Sign Permits

The Town of New Tecumseth enacted a Sign By-law in 2010 which sets out regulations for signs used for business identification or advertising purposes. The regulations of the Sign By-law are administered and enforced by the Municipal By-law Enforcement Department.

You will need a municipal sign permit to install a permanent or portable/mobile sign on private and/or public property.

 

           Sign Permit Application                                       Sign By-law                         

          Types of Signs                    Sign Permit Fees                              FAQ                    

 

Types of Signs

Wall Signs

A wall sign is a sign erected against or attached to the wall of any building and does not project more than 0.6 metres (2 feet) from the wall. Note: A wall sign does not include a billboard sign or blade sign. 

Measurements Required for Wall Signs:

Image showing required wall sign measurements

Additional Information Required for Wall Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, material of sign, advertisement copy, projection).
  • Construction drawings (where and how it will be affixed to the wall, clearance measurement).
  • Indication of whether the sign is illuminated
  • Liability Insurance
Ground Signs

A ground sign is a sign supported by a sign structure embedded in the ground to a depth of at least 0.5 metres (1.5 feet) and which is not attached to any part of a building and used for the purposes of advertising a lawful business or product sold on the premises.

Measurements Required for Ground Signs:

Image showing required ground sign measurements

Additional Information Required for Ground Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, material of sign, advertisement copy, indication of it is double sided).
  • Construction drawings (how sign will be installed including depth into ground)
  • Indication of whether the sign is illuminated
  • Site Plan (showing exactly where the ground sign is to be located with distances to property lines)
  • Liability Insurance
Portable/Mobile Signs

A portable or mobile sign is a free-standing sign erected on but not permanently anchored to the ground, which is specifically designed to be readily moved from one location to another, which does not rely on a building or fixed foundation for its structural support and is usually constructed of a metal frame with a changing copy sign face.

Measurements Required for Portable/Mobile Signs:

Image showing required portable sign measurements

Additional Information Required for Portable/Mobile Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, advertisement copy)
  • Site Plan (showing exactly where the portable/mobile sign is to be located with distances to property lines)
  • Liability Insurance
Blade Signs

A blade sign means a sign mounted on a building façade or attached to a surface perpendicular to the sign’s surface and to the normal flow of traffic.

Measurements Required for Blade Signs:
Image showing required blade sign measurementsAdditional Information Required for Blade Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form 
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, material of sign, advertisement copy, projection).
  • Construction drawings (where and how it will be affixed to the wall, clearance measurement).
  • Liability Insurance
Short Term Signs

A short term sign is a free standing sign which may be anchored to the ground which is designed to be readily moved. A short term sign includes wire signs and banner signs. Note: A short term sign does not include portable/mobile or inflatable signs.

Measurements Required for Short Term Signs:

Image showing required short term sign measurements

Additional Information Required for Short Term Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form 
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, material of sign, advertisement copy)
  • Site Plan/proposed locations
  • Liability Insurance
Sandwich Board Signs

A sandwich board sign is a sign not permanently affixed to the ground, building or structure, which is hinged or otherwise attached at the top enabling the two sign faces to be extended into an “A” shape so as to support the sign.

Measurements Required for Sandwich Board Signs:

Image showing required sandwich board sign measurements

Additional Information Required for Sandwich Board Signs:
  • Sign Permit Application Form
  • Letter of Authorization (if not the owner of the property)
  • Sign Specifications (sign dimensions, advertisement copy)
  • Site Plan (showing exactly where the sandwich board sign is to be located with distances to buildings and/or sidewalks)
  • Liability Insurance (If sign is proposed to be on the sidewalk, liability insurance must include a minimum of $2,000,000 of valid comprehensive general liability insurance and the Town must be named as an additional insured).

 

Sign Permit Fees

Signs Not Located On or Over Municipal Property
Signs Not Located On or Over Municipal Property
Sign TypeFee
Sign Face 1 square metre (10 square feet) or less $84.00 per sign
Sign Face greater than 1 square metre
(10 square feet) 
$84.00 for the first square metre and $32.00 per  additional square metre
Portable/Mobile Signs  $193.00 per sign/per occasion
(maximum 30 days per occasion and up to 3 occasions per calendar year)
 Sandwich Board Signs $115.00 per sign
Signs Located On or Over Municipal Property
Signs Located On or Over Municipal Property
Sign TypeFee
Sign Face 1 square metre (10 square feet) or less $147.00 per sign
Sign Face greater than 1 square metre
(10 square feet) 
$147.00 for the first square metre and $31.75 per  additional square metre
Portable/Mobile Signs $193.00 per sign/per occasion
(maximum 30 days per occasion and up to 3 occasions per calendar year)
Sandwich Board Signs $147.00 per sign

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a sign permit?

Except for the signs referred to in Section 9 of the Sign By-Law, no person shall erect, display, repair or alter a sign unless a sign permit is obtained.

Can I put up a sign on a building or property that I currently rent/lease?

If the applicant is not the owner of the property or building of which the sign or sign structure is to be erected, a signed consent or letter of authorization from the registered owner of the property is required, authorizing the applicant to apply for and erect the proposed sign.

How long does it take to get a sign permit?

Once a complete sign permit application has been submitted that contains all required information, it will be circulated for review. Reviewing departments typically provide comments within one (1) week. If there are no concerns, the sign permit can be issued shortly thereafter. However, if additional information is required or a component of the application has to be addressed, this will extend the sign permit process.

How much does a sign permit cost?

All sign fees are charged in accordance with the Town of New Tecumseth Fees and Charges By-law and can be found above under Sign Permit Fees.

Charitable organizations and community associations are exempt from sign permit fees.

How do I submit a sign permit application?

All sign permit applications can be submitted online by using the Sign Permit Application Form (accessible formats available upon request).

You can also email us with any sign permit general inquires.