Portable signs must:

• Be located entirely within the property lines
• Be located on private property
• Not obstruct the visibility of vehicles
• Not interfere with or be confused with traffic signs, signals or devices
• Not interfere with traffic circulation on the property
• Not reduce the number of required parking spaces

Portable signs can be placed on a different property than the business or event they advertise. This is only allowed if the rules in the bylaw are followed and the property is in a Commercial or Industrial area. Other restrictions apply if the property is in a Public Building area.

Generally, one portable sign is permitted on a parcel at a time. A parcel with more than 78 metres of total frontage may have two portable signs at the same time, provided there is at least 46 metres of separation, measured along the front parcel line.

Portable signs cannot be displayed for more than 180 days.

Property owner permission

The registered property owner must authorize the placement of a portable sign.

If you are placing a sign on property you do not own, obtain the property owner's permission before submitting your application. The City requires evidence of this authorization as part of the application.

Lessees and tenants cannot authorize on behalf of a property owner unless they have signing authority.

Portable signs are signs that can be moved from one place to another. This includes vehicles that are parked mainly to show advertisements.

Signs that are permanently attached to a licensed vehicle and advertise only that business are not considered portable signs.

Portable signs can use electronic screens or video displays.

These size limits apply regardless of the sign's design or construction:

• Maximum sign face: 3.65 metres × 2.43 metres
• Maximum height: 4.58 metres above grade

Portable signs may be illuminated, but they must comply with specific lighting requirements:

• Flashing or intermittent lighting is not permitted
• If the property adjoins a Residential District, the portable sign cannot be illuminated after 10 p.m.
• The method of illumination must be identified as part of the permit application

Portable signs must be maintained in good repair while they are displayed. The name and telephone number of the sign owner must be permanently displayed in a visually prominent location on the sign. 

• Permit fee: $120
• Amendment to approved permit: $35
• Late fee (portable sign installed before permit approval): $140

Portable signs must be located on private property and comply with the requirements of Portable Sign Bylaw 5240.

If a portable sign is found to be in violation, the City may issue written notice requiring the violation to be corrected. If the violation is not corrected within 48 hours, the City may remove and impound the sign.

A portable sign may also be removed and impounded without prior notice if the Bylaw Officer determines that it presents a safety hazard.

Impounded signs are subject to applicable towing and storage fees.

Failure to comply with the bylaw or a notice issued under the bylaw may result in a fine of up to $500.

Complete sets of digital drawings showing:

• All dimensions of the sign structure, including the height and projection of the signs attached to occupiable buildings
• The area of the copy face(s)
• The design of the copy face
• The manner of all sign illumination and/or animation
• The type of construction and finish to be utilized
• The method of supporting or attaching the sign

Complete sets of digital drawings showing:

• All dimensions of the sign structure, including the height and projection of the signs attached to occupiable buildings
• The area of the copy face(s)
• The design of the copy face
• The manner of all sign illumination and/or animation
• The type of construction and finish to be utilized
• The method of supporting or attaching the sign

A Site Plan showing:

• The distance from the nearest parcel line(s)
• The distance from the nearest street, street intersection, traffic control devised and traffic signs
• The distance from the nearest building(s), sign(s) and/or billboard(s) and on-site parking spaces and maneuvering aisles

Complete sets of digital drawings showing:

• All dimensions of the sign structure, including the height and projection of the signs attached to occupiable buildings
• The area of the copy face(s)
• The design of the copy face
• The manner of all sign illumination and/or animation
• The type of construction and finish to be utilized
• The method of supporting or attaching the sign
• A copy of the roof plan of the building drawing showing the position of the sign on the roof of the building

Drawings approved by an Engineer detailing:

• How the sign will be anchored to the roof/structure
• The weight of the sign
• Proof that the roof can accommodate the weight of the sign