Sign Permits

Sign By-law 72-96 controls the details of signs in the City by defining rules related to their size, location and the type of sign permitted.

The City of Oshawa issues building permits for the construction and installation of signs, including:

• Fascia signs
• Ground signs
• Canopy signs
• Pylon signs
• Projecting signs
• Banner signs
• LED message boards (read-o-graphs)
• Billboards

By getting a Building Permit, you ensure your sign meets all the requirements of the Ontario Building Code and Sign By-law.

The City of Oshawa issues a (Temporary) Sign Permit for the erection of signs including:

• Commercial Mobile Signs
• Sandwich Board Signs (in the Central Business District only)
• Special Event Banners erected over streets / roads
• All signs associated with a Temporary Sales office

Learn more about (Temporary) Signs on our Info Sheet

By getting a (Temporary) Sign Permit, you ensure your sign meets all the requirements of the Sign By-law. 

The Sign By-law sets the size, use, location and maintenance of signs and advertising devices within the City. If your proposed sign does not meet the Sign By-law regulations, you can apply for a Sign Variance.

A building permit or sign permit is not required for:

• an incidental sign with a sign area of 0.4 m2 or less.
• a window sign, provided that the sign is placed inside, upon, marked, inscribed on, or attached to the inside of a window or door for the purpose of viewing from outside the premises.
• the following Temporary Signs, provided each sign complies with the provisions of the Sign By-law:
  • Home builders identification signs
  • Real Estate open house signs
  • Community event signs

Apply for a permit to install a sign

• Submit a Building Permit application to construct a fascia, ground, canopy, pylon, projecting, LED message boards, or billboard signs to [email protected].
• Submit a (Temporary) Sign Permit application for commercial mobile signs, sandwich board signs, banners over a street, or signs associated with a temporary sales office to [email protected].  Please contact zoning to determine if the proposed location permits a temporary sign.

Fees

The fee for a permit to construct a sign is $312 per sign in 2023 (note this rate increases 3% per year)

The fee to a Temporary Sign Permit is $131 in 2023 (note this rate increases 3% per year)

Sandwich Board Signs

Sandwich Board signs are an important tool for business owners to advertise their businesses, particularly during the summer season, in the downtown.

Business owners in the C.B.D. Zones in the Downtown are required to obtain a (Temporary) Sign Permit from the City to place a Sandwich Board Sign on their private property or within the public boulevard, including the sidewalk.

To apply for Sandwich Board Sign permit, complete the (Temporary) Sign Permit application.