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Edmonton Zoning Bylaw 12800 regulates the design, construction, installation, relocation, alteration and repair of signs located on private property.
All signs on private property in Edmonton require a sign permit, except those listed in Section 12.2(1)(t) of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw. Signs that have an electrical connection also require an electrical permit.
You must have a permit prior to the installation of signs, or it is an offence which is subject to fines and penalties.
Email permanentsigns@edmonton.ca for questions regarding permanent signs.
For relocatable or removable signs see Temporary On-premise and Off-premise Signs
Permanent Sign means a sign that is anchored to a footing extending below ground level, or is affixed to, or painted on, a building or other structure that cannot be readily relocated or removed from a site.
On-premise and Off-premise Signs:
On-premises Signs means any sign displaying copy that identifies or advertises a business, activity, product, service or entertainment located on the premises or site where the sign is displayed.
Off-premises Signs means any sign displaying copy that directs attention to a business, activity, product, service or entertainment that cannot be considered as the principal products sold nor a principal business, activity, service or entertainment provided on the premises or site where the sign is displayed.
All properties within Edmonton are zoned and that zoning determines which type of signs are allowed. The Edmonton Zoning Bylaw outlines the uses and regulations of a particular zone.
Use maps.edmonton.ca to find the zone your proposed sign is in.
Note the Plan in Effect and the Overlay that may also apply.
If the property is in a Direct Control Zone, please email permanentsigns@edmonton.ca to find out more about those specific regulations. A Direct Control Zone may refer to an archived bylaw that was in effect at the time the Direct Control Zone was approved.
Once you have determined the zone, refer to the specific zone regulations in the Zoning Bylaw to find the sign schedule which contains the sign regulations that are applicable to the proposed sign on the subject property.
If you're planning to install a sign in the Old Strathcona Historical Commercial District, please refer to The Old Strathcona User's Guide to Signage for more information about requirements.
Signs that encroach from private property into or above City property, easements of interest or right of ways (ROWs) may be subject to an encroachment agreement and additional fees.
An electrical permit is required for signs with an electrical connection. The electrical work for the sign can be performed by an electrical contractor or a Certified Sign Service/Installation Technician (SSIT). If a new electrical service is required, it must be an electrical contractor who is doing the work.
An electrical permit will be included automatically with the sign permit application if applicable.
When the electrical work is being performed by an electrician the name of the electrical contractor can be supplied with the sign permit application. Once the sign permit has been issued, the electrical contractor will be notified and able to fill out the electrical details required for the permit.
If the electrical work is being performed by a Certified Sign Service/Installation Technician the sign permit applicant will need to have basic information about the electrical work ready. The name of the sign installer as well as their certification number is required. If you do not know your Electrical Certificate Training Program (ETCP) or Sign Service/Installation Technician (SSIT) number you can get it by emailing info@albertasigns.com.
See commercial electrical permits for further details.
Fascia Signs are painted on or attached to an exterior building wall, or any other permitted structure. Fascia Signs do not extend more than 40 cm out from the building wall or structure. Fascia Signs include banners or any other two dimensional medium.
A photograph and/or elevation drawing of each building façade or structure on which a sign is to be erected that shows the building façade for a distance of at least 15.0 m on either side of the location of the proposed sign.
A fascia sign may require engineer design for its structural capacity and method of attachment to the building.
Signs exempted from requiring engineering, include:
Engineering is required for non-exempt fascia signs.
Members of the Alberta Sign Association (ASA) may use the standard fascia sign engineering where the sign shows:
Non-ASA-members and applicants for fascia signs that exceed the ASA standard engineering limitations must provide site-specific engineer-stamped design for the sign and its attachment to the building.
Freestanding Signs are supported independently of a building.
A photograph that shows the entire frontage of the site where the sign is proposed.
Projecting Signs are attached to an exterior building wall, or any other structure, or suspended below the ceiling of a canopy, awning, or other structure. Projecting Signs extend more than 40 cm out from the building wall or structure.
If the sign encroaches over City property, a plot plan showing the exact amount of encroachment must be submitted and prepared by a registered Alberta Land Surveyor.
A photograph or elevation drawing of each building facade or structure on which a sign is to be erected that shows the building facade for a distance of at least 15.0 m on either side of the location of the proposed sign.
A projecting sign requires engineer design for its structural capacity and method of attachment to the building.
Members of the Alberta Sign Association (ASA) may use the current standard blade sign engineering where the sign shows:
Non-ASA-members and applicants for signs that exceed the ASA standard engineering limitations must provide site-specific engineer-stamped design for projecting sign and its attachment to the building.
Roof Signs are erected upon, against, or above a roof, or on top of or above the parapet of a building.
A photograph or elevation drawing of each building façade or structure on which a sign is to be erected that shows the building facade for a distance of at least 15.0 m on either side of the location of the proposed sign.
Applicants must provide site-specific engineer-stamped design for the roof sign and its attachment to the building.
A Minor Digital Sign contains digital copy that is not animated.
A Major Digital Sign contains digital copy, and may include static images, moving effects, message transition effects, video images, or animation, and on-premises and/or off-premises advertising.
Confirmation from the Digital Sign manufacturer that:
A traffic safety study imprinted with the stamp or seal of a Professional Engineer is required for all Major Digital Sign applications near traffic conflict points such as intersections, merge points, exit ramps, traffic control signals or curved roadways. A traffic safety study imprinted with the stamp or seal of a Professional Engineer may be required at the discretion of the Development Officer in consultation with Transportation Services for any Minor Digital On-premises Sign, Minor Digital Off-premises Sign, Minor Digital On-premises Off-premises Sign, or Major Digital Sign. The study shall contain, but is not limited to, an analysis of possible traffic safety impacts, including impacts on motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and visibility of traffic control devices or traffic control signals.
Panel replacements are replacing the panel of an existing Sign.
Effective February 10, 2021 a Development Permit is no longer required for changing the copy (replacing panels) for approved On-premises Fascia, Roof, Projecting and Freestanding Signs, as long as the use, location, size, height or general design, including method of illumination, is not altered. See Section 12.2(1)(t) of the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw for more details.
A Comprehensive Sign Design Plan is a plan for all signs that will be on the site.
Fees are determined by the 2021 Development Permit and Related Fees listing (effective January 1, 2021).
Additional fees will be charged, if an electrical permit is required. See the listing for 2021 Building Permit and Safety Codes Fees (effective January 1, 2021).
Due to COVID-19, we are not accepting in-person applications.
To apply in person complete the following documents and visit the Edmonton Service Centre located in the Edmonton Tower Building. There are several ways to make a payment.
When the application is submitted online and the fees have been paid, our intake staff will check that all the required information and documents have been received. Once the application is complete, the application is assigned to a Development Officer to review against the Edmonton Zoning Bylaw.
Signs may require circulation to other relevant stakeholders as part of the review process (this may include departments such as Subdivision Planning).
The Development Officer will make a decision on the development. If approved, you will receive a copy of your approved permit by email to the email address you provided on your application form.
Changes to your submitted application may be subject to additional fees. To make changes while your application is in progress please email permanentsigns@edmonton.ca or the Development Officer working on the sign permit.
To make changes after your permit has been issued contact the development authority identified on your development permit.
An Electrical inspection may be required at various stages of your project. Review your electrical permit conditions to understand when to request inspections.
Online Applications: Request your inspection(s) online.
In-Person Applications: Call 311 to request your inspection(s).