Sign By-law framework and regulations

Includes intent statements (or guiding principles) to administer the bylaw, bylaw definitions, and table of contents

Part 1 PDF file (50 KB)

Includes regulations about the scope of the bylaw

Part 2 PDF file (10 KB)

Includes regulations about the sign application and permit process, and the City’s authorities

Part 3 PDF file (30 KB)

Includes the responsibilities of owners

Part 4 PDF file (20 KB)

Includes regulations that apply to all signs and sign types across the city

Part 5 PDF file (30 KB)

• Sections 5.1-5.9: General sign regulations including sign area calculation, encroachment, and clearances PDF file (30 KB)
• Sections 5.10-5.13: Regulations for illuminated and electronic signs PDF file (30 KB)
• Sections 5.14-5.17: Regulations for signs with manual changeable copy and advertising PDF file (30 KB)
• Schedule 5A: Illuminated sign area map PDF file (900 KB)

Includes a list of sign types that don't require a sign permit, provided they comply with the bylaw and other applicable regulations

Part 6 PDF file (40 KB)

Exempted signs include:

• Sections 6.4-6.7: Address, commemorative, banner and cultural, institutional, and recreational use signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 6.8-6.11: Directional, election, floating, and smaller hoarding signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 6.12-6.15: Identification, parking, projected image and public bike share signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 6.16-6.18: Real estate, temporary, and window signs PDF file (40 KB)

Includes a list of Vancouver's seven sign districts and the areas associated with each district listed below in Parts 8-14

Part 7 PDF file (30 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the Residential Sign District. The district respects the character of residential neighbourhoods by reducing visual clutter and light pollution.

Part 8 PDF file (30 KB)

Signs allowed in the district include:

• Sections 8.3-8.4: Fascia signs PDF file (30 KB)
• Section 8.5: Free-standing signs PDF file (30 KB)
• Sections 8.6-8.7: Large hoarding signs, signs for neighbourhood grocery stores and non-conforming commercial or industrial uses PDF file (30 KB)
• Section 8.8: Site-specific regulations PDF file (30 KB)

Schedules 8A-8C include maps accompanying the Residential Sign District:

• Schedule 8A: BC Place/Expo District (BCPED) map PDF file (1 MB)
• Schedule 8B: Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) map PDF file (200 KB)
• Schedule 8C: False Creek Comprehensive Development District (FCCDD) map PDF file (800 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial Sign District. The district supports and promotes commercial and industrial activities through the appropriate use of business identification and wayfinding signs, while respecting residential uses in mixed-use commercial areas.

Part 9 PDF file (90 KB)

Signs allowed in the district include:

• Sections 9.3-9.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.5-9.8: Billboard signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.9-9.10: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.11-9.14: Fascia signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.15-9.16: Free-standing signs, free-standing wayfinding signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.17-9.19: Large hoarding, mansard roof, and moving signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.20-9.21: Projecting signs, signs in conjunction with a mural PDF file (90 KB)
• Sections 9.22-9.24: Electronic message, electronic static image, and electronic video signs PDF file (90 KB)
• Section 9.25: Site-specific regulations PDF file (90 KB)

Schedules 9A-9F include maps accompanying the regulations in the Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial Sign District:

• Schedule 9A: BC Place/Expo District (BCPED) map PDF file (900 KB)
• Schedule 9B: Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) map PDF file (450 KB)
• Schedule 9C: False Creek Comprehensive Development District (FCCDD) map PDF file (800 KB)
• Schedule 9D: Downtown Billboard Area map PDF file (730 KB)
• Schedule 9E: Burrard and Granville Slopes Billboard Area map PDF file (600 KB)
• Schedule 9F: Electronic Static Image and Video Sign Area map PDF file (240 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the Chinatown and Gastown Historic Sign District shown on Schedule 10A: Chinatown and Gastown Historic Sign District area map PDF file (500 KB). The district supports and encourages a wide variety of authentic sign types that reflect and enhance the historic character of Chinatown and Gastown.

Part 10 PDF file (50 KB)

Signs permitted in the district include:

• Sections 10.3-10.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 10.5-10.6: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 10.7-10.10: Fascia signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Section 10.11: Free-standing signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 10.12-10.14: Illuminated, large hoarding, and mansard roof signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 10.15-10.16: Projecting signs, signs in conjunction with a mural PDF file (50 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the West End Sign District shown on Schedule 11A: West End Sign District area map PDF file (740 KB). The district intends to preserve the West End’s neighbourhood character by regulating signs in residential and mixed-use areas.

Part 11 PDF file (50 KB)

Signs permitted in the district include:

• Sections 11.3-11.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 11.5-11.6: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 11.7-11.8: Fascia signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Section 11.9: Free-standing signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 11.10-11.11: Large hoarding and mansard roof signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 11.12-11.13: Projecting signs, signs in conjunction with a mural PDF file (50 KB)
• Section 11.14: Electronic message signs PDF file (50 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the Granville Street Sign District shown on Schedule 12A: Granville Street Sign District map PDF file (730 KB). The district encourages neon signs with animated copy, moving signs, and other signs that reflect the historic role of Granville Street as a vibrant, colourful retail and entertainment centre.

Part 12 PDF file (55 KB)

Signs permitted in the district include:

• Sections 12.3-12.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.5-12.6: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.7-12.9: Fascia signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.10: Free-standing signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.11-12.13: Large hoarding, mansard roof and moving signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.14-12.15: Projecting signs, signs with animated copy PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.16-12.18: Electronic message, electronic static image, and electronic video signs PDF file (55 KB)
• Sections 12.19-12.20: Signs with manual changeable copy, site-specific regulations PDF file (55 KB)

Includes regulations that apply to Rogers Arena Sign District shown on Schedule 13A: Rogers Arena Sign District map PDF file (300 KB). The district allows for the recognition of corporate sponsors of events, additional wayfinding signs at the arena, and regulates signs on mixed-use and residential towers surrounding the arena.

Part 13 PDF file (50 KB)

Signs permitted in the district include:

• Sections 13.3-13.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Section 13.5: Billboard signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 13.6-13.7: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 13.8-13.12: Fascia signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 13.13-13.14: Free-standing and large hoarding signs PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 13.15-13.16: Projecting signs, signs in conjunction with a mural PDF file (50 KB)
• Sections 13.17: Electronic message signs PDF file (50 KB)

Includes regulations specific to the International Village marketplace area between Pender, Taylor, Keefer and Abbott streets shown on Schedule 14A: International Village Sign District map PDF file (350 KB)

Part 14 PDF file (40 KB)

Signs permitted in the district include:

• Sections 14.3-14.4: Awning and under-awning signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 14.5-14.6: Canopy and under-canopy signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 14.7-14.9: Fascia signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Sections 14.10-14.11: Free-standing and large hoarding signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Section 14.12: Projecting signs PDF file (40 KB)
• Section 14.13: Electronic video signs PDF file (40 KB)

Includes the director of Planning’s authority and the process to relax the Sign By-law in the case of unnecessary hardship, heritage, special events, and new technology

Part 15 PDF file (20 KB)

Includes the City of Vancouver’s building and electrical regulations pertaining to signs

Part 16 PDF file (30 KB)

Includes offences and penalties that may be incurred under the Sign By-law

Part 17 PDF file (10 KB)