Signs

• Did you read guideline #7 concerning storefronts and signage?
• Do you know in which zone your residence is located?
• Did you read By-law #1303 concerning Zoning?
• Did you read the Urban Planning By-laws?

Generally speaking, if your project affects the exterior of the property, it is subject to the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP) by-law and must be approved by City Council. However, restoration work on the original architectural components and identical replacement work are excluded. (By-law1305 to the SPAIP).

Process of an application subject to the SPAIP by-law

Required documents for review:

• A letter from the building owner authorizing the permit application, if the request is made by a third party;
• A letter describing the scope of the proposed work;
• A letter from the association of co-owners authorizing the proposed modification;
• Clear and colour photographs of the existing property, as well as a street view showing the adjacent properties;
• Shop drawings to scale of each proposed sign showing dimensions, lettering, colours, materials, method of support, lighting strategy, and their location;
• A detailed cost estimate, excluding taxes, provided by a contractor or professional.

The following documents might also be required:

• A copy of a recent certificate of location, showing the current conditions of the property, if the proposed signs are free-standing (anchored to the ground) or projecting over City land;
• A complete set of drawings, folded to 8,5” x 14” format, if needed;
• A digital copy in PDF format of the drawings listed above.

Comprehensive signage strategy: In order to ensure that the signage of multiple commercial establishments occupying the same building adhere to an overall design concept, the building owner or their representative, must prepare a comprehensive signage strategy that describes the signage plan and guidelines for the building as a whole that each individual establishment must follow.

• A comprehensive signage strategy must be submitted to the City as a separate application and must be approved by the Planning Advisory Committee before any individual application can be considered.
• In case of a sign application being submitted for an establishment located within a building having multiple commercial occupants, a letter from the building owner confirming that the proposed signs conform to the signage strategy is required.

This list is a summary. Please note that additional documents or information may be required in order to provide a better understanding of the project and contribute to the request process.

Once all the necessary information is gathered, you can submit your application online or in person at the Urban Planning Department at City Hall.

• The applicable fees include the file analysis fees. Please note that the fees related to the issuance of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, will be added to this amount.
• The cost of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, is calculated based on the cost of the work.

Consult the tariffs by-law for up-to-date rates.

Once the application has been reviewed, the applicant will receive a follow-up by email. 

Even if the application has been authorized, the issuance of the permit or certificate, if applicable, is not automatic; the applicable fees must be paid and certain documents must be submitted. 

An official quote from the contractor including the detailed cost of the proposed work, before taxes, must be submitted.