How Toronto's Sign By-law Works (And Why It Matters Before You Order a Sign)

What Is Sign By-law 399-2017?

Toronto's Sign By-law 399-2017 (adopted under the City of Toronto Act, 2006) consolidates the sign regulations that previously existed across the former municipalities — Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, York, and East York. It governs the placement, size, illumination, and permit requirements for virtually every commercial sign in the city.

The by-law is administered by the Chief Building Official. Sign permits are processed through Toronto Building.

When Is a Permit Required?

A sign permit is required for:

• Any new ground sign (pylon or monument)
• Any new fascia (wall-mounted) sign exceeding 0.25 m²
• Any illuminated sign
• Any sign projecting from a building face
• Changes to an existing permitted sign that alter its area, height, or illumination

Small temporary signs, window graphics under specific thresholds, and A-frame signs on private property often fall below permit thresholds — but the specifics depend on the zone.

Sign Area Calculation

For a fascia sign, permitted sign area is calculated as a percentage of the fascia area (the wall surface to which the sign is attached). Typically:

• In commercial corridors: up to 10% of the gross fascia area, subject to a maximum
• In employment and industrial zones: different ratios apply

For channel letters, the sign area is calculated as the area of the smallest rectangle that encloses all the letters — not the area of the letters themselves.

Illumination Restrictions

The by-law distinguishes between:

• Internally illuminated signs (lightboxes, channel letters with illuminated faces)
• Externally illuminated signs (goose-neck spotlights, ground-mounted floodlights)
• Flashing/animated signs — largely prohibited in most commercial zones; digital message signs have their own regulations

Third-Party Signs vs. First-Party Signs

A first-party sign advertises the business located on the premises (e.g., a restaurant's own sign). A third-party sign advertises something unrelated to the premises (e.g., a billboard). Third-party signs are heavily restricted and require special zoning review in most areas.

The Permit Application Process

A typical fascia sign permit application includes:

1. Completed sign permit application form
2. Scaled site plan showing sign location on the building
3. Sign drawings with dimensions, materials, and illumination details
4. Structural engineer's letter for signs over a certain size or projection
5. Proof of property owner consent (or landlord authorization letter)

Processing times at Toronto Building as of 2024 average 6–10 weeks for straightforward applications. More complex applications, or those requiring Committee of Adjustment approval (for variances), can take significantly longer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering the sign before permit approval. The permit is required before installation, and in some cases before fabrication begins.
• Assuming the previous tenant's permit transfers. Sign permits are issued for specific signs; a new sign requires a new permit even if the location is the same.
• Ignoring landlord sign criteria. Many leases include a sign schedule that imposes restrictions beyond the by-law. Both must be satisfied.

How BestSigns Handles Permits

BestSigns manages the full permit application process for clients across Toronto and the GTA. We prepare the required drawings, coordinate the engineer's letter where needed, and submit and track the application through Toronto Building. Clients receive a copy of the approved permit before installation begins.