Explore February’s By-law of the Month
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Learn everything you
need to know about Vaughan’s Sign By-law
By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for
all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores
a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at
the Sign By-law.
Here are the basics
The Sign
By-law outlines rules around the use of signs to ensure they do not impact the
appearance of the community or the
safety of residents.
Signs put up in Vaughan must comply with the Sign By-law, and
require a City-issued permit in some cases. There have been recent reports of
stickers being placed on City signs and excessive numbers of posters. This is
against the by-law and could result in a fine and the removal of the stickers
or posters. The fine for a first offence is $400 up to $20,000 and for repeat
offences up to $50,000.
Find out more about the guidelines for some commonly seen signs
around Vaughan.
Lawn signs can be used by renovators, fence installers, pavers, landscapers
and pool installers that are licensed in the city
of Vaughan, and by trades licensed or otherwise
certified by provincial legislation. Lawn signs:
- may only be displayed with a property owner’s permission.
- may not exceed 0.6 square metres.
- can display the business’ municipal licence number.
- must be removed within five business days after the work has been completed.
Real estate signs are temporary signs that advertise a building, property or premises as for
sale, lease or rent. Only one sign per lot is allowed. Real estate signs:
- must be removed within 14 days after an offer is accepted to purchase, lease or rent the premises.
- must list the address of the property being advertised.
Mobile signs are portable signs that are designed to have its content changed. A
permit is required to display a mobile sign in Vaughan.
When
a sign is installed without a permit on property owned by/under the
jurisdiction of the City, the sign could be removed without notice. When a sign
is installed without a permit on private property, the City may issue a letter
stating the sign must be removed. If the sign is not removed, the City may
remove it at the sign owner’s expense.
Any person violating the Sign By-law may
be fined up to $20,000 for each offence. Any corporation violating the Sign
By-law may be fined up to $50,000 for each offence.