shown the location of the proposed sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot, setback from the property lines, adjacent streets, driveways, traffic lights and any buildings on the lot.
• Proof of general liability insurance with the Town of Oakville named as additional insured or co-insured for no less than three million dollars. Insurance to be submitted by sign installer.
• A letter of authorization from the property owner/agent.
• Ministry of Transportation approval if the sign(s) is within 400 metres of any 400 Series Highway.

Note that additional approvals and fees may be required if the sign encroaches on municipal property. Additional approvals will also be required if the proposed sign is to be installed on a designated heritage property.

Sign alterations

If you are applying for a sign alteration, drawings showing the alteration to the sign are required.

A component of a ground sign that is designed to have alphanumeric characters and digital images that can be readily changed or rearranged by electronic means without altering the face of the sign and displays information in a prearranged sequence.

Please refer to the Sign By-law for the regulations on static electronic message boards. To apply for a Static Electronic Message Board, you must complete a static electronic message board permit application online. Your application must include drawings that show:

• The proposed sign, sign structure, location and height including dimensions and how the sign is installed in the ground.
• Cross-section views of the proposed sign and sign structure, including the dimensions, copy design and materials (ie. types of bolts/screws, length, etc.).
• All lettering and lighting on the sign.
• Maximum sign face area of the static electronic message board portion per sign.

You must also provide:

• A current plan of survey certified by a registered Ontario Land Surveyor, when required, on which is shown the location of the proposed sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot, setback from the property lines, adjacent streets, driveways, traffic lights and any buildings on the lot.
• Engineering drawings.
• Traffic Impact report that is stamped and signed by a professional transportation engineer.
• Proof of general liability insurance with the Town of Oakville named as additional insured or co-insured for no less than three million dollars. Insurance to be submitted by sign installer.
• A letter of authorization from the property owner/agent.
• Ministry of Transportation approval if the sign is within 400 meters of any 400 Series Highway.
• Proof of approval for the proposed sign from all other governmental authorities having jurisdiction (Conservation Halton, Halton Region).

Note that additional approvals and fees may be required if the sign encroaches or overhangs municipal property. Properties with a static electronic message board are not permitted to display a mobile sign.