Short answer. Yes. In Kelowna a sign that requires a permit may not be built, placed, altered, relocated or displayed without one. Sign size and number limits depend on the zone, so check your property's zoning before ordering.
What needs a permit
- A permit is required for most permanent signs (section 2.2.1).
- Exempt examples: signs not visible from a public road, sidewalk, park or neighbouring property, small on site direction signs (1.0 m2 or less), and short term seasonal decorations.
- A permit expires if work is not substantially started within one year.
Key rules
- Roof signs, third party signs (with listed exceptions), moving or rotating signs, and signs on trees, fences or utility poles are prohibited.
- Sign lighting may not create direct glare onto the site, street or lane. Backlighting is not permitted in agricultural or residential zones.
- A sign on the rear or side of a building may not be lit if the lot abuts a residential or agricultural zone.
- Fascia signs may not project above the roof line or more than 0.4 m from the wall, and need at least 2.5 m clearance.
- Projecting signs: up to 0.6 m2 per side, no more than 1.5 m from the building face, 2.5 m minimum clearance.
- Fascia sign area is set per metre of business frontage and varies by zone, from 0.3 m2 per metre (capped at 4.0 m2) in some commercial zones to 1.0 m2 per metre (capped at 20% of the wall) in others.
How to apply
- Submit the City's sign permit form with the fee set in the Development Application Fees Bylaw.
- Include the form signed by the property owner, drawings with dimensions, materials, colours, wording, illumination method and mounting details, and a site drawing or photos showing all existing and proposed signs.
- Incomplete applications are not accepted. The Building Inspector may require engineer sealed drawings.
- Questions: City of Kelowna Community Planning, 250-469-8626.
Lit signs and electrical approval
The City of Kelowna sign permit covers size, placement and appearance. Electrical safety is a separate approval. In BC, the Electrical Safety Regulation does not allow electrical equipment to be used or sold unless it carries an accredited certification mark. 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 Kelowna sources. Bylaws and fees change, so confirm with the municipality before you order or install a sign.