Ottawa commercial sign permits: a practical guide for business owners

Start with the property, not the sign

Ottawa regulates permanent signs on private property through its Permanent Signs on Private Property By-law. The permissions vary by sign type, zoning, frontage and site conditions. Before investing in final artwork, confirm the property address, zoning, proposed sign location and whether the building has landlord sign criteria.

A concept that looks appropriate in isolation can still conflict with allowable sign area, placement, illumination or sightline requirements. An early site review gives the designer enough information to create something attractive that also has a realistic path to approval.

What a useful permit package contains

A complete package normally communicates the existing elevation, proposed sign dimensions, mounting method, materials, illumination and relationship to property lines or building features. Ground signs may also require site information, foundation details and engineering coordination.

• Accurate site and elevation measurements
• Scaled sign drawings and placement dimensions
• Construction, mounting and electrical details
• Owner or landlord authorization where applicable
• Structural information when required

Avoid installing before approval

Do not treat a permit as paperwork that can be completed after fabrication. A required change to size, location or lighting can make finished components unusable. The City also lists administrative surcharges for signs installed before the required approval. Build permit time into the project schedule and keep fabrication dependent on approved drawings.

Signartiv can coordinate survey, design development, landlord review, permit drawings, fabrication and installation so the same approved intent carries through the complete project.