Sign Permits

A commercial mobile sign is a temporary mobile sign which contains a commercial message or reference or directs persons to a commercial enterprise.

Regulations

Requirements

1. Commercial Mobile signs are only permitted in commercial, industrial and airport zones as set out in Zoning By-law 60-94. They are not permitted in the Central Business District 
2. Commercial Mobile signs are not permitted on vacant or residential lots.
3. Commercial Mobile signs must be accessory to the lawful business on the lot.
4. The maximum display period per year for a commercial mobile sign is 120 days.
5. The maximum sign height is 2.3 m, and the maximum sign area is 6.0 m2.
6. The sign cannot be illuminated by a flashing, intermittent, or rotating, or changing light, beacon or beam.
7. The sign cannot obstruct pedestrian traffic.
8. The sign must comply with the electrical safety code.
9. Electrical wires are not permitted on a parking lot, driveway or walkway.

Commercial Mobile Signs are also subject to the requirements outlined in applicable Site Plan Agreements. Before submitting your temporary sign permit application, kindly forward the site address to our Zoning team at zoningexaminer@oshawa.ca to confirm whether the property is eligible for commercial mobile signage.

A sandwich board sign is a free standing portable temporary sign supported by its own weight and includes an A-frame, A-board and a T-frame sign with advertising.

Requirements

1. Sandwich Board signs are only permitted in the Central Business District (C.B.D.).
2. Sandwich Board signs must maintain both a 1.8 m, minimum width for pedestrian traffic within the boulevard and a 0.6 m minimum setback from the curb or edge of the traveled portion of the street.
3. Sandwich Board signs must be made of plastic, metal or wood and must include an additional weight attached for stability and wind resistance that is situated under the tent of the Sandwich
   Board sign.
4. Sandwich Board signs must be accessory to a lawful business within 3 m of the sign. 
5. Sandwich Board signs must be 3 m from any other Sandwich Board sign. 
6. Sandwich Board signs must be at least 1m from any pay and display parking machines, street furniture or waste receptacles.
7. Sandwich Board signs may not interfere with or obstruct any snow removal or maintenance.
8. Sandwich Board signs must not be erected outside the hours of operation of any business relating to the Sandwich Board sign.
9. Sandwich Board signs must clearly indicate the name of the business or the building unit number where the business is located.
10. The maximum sign height is 1m, and the maximum width is 0.6 m.
11. Only one Sandwich Board sign is permitted for each business unit identified by a municipal address within the C.B.D.
12. A business unit located on an upper floor of a building is eligible for a Sandwich Board sign provided the business unit has a separate front entrance from the street/road such that the upper
    floor entrance is separated from the ground floor entrance.

1. Special Event Banners are only permitted over streets and are permitted in all Commercial Zones.
2. Special Event Banners must have a minimum clearance of 5.5 m from the street.
3. Special Event Banners shall NOT be attached to any street hardware, utility pole or tree.
4. If a Special Event Banner connects to private property, permission from affected property owner must be obtained.
5. Special Event Banners shall remain a minimum of 4 weeks after erection, except where when the event is complete, in which case it must be removed immediately.
6. Public Liability Insurance must be in place in form, content and amount satisfactory to the City. This insurance policy must name the City as a co-insured and shall be in place for the time
   required for the installation and removal of the Special Event Banner and/or support system.

1. Signs Associated with a Temporary Sales Office must be located on or within 50m of an approved Temporary Sales Office.
2.  Building Permit application for Signs Associated with a Temporary Sales Office must be obtained once a temporary sign permit is approved by the Commissioner.