By-law - Sign Bylaw, as amended (Office Consolidation) - 20160329 - 5840-16By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 1 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Office Consolidation
This is a consolidation of the Town’s Sign By-law being By-law No. 5840-16, as
amended. This is an electronic reproduction made available for reference and
information purposes only. It is not an official version of the By-law. Official versions
of all by-laws can be obtained by contacting the Legislative Services Division at (905)
727-3123 or clerks@aurora.ca. If there are any discrepancies between this
consolidation and By-law No. 5840-16, as amended, the By-law(s) shall prevail.
By-law No. 5840-16, as amended by
By-law No. Purpose of Amendment Date Enacted
5953-17 Language on Signs Feb 14, 2017
6058-18 Definitions, Prohibitions and Responsibilities, and
Election Signs Mar 27, 2018
6163-19 Portable Signs Mar 26, 2019
6785-26 Election Signs May 26, 2026
The Corporation of the Town of Aurora
By-law Number 5840-16
Being a By-law respecting signs within the Town of Aurora.
Whereas Section 11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended, permits
The Corporation of the Town (the “Town”) to pass by-laws respecting signs, structures,
culture, heritage, the health, safety and well-being of persons and Economic, social and
environmental well-being of the municipality;
And whereas it is deemed necessary to enact a by-law to regulate signs in Aurora to
replace the current sign by-laws of the Town;
Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora hereby enacts as
follows:
Table of Contents
Section 1 - Definitions ........................................................................................................... 3
Section 2 - Application, Intent and Scope ............................................................................ 8
Section 3 - Prohibitions and Responsibilities ....................................................................... 8
Section 4 - Administration ..................................................................................................... 9
Section 5 - General Provisions ............................................................................................ 14
Section 6 - Additional Requirements and Restrictions Related to Zone and Land Use ... 23
Section 7 - Enforcement ...................................................................................................... 30
Section 8 - Indemnification ................................................................................................. 33
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Section 9 - Interpretation ..................................................................................................... 34
Section 10 - Severability ...................................................................................................... 34
Section 11 - Conflict ............................................................................................................ 34
Section 12 - Short Title ........................................................................................................ 34
Section 13 - General ............................................................................................................ 34
Schedule "A" to By-law Number 5840-16 ........................................................................... 35
Schedule “B” to By-law Number 5840-16 ........................................................................... 36
Schedule “C” to By-law Number 5840-16 ........................................................................... 37
Schedule “D” to By-law Number 5840-16 ........................................................................... 38
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Section 1 - Definitions
The following terms shall have the following meanings:
1.1 “alter, altered or alteration” shall mean any change to a sign with the exception
of:
(a) a change in the message displayed by a sign;
(b) the re-arrangement of numerals, letters or graphic applied directly to the
face of a sign specifically designed and intended to be periodically
rearranged; or
(c) the repair and maintenance of a sign;
1.2 “awning sign” shall mean a sign in the form of 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 a freestanding canopy sign;
1.3 “banner sign” shall mean a sign constructed of a non-rigid material attached to a
building or structure, but shall not include a flag, a feather banner sign, or an
awning sign;
1.4 “Commercial Zone” shall mean a Commercial Zone as identified in the Zoning
By-law;
1.5 “canopy sign” shall mean 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 freestanding canopy sign;
1.6 “construction sign” shall mean a sign on a lot or a premises that identifies the
contractor, builder or construction company and/or combination thereof involved
in the ongoing construction, demolition or maintenance on that lot or premises;
1.7 “corner lot” shall mean a lot situated at the intersection of and abutting two (2)
or more streets or two (2) parts of the same street provided that the angle of
intersection of such streets or parts thereof is not more than one hundred and
thirty-five (135) degrees;
1.8 “Council” shall mean the council of The Corporation of the Town of Aurora;
1.9 “daylight triangle” means an area determined by measuring, from the point of
intersection of street lines on a corner lot, the distance of six (6.0) meters along
each such street line and joining such points with a straight line to form a
triangular-shaped area between the intersecting street lines and the straight line
joining the points at the required distance along the street lines;
1.10 “development area” shall mean an area which is appropriately zoned for the
advertised development or for which a valid application to permit such
development is under consideration by the Town;
1.11 “non-residential development sign” shall mean a sign erected on any lands,
buildings or structures within a development area which displays a message or
information regarding a development in progress or a proposed development, but
does not include a residential development sign;
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
1.12 “directional sign” shall mean a sign which provides direction to a place, regulates
traffic or designates the location of a parking or loading area and bearing no
commercial advertising;
1.13 “Director” shall mean the Director of Building and By-law Services of the Town or
their authorized designate or successor;
1.14 “drive-through facility” shall mean a building or structure or part thereof where
goods, food or services are offered to the public by way of a service window or
kiosk while the patrons are in a parked or in a stationary vehicle, and where
goods, money or materials are exchanged in a designated stacking lane;
1.15 “dynamic sign” shall mean a sign created, designed, manufactured or modified in
such way that its display message can change from time to time manually,
electronically or using other mechanism but does not include a mobile sign;
1.16 “Election Day” shall mean the day on which the final vote is to be taken in an
election or referendum; (Amended by By-law No. 6058-18)
1.17 “election sign” shall mean any image, words, sign, picture, device, notice or visual
medium, or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, any poster,
placard, bulletin, banner or vehicle wrap, which:
(a) depicts, promotes, advertises or provides information about:
(i) an individual who is a candidate; or
(ii) a referendum issue;
(b) promotes recognition of or influences persons to vote for or against any
candidate or any question or by-law submitted to electors;” (Amended by
By-law No. 6785-26)
1.18 “erect, erected or erection” shall mean the placement, installation or relocation
of any sign or part thereof;
1.19 “feather banner sign” shall mean a sign constructed of non-rigid material
attached to the ground and supported on a horizontal rigid curved pole but does
not include a flag;
1.20 “free standing canopy sign” shall mean a sign affixed to a permanent rigid
structure providing protection from the weather supported on columns and not
enclosed on any of its sides;
1.21 “ground sign” shall mean a sign, erected in a fixed location and supported by one
or more uprights, poles, braces, or on a structural base placed in or upon the
ground, but does not include a third-party sign;
1.22 “height” shall mean the vertical distance measured from the average grade
immediately below the sign to the highest point of the sign or sign structure,
whichever is greatest;
1.23 “inflatable sign” shall mean a sign whose structural integrity is maintained
through air pressure;
1.24 “lot” shall mean a parcel or contiguous parcels of land under one ownership;
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
1.25 “menu board” shall mean a sign erected as part of a drive-thru facility and used
to display and provide pricing for goods, food and/or services available at the
premises;
1.26 “mobile sign” shall mean any sign mounted on a trailer or other supporting
device which is designed to be transported from one site to another but shall not
include a licensed vehicle;
1.27 “Municipal Act” means the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 as amended;
1.28 “mural sign” shall mean any type of display or artistic endeavour applied as
paint, film or any other covering to any external wall or other integral part of a
building or structure;
1.29 “Ontario Building Code” shall mean the Ontario Building Code established under
the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23, as amended or successor
legislation thereof;
1.30 “open house real estate sign” shall mean a sign intended to direct traffic to a
residence for sale or lease but shall not include a residential development sign;
1.31 “owner” shall mean a person who owns or is in control of the lot, premises,
building or other structure or part thereof, and includes a lessee or a mortgagee
in possession thereof;
1.32 “permit” shall mean a permit issued under this by-law permitting the placement
of a sign;
1.33 “person” shall mean an individual, association, firm, partnership, corporation,
trust, incorporated company, corporation created under the Condominium Act,
1998, S.O. 1998, c 19, organization, trustee or agent, and the heirs, executors or
other legal representatives of a person to whom the context can apply according
to law;
1.34 “pole sign” shall mean a sign mounted on a pole, lamp standard, or hydro pole
located on private or public property and does not include feather banner signs;
1.34.1 “portable sign” shall mean a free standing sign located, erected or displayed on,
but not permanently anchored to, the ground and includes but is not limited to,
signs commonly referred to as A-frame, T-frame or sandwich board, but shall not
include a banner sign, an election sign, a feather banner sign, an inflatable sign or
a mobile sign; (Added by By-law No. 6163-19)
1.35 “pre-menu board” shall mean a sign erected at the entry to a stacking lane of a
drive-thru facility and used to display goods, food and/or services available at the
premises;
1.36 “premises” shall mean the area of a building(s) or part thereof and/or land(s) or
part thereof occupied by a user or proposed to be occupied by a user. In a
multiple occupancy building, each single occupancy shall be considered a
separate premises;
1.37 “projecting sign” shall mean a sign other than a wall sign which is affixed to a
building, wall or structure and which projects approximately perpendicular from
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
same for a distance greater than 500mm but does not include a canopy or
awning sign.
1.38 “public authority” shall mean any governmental body, commission, committee,
school board, public transit authority, department or agency, conservation
authority or a local hydro utility;
1.39 “real estate sign” shall mean a sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of a lot or
premises, but shall not include residential or non-residential development signs;
1.40 “Region” shall mean The Regional Municipality of York;
1.41 “residential development sign” shall mean a sign erected on any lands, buildings
or structures which displays a message or information regarding a proposed or
in progress residential development, but does not include a non-residential
development sign;
1.42 “Residential Zone” shall mean a Residential Zone as identified in the Zoning By-
law;
1.43 “roof sign” shall mean a sign erected entirely on or above the roof of a building;
1.44 “shopping centre” shall mean a group of commercial uses on a lot, which has
been designed, developed and managed as a unit by a single owner, or a group of
owners, with off-street parking provided on the property, as distinguished from a
business area comprised of unrelated individual commercial uses;
1.45 “sign” shall mean any advertising or notification device and any visual medium
including its structure and other component parts, which is used or is capable of
being used to attract attention to a specific subject matter, other than itself, for
identification, information, or advertising purposes;
1.46 “sign area” shall mean:
(a) the area of the display surface including the border or the frame; or
(b) the aggregate area of the display surfaces lying within the extremities of
and wholly enclosing the individual components of the sign, if the sign does
not have a border or frame or is located on a canopy or awning; or
(c) where a sign has two display surfaces, with the thickness of the sign not
greater than what is required to accommodate the structure and not used
as a display surface, the area of one display surface;
1.47 “sign structure” shall mean the support, uprights, bracing and framework of the
sign;
1.48 “special event” shall mean an event organized for a charitable, social, cultural,
promotional, fundraising or recreational purpose;
1.49 “stacking lane” shall mean an on-site queuing lane designated for motor vehicles
awaiting service from a drive-through facility;
1.50 “street” shall mean a public highway as defined in the Municipal Act and the
Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c H.8, as amended, but shall exclude a lane or
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
any private right of way, an unopened road allowance, and a street which has not
been assumed by the Town;
1.51 “street line” shall mean the cumulative length of all the boundaries separating
the lot from any street;
1.52 “third party sign” shall mean 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 lot or premises on
which the sign is erected and does not include off-site residential development
sign or a sign advertising a special event;
1.53 “through lot” shall mean a lot bounded on two (2) opposite sides by streets;
1.54 “Town” shall mean The Corporation of the Town of Aurora;
1.55 “unsafe sign” shall mean a sign or sign structure which is structurally unsafe, or
which constitutes a fire, traffic, or pedestrian hazard, or which impedes a means
of egress from any building, premises or property, or otherwise constitutes a risk
to the health, safety or the well-being of any person or property;
1.56 “wall sign” shall mean a sign affixed to and structurally supported on the wall of
a building which is parallel to and projects not more than 500 mm from the face
of the building and a structure;
1.57 “zone” shall mean a designated area of land use shown on Schedule "A" of
Zoning By-law;
1.58 “Zoning By-law” shall mean The Zoning By-law of the Town of Aurora, as
amended or successor by-law thereof.
1.59 “Applicable Election Legislation” shall mean the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000,
c. 9, Election Act, R.S.O. 1990, Election Finances Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.6, and the
Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sched., each as amended or re-
enacted from time to time, as the context requires;
1.60 “candidate” shall mean a candidate nominated for election pursuant to
Applicable Election Legislation;
1.61 “election period” shall mean:
(a) for an election pursuant to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c.
32, Sched., the period commencing at 12:01 a.m. on the 28th day prior to
voting day and ending 72 hours following the close of polls on voting day;
and
(b) for an election pursuant to federal or provincial Applicable Election
Legislation, the period commencing on the date of issue of the writ of
election and ending 72 hours following the close of polls on the date of the
election;
1.62 “redemption period” shall mean thirty (30) days following the date of the
election;
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
1.63 “referendum issue” shall mean a question, law or bylaw submitted to the
electors under Applicable Election Legislation;
1.64 “third party advertiser” shall mean, in respect of an election governed by
Applicable Election Legislation, any individual, corporation or entity that is
required under such legislation to register, or that has registered, as a third party
or registered third party in order to engage in election, political or third-party
advertising in relation to that election;
1.65 “vehicle election sign” shall mean any form of Election Sign displayed in or on a
vehicle or trailer but does not include displays where the total area of all such
signs displayed on the vehicle or trailer does not, in aggregate, exceed 200
square centimetres. (Subsections 1.59 to 1.65 added by By-law No. 6785-26)
Section 2 - Application, Intent and Scope
2.1 The provisions of this by-law shall apply to all lands and property within the
Town.
2.2 The requirements of this by-law shall not apply to the Town or any signs erected
by a public authority, or under the direction of such a body, such as but not
limited to memorial signs and plaques, traffic signs, rail road crossing signs,
safety signs, signs identifying public schools or public buildings, signs erected or
maintained by or on behalf of a public transit authority, public information signs
and other signs of a similar nature.
2.3 The intent of this by-law is to regulate signs in relation to business needs,
community appearance, safety and the impact on areas, properties or buildings
identified for their historical significance.
2.4 This by-law shall be administered by the Director.
Section 3 - Prohibitions and Responsibilities
3.0 No person shall erect, display, modify, maintain or restore, or cause to be erected,
displayed, modified, maintained, or restored any sign that does not comply in all
respects with the provisions of this by-law and, if a permit has been issued with
respect to a sign, any applicable terms and conditions of the permit. (Added by
By-law No. 6058-18)
3.1 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 complying with any requirements set out in this by-law nor
from carrying out any work required pursuant to this by-law or requirements
herein.
3.2 No person shall make an application for a sign permit who is not the owner of the
property, or the owner’s authorized agent, to which the application applies.
3.3 No person shall knowingly submit false or misleading information or documents
or knowingly make omissions that may mislead in connection with any
application for a sign permit.
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
3.4 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 an unsafe sign, or unsightly in the opinion of the Director.
3.5 Signs are not permitted on public lands, except for:
(a) open house real estate signs in accordance with subsection 5.13 of this by-
law,
(b) election signs accordance with subsection 5.14 of this by-law;
(c) third party signs authorized by Council; and
(d) signs advertising special events in accordance with subsection 5.15 of this
by-law; and
(e) portable signs in accordance with subsection 5.17 of this by-law. (Added by
By-law No. 6163-19)
3.6 No person shall erect or maintain a sign upon a lot or premises unless it
advertises or provides information with respect to a use that is permitted under
the Zoning By-law for the lot or premises on which the sign is situated, except for:
(a) open house real estate signs in accordance with subsection 5.13 of this by-
law;
(b) election signs accordance with subsection 5.14 of this by-law;
(c) third party signs authorized by Council;
(d) signs advertising special events in accordance with subsection 5.15 of this
by-law; and
(e) portable signs in accordance with subsection 5.17 of this by-law. (Added by
By-law No. 6163-19)
Section 4 - Administration
The Director is responsible for the administration of this by-law and is delegated the
authority to receive applications and any fees established under this by-law. The
Director is also authorized to issue, revoke, or refuse to issue permits, including
imposing conditions thereto, in accordance with this by-law.
4.1 Sign Permit Required:
(a) Except as provided in subsection 4.2, no person shall erect or cause to be
erected or alter or cause to be altered a sign prior to obtaining a permit from
the Town.
(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
4.3 and is in conformity with this by-law, the Ontario Building Code and all
other applicable laws and laws regulating signage.
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
4.2 Signs Not Requiring a Permit:
The following signs may be erected or altered without a permit:
(a) a single sign on a premises containing the name, address and profession of
a resident or occupant which may incorporate hours of work, operation or
availability up to 0.2 m² in sign area that does not include any commercial
advertising;
(b) a single identification and vacancy information sign on a premises for a
duplex dwelling, triplex dwelling, double duplex dwelling or converted
dwelling not exceeding 0.2m2 in sign area and shall not include any
commercial advertising;
(c) no Trespassing signs or other signs regulating the use of property provided
such signs are no more than 0.2 m² in sign area;
(d) directional signs not exceeding 0.5 m² in sign area in a Residential Zone and
1 m² in sign area in all other zones;
(e) flags bearing the crest or insignia of any corporation, government, agency
or religious, cultural, charitable or fraternal organization;
(f) construction signs not exceeding 4.6 m² in sign area incidental to building
construction, demolition or maintenance ongoing on the lot or premises on
which the sign the located;
(g) signs affixed to a wall entry feature displaying the name and address of a
residential or other type of community approved by the Town;
(h) public transit shelter advertising or any advertising on street furniture and
fixtures approved by the Town or Region;
(i) signs customarily displayed on gasoline pumps which are an integral part of
the pump or pump island design;
(j) signs affixed to the interior side of a window in zones other than Residential
Zones covering not more than 25% of the window, window section or
window pane;
(k) signs on a temporary sales trailer or sales office which has been approved
by the Town through a fully executed agreement and which signs are
associated with the sale of new residential units, provided the maximum
area of the signs does not exceed 15.0 m2 per elevation and 30.0 m2 for all
elevations combined;
(l) real estate signs and open house real estate signs;
(m) election signs.
4.3 Application Requirements for a Sign Permit:
Every application for a sign permit shall include:
(a) a completed application form as prescribed by the Director;
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(b) a fully dimensioned site plan, drawn to scale showing all property lines of
the lot on which the sign is to be erected or altered and the location of all
existing and proposed signs in relation to the lot lines, buildings and other
structures;
(c) plans and specifications drawn to scale showing sufficient detail to
determine compliance with this by-law and the Ontario Building Code
including location, size, height and graphics of all proposed and existing
signs, construction materials and specifications respecting structural
support and framework of the sign; plans and specifications are to be
submitted in duplicate, unless otherwise stated;
(d) approval from the Ministry of Transportation for a sign that is within 400
metres of any provincial highway right of way;
(e) approval from conservation authorities having jurisdiction within the Town
of Aurora for any ground sign within their regulated areas;
(f) approval from the Region for any sign that is fully or partially encroaching
onto the Region’s property;
(g) full payment of the required fee and security deposit in accordance with
Schedule “A” appended hereto;
(h) notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c), an application for a mobile sign, a
banner sign, a feather banner sign or a portable sign permit shall, in lieu of
the items required under paragraphs (b) and (c) include:
(i) written permission of the property management or the person in
charge of the lot;
(ii) proposed dates and/or times for placement and removal of signs;
(iii) information with respect to number and locations of proposed sign(s);
(iv) for mobile signs, proof of insurance satisfactory to the Director; and
(v) for portable signs that are placed, or to be placed, on public lands:
a. proof of liability insurance naming the Town as an additional
insured in an amount of at least $2,000,000 CAD, or an amount
otherwise to the satisfaction of the Director; and
b. written commitment in a form satisfactory to the Director to
indemnify the Town in case of any claim against the Town caused
by, or related to, the portable sign.
(Amended by By-law No. 6163-19)
4.4 Revisions to Application or Permit:
(a) Revisions prior to issuance of a sign permit may be made without additional
charge to the applicant.
(b) Revisions made after the issuance of a sign permit, requires the applicant to
apply and obtain a revised sign permit and pay the applicable fees in
accordance with Schedule “A” of this by-law.
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
4.5 Abandoned Permit Applications:
Where an application for a sign permit remains inactive or incomplete for six
months after it is submitted, the Director may deem the application to have been
abandoned and cancel the application.
4.6 Revocation of Permit:
A permit may be revoked by the Town under the following circumstances:
(a) if it was issued on mistaken, false or incorrect information;
(b) if the construction of the sign, in the opinion of the Director, has not
substantially commenced within six (6) months after issuance of the permit
or it has been substantially suspended or discontinued for a period of more
than six (6) months;
(c) if it was issued in error; or
(d) if the owner requests in writing that it be revoked.
4.7 Review of Permit Application by Planning and Development Services
Department:
(a) Signs requiring a permit which are proposed to be erected on a building or
property that is:
(i) a designated property pursuant to Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act,
R.S.O. 1990, c. O.18;
(ii) located within a heritage conservation district that has been so
designated by pursuant to Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act; or
(iii) located within the area delineated as the Aurora Promenade on
Schedule “B” of this by-law;
are subject to review and approval by the Town’s Planning and Development
Services Department for conformity with any applicable heritage, signage
and streetscape policies, studies and guidelines, of the Town or otherwise,
prior to the issuance of the permit.
(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection 4.3 of this by-law, all sign
permit applications that are subject to review by the Town’s Planning and
Development Services Department shall be accompanied by plans drawn to
scale clearly showing;
(i) the type, character, dimensions and design of the proposed sign
including proposed colours, materials, lettering and fonts;
(ii) the proposed means of illumination; and
(iii) any other information prescribe or required by the Planning and
Development Services Department of the Town.
(c) Provisions in subsection 4.7 of this by-law shall not apply to mobile signs,
banner signs, feather banner signs and portable Signs. (Amended by By-law
No. 6163-19)
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
4.8 Effect of Site Plan Approval:
Where a Site Plan Approval has been granted pursuant to section 41 of the
Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c P.13, as amended, all signs that were included in the
approved Site Plan shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this by-law
with respect to area, height, location, number and type of the sign, but such signs
are not exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit, where such a permit is
required pursuant to this by-law.
4.9 Existing Signs:
Any sign that was lawfully erected prior to the effective date of this by-law but
does not conform with one or more provisions of this by-law, may remain and
continue to be used and maintained but shall not be relocated or changed in size
or dimensions, unless such relocation or change would bring the sign into
compliance with the provisions of this by-law and, where it is required by this by-
law, a sign permit for such relocation or change has been issued.
4.10 Sign Variances:
Where the proposed sign does not comply with one or more provisions of this by-
law, the applicant may choose to submit an application requesting a variance
from provision(s) of this by-law in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Application Requirements: An application for variance from the provision(s)
of this by-law shall be made on the form prescribed by the Director and shall
be accompanied by the fees and documents, as set out in Schedule “A”.
(b) Delegated Authority to Director: The Council hereby delegates the authority
to the Director to authorize sign variance requests that are within the scope
limits outlined below:
(i) Up to one additional sign on a premises over the limit prescribed
elsewhere in this by-law, provided the additional sign meets all other
provisions of this by-law and is a permitted sign type.
or
(ii) A combination of the following for a sign permitted in the by-law:
• Up to 20% increase in the maximum permitted sign area under this
by-law, and
• Up to 10% increase in the maximum permitted sign height under
this by-law, and
• Location of the sign, and
• Projection of the signs beyond the wall of the unit, building or
canopy fascia.
For clarity, the Director is only authorized to permit variances to any sign
within the scope of either paragraph (i) or (ii) and cannot authorize a
variance to any sign under both categories.
(c) Evaluation Criteria: In considering the application for a variance, the
Director shall have regard for:
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Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
1. Physical difficulties: Where due to special circumstances, pre-existing
conditions of the building, layout or topography of the subject land, it
is difficult to comply with the provisions of this by-law.
2. Consistency with the architectural features of the building: Where the
proposed sign blends well with the architectural features of the
building and granting the sign variance will result in a more
aesthetically pleasing visual appearance of the building for the
community.
3. Consistency with the character of the neighbourhood: Where the sign
variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the
neighbourhood and will have no adverse impact on the Town's cultural
heritage.
4. No adverse impact to the adjacent property or general public: Such
adverse impact may include but is not limited to illumination,
obstruction of other signage, obstruction of natural light, distance to
the adjacent buildings and properties, etc.
5. Adherence to Corporate Branding: Where not granting a sign variance
results in a conflict in corporate branding requirements such as
updated/new logos or trademarks.
6. Amount of deviation: Consideration shall be given to minimize the
amount of deviation from this by-law where possible.
7. Impact on safety, traffic and accessibility: The proposed sign
variance, if granted, will not increase fire or traffic hazard or otherwise
endanger public safety or negatively impact accessibility.
8. Result in greater convenience to the public: Granting of the variance
will result in greater convenience to the public in identifying the
business location for which a sign variance is sought.
(d) Appeal to Council: Where an application for a sign variance is denied by the
Director, the applicant may choose to appeal to Council within 30 days of
receiving the notice of decision by completing the appeal application form
and paying the applicable fee, as set out in Schedule “A” of this by-law.
(e) Authorization by Council: Sign variance applications that exceed the scope
limits described in paragraph (b) shall only be authorized by Council. In
such case, the Director shall prepare a report to Council outlining the
evaluation results based on the criteria described in paragraph (c) and
make a recommendation to Council. The Council may uphold or vary the
recommendation or make any decision.
(f) Decision is Final: The decision made by Council pursuant to paragraph (d)
and (e) of this by-law shall be final, without any further right of appeal.
Section 5 - General Provisions
The following provisions shall apply in all zones and to all land-use categories.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 15 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
5.1 Restrictions on Types of Signs: (Amended by By-law No. 6163-19)
Except for any signs provided under subsection 4.2, only the following types of
signs are allowed in the Town and subject to the applicable provisions contained
in this by-law, including the requirement to obtain a permit:
(a) wall signs;
(b) awning signs;
(c) canopy signs;
(d) free standing canopy signs;
(e) projecting signs;
(f) ground signs;
(g) non-residential development signs;
(h) residential development signs;
(i) third party signs subject to Council approval;
(j) mural signs subject to Council approval;
(k) mobile signs;
(l) banner signs;
(m) feather banner signs;
(n) portable signs;
(o) menu board;
(p) pre-menu board.
5.2 Illumination:
(a) Signs shall not be illuminated in such a way that either the sign or the
method of illumination creates a hazard or a nuisance.
(b) Notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, signs
facing and within 20 metres of properties within Residential Zones shall not
be illuminated.
(c) Where a sign is permitted to be illuminated, the method of illumination shall
comply with the provisions contained within section 6 of this by-law.
5.3 Wall Signs:
The following regulations shall apply to wall signs:
(a) No wall sign, or part thereof, shall extend beyond the extremity of the
premises wall upon which it is placed.
(b) Wall signs shall not be located so as to overhang a pedestrian walkway
more than 55 mm, unless a minimum vertical clearance of 2.4 metres
measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the
surface of the walkway is provided.
(c) No wall sign, or part thereof, shall project more than 500 mm from the wall
upon which it is placed.
(d) Wall signs shall only be located on the wall of the floor level having direct
access to an exterior public way, except that where a premises occupies all
floor levels of a multi-storey building the wall sign may be located above the
floor level having direct access to an exterior public way.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 16 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
5.4 Ground Signs:
The following regulations shall apply to all ground signs:
(a) Ground signs shall not be located within a 7.5 metre radius of a traffic light.
(b) Ground signs shall be setback from common lot boundaries with adjacent
lots a minimum of 1.5 metres or the height of the sign, whichever is greater.
(c) Ground signs erected in non-Residential Zones shall be setback from the
boundaries of any adjacent Residential Zone a minimum of 9.0 metres.
(d) A ground sign including any part of its structure shall be setback a
minimum of 1.0 metre from any driveway, unless located on a traffic island
separating the lanes of a two-way driveway.
(e) The minimum distance between ground signs on any one lot shall not be
less than 15.0 metres measured along the street line.
(f) No ground sign shall exceed 5.0 metres in any one dimension of a sign
face.
(g) On a corner lot, ground signs shall not be erected within the daylight
triangle.
(h) Ground signs shall not obstruct, nor encroach upon a required parking
space under the Town’s Zoning By-law.
5.5 Dynamic Signs:
(a) Dynamic signs are permitted only as an integral part of a ground sign.
(b) The dynamic portion of a ground sign shall be located in a secure enclosure
or equipped with tamper-proof mechanism that prevents unauthorized
persons from changing or modifying the display message.
(c) Where display message changes use light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other
illumination technology, a minimum distance of fifteen (15) metres shall be
maintained between the sign and a traffic light.
5.6 Awning Signs:
(a) All portions of an awning sign shall be located a minimum of 2.4 metres
above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign.
(b) An awning sign shall be designed as an integral part of the awning.
(c) No awning sign shall extend beyond the limits of the awning.
5.7 Canopy Signs:
(a) All portions of a canopy sign shall be located a minimum of 2.4 metres
above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign.
(b) A canopy sign shall be designed as an integral part of the canopy fascia.
(c) No canopy sign shall extend beyond the limits of the canopy fascia.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 17 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
5.8 Free Standing Canopy Signs:
(a) All portions of a free-standing canopy sign shall be located a minimum of
2.4 metres above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such
sign.
(b) Free standing canopy signs may extend not more than 0.6 metre above the
limits of the canopy fascia.
5.9 Projecting Signs:
(a) All portions of a projecting sign shall be located a minimum of 2.4 metres
above the finished grade or floor level immediately below such sign.
(b) No projecting sign shall have more than two sign faces.
5.10 Development and Residential Development Signs:
The following regulations shall apply to all development signs:
(a) non-residential development signs and residential development signs shall
face a public highway or road;
(b) permits for non-residential development and residential development signs
shall expire three (3) years from the date of permit issuance;
(c) upon receipt of written request from the applicant and prior to expiration of
the permit for a non-residential development or residential development
sign, the expiry date may be extended at the sole discretion of the Director;
(d) the security collected in accordance with Schedule "A" shall be refunded
when the non-residential development or residential development sign for
which the security has been collected has been removed to the satisfaction
of the Director;
(e) where a non-residential development sign or a residential development sign
is not removed within fourteen (14) days of the expiry date of its permit, the
security collected in accordance with Schedule "A" may be used towards all
costs incurred by the Town for the administration and removal of the sign.
5.11 Mobile Signs:
No Person shall:
(a) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign on any lot, unless the lot on
which the mobile sign is located is zoned commercial, industrial or
institutional, pursuant to the Zoning By-law, or the mobile sign is located on
Town owned lands, for which an approval from Town is obtained;
(b) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign on any lot without a current
and valid licence to carry on the business of leasing and erecting mobile
signs, pursuant to the Town’s Licensing By-law, as amended or successor
legislation thereto; a business license is not required where the owner of a
lot can demonstrate they are the owner of the mobile sign;
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 18 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(c) except as permitted in paragraph (d), locate or permit the location of more
than one mobile sign on any lot at any one time;
(d) for lots other than corner lots with a street line greater than 75 metres or for
corner lots with a street line of more than 12.2 metres, locate or permit the
location of more than two mobile signs on any lot at any one time;
(e) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign for any premises for more
than twelve (12) weeks in total in a calendar year;
(f) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign that is illuminated or employs
any flashing or sequential light, or a mechanical or electronic device to
provide or simulate motion;
(g) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign on a lot in a manner that
interferes with pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(h) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign having a maximum height
greater than 2.7 metres;
(i) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign within the daylight triangle; or
(j) locate or permit the location of a mobile sign within 1.0 metres of a
driveway or a common lot line with adjacent lots.
5.12 Banner / Feather Banner signs:
No Person shall:
(a) locate or permit any banner signs or feather banner signs in any Residential
Zone, except for commercial uses within the R5 Exception Zone, as
identified and described in the Zoning By-law;
(b) locate or permit the location of more than two banner signs, feather banner
signs or any combination thereof per premise;
(c) locate or permit the location of banner signs and/or feather banner signs in
excess of eight (8) weeks per calendar year in total per premise;
(d) locate or permit the location of a banner sign or feather banner sign on
Town’s Property or a property other than where the business is being
conducted;
(e) locate or permit the location of a banner sign anywhere except on the
facade or wall of the premises where the business is being conducted;
(f) locate or permit the location of a banner sign or a feather banner sign larger
than 3.4 m2 in sign area;
(g) locate or permit a banner sign to be located lower than 2.4 metres from the
grade of the premises;
(h) locate a feather banner sign having a height of more than 2.4 metres; or
(i) locate or permit the location of banner sign or a feather banner sign so as
to impede pedestrian access and travel.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 19 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
5.13 Real Estate Signs:
No Person shall:
(a) locate or permit the location of a real estate sign advertising the sale, rental
or lease of the lot or premises exceeding 1.0 m2 in sign area in any
Residential Zone;
(b) for any lot in a non-Residential Zone having a street line of 30.4 metres or
less, locate or permit the location of a real estate sign exceeding 2.0 m2
advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the lot, or premises, on which the
said sign is located;
(c) for any lot in a non-Residential Zone having a street line of more than 30.4
metres, locate or permit the location of a real estate sign exceeding 3.0 m2
advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the lot, or premises, on which the
said sign is located;
(d) locate or permit the location of more than one real estate sign per lot;
(e) locate or permit a real estate sign to extend beyond the property lines or
within the daylight triangle;
(f) locate or permit a real estate sign within 1.0 metres of a common lot line
with adjacent lots;
(g) locate or permit the location of a real estate sign on a lot for more than
fourteen (14) days after the premises or lot has been advertised as sold,
rented or leased;
(h) erect, or permit to be erected, an open house real estate sign exceeding 0.5
m2 in sign area; or
(i) locate or permit an open house real estate sign to be displayed except for
the day(s) of the event.
5.14 Election Signs: (Amended by By-law No. 6785-26)
For the purposes of this subsection, an intersection shall mean the Town-owned
lands within fifty (50) metres of the point of intersection of the centre lines of the
intersecting streets and shall exclude any roadways and areas used for vehicular
traffic, any centre median, roundabouts, traffic circles and traffic islands.
For clarity, this subsection 5.14 consists of and includes the following
subclauses 5.14.1, 5.14.2 and 5.14.3.
5.14.1 Election Sign Regulations
The following regulations shall apply to all election signs:
(a) election signs shall not be erected prior to the election period;
(b) election signs shall be removed at the end of the election period;
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 20 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(c) election signs shall not exceed 1.22 metres in height, measured
from ground level to the top edge of the sign, unless the sign is a
vehicle election sign;
(d) election signs shall not exceed 1.22 metres in height or width;
(e) election signs shall not be digital or illuminated;
(f) election signs shall not display the Town’s logo, crest, or seal in
whole or in part;
(g) election signs shall identify the candidate, the third-party
advertiser or the person who erected or caused such an election
sign to be erected;
(h) on any (1) private lot or premises,
(i) no more than one (1) election sign per each candidate shall
be erected at any one time, and
(ii) no more than one (1) election sign shall be erected with
respect to any question on a ballot or a referendum issue at
any one time;
(i) election signs are not allowed on Town-owned lands except that:
(i) each candidate is permitted to erect, or cause to be erected,
(ii) in the case of a municipal election, each third-party
advertiser, registered pursuant to and acting in compliance
with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32,
Sched., is permitted to erect, or cause to be erected, and
(iii) in the case of provincial or federal political election, question
on a ballot or a referendum, a person, who is not the
candidate or under the direction of the candidate, acting in
compliance with any applicable provincial and/or federal
legislation is permitted to erect, or cause to be erected,
at any one time, a maximum of two (2) elections signs on each
intersection listed in the Schedule “C” of this by-law, with not more
than one (1) election sign per each corner of an intersection;
(j) election signs shall not obstruct pedestrian and vehicle sight lines;
(k) election signs shall only be erected in the ward or electoral district
in which the candidate to whom the election sign relates is
running, and this requirement does not apply to election signs
relating to an office elected at large or to a referendum or other
ballot question;
(l) election signs shall comply with registration requirements set out
in subclause 5.14.3;
(m) no vehicle election sign shall be displayed on any land on which
voting is conducted in an election, on any land on which a building
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 21 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
or facility owned or operated by the Town is located, or within 30
metres of any property line of any such land;
(n) no person shall erect or maintain election signs that are in
contravention of the Applicable Election Legislation or any other
relevant legislation.
5.14.2 Sign Seizure
Any election sign, or any sign relating to an election, found to be in
contravention of this by-law may be seized by the Town. Any sign
seized pursuant to this section shall be stored for up to the redemption
period, during which time it may be retrieved by a person registered in
association with the sign. Any sign not retrieved within the redemption
period may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the Town without
notice or compensation to any person.
5.14.3 Registration
A candidate or third-party advertiser seeking to place an election sign
shall submit an application form to the Town in a manner determined by
the Director for registration which shall include the following
information:
(a) the name and contact information of the registrant;
(b) the name and contact information of any agent of the registrant;
(c) confirmation by the registrant that an election sign may be placed
pursuant to Applicable Election Legislation; and
(d) a detailed description of the sign or signs for which the
registration form is being submitted;
(e) the applicable fee in accordance with Schedule “A” of this by-law;
and
(f) such other information as the Director may determine appropriate.
For the purposes of this by-law, an election sign shall be deemed not to
comply with this by-law unless a complete registration has been
submitted to and approved by the Director in respect of such election
sign, and the applicable fee has been paid.
The application fee shall be non-refundable.
5.15 Signs Advertising a Special Event:
Notwithstanding the provisions contained elsewhere in this by-law, the Director
may authorize signs that advertise a special event and are in accordance with the
following provisions:
(a) signs advertising a special event shall not include commercial advertising
except to identify sponsors of the event; and
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 22 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(b) signs that advertise a special event shall not be erected prior to two (2)
weeks before the event and shall be removed four days after the last day of
the event unless approved otherwise by the Director.
5.16 Language on Signs: (Added by By-law No. 5953-17)
Where a sign contains text in any language other than English or French, such a
sign shall also include the translation of the text in either English or French which
is comparable in size to the original text. The provision of this section shall not
apply to:
(a) Trade-marks, trade-names or business names; and
(b) Logos and symbols.
5.17 Portable Signs: (Added by By-law No. 6163-19)
The following regulations shall apply to all portable signs:
(a) on lands that are not public, portable signs shall only be located in:
(i) Commercial zones,
(ii) Institutional zones,
(iii) Employment zones,
(iv) Rural zones, and
(v) non-residential use areas within the Promenade zones, as identified
and described in the Zoning By-law;
(b) on public lands, portable signs shall only be located within the area
delineated as the Aurora Promenade Permitted Portable Sign Locations on
Public Property on Schedule “D” of this by-law;
(c) portable signs shall only be located on the premises of the business
enterprise, venture, undertaking or cause that the portable sign is
advertising or notifying about or on public lands that are directly adjacent to
such premises;
(d) a business enterprise, venture, undertaking or cause shall only be permitted
to have one (1) Portable Sign permit at any one time;
(e) permits for portable signs shall expire one (1) year from the date of permit
issuance;
(f) portable signs shall only be displayed to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m. and only during times when the business enterprise, venture,
undertaking or cause that the portable sign is advertising or notifying about
is operating and open to the public;
(g) portable signs shall only be displayed to the public with a Town issued
permit sticker affixed to the sign;
(h) at all times when placed or located outdoors, portable signs shall be
weighted down and securely affixed to grade so as to prevent unintentional
movement;
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 23 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(i) no portable sign shall be internally or externally illuminated;
(j) no portable sign shall exceed:
(i) 1.0 metres in height inclusive of the base and frame, and
(ii) 0.6 m2 in sign area;
(k) no portable sign shall be located:
(i) within 1.0 metre of a driveway, a rear lot line or a common lot line with
adjacent lots,
(ii) within 0.4 metres of the edge of a roadside curb,
(iii) within a parking lot, any parking space or a planting bed,
(iv) in a manner that impedes the flow of traffic on, in or out of a lot,
(v) in a manner that obstructs or interferes with a pedestrian or vehicular
entrance/exit of a building,
(vi) in a manner that could obstruct or interfere with snow plowing or snow
removal, or
(vii) in a manner that provides less than 1.1 metre of unobstructed
sidewalk passage space on any sidewalk or walkway;”
Section 6 - Additional Requirements and Restrictions Related to Zone and
Land Use
The following provisions, requirements and restrictions shall apply to the signs
addressed in this section in addition to any other requirements of this by-law.
6.1 Residential Zones:
Signs requiring a permit are not allowed in any Residential Zones, unless:
(a) on a lot containing a residential apartment building and such sign is in
compliance with the requirements provided in Table 6.1(a); or
(b) on a lot zoned as R5 Exception Zone, as identified and described in the
Zoning By-law, where a building contains commercial uses and such sign is
in compliance with the requirements provided in Table 6.1(b).
Table 6.1(a) - Signs Permitted on Residential Apartment Building Lots/Premises
Sign Type
Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall, Awning
or Canopy
Signs
One (1)
per apartment
building
9 m² N/A Internally or
Externally
Ground Signs
One (1)
per apartment
building
2.4 m² 4.0 m Internally or
Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 24 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.1(b) - Signs Permitted on Commercial Use Lots/Premises in R5 Zones
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall, Awning
or Canopy
Signs
One (1) per
premises
0.25 m² per
horizontal linear
metre of the wall
where the sign is
located up to
maximum sign
area of 1.25 m²
N/A Externally
Projecting
Signs
One (1) per
premises 0.75 m² N/A Externally
Ground Signs
One (1) per
lot with
minimum
street line of
12.2 m
1.5 m²
for single tenant
building
2.0 m²
for multi-tenant
building
2.0 m
for single
tenant building
2.4 m
for multi-
tenant building
Externally
6.2 Commercial Zones:
Except for signs to which subsection 6.3 or 6.4 applies, sign types listed below in Table
6.2 that are erected or maintained in Commercial Zones shall comply with the
requirements provided in Table 6.2.
Table 6.2 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Commercial Zones
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall,
Awning or
Canopy
Signs
N/A
35 m², provided
that the total
aggregate area of
all signs in any
one direction
does not exceed
0.75 m² per
horizontal linear
metre of the
premise wall on
that direction
N/A Internally or
Externally
Projecting
Signs One (1) per premises 2.0 m² N/A Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 25 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.2 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Commercial Zones
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Ground
Signs
One (1) per lot for
lots with street line of
12.2 m up to 75 m;
Two (2) per lot for
lots with street line
greater than 75 m;
and
One (1) additional
ground sign for
corner lots with
minimum street line
of 12.2 m
No ground signs are
permitted in C1 or C2
Zones
10 m² 7.5 m Internally or
Externally
6.3 Signs in Shopping Centres:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.3 that are erected in shopping centres shall
comply with the requirements provided in Table 6.3, except for signs located:
(a) on a shopping centre located in a Local Commercial C1 Zone or a Central
Commercial C2 Zone, as designated in the Zoning By-law, or
(b) or on a shopping centre with a lot area less than 1.0 hectare,
which shall comply with subsection 6.2.
Table 6.3 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Shopping Centres
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall,
Awning or
Canopy
Signs
N/A
35 m², provided
that the total
aggregate area of
all signs in any one
direction does not
exceed 0.75 m² per
horizontal linear
metre of the
premises’ wall on
that direction
N/A Internally or
Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 26 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.3 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Shopping Centres
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Ground
Signs
One (1) per lot for
lots with street line
of 12.2 m up to
100 m;
Two (2) per lot for
lots with street line
greater than 100 m;
and
One (1) additional
ground sign for
corner lots with
minimum street
line of 12.2 m
10 m²
for a lot area of 1.0
ha to 4.0 ha
18 m²
for a lot area
greater than 4.0 ha
9.0 m Internally or
Externally
6.4 Signs on Gasoline Stations:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.4 that are erected or maintained on gasoline
stations (including car washes), shall comply with the requirements provided in
Table 6.4. However, provisions of this subsection shall not apply to signs
customarily displayed on gasoline pumps which are an integral part of the pump
or pump island design.
Table 6.4 - Additional Requirements for Signs on Gasoline Stations
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall,
Awning or
Canopy
Signs
N/A
35 m², provided that
the total aggregate
area of all signs in any
one direction does not
exceed 0.75 m² per
horizontal linear metre
of the premises wall
on that direction
N/A Internally or
Externally
Free
Standing
Canopy
Signs
one (1) per
gasoline station
50% of the canopy
facia; provided that the
total aggregate area of
all signs in any one
direction does not
exceed 0.75 m² per
horizontal linear metre
of the canopy facia on
that direction
N/A
Internally or
Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 27 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.4 - Additional Requirements for Signs on Gasoline Stations
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Ground
Signs
One (1) per lot
for lots with
minimum street
line of 12.2 m;
and
One (1)
additional
ground sign for
corner lots
10 m² plus an
additional 2.5 m² for
posting price of the
gas and/or other
associated
accessories
7.5 m Internally or
Externally
6.5 Additional Signage for Drive-Through Facilities:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.5 that are located on premises with drive-
through facilities shall be permitted at such premises provided that they comply
with the requirements provided in Table 6.5.
Table 6.5 - Additional Signs for Drive-Through Facilities
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Pre-menu
board
One (1) per each
stacking lane 2.0 m² 2.5 m Internally or
Externally
Menu board One (1) per each
stacking lane 4.0 m² 2.5 m Internally or
Externally
6.6 Industrial Zones:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.6 located in Industrial Zones, as identified and
described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provisions contained within
Table 6.6.
Table 6.6 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Industrial Zones
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall,
Awning or
Canopy
Signs
N/A
20 m², provided that
the total aggregate
area of all signs in
any one direction
does not exceed 0.75
m² per horizontal
linear metre of the
premises wall on that
direction
N/A Internally or
Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 28 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.6 - Additional Requirements for Signs in Industrial Zones
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Projecting
Signs
One (1) per
premises 0.5 m² N/A None
Ground
Signs
One (1) per lot for
lots with street line
of 12.2 m up to 75
m;
Two (2) per lot for
lots with street line
greater than 75 m;
and
One (1) additional
ground sign for
corner lots with
minimum street line
of 300 m
0.3 m² per linear
metre of the street
line to a maximum of
10 m²
7.5 m Internally or
Externally
6.7 Signs in a Business Park Zone:
(a) Signs for commercial uses located in a Business Park Zone, as identified
and described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provisions of
subsection 6.2 “Commercial Zones” as if the sign was located in a
Commercial Zone.
(b) Signs for industrial uses located in a Business Park Zone, as identified and
described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provision of the
subsection 6.6 “Industrial Zones” as if the sign was located in an Industrial
Zone.
6.8 Institutional Zones:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.8 located in Institutional Zones, as identified
and described in the Zoning By-law, shall comply with the provisions contained
within Table 6.8.
Table 6.8 - Additional Requirements for Sings in Institutional Zones
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Wall,
Awning or
Canopy
Signs
N/A
35 m², provided that the
total aggregate area of all
signs in any one direction
does not exceed 0.75 m²
per horizontal linear
metre of the premises’
wall on that direction
N/A Internally or
Externally
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 29 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.8 - Additional Requirements for Sings in Institutional Zones
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Projecting
Signs
One (1) per
premise 0.5 m² N/A None
Ground
Signs One (1) per lot 4.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or
Externally
6.9 Open Space, Rural or Environmental Protection Zones:
Sign types listed below in Table 6.9 located in Rural, Open Space or
Environmental Protection Zones, as identified and described in the Zoning By-law,
shall comply with the provisions contained within Table 6.9.
Table 6.9 - Additional Requirements in Rural, Open Space or Environmental
Protection Zones
Sign Type Maximum Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Ground
Signs One (1) per lot 2.2 m² 4.0 m Internally or
Externally
Additional
Ground
Signs for
Rural Zones
Two (2) per lot, each
advertising the sale of
edible farm produce
grown on the premises
1.0 m² 4.0 m Internally or
Externally
6.10 Non-Residential Development Signs:
(a) Non-residential development signs shall be located within the advertised
development.
(b) Non-residential development signs shall be in the form of a wall sign or a
ground sign.
(c) Non-residential development signs are only allowed to be illuminated
externally.
(d) The maximum number, area and height of non-residential development
signs shall be in accordance with the requirements of the applicable use
category of the development on which the sign is to be erected, as specified
elsewhere in section 6 of this by-law.
6.11 Residential Development Signs:
Residential development signs shall comply with the provisions contained within
Table 6.11.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 30 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Table 6.11 - Residential Development Signs
Sign Type
Maximum
Number Maximum Area
Maximum
Height
Permitted
Illumination
Method
Residential
Development
Signs located on
the site on which
development is
being conducted
Two (2) ground or
wall signs per
builder
Total combined
sign area per
builder shall not
exceed 20 m²
7.5 m Externally
Residential
Development
Signs not
located on the
site on which
development is
being conducted
Two (2) ground
signs in total
20 m²
for each sign 7.5m Externally
Section 7 - Enforcement
The Director and Municipal Law Enforcement Officers of the Town are hereby delegated
the authority to enforce this by-law, including the authority to conduct inspections of
sign(s) pursuant to this by-law, the Municipal Act, as amended, and any other enacted
applicable by-law or legislation.
7.1 Power of Entry and Inspection:
(a) The Town may at any reasonable time enter upon any land for the purpose
of carrying out an inspection to determine whether the following are being
complied with:
(i) this by-law;
(ii) any direction or order under this by-law;
(iii) any condition on a permit issued under this by-law; or
(iv) an order issued under section 431 of the Municipal Act.
(b) Submission of an application is deemed consent of the owner for the Town
to enter onto the lands and premises that are subject to an application for a
permit at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out an inspection
under paragraph (a).
(c) Where an inspection is conducted pursuant to this section, the Town may:
(i) require the production for inspection of documents or things relevant
to the inspection;
(ii) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the inspection for
the purpose of making copies and extracts;
(iii) require information from any person concerning a matter related to the
inspection; and
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 31 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
(iv) alone or in conjunction with a person possessing special or expert
knowledge, make examinations or take tests, samples or photographs
necessary for the purpose of the inspection.
(d) No person shall hinder or obstruct or attempt to hinder or obstruct the
Town, its employees, officers or agents from carrying out any powers or
duties under this by-law.
(e) No person shall decline or neglect to give, produce or deliver any access,
information, document or other thing that is requested by the Town
pursuant to this by-law.
7.2 Seizure:
When the Town finds a banner sign, mobile sign, sandwich board sign, real estate
sign or any other sign that is not permanently affixed and that is in violation of
this by-law, the Town may seize any such sign that is violation of this by-law, with
or without notice, and store, dispose or destroy any such seized sign at the
discretion of the Director.
7.3 Order:
(a) Where the Director or any Municipal Law Enforcement Officer is satisfied
that a contravention of this by-law or a permit has occurred, such Director or
Municipal Law Enforcement Officer may make an order requiring that the
person who caused or permitted such contravention, or the owner or
occupier of the land on which the contravention occurred, to discontinue the
contravening activity and/or to do work to correct the contravention.
(b) An order pursuant to paragraph (a) shall set out the following:
(i) the municipal address and/or the legal description of the land or
premises on which the contravention occurred;
(ii) reasonable particulars of the contravention;
(iii) what is required of the person subject to the order (i.e., what activity is
to be seized and/or actions or work to be done);
(iv) the date by which there must be compliance with the order and/or, if
any work is ordered, the date by which any such work must be done;
(v) if any work is required to be done, a statement that if such work is not
done in compliance with the order and within a specified time period,
the Town will have the work done at the expense of the person
directed or required to do it; and
(vi) information regarding the Town's contact person.
(c) An order pursuant to this section shall be deemed to have been received
upon:
(i) personal service of the order to the person being served;
(ii) the day after posting a copy of the order on the land on which the sign
is located; or
(iii) the fifth (5th) day after the order is sent by registered mail to the last
known address of the owner of the land on which the sign is located or
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 32 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
the last known address of any other person in contravention of this by-
law.
7.4 Remedial Action and Cost Recovery:
(a) Wherever this by-law or an order issued under this by-law directs or requires
any matter or thing to be done by any person within a specified time period,
in default of it being done by the person directed or required to do it, the
action may be taken under the direction of Director or a Municipal Law
Enforcement Officer at that person’s expense and the Town may recover
the costs incurred through a legal action or by recovering the costs in the
same manner as taxes.
(b) For the purposes of taking remedial action under paragraph (a), the Town,
its staff and/or its agents may enter, at any reasonable time, upon any lands
on which a default to carry out a required thing or matter occurred.
(c) Where a security deposit has been posted for a sign permit, in accordance
with Schedule "A", said security may be drawn upon or forfeited upon
contravention of the time frame for which a permit was issued,
notwithstanding 5.10 (d) herein, and said sign shall be considered to be
unlawful.
7.5 Offence:
(a) Any person who contravenes any provisions of this by-law or an Order
issued pursuant to this by-law is 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, as amended or successor legislation thereto.
(b) Pursuant to subsection 429(2) of the Municipal Act, all contraventions of this
by-law or orders issued under this by-law are designated as multiple
offences and continuing offences. A multiple offence is an offence in
respect of two (2) or more acts or omissions each of which separately
constitutes an offence and is a contravention of the same provision of
this by-law.
7.6 Contraventions - Fines:
On conviction of an offence under this by-law, a person is liable to a fine in
accordance with section 429 of the Municipal Act and the following rules made
pursuant to section 429 of the Municipal Act:
(a) pay a fine not exceeding the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for
each offence committed pursuant to the Municipal Act and the Provincial
Offences Act;
(b) the minimum fine for any offence under this by-law is Three Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($350.00);
(c) in the case of a continuing offence, for each day or part of a day that the
offence continues, the minimum fine shall be Three Hundred Fifty Dollars
($350.00), and the maximum fine shall be Ten Thousand Dollars
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 33 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
($10,000.00). The total of all of the daily fines for the offence may exceed
One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00); and
(d) in the case of multiple offences, for each offence included in the multiple
offence, the minimum fine shall be Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00)
and the maximum fine shall be Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The
total of all fines for each included offence may exceed One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).
7.7 Special Fines - No Maximum:
In addition to fines under this section, a person convicted of an offence under
this by-law may be liable to a special fine in the amount of the economic
advantage or gain that such a person obtained from the contravention of this by-
law.
7.8 Conviction of an Offence - Additional Remedy:
Where a person is convicted of an offence under this by-law, the court in which
the conviction has been entered, and any court of competent jurisdiction
thereafter, may make an order prohibiting the continuation or repetition of the
offence by the person convicted.
7.9 Presumption - Owner:
(a) Where a sign is erected or displayed in contravention of any provision of
this by-law, any person named on the sign shall be presumed to have been
the person who erected or displayed the sign, which presumption may be
rebutted by evidence to the contrary.
(b) Where a sign is erected or displayed in contravention of any provision of
this by-law, and the sign has no person’s name on it, but a telephone
number appears on the sign, any person to whom the telephone number is
listed in a telephone directory, including any internet directory, shall be
presumed to have been the person who erected or displayed the sign, which
presumption may be rebutted by evidence to the contrary.
(c) Where a sign is erected or displayed by a corporation in contravention of
any provision of this by-law, the directors and officers of the corporation
shall be presumed to have knowingly concurred in the erection or display of
the sign in contravention of this by-law, which presumption may be rebutted
by evidence to the contrary.
(d) Where an authorized officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an
offence has been committed by any person, the authorized officer may
require the name, address and proof of identity of that person, and the
person shall supply the required information.
Section 8 - Indemnification
8.1 Any person who posts or is responsible for a sign, regardless of whether the sign
is compliant with the provision of this by-law, shall be deemed to undertake to,
and shall, save harmless and indemnify the Town, its officers, employees,
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 34 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
servants or agents from any claims associated with any injury, loss or damage to
any person or property, as a result of any such sign.
Section 9 - Interpretation
9.1 In this by-law, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular
number shall include the plural and words importing the masculine gender shall
include the feminine.
9.2 Any terms within this by-law that are not defined, the meaning of which may be
clarified by reference to the Town’s Zoning By-law, as amended, shall be
interpreted by reference to the Zoning By-law.
Section 10 - Severability
10.1 If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision, or any part of a
provision, of this by-law to be invalid or to be of no force and effect, it is the
intention of the Town in enacting this by-law that such provision or part of a
provision shall be severable, and such a decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining sections, subsections, clauses or phrases of this by-law.
Section 11 - Conflict
11.1 Where there is a conflict of the provisions between this by-law and any other by-
law of the Town with respect to signs, the provisions of this by-law shall prevail.
Section 12 - Short Title
12.1 This by-law shall be known and may be cited as the "Sign By-law".
Section 13 - General
13.1 Section headings in this by-law are not to be considered part of this by-law and
are included solely for the convenience of reference and are not intended to be
full or accurate descriptions of the sections of this by-law to which they relate.
13.2 By-laws Numbered 4897-07.P and 4898-07.P, as amended, be and are hereby
repealed.
13.3 This by-law shall come into full force and effect on the date of final passage
hereof.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 35 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Schedule "A" to By-law Number 5840-16
Fees and Securities:
The scale of fees and securities to be paid to the Town of Aurora for sign permits shall be
as follows:
(a) application fee for sign permit (unless specified below): $150.00 per
application plus $10 per square metre of total aggregate areas of all proposed
signs;
(b) application fee for mobile signs, banner signs, feather banner signs, portable
signs and signs advertising a special event: $100.00 per application; (Amended
by By-law No. 6163-19)
(c) application for Billboard or Mural Signs: $300.00 per application;
(d) application fee for revision to or renewal of a sign permit: $150.00 per
application;
(e) security deposit for Residential and Non-residential Development Signs and
Mobile Signs (refundable upon removal of the sign): $500.00 per sign;
(f) application fee for sign variance requests within the scope limits described in
4.10 (b): $300.00;
(g) application fee for appeal to Council pursuant to 4.10(d): $300.00;
(h) application fee for sign variance requests that exceed the scope limits
described in 4.10(e): $600.00;
(i) sign retrieval fee: $20.00 per sign;
(j) election sign candidate and third-party registration fee pursuant to 5.14.3:
$203.00 per application.” (Amended by By-law No. 6785-26)
Cancellation and Refund:
Applicants who wish to cancel their application shall notify the Town in writing. Refunds
may be available for cancelled applications upon written request from the applicant within
30 days of the cancellation date and subject to the following conditions:
(a) no refund will be provided where Town commenced review of the application;
(b) no refund will be provided for application fee of less than $150;
(c) where refund is available, it will be calculated based on the application fee, less
$150 administration fee.
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 36 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Schedule “B” to By-law Number 5840-16
Town of Aurora
Aurora Promenade (area contained within the outlined enclosure)
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 37 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Schedule “C” to By-law Number 5840-16
List of Town intersections on which election signs are permitted in accordance with
subsection 5.14 of this by-law: (Amended by By-law No. 6785-26)
Ward Intersection
1 Yonge Street & Dunning Avenue
1 Yonge Street & Catherine Avenue
1 Yonge Street & Orchard Heights Boulevard / Batson Drive
1 Edward Street & Engelhard Drive
2 Yonge Street & Aurora Heights Drive
2 Yonge Street & Orchard Heights Boulevard
2 Yonge Street & Irwin Avenue
2 Murray Drive & Kennedy Street West
3 Yonge Street & Golf Links Drive
3 Yonge Street & Brookland Avenue
3 Yonge Street & Henderson Drive
3 Murray Drive and Kennedy Street West
4 Goulding Avenue & Don Hillock Drive
4 Vandorf Sideroad & Engelhard Drive
4 Industrial Parkway South & Engelhard Drive
4 Industrial Parkway South & Industry Street
5 Earl Stewart Drive & Pedersen Drive
5 Earl Stewart Drive & McMaster Avenue
5 Industrial Parkway North & Centre Street
5 John West Way & Hollandview Trail
6 First Commerce Drive & Desjardins Way
6 William Graham Drive & Hartwell Way
6 Hartwell Way & Joseph Hartman Crescent
6 Alex Brodie Drive & Degraaf Crescent
By-law Number 5840-16, as amended Page 38 of 38
Town of Aurora Sign By-law Effective March 29, 2016
Schedule “D” to By-law Number 5840-16
(Added by By-law Number 6163-19)
Town of Aurora
Aurora Promenade Permitted Portable Sign Locations on Public Property