Signs

​​​​​You must submit a completed sign application form to By-law Enforcement Services before any permit will be issued. Forms may be submitted in person or by mail to 2585 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1A1, or by e-mail to by-law@king.ca. Please note that electronic submissions by e-mail are the preferred method of sign permit applications, and can make the process quicker and more efficient such as when circulations are required. Applications for Temporary Sign Permits may be submitted online​. 

If the applicant is not the owner of the property, such as a tenant or sign company, authorization to erect signage must be provided by the property owner for all signs. The information required for authorization can be found in section G: Authorization of Property Owner to Erect Signage of the sign permit application form​.

Please note that applications for permanent signs will be reviewed by staff and may require consultation with the Township's Building and Planning Departments, and other agencies in some cases.  

For new developments, the Township strongly encourages property owners to incorporate signage into any related planning approval processes. Signs approved through a planning process may be exempt from certain requirements and restrictions within the by-law, depending on the contents of the agreement as approved by Council. ​

​​​​​How much does it cost for a sign permit application?
All sign related fees can be found under our Sign Related Fees. 

Who is responsible for the maintenance of signs?
The property owner and/or tenant are responsible for the maintenance of signs.

Do I need a building permit for my sign?
Under the Ontario Building Code​, signs may require a building permit if they meet certain structural requirements. By-law Enforcement staff will verify if a building permit or inspection by a Township building official is required for the proposed sign.

Do I need a sign permit for roads under York Region's jurisdiction?
The Region of York controls signage on major intersections that are under York Region's jurisdiction. A regional permit is required to erect signage on or near a regional road or major intersection. Please see the Region of York's Road Sign Permit page​ for more information. 

To see if a road is under York Region's jurisdiction, you can refer to their page on determining regional roads​.

I want to replace an existing sign or add a new one, what should I do?
A permit is needed to replace an existing sign or add a new sign. 

Are there any incentives for rehabilitating or resurfacing the signage on my business? ​​
Yes. Through the Community Improvement Plan, eligible projects may qualify for the Facade and Signage Improvement Grant. Eligibility is determined by location among other factors. Please visit our Economic Development Department's page for more information and to find out how to apply. 

Some signs do not require a permit.  Common examples include but are not limited to:

• A-frame (sandwich board) signs, provided that they are removed at the end of the business day;

• Home Occupation signs for businesses operating out of residential homes;

• Real Estate signs for properties that are for sale (size varies between zones);

• Open House (must display date and hours of the open house);

• Directional signs, provided that they are removed within four (4) hours of the conclusion of the event;

• Window Signs, (not to exceed 25% of the combined window and door surface area of the building);

• Construction and Contractor Signs indicating the name of construction firms or contractors working on site.

For a full list of signs that do not require a permit please consult the Sign By-Law​ or Contact By-law Enforcement Services at 905-833-4002 or by-law@king.ca. 

These signs require permits and are subject to setbacks. Permits that include a site plan have the most success. Site plans provide a visual of exactly where the sign will be located on your property in relation to buildings, streets, and sidewalks. 

Permanent Signs are affixed signs for an extended period of time that include wall, ground, awnings, etc.

The following information is required when applying for a sign application​:

• Type of sign (ground, wall, projecting, awning/canopy, illuminated, mural – note: backlit signs are prohibited and murals must be approved by council)
• Dimensions (in metric) including:
  • Height
  • Length
  • Height from grade
  • Weight
  • Projection
  • Material
  • Secured/fastened by​

Please also provide the following drawings and information:

• Site plan (including lot information)
• Building dimensions
• Sign location
• Sign setbacks from property lines
• Street frontage
• Height of sign above grade
• Sign structural details (including dimensions and areas)
• Size of columns and concrete base
• Sign message and colour(s)
• Double sided (two faces)
• Distance from hydro poles 

Quick conversions: 1 in = 0.0254m         1 ft = 0.3048m               1 ft2 = 0.0929 m2​

​​​​General Temporary Signs

Temporary signs are signs that are not permanently attached or fixed to a structure or surface. The Sign By-law​ regulates the size and location of all temporary signs on private and public property.

Please provide the following drawings and information where applicable: 

• Site Plan (including lot information)
• Sign location 
• Sign setbacks from property lines
• Sign size/area/construction materials

One (1) temporary sign is permitted. Additional signs may be available if the property street frontage exceeds three-hundred fifty metres (350m) to a maximum of three (3) signs per property.

Temporary sign permits are valid for a total of thirty (30) days from the date they are issued.

A thirty (30) day break is required before a new sign permit will be issued for the same property.  ​

General Temporary Signs can be applied for online​. 

Special Events

Community service groups and/or non-profit organizations wishing to promote a special event in King should complete a sign permit application form and contact the By-law Enforcement Services for more information. To promote local festivals and community activities, certain restrictions within the Sign By-law do not apply for special events. The By-law Enforcement Manager will assist with reviewing all proposed advertisements for the event and approve the content, size, location and quantity of all Special Event Signs.

Special Event Signs may be installed up to thirty (30) days prior to the event and must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion of the event.​​

Special Promotions

Businesses can apply for a special promotion permit for occasions such as anniversaries, grand openings and special sales. These permits are issued outside of the normal limit on temporary signs but must meet all setbacks outlined in the Sign By-law. Special promotion signs are issued under the discretion of the Manager.

Special Promotion Signs may be installed up to thirty (30) days prior to the event and must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion of the promotion.​​

An election sign permit is only issued to an Official Candidate or Registered Third Party Advertiser.

Applicants will need to complete an election sign permit application​ form and submit along with the required fee and deposit. All sign fees can be found under our Sign Related Fees. The deposit will be refunded provided the sign permit holder has complied with all by-law requirements. If signs are erected contrary to the provisions of the Sign By-law, By-law Enforcement Services may remove the signs. Sign removals carry a $20.00 penalty that will be deducted from the deposit refund per sign removed. ​

Municipal Elections
Election signs will be permitted in the Township commencing 28 days prior to Election Day for municipal elections and ending 3 days following the day of the election. 

Federal & Provincial Elections​
Election signs will be permitted in the Township one (1) day following the writ. Signs at Candidate Headquarters will be permitted following the issuance of an Election Sign Permit. 

Election Signs

Election signs include advertising or promotion of a political party or a candidate for the public office in a federal, provincial, or municipal election and require an Election Sign permit.

Please note that both Candidates and Third Party Advertisers ('TPA") are required to identify themselves on campaign advertisements and signs, so that it is clear who is responsible for each sign and advertisement that appears or is broadcast.

Registered Third Party Election Signs

Any advertising sign that supports or opposes a candidate of a federal, provincial, or municipal election requires a Third Party Election Sign permit.

Once a Third Party is registered with the Clerk's office, the TPA can apply for a Third Party Election Sign permit to promote or oppose any candidate that the electors in the municipality can vote for (local council, school board trustee positions, and regional or county council offices). 

Third party advertising must be done independently of candidates, who are not able to direct a third party or register as a third party.  

Please consult the Sign By-law​ for specific requirements for Election Signs and ​Third Party Electi​on Signs. 

Election Sign Permit Fees for 2022: 

Important Forms and Information:   

• Sign Permit Application - Election Signs 
• Election Candidate and Registered Third Party Advertisers Reference Card​
• Regional Municipality of York Election Sign Guidelines

​​​​​​Certain types of signs are prohibited within the Township of King; please refer to the Sign By-law for a complete list or contact By-law Enforcement Services at 905-833-4002 or by-law@king.ca. This list includes, but is not limited to:

• Third Party Signs that advertise products, services or facilities not available at the location of the sign;
• Inflatables;
• Electronic Dynamic Signs ((LCD/LED) and other video-based signs) that display moving or flashing imagery and text with varied levels of illumination (electronic signs that display static text are permitted)
• Illumination for the purpose of attracting attention
• Bag signs

You may apply for a variance to the Sign By-law if you wish to erect a sign that is prohibited under the by-law due to type, size, location, quantity or other restriction(s)​. All applications for variances must be accompanied by the non-refundable variance fee. Please note that all variances must be approved by Council to be valid and may be subject to conditions as Council deems appropriate. Fees associated with a sign variance can be found under our Sign Related Fees​.​ To apply for a variance, please fill out and submit a sign permit application form​. 

In accordance with the Township's Sign By-law​, all signs must be maintained in a state of good repair and will ​not be unsafe, unsightly, dangerous, or defective. 

Concerns and compliments may be directed to the Township By-law Enforcement Services Division in person, by mail, by phone at 905-833-4002, or by e-mail to by-law@king.ca.

The office is located at 2585 King Road, King City, ON, L7B 1A1.

Regular business (office) hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays). If you are reporting your concern after hours, please leave a detailed voicemail and a member of staff will contact you as soon as possible if more information is required.​

​​​​​All Sign-Related Fees can be found in the table below. This table is created for reference purposes only. If there are discrepancies between the information in this table and the fees set out in the Fees a​nd Charges By-law, the By-law(s) shall prevail. ​