Sign permits in Markham: forms, plans and fee

Check whether you need a permit

A sign permit applies to the installation of permanent signs such as: wall signs, ground signs, and projecting signs.
It also applies to specific types of temporary signs, including: real estate development signs, subdivision development signs and hoarding signs.
You do need a building permit for installing an exterior sign.
If you are unsure of what building permit type is most appropriate for your project, please contact the Building Counter at 905.475.4870 to confirm before submitting your application.

Only if you apply for a mobile sign permit

Apply for a mobile sign permit, if needed

The City of Markham provides its business owners with the opportunity to apply for mobile sign permits online. The application process has two steps:

Step One

The applicant provides the required information on the screens that follow including the location, duration and date the permit being requested. Licensing staff will review the permit request to determine eligibility.

Step Two

The applicant is advised by email if the permit is approved or not and if approved, the applicant is directed to the City secured payment site to complete the transaction. If the permit is not approved, the applicant is advised by email that the permit is refused.
Upon successful completion of online payment, your mobile sign permit is approved. Your payment receipt is your permit.

Mobile sign contact

For further information on mobile sign permit applications, please contact the By-Law Licensing Department at 905.477.7000 extension 2297.

Only if candidates and third party advertisers put up election signs on municipal roads and private property

Election signs, for candidates and third party advertisers

In order to put up election signs on municipal roads and private property in Markham, candidates and third party advertisers need a permit from the City of Markham.

How to register for a permit(s)

Step 1: Fill out the Election Sign Permit Application
Step 2: Allow 24 hours to process application
Step 3: City staff will contact you to with information regarding Markham’s election sign regulations
Step 4: You will receive instructions on how to pay for your permit online
$294 City of Markham Municipal Road Election Sign Permit
Municipal permits can be purchased online (via Markham’s Licensing Department Payment Portal) after the application has been processed
Step 5: After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation email that your application has been approved and that your requested permit(s) have been issued
Election signs cannot be erected until your application is approved and payment has been received and confirmed.

Size requirements

Sign Area: 1.49 square metres (≈ 16 sq ft) (16 square feet (≈ 1.49 m²)) maximum
Height: 1.22 metres (≈ 4 ft) (4 feet (≈ 1.22 m)) maximum
Width: 1.22 metres (≈ 4 ft) (4 feet (≈ 1.22 m)) maximum
Height off the ground: 2 metres (≈ 6 ft 6¾ in) (6.6 feet (≈ 2.01 m)) above the ground maximum

Installation & removal

Candidates and third party advertisers may install election signs starting on the day after the writ is drawn on City and private property once the proper permits have been obtained
All signs need to be removed within 72 hours of the election and is the responsibility of election candidates

Election sign by-laws and contacts

Markham Election Sign Bylaw 2018-8
Municipal Election Signs Map of Permitted Intersections and Restricted Zones
For all inquiries regarding sign on York Regional roads, please contact York Region directly at permits@york.ca
For election sign-related inquiries, contact us at electionsigns@markham.ca.

Complete the forms6

Submit your application

Sign permit applications must be submitted using ePLAN. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
Applicant creates a Customer Account with Markham’s ePLAN system.
Once logged into ePLAN, Applicant requests a new application. A non-refundable Pre-Application Fee of $100 must be paid before drawings can be uploaded.
Applicant uploads drawings directly to ePLAN.
Markham staff conduct a Pre-Screen review to confirm the project complies with our Submission Standards.
Once the submission passes the Pre-Screen Review, it becomes a permit application.
All plans review and any required resubmissions are conducted electronically.
Our target review timelines for the first review cycle, measured in business days: Sign Permits, 10 for complete applications and 20 for incomplete applications.

Pay the fee

Sign regulated by the Building Code: $449 each
Pre-Application Review: $100
Building permit fees are estimated at the time of application. The estimate must be paid in full before plans review begins.
Any balance owing must be paid before the permit is issued.