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Sign permits

A First Party Sign Permit is required before putting up a sign used to identify a business or service located on the property.

From Toronto’s own pages, checked Oct 2026.

  1. Check whether you need a permit

    • A First Party Sign Permit is required before putting up a sign used to identify a business or service located on the property.
  2. Only if your sign advertises a business or service which is not located on or available at the property

    Third Party Sign Permit

    A Third Party Sign Permit is required before putting up a sign used to advertise a business or service which is not located on or available at the property.

    Required Documents

    • Sign Copy
    • Lighting Details
    • Location
    • Site Plan
    • Photos
    • Ground Signs
    • Wall, Projecting and Overhanging Structure Signs

    Structural Information Required

    (Required for most signs, other than Window or Painted signs)

    • Loading Information* (Snow Loads, Wind Loads, Earthquake Loads). Information of Combustion of Sign face/Materials.
    • For Wall Signs only: Cross section showing the depth of the sign and structural capability of the building or structure to which the sign is attached. Sign weight and attachment details.
    • For Ground Signs only: Foundation design and attachment details. Soil Parameters.

    Required Forms

    To apply for a Third Party sign permit, you will need:

    • Application to Construct or Demolish
    • Third Party Sign Permit Application
    • Letter of Authorization from Property Owner
    • Drawings - Cross-Section, Elevation and Site Plan (see an example)
    • Schedule 1: Designer Information
    • Tree Declaration (ground signs only)
    • Commitment to General Review
    • Declaration Form - Overhead Electrical Conductors

    Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) site plan

    Third Party Sign Permit applications also require a detailed site plan prepared, dated and signed by a practising Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS), with the following requirements:

    • The property lines and other boundaries of the lot upon which it is proposed to erect, display, modify or restore the Third Party Sign;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign in relation to buildings and other structures on the lot;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign in relation to buildings and other structures on abutting and adjacent lots;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign to other Third Party Signs within the minimum distancing requirements;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign in relation to other lots located within the minimum distancing requirements;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign to R-Residential, to RA-Residential Apartment, and to OS-Open Space sign districts;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign to the nearest intersection of two street lines, where the Third Party Sign is within 15 metres (≈ 49 ft 2½ in) of such an intersection;
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign to the intersection of a major street with any other street where the Third Party Sign is within 35 metres (≈ 115 ft) of such an intersection; and
    • The location of the proposed Third Party Sign to the nearest site specific area restriction, if applicable and as required by §694-24A.
    • All distances, and relative locations listed above shall describe the distances from the outermost limits of the proposed Third Party Sign, as provided for in §694-14A.
    • The Applicant will also file a statement confirming accuracy of the site plan signed by the Applicant and signed and stamped by the OLS who prepared the site plan.

    Fees

    • Wall Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft)
    • Ground Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft)
    • Projecting Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft)
    • Overhanging Structure Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft)
    • Roof signs: $45.22 per square metre (≈ $4.20 per sq ft)
    • Topiary Signs: $334.53 per sign
    • Renewal of Sign Permit: $22.65 per square metre (≈ $2.10 per sq ft)
    • Renewal of Topiary Sign Permit: $158.42 per sign
    • Building Permit (DS): $70.67

  3. Review Streams

    • If the property is not subject to Heritage approval we will review your application within 3 business days from when it is created in our system.
    • if the property is subject to Heritage approval, your application will be reviewed by the Express Services team, however it will not qualify for a 3-day service
    • If you are proposing four or more signs in the same application, you do not qualify for an Express Services review and your application will be forwarded for review by the Citywide Priorities team.
    • We recommend you start with a Preliminary Project Review as many of these applications typically require a variance to the sign bylaw. The Preliminary Project review process identifies what, if any, deficiencies to the sign bylaw or any outstanding other applicable laws are outstanding for the proposal.

  4. Before you Begin your Application

    • Find the address at which the sign will be located in our SignView Map tool
    • Please use the SignView Map tool to determine what regulations of the Sign Bylaw apply to your proposal.
    • Does your proposal conform to the sign bylaw regulations? If not, you will require a variance. Start by submitting a Preliminary Project Review application to ExpressServices@toronto.ca. Once your application has been accepted, you can follow up on your application by emailing citywidepriorities@toronto.ca.
    • Your sign may require third-party approvals prior to issuance. Applications requiring heritage approval do not qualify for the Express Service 3-day service. Payment is required at application.
    • If your sign is encroaching on a public right of way, a Construction Permit from Transportation Services is required.
    • Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) — Property is within TRCA regulated area
    • Ministry of Transportation (MTO) — Property is within MTO regulated area
    • Heritage Planning Toronto — Property is protected as a designated heritage property
    • Metrolinx — Property within 30 m (≈ 98 ft 5⅛ in) of Transit Corridor lands
    • Toronto Transportation Services (Construction Permit) — When sign encroaches on a public right-of-way
    • If you are unsure, you can verify for issued orders on your property using the Building Application Status tool. Make sure to select “Issued Orders” when searching for violations.
    • If there is a related violation on the property, your application will be reviewed within our 3-day service. If a permit can be issued, payment will be requested, and the permit issued once paid. If a permit cannot be issued, you will receive a request for payment and once payment has been received, a Refusal Notice noting the deficiencies will be issued. The application will no longer be within the scope of our 3-day Express Service. Please note that outstanding violations may also result in additional Administrative Fees on your permit application.

  5. Prepare your plans0 of 15

    The following documents are required as part of your application.

    You need an account to see these 15 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.

  6. Only if your sign is a ground sign

    Ground signs

    A Site Plan Drawing, Proposed Sign Drawing, and Foundation Drawing are required to be submitted with your application. They must contain the following elements outlined below.

    Site Plan Drawing

    • Fully dimensioned site plan showing the streets names, North arrow, building, property lines and the location of the proposed sign.
    • Frontage distance (i.e. length of the property lines).
    • Setback measurement of the proposed sign from the property line.
    • Distance of the proposed sign from the intersection of two property lines. (Note: only applicable where the property is a corner lot where two property lines abut streets).
    • Distance of the proposed sign from the point where the vehicular ingress or egress meets the property line.
    • Other ground signs on the same frontage as the proposed sign.
    • Distance from a permanent point of reference (building, structure) to foundation.
    • Separation distance of the proposed sign from electrical conductors.

    Proposed Sign Drawing

    • Dimensions of the entire sign face (e.g. length and width).
    • Height of the sign.
    • Dimensions of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Height of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Depth of the sign.
    • Method of illumination (e.g. back-lit, down-lit, etc.).
    • Indication of number of sign faces.

    Foundation Drawing

    • Soil parameters.
    • Dimensions of the footings (e.g. length, width and depth).
    • Type of concrete used for footings.
    • Reinforcement specifications.
    • Dimensions of base plates and anchor bolts.
  7. Only if your sign is an overhanging structure sign

    Overhanging structure signs

    A Site Plan Drawing, Proposed Sign Drawing, and Cross-Section Drawing are required to be submitted with your application. They must contain the following elements outlined below.

    Site Plan Drawing

    • Fully dimensioned site plan showing the streets names, North arrow, building, property lines and the location of the proposed sign.
    • Exact Location of the proposed sign.
    • Setback measurement of the proposed sign from the property line.
    • Distance of the proposed sign from the vehicular travelled portion of the private lane, roadway or parking area.
    • Other overhanging structure signs on the same frontage as the proposed sign.
    • Separation distance of the proposed sign from electrical conductors.

    Proposed Sign Drawing

    • Elevation drawings labelled (e.g. north elevation, east elevation, etc.)
    • Location of any windows and other openings.
    • Dimensions of the entire sign face (e.g. length and width).
    • Clearance (i.e. from grade to the bottom of the sign) and height (i.e. from grade to the top of the sign).
    • Dimensions of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Height of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Depth of the sign.
    • Method of illumination (e.g. back-lit, down-lit, etc.).
    • Indication of number of sign faces.

    Cross-Section Drawing

    • Weight of the sign (in kg).
    • Dimensions of the sign face (e.g. Length and width).
    • Depth of the sign and how far the sign projects from the wall.
    • Detail Wall Construction (e.g. cladding, structural members, etc.) (Note: schematic details are not acceptable).
    • Method of attachment (e.g. type and number of fasteners, sign is secured through the exterior into a structural member of the building, etc.).
  8. Only if your sign is a projecting sign

    Projecting signs

    A Site Plan Drawing, Proposed Sign Drawing, and Cross-Section Drawing are required to be submitted with your application. They must contain the following elements outlined below.

    Site Plan Drawing

    • Fully dimensioned site plan showing the streets names, North arrow, building, property lines and the location of the proposed sign.
    • Exact Location of the proposed sign.
    • Sign location in relation to property line. (No encroachment into the right-of-way). Encroachment agreement required.
    • Setback measurement of the proposed sign from the property line.
    • Distance of the proposed sign from the vehicular travelled portion of the private lane, roadway or parking area.
    • Other projecting signs on the same frontage as the proposed sign.
    • Separation distance of the proposed sign from electrical conductors.

    Proposed Sign Drawing

    • Elevation drawings labelled (e.g. north elevation, east elevation, etc.)
    • Location of any windows and other openings.
    • Dimensions of the entire sign face (e.g. length and width).
    • Clearance (i.e. from grade to the bottom of the sign) and height (i.e. from grade to the top of the sign).
    • Dimensions of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Height of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Depth of the sign.
    • Method of illumination (e.g. back-lit, down-lit, etc.).
    • Indication of number of sign faces.

    Cross-Section Drawing

    • Weight of the sign (in kg).
    • Dimensions of the sign face (e.g. Length and width).
    • Depth of the sign and how far the sign projects from the wall.
    • Detail Wall Construction (e.g. cladding, structural members, etc.) (Note: schematic details are not acceptable).
    • Method of attachment (e.g. type and number of fasteners, sign is secured through the exterior into a structural member of the building, etc.).
  9. Only if your sign is a wall sign

    Wall signs

    A Site Plan Drawing, Proposed Sign Drawing, and Cross-Section Drawing are required to be submitted with your application. They must contain the following elements outlined below.

    Site Plan Drawing

    • Fully dimensioned site plan showing the streets names, North arrow, building, property lines and the location of the proposed sign.
    • Exact Location of the proposed sign.
    • Setback measurement of the proposed sign from the property line.
    • Distance of the proposed sign from the vehicular travelled portion of the private lane, roadway or parking area.
    • Other wall signs on the same frontage as the proposed sign.
    • Separation distance of the proposed sign from electrical conductors.

    Proposed Sign Drawing

    • Elevation drawings labelled (e.g. north elevation, east elevation, etc.)
    • Floor, Roof line and/or parapet wall.
    • Location of any windows and other openings.
    • Dimensions of the entire sign face (e.g. length and width).
    • Clearance (i.e. from grade to the bottom of the sign) and height (i.e. from grade to the top of the sign).
    • Dimensions of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Height of the sign face containing electronic copy.
    • Depth of the sign.
    • Method of illumination (e.g. back-lit, down-lit, etc.).
    • Indication of number of sign faces.

    Cross-Section Drawing

    • Weight of the sign (in kg).
    • Dimensions of the sign face (e.g. Length and width).
    • Depth of the sign and how far the sign projects from the wall.
    • Detail Wall Construction (e.g. cladding, structural members, etc.) (Note: schematic details are not acceptable).
    • Method of attachment (e.g. type and number of fasteners, sign is secured through the exterior into a structural member of the building, etc.).
    • In case of using combustible material, occupancy classification of the building in accordance with OBC 2024.
    • In case of using combustible material, specify whether the building is sprinklered or not.

  10. Complete the forms6

    The following forms are required as part of your application.

  11. Submit your application

    • The purpose of this form is to confirm compliance with Article 3.1.20.1 (as may be referenced by 9.1.1.5) of Division B of the Ontario Building Code (“Article 3.1.20.1”), and it shall be submitted with every permit application for the construction of a new building or the construction of an addition to an existing building. The form must be signed by the designer who has prepared the designs in support of the building permit application.
    • If you applied for a Preliminary Project Review, Sign Variance, or Signage Master Plan, please include the application number in the description of the First Party Sign Permit Application form.

  12. Pay the fee

    Sign Type/Permit Fee Effective January 1, 2026

    • Payment is required at application.
    • Only electronic applications are accepted, and can be sent via email to expressservices@toronto.ca. Please make sure you send all required forms, documents and drawings in PDF format.
    • Wall Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft) (minimum of $263.87)
    • Ground Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft) (minimum of $263.87)
    • Projecting Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft) (minimum of $263.87)
    • Overhanging Structure Signs: $37.71 per square metre (≈ $3.50 per sq ft) (minimum of $263.87)
    • Roof signs: $45.22 per square metre (≈ $4.20 per sq ft)
    • Topiary Signs: $334.53 per sign
    • Renewal of Sign Permit: $22.65 per square metre (≈ $2.10 per sq ft)
    • Renewal of Topiary Sign Permit: $158.42 per sign
    • Building Permit (DS): $70.67

Written from Toronto’s own pages as published on 20 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice

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