Vancouver, Canada - February 18, 2010: Granville street entertainment district at night during the Winter Olympics

Sign Bylaw

Sign Bylaw user guides

The Sign Bylaw applies to all signs on private property, including signs encroaching over a street or lane.

The bylaw doesn't apply to the following:

  • Signs located in streets, lanes, or in public parks
  • Signs located inside a building that aren't visible or intended to be visible from a street
  • Signs required by law

Introductory framework

Part 1: Interpretation

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

Part 1 PDF file (50 KB)

Part 2: Application of bylaw

Includes regulations about the scope of the bylaw

Part 2 PDF file (10 KB)

Part 3: Authorities and permits

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

Part 3 PDF file (30 KB)

Part 4: Responsibilities of owner

Includes the responsibilities of owners

Part 4 PDF file (20 KB)

Sign regulations

Part 5: General sign regulations

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

Part 5 PDF file (30 KB)

Part 6: Exemptions

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:

Sign district regulations

Part 7: Sign districts

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)

Part 8: Residential Sign District

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:

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

Part 9: Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial Sign District

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:

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

Part 10: Chinatown and Gastown Historic Sign District

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:

Part 11: West End Sign District

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:

Part 12: Granville Street Sign District

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:

Part 13: Rogers Arena Sign District

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:

Part 14: International Village Sign District

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:

Other administrative provisions

Part 15: Relaxations

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

Part 15 PDF file (20 KB)

Part 16: Sign construction

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

Part 16 PDF file (30 KB)

Part 17: Offences and penalities

Includes offences and penalties that may be incurred under the Sign Bylaw

Part 17 PDF file (10 KB)

General schedules

Schedules that list all the CD-1 zoning districts that have been assigned to a sign district:

Any CD-1 zone not listed in Schedule A or B is assigned to the Residential Sign District.

Fees

On July 18, 2017, Council approved a new Sign Fee Bylaw. The new fee bylaw is in effect as of January 1, 2018.

Read the Sign Fee Bylaw PDF file (106 KB)