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 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
• Temporary signs

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

The City of Oshawa 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 is not required for:

• an incidental sign with a sign area of 0.4 m2 or less.
• 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 construct a sign

• Submit a permit to construct application for 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, 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.
• Apply for a sandwich board sign online. 

Sign permit fees

The fee for a permit to construct a sign is $303 per sign in 2022 (note this rate increases 3% per year)

The fee to a Temporary Sign Permit is $127 in 2022 (note this rate increases 3% per year)

Window signs

Window Signs are permitted in all zones and do not require a permit, 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.

Sandwich Board sign permit

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

Council has extended the Pilot Project to permit Sandwich Board Signs in the Central Business District (C.B.D.) Zones in the Downtown. Business owners can place sandwich board signs on private properties and within the public boulevard, including the sidewalk.

Business owners in the C.B.D. Zones in the Downtown are required to obtain a Sandwich Board 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 Application Form.