Structure for political expression 
On April 19th 2011 City of Vancouver Council approved amendments to the Street and Traffic By-law in order to regulate the placement of structures on city streets for the purpose of political expression.
A person seeking to place any structure or object (except for a table) which conveys political expression, on a City street must apply for a permit.
The section of Street and Traffic By-law 2849 pertaining to the above is attached to this package. All regulations as stipulated in this By-law must be observed at all times for a permit to remain valid.
Permit process
This permit is free of charge. Once you have submitted your application, City staff will visit the location where you intend to place the structure to ensure that your submission conforms to all regulations as stipulated in the by-law (available upon request). Upon satisfactory completion of this review, City staff will issue your permit.
Your permit can either be mailed to you or you can pick it up by visiting Engineering Services, 5th floor, 507 West Broadway at the corner of Cambie Street near the City Hall Canada Line station.
Safety
The City of Vancouver must ensure the safety of others is not jeopardized by a structure on city streets. A number of elements have been built into the bylaw in this area; the prohibition against obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic is aimed at preserving the use of the street as a public thoroughfare. The restriction on electrical components and on gas appliances is aimed at protecting public safety. The permit system also ensures that no structure will be too big, too close to the roadway or otherwise unduly interfere with other installations or activities on the street.
Location
The revised By-law allows for structures primarily in non-residential, mixed use and commercial areas.
One of the more significant restrictions in the by-law amendment is that structures cannot be erected in an area adjacent to property zoned for residential purposes. This is intended to apply to residential zoning districts and multiple family dwellings which have residential units at ground level, but not to buildings which contain commercial at grade and residential above. This ensures that purely residential areas maintain a quiet and pleasant residential character as well as preserve the aesthetic appearance of the street, consistent with Council policies and as reflected in the Zoning and Development By-law.
The By-law provides for limitations on how close a structure can be to a bus stop, curb and building entrance.
Size of structure
The By-law limits a structure to no more than 1.6 meters high, 1.6 meters wide and 1 meter deep; in addition the base can be no larger than 1.6 square meters in size.
Others
The holder of the permit for structure for political expression must attend at the structure for a minimum of six non-consecutive hours between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
The structure must be removed daily between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
The permit will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. Only one permit per block will be issued. A new permit for the same location can be issued every 60 days.
Download the Structure for political expression information document. 