Under the City of London Sign By-law, almost all new commercial property signage requires a formal Sign Permit before installation. Your sign must strictly comply with municipal regulations regarding size, height, and illumination, and the application process typically involves submitting professional drawings and paying a permit fee.
When you open a new business in London, Ontario, your storefront sign is your most important marketing tool. 🏬 Whether you are putting up a massive illuminated pylon sign in a busy retail plaza on Wonderland Road or mounting an elegant fascia sign on a historic building in the downtown core, visibility is crucial to your success.
However, you cannot simply hire a contractor and bolt a sign to the wall. The City of London heavily regulates commercial signage to ensure public safety, prevent traffic distractions, and maintain the aesthetic character of different neighbourhoods. Installing an illegal sign can result in heavy daily fines and a forced removal. In this guide, we will walk you through the legal requirements and permit process for commercial signs in London.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Sign Permit in London
Navigating municipal bureaucracy can be frustrating, but following the correct steps ensures your grand opening happens without legal interference. 📝 Here is how most applicants successfully secure their sign permits.
Step 1: Review the City of London Sign By-law
Before you spend money on graphic design, you must understand your zoning limits. The London Sign By-law dictates exactly how large your sign can be, based on the width of your storefront and your specific zoning district. For example, rules for bright electronic message boards are much stricter near residential neighbourhoods than in heavy industrial zones.
Step 2: Prepare Professional Site Plans and Drawings
The City requires detailed proof of what you are building. 📐 You must submit scale drawings of the proposed sign, showing its exact dimensions, colours, and how it will be securely attached to the building. For large, freestanding pylon signs, you may be legally required to have the structural drawings stamped by a professional engineer licensed in Ontario.
Step 3: Submit the Sign Permit Application
Once your drawings are ready, you will submit a formal Sign Permit Application to the City of London Building Division. This can often be initiated online through the city’s building portal. You must provide the property owner’s written consent, as landlords must authorize any structural changes to their commercial property.
Step 4: Municipal Review and Final Inspection
City officials will review your application for compliance with both the Sign By-law and the Ontario Building Code. 👷 Once approved, you can hire a contractor to install the sign. After installation, a city inspector will visit the site to ensure the sign matches the approved drawings and is safely mounted.
How Much Does a Sign Permit Cost in London?
Budgeting for your signage must include the municipal administrative fees. 💵 These fees change slightly each year, but here is a realistic breakdown of the costs you can expect as of 2026:
- Standard Sign Permit Fee: The City of London charges a base application fee, which is typically between $150 CAD and $300 CAD per sign, depending on its size and type (fascia vs. freestanding).
- Sign Variance Application: If your dream sign breaks the by-law rules (e.g., it is too tall), you must apply for a “Sign Variance” to ask for special permission. This non-refundable application fee usually costs over $500 CAD.
- Fines for Illegal Signs: If you build without a permit, the city will issue an Order to Comply. Ignoring this can result in fines of $400 CAD or more per day under the Provincial Offences Act.
| Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Application | $150 – $300 | The Business Owner (Tenant) |
| Sign Variance (Special Rule Exemption) | $500+ | The Business Owner (Tenant) |
| Engineer Stamp (For Large Pylons) | $500 – $1,500 | The Business Owner (Tenant) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Do not wait until the week before your store opens to order your sign. Once you submit a complete application to the City of London, the standard review time is roughly 2 to 4 weeks. However, if you need to apply for a Sign Variance, the process requires a public notice period and committee approval, which can easily delay your installation by 2 to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a permit just to repaint or change the face of an existing sign?
Generally, no. If you are simply swapping out the plastic face of an existing, legally permitted sign box with your new logo, and you are not changing the size, structure, or lighting, the City of London usually considers this routine maintenance that does not require a new permit.
What are the rules for temporary A-frame signs on the sidewalk?
Portable signs, like A-frames or sandwich boards, are strictly regulated so they do not block wheelchair access or pedestrian traffic. In London, these require a specific portable sign permit, and they must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of every business day.
Can my landlord deny my sign even if the city approves it?
Yes. Your commercial lease agreement likely contains a “Signage Criteria” clause. Even if your bright pink neon sign is completely legal under city by-laws, your landlord can absolutely forbid it if it violates the aesthetic rules of the shopping plaza.
Are the rules different for heritage buildings in downtown London?
Yes, significantly different. If your commercial property is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, your sign design must also be reviewed and approved by the London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH) to ensure it does not damage the historical brickwork or alter the building’s character.
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