Permit guideRichmond HillBuilding PermitsSigns
Sign permits
Richmond Hill's Sign By-law 52-09 sets the size, location and number of signs allowed on any property, business or at special events; temporary and permanent signs require a permit or permission.
Check whether you need a permit
- Richmond Hill's Sign By-law 52-09 sets the size, location and number of signs allowed on any property, business or at special events in our community.
- Temporary signs refer to signs that are not permanently attached or fixed to a structure or surface.
- Permanent Signs are signs that are affixed to the ground or buildings.
- A Charity Sign is only valid for 14 days.
- A Mobile Sign is only valid for 21 days.
- A Portable Sign is only valid for 21 days.
Signs Not Requiring a PermitYou don't need a permit in Richmond Hill for these types of sign:
- Address sign
- Agricultural sign
- Banner sign
- Commemorative sign
- Community special event sign
- Contractor advertising sign
- Directional sign
- Directory signs
- Flag signs
- Flag signs of civic nature
- Incidental signs
- Interior signs
- No Trespassing signs
- Off-site directional signs
- Pennant signs
- Public information signs
- Poster signs
- Real estate signs
- Real estate open house signs
- Signs at a gas station
- Signs for home businesses
- Window signs
- Only if you are a Candidate or Third Party Advertiser erecting or displaying election related signage
Election signs, for candidates and third party advertisers
- Election signs are signs that advertise or promote the election of a political party or a Candidate for public office in a federal, provincial, or municipal election. Election signs are allowed in all zones of Richmond Hill. These signs must follow Section 7.14 of the Sign By-law.
- All Candidates and Third Party Advertisers are required to complete an Election Sign Application and pay the associated fee of $308 prior to erecting or displaying any election related signage.
- On December 13, 2023 Council enacted an amendment to the Sign By-law, to update Election Sign requirements. Sign By-law Amendment No. 126-23 updated definitions, placement and size restrictions surrounding election signs.
- Sign By-law Amendment No. 126-23
- Only if your proposed sign does not meet the requirements of the City’s Sign By-law
Apply for a sign variance, if needed
If your proposed sign does not meet the requirements of the City’s Sign By-law you may apply for a Sign Variance.
What is a Sign Variance?
- A variance allows for flexibility when unique or exceptional circumstances make it difficult to comply with the Sign By-law, provided the proposed sign still supports the overall intent and purpose of the by-law.
When is a Sign Variance Required?
- A Sign By-law Variance is required if your proposed sign does not fully comply with the standards set out in the City’s Sign By-law. This may include situations where the design, location, size, illumination, or number of signs differs from what is permitted. If your signage proposal cannot meet the by-law requirements due to unique circumstances, and you believe it still supports the overall intent of the by-law, you may apply for a variance.
Before you apply
- Before submitting your application, please contact us by email. The Community Standards Division can provide general information about the application process and explain the requirements of the Sign By-law, including whether a variance application may be required.
- Submitting a sign variance application without first applying for, or fully reviewing, the sign permit and by-law requirements can result in missed deficiencies and delays in processing.
- This assistance is intended to help applicants understand the process and does not constitute a review of plans or an opinion on compliance with the by-law or the approval of any application.
Prepare the required documents0 of 19
The documents which you are required to submit will depend on the type of permit application.
You need an account to see these 19 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.
Read the Sign By-law
- Sign By-law No. 52-09
- Village Core Illustrated Guidelines for the Sign By-law 52-09
Submit your application
- Apply for a temporary sign
- Apply for a permanent sign
- Mobile Sign Permits will be processed and you will hear back from us within 5 business days after receipt of an application.
Pay the fee
- Charity sign - $67
- Development sign - $308
- Mobile sign - $133 (5 business days to issue) - $189 (2 business days to issue)
- Portable sign - $133
- Awning sign - $279
- Canopy sign - $279
- Entrance feature sign - $279
- Ground sign - $279
- Menu board sign - $279
- Mural sign - $216
- Projecting sign - $279
- Sign package or sales trailer - $1,342
- Wall sign - $279
- Election Sign Application - $308
Written from Richmond Hill’s own pages as published on 19 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice