Vancouver is changing and so have signs and technology. There are now more signs and different kinds of electronic and digital signs available.
Currently, Vancouver’s sign regulations don’t reflect changing technology or broader opportunities for community benefits such as airtime for public art, Amber Alerts, or community announcements.
Get updates
We’re now working on phase 2 of the Sign By-law review
Phase 1 of the Sign By-law review resulted in updates to regulations for signs on private property and business identification signage in 2017.
Phase 2 of the Sign By-law review will focus on the following signage on private property:
- Billboards;
- Third party advertising signs; and
- Electronic signage
What's happening
Online survey
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts as part of the Sign By-law review phase 2 online survey.
The information you provided will help us create a draft framework for this kind of signage in Vancouver, including ideas for how to regulate them. We'll be asking for more feedback on policy options in mid 2020.
Engagement sessions
Open houses
Since launching phase 2 of the Sign By-law review in fall 2019, we’ve hosted two open houses sessions that were held on November 23 and 27, 2019.
Project Timeline
Here is our progress and anticipated milestones.
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Mid 2017
Phase 1 Council approval: Approval of new Sign By-law and relaxation process
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2019
Public launch of phase 2
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Early - mid 2019
Stakeholder consultation: Consultation with sign and outdoor advertising industry
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Late 2019
Public and stakeholder engagement: Open houses and online survey
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Early - mid 2020
Develop policy options
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We are here
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Mid 2020
Public and stakeholder engagement: Opportunities to learn about ideas for regulating advertising signs and to provide feedback
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Mid - late 2020
Prepare recommendations and present to Council: Proposed changes considered by Council.
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2021 and onwards
Implementation of Sign By-law updates
Vancouver Sign By-law
The Sign By-law:
- Regulates signs that businesses use to identify themselves on private property
- Provides specifications for the size, shape and height of signs; and
- Regulates where a sign may be placed on a building or site
Generally, more prominent signage is permitted in the downtown core area and local commercial areas, while signs in residential areas are the most restricted.
Currently, the by-law does not regulate signs on streets, sidewalks, parks, provincial and federal lands, or signs located inside buildings that are not visible from the street.
Sign By-law
Regulates all signs on private property, including signs encroaching over a street or lane.
Contact us
Sign By-law review - phase 2:
Sign permit inquiries: