Sign Permits

Do I require a sign permit to put up a sign to advertise my business?

Yes. The Vancouver Sign By-law applies to all signs on any property other than streets, lanes or public parks, and to all signs encroaching over a street or lane. Contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772.

Also see Awnings.

When don’t you need a Sign Permit?

The Sign By-law does not apply to signs located inside a building and not visible or intended to be visible from any street or any site other than the one which it is located. However, interior signs, not visible from the street may require a Building Permit and an Electrical Permit if they are illuminated. The Sign By-law does not apply to signs authorized by the City Engineer for the control of traffic and parking, for street names, or for directions; street decorations authorized by the City Engineer; signs authorized by the City Engineer in connection with public conveniences, including signs on benches, bus stop shelters, and other similar structures; and signs containing the building number and street name only. Contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772.

I just received an enforcement letter/order regarding my sign. What do I do?

If you have received a letter/order, it usually means that your sign is in violation of the Sign By-law or that you have not yet received the required permissions. You will need to contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772 to see if the sign could be permitted. If you do not, you may be prosecuted. Contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772.

What type of sign can I have to advertise my business?

There are a number of sign types permitted within the City of Vancouver. They are all outlined in the definitions section of the Sign By-law. If a sign type is not mentioned in the By-law, that sign type is not permitted.

How do I apply for a sign permit?

Refer to the brochure on General Requirements for all Sign Permit Applications for submission requirements. See also Awnings or contact a Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772 for further information and fees.

Please submit the above to the Sign Permit Technician in the Enquiry Centre Enquiry Centre, East Wing, 2nd Floor, 2675 Yukon Street (11th and Yukon).

Awnings

What is an awning defined as?

An awning is a light detachable structure with a skin of fabric, sheet metal or other relatively flexible material, supported from the building by a frame (fixed or retractable) which offers weather protection.

Do I require a permit to put an awning on my storefront?

Yes, an Awning Permit is required. In some zones you must comply with design guidelines in which case a Development Permit may be required. Please check with the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772 to confirm.

How do I apply for a permit for an awning on my storefront?

Refer to the Building By-law Checklist for Awning Applications and the Awning or Awning Sign Permit brochure for submission and fee requirements or contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772.

What about a sign permit for an awning?

Refer to Sign Permit requirements for submission and fee requirements or contact the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772.

Do I need a permit to re-skin an existing awning?

Yes. Re-skinning of an awning will require a new permit, including copy changes. Check with the Sign Permit Technician at 604.873.7772 for confirmation.

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