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Sign permits in Calgary

City of Calgary, Alberta. Governing rules: Land Use Bylaw 1P2007, Part 3, Division 5 (Signs).

Checked November 2026

Short answer. Usually yes. In Calgary every sign needs a development permit unless the Land Use Bylaw exempts it. A small fascia sign (1.5 m2 or less) can be exempt where fascia signs are a permitted use and it meets all rules, but new freestanding, canopy, projecting and digital signs always need a permit.

What needs a permit

  • All signs and sign structures, and any enlargement, relocation or alteration, need a development permit unless specifically exempt (section 69).
  • Fascia signs (Class B) are exempt when they are a permitted use in the district, no larger than 1.5 m2, and meet all rules.
  • All new freestanding signs (Class C), canopy and projecting signs (Class D), and digital or other Class E signs need a development permit.
  • No permit is needed to maintain or repair a legally existing sign or to change its copy.

Key rules

  • A comprehensive sign program on the property's development permit can limit where signs go on a building.
  • Projecting signs: one per business on a primary building wall, within 0.30 m of the wall, and no higher than 6 m above grade.
  • Pedestrian signs: within 3 m of the business entrance, not on a public sidewalk, not illuminated, one per business, maximum 1 m high and 1 m2.
  • Digital message signs attached to a building: maximum 5 m2 in commercial, industrial and mixed use districts.

How to apply

  • Apply for a development permit through the City's sign permit pages.
  • The City lists a $95 permit fee for a freestanding sign that is a permitted use with no relaxations, and $821 in total where the sign is discretionary or needs a relaxation.
  • Discretionary signs and signs with relaxations need a development completion inspection, booked through the Planning Services Centre.

Lit signs and electrical approval

The City of Calgary sign permit covers size, placement and appearance. Electrical safety is a separate approval. In Alberta, the Electrical Code Regulation under the Safety Codes Act requires certified electrical equipment. For an electric sign the Canadian standard is CSA C22.2 No. 207, and the mark goes on the finished sign. The connection is made by a licensed electrician under an electrical permit. More in our guide to cUL certified signs.

Sources

This page summarizes official City of Calgary sources. Bylaws and fees change, so confirm with the municipality before you order or install a sign.