Photo by Ingrid, licensed under Creative Commons
By Svetlana Levant
In the past, many signs were installed in Canada without proper permits in place. Today, this situation has changed, as municipal governments are increasingly cracking down on these illegal signs, issuing violation notices and fines to the organizations behind them. This trend appears to be the way of the future and, as such, the need to obtain proper permits through proper channels has never been more important to the sign industry.
Why they’re important
A sign permit is required for most permanent and temporary signs. Municipal governments use permits as an approval process to ensure (a) the size, colour and location of a sign comply with local regulations concerning consistency with the streetscape and (b) the sign’s structural components comply with applicable building codes.
The process to obtain a permit varies in different municipalities. In general, it is getting progressively more detailed and complex. It is fairly standard practice for sign companies to submit an application package that includes several sets of drawings and the intended installation site’s landlord’s authorization. The package typically includes a site plan, elevation drawings and technical structural drawings of all signs involved in the project.
The municipal department in question will then review the application package and drawings to ensure they comply with the local sign bylaw, any zoning regulations pertaining to the site and local building codes. Once the department has reviewed and approved the package, a site copy of the permit is issued.
Failing to obtain the required permits and/or installing signs without a permit can be detrimental to a sign company in many ways. For example, sign companies often rely on a healthy relationship with the municipalities in which they do business. A poor reputation, such as being known for installing illegal signage, can be harmful to a company’s image and will ultimately have a negative impact on that relationship.
There is also an issue of liability. If a sign is installed without a sign permit and the attachments and/or base are not sufficient, then serious harm could occur. Everyone has heard about a sign falling off a wall or being blown away in high winds, presenting real danger to passersby. A sign company can be found criminally negligent if the proper steps were not followed. Going through the permit application process helps ensure a sign proposal is compliant with current building codes with regard to public safety.
In Toronto, the municipal government has issued special multimedia permits for signs at and near Yonge-Dundas Square. Several years ago, the area was even designated a ‘special sign district.’ Photo courtesy Samsung
Addressing issues
One of the most common problems cited by sign companies is the length of time it takes for a permit to be issued—anywhere from one to three weeks in typical circumstances, but sometimes several months or longer—depending on the municipality and the time of year.
The best way to expedite the permit issuance process is to ensure the application is complete and accurate, with all of the information the city department is looking for. Helping make the plans’ examiner’s job as easy as possible, after all, will help get the permit as promptly as possible.
It is also strongly recommended for sign companies to do their best in managing their clients’ expectations by emphasizing how time to acquire permits should be factored into the overall project lead time, just as time would be allotted for production, shipping and other steps.
Knowing how to manoeuvre through the permit application process can also help a sign company be ready for otherwise unforeseen challenges. If a building permit is required for a new building, for example, or an occupancy permit for its tenant, then the city will not be able to issue a sign permit for that building or tenant until the other permit has been approved.
