3798 Sign By-Law (Consolidated)The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
By-Law 3798 Sign By-Law
(Last updated: By-Law 2021-078: July 12, 2021
By-law 2020-045: May 11, 2020
By-law 4043: October 11, 2017
By-Law 3798: April 28, 2014)
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 2 of 39
For assistance or to request this document in an alternate format please contact the
Office of the Clerk at 519-688-3009 or clerks@tillsonburg.ca
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 3 of 39
Contents
SECTION 1 SCOPE OF BY-LAW ................................................................................... 7
1.1. SHORT TITLE .................................................................................................... 7
1.2. INTENT AND SCOPE ........................................................................................ 7
1.3. COMPLIANCE WITH BY-LAW ........................................................................... 7
1.4. CONTENTS OF BY-LAW ................................................................................... 8
1.5. LAWFUL NON-CONFORMING SIGNS ............................................................. 8
1.6. RELATION TO OTHER GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS (COMPLIANCE
WITH OTHER REGULATIONS) .................................................................................. 8
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION ................................................... 8
2.1. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................... 8
2.2. SCHEDULES TO THE BY-LAW ...................................................................... 18
2.3. INTERPRETATION .......................................................................................... 19
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS ............................................................. 19
3.1. OWNER RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................. 19
3.2. RESPONSIBILITY: APPLICATION FOR PERMIT ........................................... 19
3.3. RESPONSIBILITY: PERMITS AND PENALIZATION ...................................... 19
3.4. SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED .............................................................................. 19
3.5. APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS, INFORMATION REQUIRED ...................... 20
3.6. HERITAGE REVIEW ........................................................................................ 21
3.7. PERMIT FEES ................................................................................................. 21
3.8. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL ................................................................................ 21
3.9. PERMIT CONDITIONS, REFUNDS, REVISIONS AND PENALTIES ............. 22
3.10. INSPECTIONS.............................................................................................. 23
SECTION 4 EXEMPT SIGNS ....................................................................................... 23
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 4 of 39
4.1. SIGN PERMIT EXEMPTIONS ............................................................................ 23
4.2. SIGN BY-LAW EXEMPTIONS ......................................................................... 24
SECTION 5 PROHIBITIONS ......................................................................................... 25
5.1. SPECIFIC SIGN PROHIBITIONS ....................................................................... 25
5.2. PROHIBITED LOCATIONS.............................................................................. 25
SECTION 6 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS .............................................. 26
6.1. LIMIT ON NUMBER OF SIGNS PER PREMISES: ............................................. 26
6.2. EXISTING SIGNS ............................................................................................ 27
6.3. ROAD ALLOWANCES – PROJECTION .......................................................... 27
6.4. ILLUMINATION ................................................................................................ 27
SECTION 7 PERMITTED SIGNS ................................................................................. 27
7.1. INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 7 AND SECTION 8 ...................................... 27
7.2. SIGNS IN SCHEDULES TO THIS BY-LAW ..................................................... 27
7.3. PROPERTY USE CATEGORIES ..................................................................... 27
SECTION 8 SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS ............................................................. 28
8.0. ANIMATED SIGNS ............................................................................................. 28
8.1. AWNING SIGNS .............................................................................................. 28
8.2. BILLBOARD SIGNS ......................................................................................... 29
8.3. CANOPY SIGNS .............................................................................................. 29
8.4. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD SIGNS...................................................... 29
8.5. GROUND SIGNS ............................................................................................. 29
8.6. MOBILE SIGNS ............................................................................................... 30
8.7. MONOLITH/PYLON SIGNS ............................................................................. 30
8.8. MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL SIGNS ................................................................ 31
8.9. OPEN HOUSE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ............................................................ 31
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 5 of 39
8.10. PERSONAL SIGNS ...................................................................................... 31
8.11. PORTABLE/A-FRAME/SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS ................................... 31
8.12. PROMOTIONAL SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION SIGNS ....... 32
8.13. PROMOTIONAL CONSTRUCTION SIGNS ................................................. 33
8.14. SIDEWALK SIGNS ....................................................................................... 33
8.15. SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT SIGNS ....................................................... 33
8.16. WALL SIGNS ................................................................................................ 33
8.17. WINDOW SIGNS .......................................................................................... 34
SECTION 9 VARIANCES .............................................................................................. 34
9.1. APPROVAL AUTHORITY ................................................................................... 34
9.3. DIRECTOR APPROVED EXEMPTIONS ............................................................ 35
9.4. VARIANCE APPLICATIONS .............................................................................. 35
9.5. APPROVAL AND CONDITIONAL APPROVAL .................................................. 36
9.6. APPEAL PROCESS ........................................................................................... 36
SECTION 10 ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS AND REMOVAL OF UNLAWFUL SIGNS
...................................................................................................................................... 37
10.1. TOWN PROPERTY .......................................................................................... 37
10.2. CONTRAVENTION PROCEDURE ................................................................... 37
10.3. SIGN REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL ................................................................... 37
10.4. UNCLAIMED SIGNS ........................................................................................ 37
10.5. UNSAFE SIGNS ............................................................................................... 37
10.6. MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................ 38
SECTION 11 OFFENCE AND PENALTIES .................................................................. 38
11.1. RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLY ...................................................................... 38
11.2. LIABILITY TO FINES ........................................................................................ 38
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 6 of 39
11.3. RECOVERING EXPENSES ............................................................................. 38
SECTION 12 SEVERABILITY ....................................................................................... 38
SECTION 13 CONFLICTING BY-LAWS ....................................................................... 38
SECTION 14 INDEMNIFICATION................................................................................. 38
SECTION 15 VALIDITY ................................................................................................ 39
SECTION 16 REPEAL .................................................................................................. 39
SECTION 17 EFFECTIVE DATE .................................................................................. 39
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 7 of 39
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
By-Law 3798
BEING A BY-LAW To Prohibit or Regulate Signs and other Advertising Devices
and the Posting of Notices Within the Town of Tillsonburg.
WHEREAS Section 11 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25 states that a
lower-tier municipality may pass by-laws, respecting matters within certain spheres of
jurisdiction, including structures, fences, and signs.
AND WHEREAS Section 99 (1) of the Municipal Act 2001 states that a by-law of a
municipality respecting advertising devices, including signs, does not apply to an
advertising device that was lawfully erected or displayed on the day the by-law comes
into force if the advertising device is not substantially altered, and the maintenance and
repair of the advertising device or a change in the message or contents displayed is
deemed not in itself to constitute a substantial alteration. 2006, c. 32, Schedule A, s.39.
AND WHEREAS Section 391 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c. 25 states that
section 11 authorizes a municipality to impose fees or charges on persons, for services
or activities provided or done by the municipality.
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg is desirous
of adopting a new Sign By-Law to prohibit and regulate signs and other advertising
devices and the positing of notices within the Town of Tillsonburg.
THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg enacts as follows:
SECTION 1 SCOPE OF BY-LAW
1.1. SHORT TITLE
This By-law and any amendments thereto shall be known as the "Tillsonburg
Sign By-law."
1.2. INTENT AND SCOPE
The purpose of this By-law is to:
a) regulate signs placed on lands, buildings, and other structures within the
corporate limits of the Town of Tillsonburg; and
b) implement the policies of the Tillsonburg Official Plan and Urban Design
Guidelines.
1.3. COMPLIANCE WITH BY-LAW
No person shall hereafter erect or display or cause or permit to be erected or
displayed a sign except in conformity with the provisions of this By-law.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 8 of 39
1.4. CONTENTS OF BY-LAW
All references in the By-law to sections, regulations, exceptions, Tables, figures,
schedules and maps, refer to those in this By-law unless otherwise indicated.
1.5. LAWFUL NON-CONFORMING SIGNS
The provisions of this By-law shall not apply to a sign or the use of an existing
sign that was lawfully erected on or before the day this By-law comes into force if
the sign is not substantially altered and the maintenance and repair of the sign or
a change in the message or content displayed is deemed not in itself to
constitute a substantial alteration.
1.6. RELATION TO OTHER GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS (COMPLIANCE
WITH OTHER REGULATIONS)
This By-law shall not be construed so as to reduce or mitigate restrictions or
regulations for any sign that are lawfully imposed by the Town, or by any
governmental authority having jurisdiction to make such restrictions or
regulations. Compliance with this By-law does not relieve a property owner
from complying with:
a) the requirements of the Ontario Building Code;
b) the requirements of any federal, provincial, regional, or conservation authority
legislation or regulations; or any By-law of the Municipality.
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
2.1. DEFINITIONS
The terms set out below shall have the following meanings in this By-law:
ALLOWED: Means allowed by this By-law.
ALTER: Means any change to a sign including the addition or removal or
rearrangement of parts, but excluding the changing of copy or the replacement of
similar parts for maintenance purposes.
ATTIC: Means the portion of a building situated wholly or in part under a roof, but which
is not a storey or a one-half storey.
BASEMENT: Means the portion of a building between two floor levels that has less than
50% of its height below the average finished grade of the lot on which the building is
located. The term basement shall not include a cellar.
BUILDING: Means a structure used for the shelter, accommodation or enclosure of
persons, animals, goods, materials or equipment that is supported by columns or walls,
has one or more floors, is covered by a roof and is permanently affixed to the land.
BUSINESS: Means an establishment in which one or more persons are employed in
conducting, managing, or administering a business. The term business includes the
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 9 of 39
administrative offices of a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a charitable
organization.
BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: Shall mean a person appointed by the Council of
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg for the purpose of enforcing Municipal by-
laws and, for the purpose of this By-law.
CANOPY: Means any structure which projects from the exterior face of a building wall
and extends across part or all of that exterior face of a building wall or is a self-
supporting unenclosed structure supporting unenclosed structure.
CELLAR: Means the portion of a building between two floor levels that has 50% or
more of its height below the average finished grade of the lot on which the building is
located. The term cellar shall not include a basement.
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL: Means the Chief Building Official or designate.
COMMERCIAL: Means, for the purposes of this By-law, a use which includes tourism
uses.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN AREA: Means a display surface designated by the Town of
Tillsonburg for the purpose of providing temporary advertising of non-profit and
community group event signs.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES: Means facilities owned and operated by the Corporation of
the Town of Tillsonburg.
COMMUNITY GROUP: Means a volunteer based organization which has a constitution
and by-laws in place or at minimum a mission statement or a statement of purpose.
They have a Board of Directors/Slate of Officers and they provide direct services,
programs or events that benefit the residents of Tillsonburg and operate within the Town
of Tillsonburg. They may or may not be incorporated provincially and/or federally.
Places of worship organizations are considered to be a community group for the
purpose of this by-law.
CONSERVATION AUTHORITY: Means a conservation authority having jurisdiction in
the Town of Tillsonburg. The term conservation authority shall include Long Point
Regional Conservation Authority.
COPY: Means the wording, letters, numerals, graphics, logos, and artwork of a sign, on
the display surface and is either permanent or removable.
COUNCIL: Means the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
COUNTY: Means the County of Oxford.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 10 of 39
DIRECTOR: Means the Director of Development and Communications or their
authorized designate.
DISPLAY SURFACE: Means the surface of the sign, upon, against, or through which
the copy of the sign is displayed.
DRIVEWAY: Means that portion of a lot designed to provide motor vehicle access from
the lot to the traveled portion of the street, private road or lane.
ELECTION: Shall include any federal, provincial or municipal election or by-election and
any question or by-law submitted to the electors.
ERECT: Means display, attach, affix, post, alter, construct, place, locate, install or
relocate.
FACADE: Means the exterior wall of a building facing a street or private road.
PRINCIPAL FACADE: In the case of a building located on an exterior lot or a through
lot, the façade within which the principal entrance to the building is located.
BUILDING FACADE AREA: The entire surface area of the facade including windows
and doors.
FINISHED GRADE: Means the lowest of the levels of finished ground adjacent to the
location of the sign, exclusive of any artificial embankment.
HIGHWAY: Shall have the same meaning as the Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990 c.H.B,
and includes the entire of the road allowance thereof.
HOME OCCUPATION: Means an occupation or business that is carried in accordance
will all provisions of the Municipality's by-laws within a dwelling as accessory to a
permitted residential use.
INDUSTRIAL: Means a use that includes the assembly or processing of substances,
goods or raw materials related to the manufacture or fabrication of finished goods,
warehousing or bulk storage of goods, and may include accessory uses such as storage
and facilities for receiving and shipping materials and goods. Mineral aggregate and
utility uses are considered industrial uses for the purposes of this By-law.
ILLUMINATED SIGN: Means a sign lit by artificial light which is direct, indirect, internal
or external to the
sign.
INSPECTOR: Means any By-Law Enforcement Officer or any other inspector appointed
by Council pursuant to a by-law.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 11 of 39
INSTITUTIONAL: Means a use that includes community facilities, parks, schools under
the jurisdiction of a board, government offices and hospitals.
LANE: Means a public thoroughfare which affords only a secondary means of vehicular
access to abutting lots and which is not intended for general traffic circulation.
MOTOR VEHICLE: Means an automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor assisted bicycle and
any other vehicle propelled or driven by other than muscular power.
MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT: Means an agreement made with the Corporation of the
Town of Tillsonburg.
MUNICIPAL CLERK: Shall mean the Municipal Clerk of the Corporation of the Town of
Tillsonburg or the Deputy Clerk acting in place of the Municipal Clerk in accordance with
the Municipal Act.
MUNICIPALITY: Means The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
MUNICIPALITY'S ZONING BY-LAW: Means Zoning By-law 3295 and as amended.
MURAL: Means a painting, illustration, or decoration applied to a free standing sign or
the exterior wall of a building and that is otherwise not a sign as defined by this By-law.
NON-PROFIT/NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: Means an organization similar to a
community group with a constitution, by-laws and a Board of directors. They are
registered/incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, should be able to provide their
not-for-profit number and operate within the Town of Tillsonburg.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Means the Public Works Department of the
Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
OWNER: Means the registered owner of the premises upon which any sign or sign
structure is located, and includes any person described on a sign or whose name or
address or telephone number appears on the sign, or who has installed the sign, or who
is in lawful control of the sign, or who benefits from the message on the sign, or has
permitted the sign to be erected or used and for the purposes of this By-law there may
be more than one owner of a sign.
PERSON: Means, but is not limited to an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership,
association, or corporation.
PREMISES: Means a lot or a building or a part of a lot or building.
PRIVATE ROAD: Means a road, the fee simple of which is owned by a single person,
that is subject to one or more easements registered against title in favour of one or more
abutting lots. Such easements entitle the owners of the lots to use the private road for
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 12 of 39
the purposes of access to and from the lots. The term private road includes a
private road shown on a registered plan of condominium plan but does not include a
right-of-way, a street or a lane.
PROPERTY: Means a parcel of land having specific boundaries, which is capable of
legal transfer.
PROVINCE: Means the Province or Government of Ontario, the word "Provincial" shall
have the same meaning as Province.
PUBLIC AUTHORITY: Means any department or agency of the Town of Tillsonburg a
conservation authority, the Province or Government of Ontario, or the Government of
Canada.
PUBLIC PARK: Means land and land covered by water and all portions thereof owned
or made available by lease, agreement, or otherwise to the Town, that is or hereafter
may be established, dedicated, set apart or made available for use as woodlot, ravine,
recreation centre, square, garden, walkway, water or any other area in the Town,
devoted to active or passive recreation and shall include the adjacent road allowance.
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Means property owned by or under the control of the Town of Tillsonburg or
any of its agencies, boards or commissions, and includes any lands belonging to
or owned by the County of Oxford, a conservation authority, the Province or
Government of Ontario or the Government of Canada. This shall include public
highways, and shall be deemed to include utility poles located on public property
including road allowances, regardless of whether the poles are owned by or under the
control of the Town.
RIGHT-OF-WAY: Means an area of land on which has been created and registered
against the title of the lot on which it is located, perpetual easements appurtenant to one
or more lots that provide access to such lots to a street. The term right-of-way shall not
include a private road.
ROAD ALLOWANCE: Shall have a corresponding meaning to that of street and shall
include any shoulder, ditch or boulevard.
SIGHT/VISIBILITY TRIANGLE: Means a triangular-shaped area of land abutting a lane,
street or private road that is required to be kept free of obstructions between a height of
0.6 meters (1.96 ft.) and 3.0 meters (9.84 ft.) above the center line grade of the
intersecting lane, street or private road that could impede the vision of a pedestrian or
the driver of a motor vehicle exiting onto or driving on the lane, street or private road.
As illustrated, a sight/visibility triangle shall be determined as follows:
a) the sight/visibility triangle adjacent to an exterior side lot line shall be the area
enclosed by each of the street lines measured 9.0 meters (29.53 ft.) back
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 13 of 39
from the intersection of the street lines, and a diagonal line drawn between these
two points
b) the sight/visibility triangle from a driveway, lane, or right-of-way shall be the area
enclosed by the line along the limits of the driveway and the street line measured
to a point 3.0 meters (9.84 ft.) back from the intersection of the street lines and
the limit of the driveway, lane, or right-of-way and a diagonal line drawn between
these two points.
c) the sight/visibility triangle extends beyond private property into the road allowance
as illustrated:
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 14 of 39
SIGN: Means any visual medium used to convey information by way of words,
pictures, images, graphics, emblems, or symbols, or any device used for the purpose
of providing direction, identification, advertisement, business promotion, or the
promotion of a person, product, activity, service, event or idea.
A-FRAME SIGN: Means a freestanding temporary sign with no more than two faces
joined at the top of the sign that is intended for temporary use during the hours of the
business to which it applies and that is constructed in a manner and of materials
such that it can be placed and moved manually by a person without mechanical aid.
(Sandwich Board Sign has the same definition. Sidewalk Sign has similar definition)
ANIMATED SIGN: Means a sign or display screen that changes letters, words or
images electronically, has illusionary motion and also includes any sign or viewing
screen that contains motion or animation as part of the message display.
AWNING SIGN: Means a sign affixed to a roof-like cover comprised of cloth, plastic or
other non-rigid material mounted on a frame attached to the wall of a building but does
not include a canopy sign or freestanding canopy sign.
BANNER SIGN: Means a sign or advertising device made from cloth, plastic or a similar
lightweight non-rigid material.
BARN SIGN: Means a sign affixed parallel to a wall or roof of a farm structure and
which identifies the name of the occupant and/or of the farm on which said farm
structure is located, but shall not be a roof sign as defined in this By-law.
BILLBOARD SIGN: Means a sign erected and maintained to advertise, market or
promote a business, product, service or activity not conducted or produced, sold, stored
or assembled within the building or upon the premise on which the sign is erected.
CANOPY SIGN: Means a sign affixed to a permanent rigid structure with or without
supporting columns attached to and projecting from the exterior face of a building but
does not include an awning sign or canopy freestanding sign.
CANOPY FREESTANDING SIGN: Means a sign affixed to a permanent rigid structure
providing protection from the weather supported on columns and unenclosed on all
sides.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Means a sign erected on a property to identify an entrance, exit,
or area for the purpose of directing persons and/or regulating the movement of traffic or
pedestrians on a property.
ELECTION CAMPAIGN SIGN: Means any device advertising or promoting a candidate
as per the Town's Election Campaign Sign By-Law# 3786 as amended;
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD SIGN: Means a sign which has messages that can
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 15 of 39
be changed and displayed by electronic means.
GROUND SIGN: Means a sign permanently affixed to the ground by one or more self-
supporting poles or supported by a free-standing masonry structure.
ILLUMINATED SIGN: Means a sign lit by artificial light which is direct, indirect, internal
or external to the sign.
MENU BOARD SIGN: Means a sign erected as part of a drive-through facility and used
to display and order products and services available from a drive-through business.
MOBILE SIGN: Means a temporary sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground
or to any structure, and typically designed for the rearrangement of copy of the sign
face, and which is capable of being readily moved from one location to another, and
may be part of or attached to a wheeled trailer or frame without wheels in such a
manner so as to be able to be moved from place to place.
MONOLITH SIGN: Means a sign permanently affixed to the ground by a solid
continuous base that is equal to the width of the sign.
MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL SIGN: Means a sign erected on a property with 6 or more
units to identity the name of the multi-unit residential development.
NON-ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD SIGN: Means a sign which has messages that
can be changed and displayed by non-electronic means.
OFF-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Means a sign providing directions to the site where a
business or service is located.
OPEN HOUSE DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Means a free standing temporary sign providing
direction to a scheduled open house property site that is for sale.
OVERHANGING SIGN: Means a sign not directly supported from the ground but
generally erected perpendicular to a supporting building wall, but shall not be a wall sign
as defined in this By-law (Projecting sign has the same definition)
PERMANENT SIGN: Means a sign permanently erected on or affixed to a premises.
PERSONAL SIGN: Means a temporary sign used for a personal announcement or
congratulatory message which is located on a property zoned for residential uses.
POSTER SIGN: Means a printed notice conveying information intended to be displayed
for a temporary period of time and includes but is not limited to a bill, handbill, leaflet,
notice, or placard.
PRE-MENU BOARD SIGN: Means a sign erected as part of a drive-through facility and
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 16 of 39
only used to display products and services available at the drive-through business.
PORTABLE SIGN: Means a sign not permanently attached to the ground or a
permanent structure and which is designed to be moved readily and manually by one
person from one location to another, and includes signs commonly referred to as A-
Frame, Personal, Sandwich Board, Sidewalk, etc.
PROJECTING SIGN: Means a sign not directly supported from the ground but generally
erected perpendicular to a supporting building wall, but shall not be a wall sign as
defined in this By-law (Overhanging sign has the same definition)
PROJECTION SIGN: Means a sign that is displayed on a surface, building, or structure,
by the projection of a beam of light or other source of illumination.
PROMOTIONAL CONSTRUCTION SIGN: Means a sign advertising construction,
reconstruction, repair, renovation and/or development and may include the name of the
project, the name of firms and personnel related to the project.
PROMOTIONAL SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION SIGN: Means a portable
sign providing direction to a development site within a plan of subdivision or plan of
condominium or a proposed plan of condominium.
PUBLIC USE SIGN: Means a sign erected by or under the jurisdiction of a Public
Authority.
PYLON SIGN: Means a sign supported by one or more poles and with an open base.
REAL ESTATE SIGN: Means a sign located on a property for the purpose of
announcing the sale, lease, or rental of such property or building or part of a building
located thereon.
ROOF SIGN: Means a sign the entire face of which is above the lowest point at which
the roof meets the building.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN: Means a freestanding temporary sign with no more than
two faces joined at the top of the sign that is intended for temporary use during the
hours of the business to which it applies and that is constructed in a manner and of
materials such that it can be placed and moved manually by a person without
mechanical aid. (A-Frame Sign has the same definition. Sidewalk Sign has similar
definition).
SIDEWALK SIGN: Means a freestanding temporary sign permitted in the Central
Commercial Zone only with no more than two faces joined at the top of the sign that is
intended for temporary use during the hours of the business to which it applies and that
is constructed in a manner and of materials such that it can be placed and moved
manually by a person without mechanical aid.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 17 of 39
SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT SIGN: Means a sign that advertises the sale of
properties within a plan of subdivision, plan of condominium or proposed plan of
condominium but not the realtor's, developer's or landowner's business in general.
TEMPORARY BANNER SIGN: means a Banner Sign that is placed between July 13,
2021 and May 31, 2022.
TEMPORARY SIGN: Means a sign which is erected without foundations and is not
affixed to any other building, or structure on which an activity or event that is transitory
or not permanent in nature is advertised.
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN: Means a sign erected under the jurisdiction of the Highway
Traffic Act or the manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for the purpose of regulating
traffic on streets.
VEHICLE/TRAILER SIGN: Means a sign which is painted on or affixed to a motor
vehicle or trailer which is parked and visible from a public right-of-way and its intended
use is as a sign, unless said vehicle or trailer is used in the normal day- to-day operation
of the business.
WALL SIGN: Means a sign affixed to and structurally supported on the wall of a building
which is parallel to and projects not more than 500 mm (1.6 ft.) from the face of the
building and a structure.
WINDOW SIGN: Means a sign within a building which is located within 1.0 metre (3.28
ft) of a window and is intended primarily to be visible from a street or parking area.
SIGN, ABANDONED: Means a sign which located on premises which becomes
vacant and unoccupied for a period of ninety (90) days or more, or any sign that
pertains to a time, event, or purpose that no longer applies.
a) in the case of a sign having one display
surface, the area of the display surface;
b) in the case of a sign having two display
surfaces, which are separated by the
thickness of the sign structure and the
thickness is not used as a display surface, the
area of one display surface;
c) in the case of a free standing number, letter,
picture, image, graphic, emblem, symbol, or
shape, the smallest rectangle which will
enclose the number, letter, picture, image,
graphic, emblem, symbol, or shape.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 18 of 39
SIGN HEIGHT: Means the vertical distance from the ground on which the sign is
erected to the highest physical point of the sign.
SIGN, LENGTH: Means the horizontal distance between the extremities of the sign.
SIGN PERMIT: Means a permit issued under this By-law.
SIGN SUPPORT STRUCTURE: Means the framework, bracing and support of a sign.
SITE PLAN APPROVAL: Means the process of site plan approval as governed by the
Municipality's Site Plan Control By-law, as amended, and the provincial Planning Act.
STOREY: Means the portion of a building, other than an attic, basement or cellar,
included between any floor level and the floor, ceiling or roof next above it.
STREET: Means a road or public highway under the jurisdiction of the Town of
Tillsonburg, County of Oxford or the Province of Ontario that is maintained so as to
allow normal use by motor vehicles, or a road or public highway located within a
registered plan of subdivision that has not yet been assumed by a public authority.
The term street shall not include a lane.
STREET LINE: Means the limit of a street, private road or lane.
STRUCTURE: Means a man-made construction that is fixed to the ground or attached
to another structure on a temporary or permanent basis.
TOWN: Means the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
USE: Means the uses allowed in the Municipality's Zoning By-law and as identified in
the Tables of this By-law.
When used as noun, means the purpose for which a lot building or structure, or
any combination thereof is designed, arranged, intended, occupied or maintained.
In cases where uses in Tables of this By-law conflict with the Municipality's Zoning
By-law uses or legal actual uses, the uses prescribed in the Municipality's Zoning
By-law shall prevail.
VACANT LAND: Means a property that does not contain any buildings or structures.
2.2. SCHEDULES TO THE BY-LAW
The schedules contained in this By-law form part of this By-law. A reference in the By-
law to a schedule shall be deemed to be a reference to a schedule contained in the By-
law.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 19 of 39
2.3. INTERPRETATION
Notwithstanding Section 2.2, terms defined in this By-law are capitalized, italicized and
underlined for the purposes of convenience only. If a term defined by this By-law is not
capitalized, italicized and/or underlined, the definitions provided in Section 2.1 shall
apply when consistent with the context. By-law can be read with the following
interpretations:
a) In this By-law, reference to the masculine includes the feminine and
corporations regardless of which term in question appears.
b) In this By-law, reference to the singular includes the plural.
c) All measurements and dimensions in this By-law are expressed in metric.
d) "Schedule A" to this By-law shall be interpreted as if it is contained in the text
of the By-law.
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
This By-law shall be administered and enforced by the Chief Building Official, or
designate.
3.1. OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Neither the granting of a permit nor the review of the plans and specifications nor
inspections made by the Town shall in any way relieve the owner or any other
person from full responsibility for carrying out the work or having the work carried
out in complete accordance with the requirements of this By-law or any other By-
law or Law applicable to the sign.
3.2. RESPONSIBILITY: APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
No person shall make an application for a sign permit who is not the owner of the
property or the owners authorized agent. Nor shall any person submit false or
misleading information or documents or make omissions that may mislead in
connection with any application for a sign permit, detail of construction or revision
thereto.
3.3. RESPONSIBILITY: PERMITS AND PENALIZATION
No person shall work or authorize work to proceed on any sign for which a permit
is required and which has not been obtained. Where a sign is found to be in
contravention of this By-law the Town, its servants or agents, may issue an Order
as per Section 10.2 of this By-law and may impose a penalty under Section 11 of
this By-law.
3.4. SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED
a) Except as permitted in Section 4 (Exempt Signs), no person shall erect
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 20 of 39
or alter a sign unless a permit under this bylaw for the sign has been
obtained from the Chief Building Official.
b) A sign permit shall not be issued to erect or alter a sign unless an
application for the sign has been submitted in accordance with subsection 3.5
and has been approved by the Chief Building Official as being in conformity
with this By-law and all other applicable By-laws and laws regulating signage.
c) A permit shall become null and void upon removal of the sign other than the
temporary removal as agreed to by the Chief Building Official in writing for the
purpose of repair.
3.5. APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS, INFORMATION REQUIRED
a) The applicant for a permit to construct, erect, display, alter or repair (other
than normal maintenance) any sign or advertising device shall complete an
application form as prescribed by the Chief Building Official for that purpose
and file the completed application in duplicate with the Chief Building Official;
b) The application referred to above shall:
i. Describe the land, building or structure on which the proposed sign is
or is to be erected, by street name, street number or by other
equivalent description;
ii. State the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner
and any occupant of the premises and the owner and/or lessee of the
sign;
iii. Contain a declaration to be sworn by the applicant as to the truth and
accuracy of the application, its contents and the submitted documents
including property owner authorization;
iv. Be accompanied by plans, specifications, and drawings in accordance with
the following subsection;
c) The plans, specifications, and drawings required and referred to above
shall:
i. Be drawn to scale and be of sufficient detail to establish that the
work, when completed, will conform to the provisions of this By-law
and all other relevant By- laws of the Corporation;
ii. Include information with regard to materials used: message; lighting;
colours; dimensions of the sign area; sign face and supporting
members; the maximum height; clearance; projection and all other
relevant structural information;
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 21 of 39
iii. When applicable include an elevation of the premises upon which the
sign is to be erected indicating the location and dimensions of the
proposed sign on the building, vehicular access, doors, windows
and other existing signs; and
iv. When applicable include a site plan of the lands upon which the sign
is to be erected indicating the location of the proposed sign on the
site, street lines and other boundaries of the property, sight/visibility
triangle and the location and dimensions of the building(s)
thereon.
v. Heritage review in accordance with the section 3.6.
3.6. HERITAGE REVIEW
a) In keeping with the intent and scope of the By-law, signs which are proposed
to be erected on a building or property that is currently on the Town of
Tillsonburg's List of Heritage Properties are subject to review and approval
by the Tillsonburg Cemetery and Heritage Advisory Committee (TCHAC)
prior to the issuance of the permit.
b) In addition to Section 3.5 every application in clause (a) above submitted to
the TCHAC for review shall be accompanied by plans drawn to scale clearly
showing;
i. The type, character, dimensions and design of the proposed sign
including historically appropriate colours of the sign and lettering.
ii. The proposed means of illumination.
iii. Any other information the TCHAC may prescribe or require.
3.7. PERMIT FEES
a) All applications for permits filed with the Chief Building Official shall be
accompanied by payment of the permit fee in accordance with the Town
Rates and Fees By-law as amended.
b) If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit,
the specified permit fee shall be doubled.
3.8. ISSUANCE AND DENIAL
a) The Chief Building Official shall issue a permit if the completed application
conforms to the provisions of this By-law and every other By-law of the
Municipality plus the Ontario Building Code and regulations made thereunder
and if all fees are paid;
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 22 of 39
b) The Chief Building Official may:
i. Refuse a permit for any sign if the building or structure to which the
sign is, or is to be attached, is incapable of supporting such sign, or if
the information submitted regarding the construction of the said
building or structure is not sufficient to enable him/her to adequately
determine the capability of such building or structure to give such
support;
ii. Refuse a permit for any sign if the information submitted on the permit
application is incomplete or incorrect; and
iii. The Chief Building Official may refer to Council, or its designated
authority, any sign for which a permit is being requested, which in the
opinion of the Chief Building Official, is unsightly, grotesque, or
offensive in character.
3.9. PERMIT CONDITIONS, REFUNDS, REVISIONS AND PENALTIES
a) If a permit is denied, the permit fee will be refunded to the applicant;
b) If no inspections have been made and no work authorized by the permit
has been performed, the permit fee, except for $150.00 may be refunded to
the applicant. No refunds will be provided for permit fees of $150.00 or
less;
c) Revisions may be made without charge to the applicant for approved
documents provided they do not require in the opinion of the Chief Building
Official additional work by the Town.
d) Every permit issued by the Town shall expire six (6) months from the date
of issuance unless the sign applied for has been erected in conformity with
the application and this By-law within that time.
e) A permit may be revoked by the Town under the following circumstances:
i. Where the sign does not conform to this By-law and amendments
thereto.
ii. Where the sign does not conform to any regulation, law or requirement
of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the area where
the sign is situated.
iii. Where the permit has been issued based on false or misleading
information.
iv. Where the permit has been issued in error by the Town.
v. Where the sign erected does not conform with the plans or
specifications approved by the Town on which the permit was issued
f) If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit,
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 23 of 39
the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However, payment of the
doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirement or
penalties prescribed in this By-law.
3.10. INSPECTIONS
a) The Chief Building Official may require at the time of issuance of a permit that
notification be provided for an inspection(s) prior to the installation of certain
stages of the sign construction; and
b) Any person installing, structurally altering or relocating a sign for which a
permit has been issued shall notify the Chief Building Official upon completion
of the work. The Chief Building Official may require a final inspection,
including an electrical inspection.
SECTION 4 EXEMPT SIGNS
4.1. SIGN PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
No sign permit is required to erect the following signs provided the signs otherwise
comply with the applicable provisions of this By-law:
a) Election signs (see Election Campaign Sign By-Law);
b) Real Estate signs/Open House Directional signs;
c) Personal signs;
d) A-Board/Sandwich Board/Sidewalk signs;
e) Promotional Construction Direction signs/Subdivision Development signs;
f) A sign having a sign area less than 0.10 m² (1.07 if) (e.g. poster);
g) Directional sign;
h) Community Bulletin Area signage. Events sponsored by non-profit,
charitable organizations and community groups. Must have town
approval, 1 sign per location, must be removed 3 days after the event.
Not greater than 1.49 m² (16 tr.) in size. Signs manufactured prior to the
passing of this by-law, which are larger than 1.49 m² (16 ft², will be
permitted for a period of 4 years from the date of passing this by-law.
i) Temporary signs for events sponsored by non-profit, charitable
organizations and community groups. Must have town approval prior to
erecting and must be removed 3 days after the event.
j) Promotional Construction Sign not exceeding 6.0 m² (64.58 ft²) in sign
area incidental to building construction erected within the area
designated for such purposes provided there is an active building permit
to construct on file with the Chief Building Official. Such sign shall not be
erected more than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of
construction and shall be removed as soon as the construction is
substantially completed or discontinued for a period exceeding sixty (60)
days.
k) Promotional Construction Sign not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.38 tr.) in sign
area incidental to construction, renovation, repair, service erected on
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 24 of 39
the property where the construction/service is being provided. Such sign
shall not be erected more than 5 days prior to the commencement of
construction/service and shall be removed as soon as the
construction/service is substantially completed or discontinued.
4.2. SIGN BY-LAW EXEMPTIONS
The provisions of this bylaw shall not apply to the erection of the following types
of signs:
a) Public use signs erected by a governmental body, or under the direction of
such a body, bearing no commercial advertising such as but not limited to
traffic signs, rail road crossing signs, safety signs, signs identifying public
schools or public buildings, public information signs and other signs of a
similar nature including signs required by and approved by the Town to inform
the public of planning applications;
b) Flags bearing the crest or insignia of any corporation, government, agency or
religion;
c) Commemorative plaques or corner stones that do not advertise;
d) One sign containing the name, address and profession of a resident or
occupant which may incorporate hours of work, operation or availability. The
aforementioned sign shall not be more than 0.2 m² (2.15 ft²) in sign area and
shall not include any commercial advertising.
e) One identification and vacancy information sign for a duplex dwelling, triplex
dwelling or converted dwelling not exceeding 0.2 m² (2.15 ft² in sign area
and shall not include any commercial advertising.
f) No Trespassing sign or other signs regulating the use of property provided
such signs are no more than 0.2 m² (2.15 ft²) in sign area.
g) Memorial signs and plaques identifying a building or structure and its
architectural or historical significance not exceeding 0.5 m² (5.38 ft²) in sign
area.
h) Signs affixed to a community entrance feature displaying the name and
address of a residential community approved through a Planning
Development approval process.
i) Advertising on Town fixtures when approved by the Town.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 25 of 39
SECTION 5 PROHIBITIONS
5.1. SPECIFIC SIGN PROHIBITIONS
Any sign not expressly permitted by this By-Law is prohibited and without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the following signs are specifically prohibited. No person
shall erect, use or maintain, or cause or permit to be erected, used or maintained any of
the following signs:
a) A sign located on premises which does not specifically identify or advertise a
business, service, or occupant of the premises where it is located, unless
otherwise specified in this By-law;
b) Roof sign;
c) Overhanging sign/Projecting sign;
d) Vehicle/frailer sign on non-motorized vehicles where the purpose of the sign
meets the definition of a sign under this By-law;
e) A sign which may cause confusion with a traffic control sign or a traffic control
signal;
f) Flashing signs;
g) posters, flyers, stickers on public property; except at a designated sign kiosk
or designated location approved by the Town for such use;
h) signs located so as to obstruct the view of any pedestrian or motor vehicle
driver so as to cause an unsafe condition;
i) signs interfering with or obstructing the view of an authorized traffic sign,
traffic signal, or official sign or any sign capable of being confused with such a
traffic sign, traffic signal or official sign;
j) sign located within a sight/visibility triangle;
k) sign which is located so as to interfere in any way with the free use of any fire
escape, fire exit, door, window, skylight flue, air intake or exhaust, or parking
space;
l) moving, swinging, revolving, or rotating sign, except as specifically permitted
elsewhere;
m) Abandoned signs;
n) A sign which depicts violence, nudity or other sexually explicit conduct;
o) A sign which is located on public property unless permitted by this by-law
p) Banner signs
5.2. PROHIBITED LOCATIONS
a) No sign or sign support structure shall be located in a manner which, in the
opinion of the Chief Building Official or By-law Enforcement Officer, impedes
the necessary view of a pedestrian or motorist;
b) No person shall locate a sign in a manner which obstructs or impedes
any: fire escape, fire hydrant, fire exit or door, any window required for
natural ventilation or natural lighting or required as an emergency escape,
or a fire fighter's access panel or skylight, or so as to prevent or impede
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 26 of 39
free access from or to any part of a building, and no sign can be placed
within 1.0 metre (3.28 ft.) of any fire escape, fire hydrant, fire exit or door,
any window required for natural ventilation or natural lighting or required as
an emergency escape, or a fire fighter's access panel or skylight, or so as
to prevent or impede free access from or to any part of a building if the sign
will impede visibility or access.
c) No person shall erect a sign which obstructs or otherwise impedes the
utilization of a parking space, loading space, driveway or aisle unless
additional parking spaces or loading spaces are provided to comply with
the requirements and regulations of the Town;
d) No person shall locate a sign which obstructs or impedes the functioning of
any flue or air intake, or any exhaust system;
e) No person shall nail, screw, tape or otherwise fasten a sign to a tree, fence
or fence post other than a no trespass sign;
f) No person shall erect a sign with a footing/foundation less than 1.0 metre
(3.28 ft.) from a street line;
g) No person shall erect a sign higher than 0.75 metres (2.46 ft.) within 3.0
metres (9.84 ft.) of any road allowance where the sign may impede vision
of an access from any improved public street to any lot;
h) No person shall erect a sign within any road allowance other than a
promotional subdivision development directional sign and an open house
directional sign,
i) No person shall erect a sign within a sight/visibility triangle.
SECTION 6 GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS
6.1. LIMIT ON NUMBER OF SIGNS PER PREMISES:
Except as otherwise permitted in this By-law the number of signs shall be limited to:
a) One (1) ground sign, pylon sign or monolith sign per lot;
b) For single-tenant buildings walls signs, awning signs and canopy signs are
only permitted on one wall face or elevation in accordance with the maximum
sign area provisions for the zone in which they are located, except that where
a business premise is located on a corner or through lot or has entrances on
two (2) or more public streets, or has both a front and a rear public entrance,
one (1) additional wall sign is permitted;
c) For multi-tenant buildings one (1) of any of the following per business
premise:
i. wall sign, awning sign or canopy sign, except that where a business
premise is located on a corner or through lot or has entrances on two
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 27 of 39
(2) or more public highways, or has both a front and a rear public
entrance one (1) additional wall sign is permitted.
6.2. EXISTING SIGNS
a) Nothing in this By-law applies to a sign that is lawfully erected on the day this
By- law comes into force, provided the sign is not altered in any way.
The maintenance and repair of the sign or a change in the message displayed
shall be deemed not to in itself constitute an alteration.
b) In the event a sign that is lawfully erected on the day this By-law comes into
force is altered or removed, all applicable provisions of this By-law shall apply.
6.3. ROAD ALLOWANCES – PROJECTION
a) In the event that an existing building is located up to or within a road
allowance, signs are allowed on the facade of the building within the road
allowance subject to complying with section 6.3 (b) and all the provisions of
this By-law.
b) No person shall erect, display or alter a sign which extends more than 0.6
meters (1.97 ft.) from the building facade into a road allowance or property
owned by the Town of Tillsonburg.
6.4. ILLUMINATION
Signs shall not be illuminated in such a way that either the sign or the method of
illumination creates a hazard or a nuisance. Illuminated signs shall be designed
and erected so that light from such signs is deflected away from any adjacent
residential premises.
SECTION 7 PERMITTED SIGNS
7.1. INTERPRETATION OF SECTION 7 AND SECTION 8
Section 7 and Section 8 of this By-law are interdependent and shall be read together.
7.2. SIGNS IN SCHEDULES TO THIS BY-LAW
a) If a sign is specifically defined in this By-law, but not listed as an allowed sign,
then the sign shall not be allowed.
b) A sign that is listed in a schedule as being allowed shall only be allowed if it
satisfies all applicable provisions of this By-law and any other applicable law.
7.3. PROPERTY USE CATEGORIES
For the purposes of this By-law, the type of sign allowed on a property is based on the
use of the property. The following land uses which are permitted on particular lands by
the Municipality's Zoning By-law are identified in "Schedule A" to this By-law:
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 28 of 39
RES residential
IND industrial
SC service commercial
NC neighborhood commercial
INS institutional
FD future development
EC entrepreneurial
CC central commercial
SECTION 8 SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS
8.0. ANIMATED SIGNS
a) No animated sign shall be erected without first having obtained a building
permit issued by the Chief Building Official.
b) Animated signs may only be installed in Service Commercial, Industrial and
Institutional zones.
c) Animated signs shall not have a display area larger than 2.4 square meters
(25 square feet).
d) Animated signs shall not be placed any higher than 5.5 meters (18 feet) from
average grade.
e) Animated signs shall have a radius setback of 30 meters (98.4 feet) to any
residential or passive use recreation zoned properties and any property used
for residential or passive use purposes.
f) Animated signs shall have a 150 meter (492ft.) setback from other animated
signs.
g) Animated signs shall not be permitted to be located on the facade of a
structure facing a street.
h) No animated signs shall be illuminated in such a manner that creates a
nuisance to any neighbouring property as determined by the By-Law
Enforcement Officer,
i) No animated signs shall be placed or illuminated in such a manner that
creates a distraction or interferes with any traffic signal or controlled
intersection at any travelled roadway as determined by the Director of
Operations or his/her designate.
j) No animated sign shall be placed closer than 100 meters (328ft.) to any
signalized or controlled intersection and pedestrian cross walks.
k) All animated signs shall be installed with a lumen control device and shall be
operable at all times. The lumen control device will be set to adjust
accordingly to the ambient light in such a way not to adversely affect or create
a nuisance to any neighbouring properties.
l) Animated signs shall not appear to be flashing and must have a minimum
dwell time of 5 seconds.
8.1. AWNING SIGNS
a) No portion of an awning sign shall be located less than 2.4 meters (7.87 ft.)
above finished grade immediately below such sign.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 29 of 39
b) No awning sign, or part thereof, shall extend laterally beyond the extremities
of the awning.
c) Awning signs are not permitted to project into a lane or alley.
8.2. BILLBOARD SIGNS
a) A billboard sign shall not be located, erected or displayed within 400 meters
(1,312.24 ft.) of any other billboard sign.
b) Animated signs are not allowed as billboard signs.
8.3. CANOPY SIGNS
No portion of a canopy sign shall be located less than 2.4 meters (7.87 ft.)
above finished grade immediately below such sign.
a) A canopy sign is permitted to project a maximum of 150 mm (0.51 ft.)
from an existing canopy structure.
b) A canopy sign shall be designed as an integral part of the attached or free
standing canopy fascia.
c) No canopy sign shall extend beyond the limits of the canopy fascia. d)
Canopy signs may be illuminated internally or externally.
8.4. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD SIGNS
The intensity of the illumination shall be maintained at a constant level, and
pursuant to section 5.1of this bylaw, flashing signs are prohibited and signs
are prohibited that interfere with or obstruct the view of an authorized traffic
sign, traffic signal, or official sign designed to maintain public safety.
8.5. GROUND SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to all ground signs:
a) The maximum number, area and height of all ground signs shall comply
with the provisions contained within this By-law for the zone designation
in which the ground sign is erected;
b) All ground signs must include the municipal street address if the sign is
located on the street frontage pertaining to the street address and shall
display the municipal address number in numerals and letters that are a
minimum of 150 mm (0.51 ft.) in height;
c) A ground sign shall not be located within 1.5 meters (4.92 ft.) of a
driveway entrance or exit;
d) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 meter (24.61 ft.) radius of a
traffic light;
e) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent
lots a minimum of 1.5 meters (4.92 ft.) or the height of the sign, whichever
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 30 of 39
is greater.
f) Ground signs erected in non-residential zones shall be setback from the
boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 meters
(29.53 ft.).
g) Ground signs may be illuminated internally or externally.
8.6. MOBILE SIGNS
Mobile signs shall be erected in compliance with the following:
a. A mobile sign advertising a business may be erected provided that it is
located on the same property as the business which it is advertising.
b. No flashing lights.
c. One sign per property is permitted at any one time except properties with
a frontage exceeding 50 m (164.0 ft) or part thereof are permitted an
additional mobile sign provided no mobile sign is located closer than 30.0
m (98.44 ft.) from any other mobile sign
d. 30 meter (98.43 ft.) distance between mobile signs.
e. Mobile sign permits are valid for 30 days.
f. Mobile sign permits may be renewed for a maximum of 180 days in a 12
month period with the exception of multi-tenant properties which are
permitted 365 days in a 12 month period and between May 15, 2020 and
between July 13, 2021 and May 31, 2022 which are permitted 365 days
within the 12 month period.
g. Signs shall not be placed in sight/visual triangles or near driveways that
may block motorists view.
h. Where the mobile sign is rented/leased from a sign company, the sign
shall have the name and telephone number of the sign company affixed
to the sign in a clear and visible location.
8.7. MONOLITH/PYLON SIGNS
a) Monolith or pylon signs can be used as ground signs where ground signs
are allowed. The regulations for ground signs will apply in regards to height
and size.
b) All monolith and pylon signs must include the municipal street address if
the sign is located on the street frontage pertaining to the street address
and shall display the municipal address number in numerals and letters that
are a minimum of 150 mm (0.51 ft.) in height;
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 31 of 39
c) Monolith signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 1.5
metres (4.92 ft.) above finished grade.
d) Pylon signs shall not have a sign display surface located lower than 2.44
metres (8.01ft.) above finished grade.
e) The distance between Monolith/Pylon signs on adjacent properties shall not
be less than 7.60 meters (24.93 feet).
8.8. MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL SIGNS
a) The types of signs permitted as a multi-unit residential sign are the following:
- ground signs,
- wall signs,
- awning signs; and
- canopy signs
b) The maximum number, area and height of all signs shall comply with the
provisions contained within "Schedule A".
8.9. OPEN HOUSE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Open House Directional signs shall be erected in compliance with the following:
a) A maximum of 5 signs per open house are permitted;
b) Signs shall only be used and displayed 5 days before a scheduled open
house and such signs must be removed immediately after the open house;
c) Signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 0.60 meters (1.96 ft);
d) No sign shall be located in a manner that restricts the free and safe movement
for any pedestrian, vehicle or other conveyance on any sidewalk, path, road
allowance or driveway, or in a manner which impedes vision.
8.10. PERSONAL SIGNS
a) Personal signs may be erected for a one (1) week period. A minimum of sixty
(60) days must elapse between a personal sign being removed and another
personal sign being erected.
8.11. PORTABLE/A-FRAME/SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS
Portable/A-Frame/Sandwich Board signs shall be erected in compliance with the
following:
a) Shall only be used and displayed during the actual hours of operation of the
business that it is advertising;
b) Only one (1) sign permitted per business with a maximum of two (2) signs
permitted per property;
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 32 of 39
c) Properties that front onto multiple streets are permitted to place signs on each
street frontage as per section 8.11(b);
d) Sign shall not exceed 1.0 metre (10.76 ft.) squared;
e) Shall not be located in a manner that restricts the free and safe movement
for any pedestrian, vehicle or other conveyance on any sidewalk, path, road
allowance or driveway, or in a manner which impedes vision, or interferes
with parking spaces;
f) Sign shall not be placed closer than 0.30 m (1.0 ft.) from the street line;
g) Signs manufactured prior to the passing of this by-law which are in excess of
1.0 meters (10.76 ft.) squared shall be permitted for a period of 4 years from
the date that this by-law was passed;
h) Shall not be illuminated;
8.12. PROMOTIONAL SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT DIRECTION SIGNS
Promotional Subdivision Development Direction signs shall be erected in
compliance with the following:
a) A maximum of 4 signs per sales office/model home;
b) The sign shall only be used and displayed during the actual hours of
operation of the subdivision sales office during week days; and signs
may be displayed on Saturdays and Sundays provided that such
signs are displayed on street boulevards only and are not located any
closer than 1.0 metre (328 ft.) to the curb, or where there are no curbs,
3.0 metres (9.84 ft.) from the edge of the travelled portion of the street;
and that such signs are removed no later than 08:00 hours (8:00 a.m.) on
each Monday.
c) No Promotional Subdivision Development Direction sign shall be located
within 25 meters (82.02 ft.) of an intersection measured from the
intersecting edge of curb or traveled portion of the street.
d) No Promotional Subdivision Development Direction sign shall be located in
a manner that restricts the free and safe movement for any pedestrian,
vehicle or other conveyance on any sidewalk, path, road allowance or
driveway, or in a manner which impedes vision;
e) No Promotional Subdivision Development Direction sign shall be located
within 10 meters (32.81 ft.) of another Promotional Subdivision
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 33 of 39
Development Direction sign.
8.13. PROMOTIONAL CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
Promotional construction signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of substantial
completion of the project.
8.14. SIDEWALK SIGNS
No person shall erect, locate or display a Sidewalk sign except in accordance with
the applicable regulations under this section of the By-law:
a) No sidewalk sign shall exceed 0.75 metres (2.46 ft.) in width or 1.0
metres (3.28 ft.) in height including the sign frame and shall not exceed
0.75 metres (2.46 ft.) squared in area including the sign structure;
b) No sidewalk sign shall be permanently secured to the ground, any
structure or tree.
c) Where a sidewalk sign is erected, located, or displayed, it shall be
erected, located, or displayed against the front wall of the business it is
advertising.
d) No sidewalk sign shall be erected, located, or displayed on public
property except on a public sidewalk.
e) Where a sidewalk sign is erected, located, or displayed on a public
sidewalk, it shall be erected, located, or displayed against the front wall
of the business it is advertising provided there is a minimum 1.5 meters
(4.92 ft.) of unobstructed sidewalk.
f) No person shall erect, display or locate a Sidewalk sign on a public
sidewalk except during the hours of operation of the business that it is
advertising.
g) The sidewalk sign may advertise more than one occupant or business
contained within a single building or storefront
8.15. SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT SIGNS
a) A subdivision development sign shall not be erected until the subdivision
being advertised has been draft approved and must be located on the plan of
subdivision site.
b) A subdivision development sign shall be removed within thirty (30) days after
the date of the sale of the last property within the plan of subdivision.
8.16. WALL SIGNS
The following regulations shall apply to wall signs:
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 34 of 39
a) No wall sign, or part thereof, shall extend above the top extremity of the wall
upon which it is placed.
b) No wall sign, or part thereof, shall extend laterally beyond the extremities of
the wall upon which it is placed.
c) No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm (1.64 ft.) from
the wall upon which it is placed.
d) No wall sign, or part thereof, that projects more than 50 mm (0.16 ft.) from
the wall upon which it is placed shall be located less than 2.4 meters (7.87
ft.) above the grade below such sign.
e) No wall sign, or part thereof, that projects more than 50 mm (0.16 ft.) from
the wall upon which it is placed if located on a lane shall be located less than
5.0 meters (16.40 feet) measured vertically from the surface of the lane.
f) Wall signs shall only be located at the level having direct access to an
exterior public way except that where a premise occupies all levels in a multi-
storey building the wall sign may be located above the level having direct
access to an exterior public way.
g) Wall signs permitted on any wall of a commercial, industrial or institutional
building shall have a maximum sign area of 0.75 m² (8.07 ft.) per horizontal
linear meter of the wall face.
h) Wall signs shall not cover more than 20% in total aggregate area of the wall
on which they are erected, displayed or placed.
i) The total area of any single wall sign per business premise shall not exceed
35 m• (376.74 ft.).
j) Wall signs shall not be painted on the exterior walls of any building excluding
a mural which has been approved by Council.
8.17. WINDOW SIGNS
a) Window signs shall not block the clear view of exits or entrances at any time;
b) All zones are permitted window signs of less than 1.0 meter (10.76 ft.)
squared indicating that the business is "open";
c) No window signage shall be permitted above the second story of any building;
and
d) For premises on the second storey or higher level of a building which has a
door or entrance at the street level, a window sign or sign shall be permitted
at the street level.
SECTION 9 VARIANCES
9.1. APPROVAL AUTHORITY
The Director as the delegated authority, at his/her discretion, may approve minor sign
variances to this Sign By-law in the following situations:
a) The Director may vary the following provisions of the Sign By-law at the time
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 35 of 39
of site plan approval:
i. The location of any sign on a building or property.
ii. The number of signs on a building or property, having
regard for the sign type, property use and the size of
the property
b) The Director will consider minor sign variance applications for properties
that are not subject to site plan approval for the provisions of the
Sign By-law that are identified in Section 9.1 (a);
c) At the discretion of the Director, applications which are deemed to be not
minor in nature will be considered immediately by Town Council for a
final decision.
9.2. MINOR SIGN VARIANCE CONSIDERATIONS
In considering a minor sign variance application, the Director shall have regard to:
a) Special circumstances or conditions applying to the property, building, or use
referred to in the application;
b) whether such special circumstances or conditions are pre-existing and not
created by the owner or applicant;
c) whether the proposed sign will detrimentally alter the character of the
building, property or area, and
d) whether the general intent and purpose of the Sign By-law is maintained.
9.3. DIRECTOR APPROVED EXEMPTIONS
The Director's approval authority does not apply to the following sections of the Sign
By-law:
a) Schedule A, Permitted Sign Use/Property Use Table, Signs allowed by
property use;
b) All Sign By-law provisions with regards to Mobile Signs;
c) All provisions with regard to Billboard Signs.
9.4. VARIANCE APPLICATIONS
An application for a variance from one or more of the requirements in this Sign By-law
shall:
a) Describe the land, building or structure on which the proposed sign is or is to
be erected, by street name, street number or by other equivalent description;
b) State the full names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner and
any occupant of the premises and the owner and/or lessee of the sign;
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 36 of 39
c) Contain a declaration to be sworn by the applicant as to the truth and
accuracy of the application, its contents and the submitted documents
including property owner authorization; Be accompanied by plans,
specifications, and drawings in accordance with the following subsection;
d) The plans, specifications, and drawings required and referred to above shall:
i. Be drawn to scale and be of sufficient detail to establish that the
work, when completed, will conform to the provisions of this By-
law and all other relevant By- laws of the Corporation;
ii. Include information with regard to materials used: message;
lighting; colours; dimensions of the sign area; sign face and
supporting members; the maximum height; clearance; projection
and all other relevant structural information;
iii. When applicable include an elevation of the premises upon
which the sign is to be erected indicating the location and
dimensions of the proposed sign on the building, vehicular
access, doors, windows and other existing signs; and
iv. When applicable include a site plan of the lands upon which the
sign is to be erected indicating the location of the proposed sign
on the site, street lines and other boundaries of the property,
sight/visibility triangle and the location and dimensions of the
building(s) thereon.
v. Heritage review in accordance with the Section 3.6.
e) Be made by an owner, or authorized representative of an owner, of
the property on which the sign is to be erected.
f) Be filed with the Town for consideration by the Director.
g) Include a justification of why the provisions of the Sign By-Law
cannot be complied with.
9.5. APPROVAL AND CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
The Director may approve or refuse any variance application and may impose
conditions upon an approval as deemed appropriate.
9.6. APPEAL PROCESS
Should the Director refuse a variance application the property owner, or
authorized representative of the owner, may file an application with the Town for an
amendment to the Sign By-law for consideration by Council.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 37 of 39
SECTION 10 ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS AND REMOVAL OF
UNLAWFUL SIGNS
10.1. TOWN PROPERTY
No signs shall be placed on or over Town property without approval from the Town.
Where a sign does not comply with this by-law, is erected or displayed on, over, partly
on, or over property owned by or under the jurisdiction of the Town, the sign may be
removed immediately by the Town without notice or compensation. For this purpose,
the Town and its agents may enter upon land at any reasonable time.
10.2. CONTRAVENTION PROCEDURE
Where a sign does not comply with this by-law, is erected or displayed, the Chief
Building Official or By-Law Enforcement Officer shall issue an order to do the work to
correct the contravention, by personal service or regular mail, to the owner of the
sign, or the owner or occupier of the land upon which the sign is located, the order
shall include the following:
a) The order shall outline the nature of the contravention;
b) The section of the by-law that is contravened;
c) The date by which there must be compliance;
d) A description and address of the sign that is in contravention;
e) Include a statement of where and how the Sign may be redeemed
10.3. SIGN REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
Where a sign has been removed by the Municipality pursuant to this by-law, the owner
and/or occupant is liable to a minimum charge per sign as per the Municipalities Rates
and Fees By-Law as amended or the actual cost of removing the sign(s), whichever is
greater. Signs that are removed shall be stored by the Municipality for a period of 30
days, during which time the owner, occupant, and/or permit applicant is entitled to
redeem the sign. The cost of removing the sign and the storage fee as per the
Municipalities Rates and Fees By-Law as amended must be paid to the Municipality
before the sign will be released. At the expiry of 30 day period, the sign will be disposed
of by the Municipality. All fees and removal is to be at the expense of the owner or
occupant and the expense may be collected in like manner as municipal taxes.
10.4. UNCLAIMED SIGNS
If there is no lessee of the sign or the lessee or owner of the sign or their agents cannot
be determined with certainty, the Chief Building Official or designate may forward the
notice to the person or agent thereof having the use or major benefit of the sign.
10.5. UNSAFE SIGNS
Where in the opinion of the Chief Building Official a sign is unsafe, the Chief Building
Official may have the sign removed immediately without notice.
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 38 of 39
10.6. MAINTENANCE
The owner of the lands or premises upon which any sign or advertising device is located
shall maintain or cause such sign or advertising device to be maintained in a proper
state of repair so that such sign or advertising device does not become unsafe,
unsightly, dangerous or a nuisance. All signs shall be completely operative at all times.
SECTION 11 OFFENCE AND PENALTIES
11.1. RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLY
It shall be the duty of every person who erects, uses, maintains or causes a sign to be
erected, used or maintained to ensure that any sign erected, used or maintained by
them shall comply with all the provisions and requirements of this By-law.
11.2. LIABILITY TO FINES
Every person who contravenes any provision of this By-law shall be guilty of an offence
and on conviction is liable to a fine as provided for in the Provincial Offences Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 33.
11.3. RECOVERING EXPENSES
a) Where any person is directed or required by this by-law to do any matter or
thing, such matter or thing may be done in default of its being done by the
person directed or required to do it, at that person's expense, and such
expense may be recovered by action or as municipal taxes in the manner
prescribed by the Municipal Act.
b) The payment of any fees and charges are required under this by-law does
not constitute partial or full payment of any fines imposed by a court of
competent jurisdiction for an offence committed under this or any other by-
laws.
SECTION 12 SEVERABILITY
If a court of competent jurisdiction should declare any section or part of a section of this
By-law to be invalid, such decision does not affect the validity, effectiveness, or
enforceability of the other sections or parts of the provisions of this By-law unless the
court makes an order to the contrary.
SECTION 13 CONFLICTING BY-LAWS
Where there is a conflict of the provisions between this By-law and any other By-law of
the Town regulating signage, the provisions of the By-law deemed by the Chief Building
Official to be the most restrictive shall prevail.
SECTION 14 INDEMNIFICATION
The applicant for a permit for a sign, and the owner and occupant of the lands and
premises on which any sign is erected, shall be jointly and severally responsible
By-Law 3798 Consolidated
Page 39 of 39
to indemnify the Town, its officers, employees, servants and agents, from all loss,
damages, costs, expenses, claims, demands, actions, suits or other proceedings of
every nature and kind arising from and in consequence of the construction, erection,
maintenance, display, alteration, repair or removal of such sign.
SECTION 15 VALIDITY
In the event any part or provision of this By-law is held to be illegal or void, this shall not
have the effect of making illegal or void any of the other parts or provisions thereof,
which may or shall be determined to be legal.
SECTION 16 REPEAL
Town of Tillsonburg By-Law 2976 and all of its amendments are hereby repealed upon
the date this By-law comes into effect.
SECTION 17 EFFECTIVE DATE
This by-law shall become effective upon the passing thereof.
READ A FIRST TIME AND SECOND TIME THIS 27th day of FEBRUARY, 2014.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 28th day of APRIL, 2014.
original signed
MAYOR – John Lessif
original signed
TOWN CLERK – Donna Wilson