Sign permits in Oak Bay

What needs a permit

• A permit is required to attach, suspend, support, erect, alter, rebuild, enlarge or relocate a sign (section 2).
• No permit for home identification signs, address signs, permitted real estate signs or political signs.
• Third party signs and any sign not expressly permitted are prohibited.

Key rules

• Fascia signs are allowed only in Commercial and Institutional zones, one per building face facing a street, up to 4.6 m2, and never above the wall or on the roof.
• Illuminated signs follow the fascia rules but may be no more than 400 mm (16 in) in vertical dimension. No letter, logo or symbol may exceed 400 mm.
• Total sign area for a business in a Commercial zone is 2,000 cm2 for each 10 m2 of floor area used by the business.
• Freestanding signs may not be internally lit, and are only allowed where buildings are at least 7.6 m from the front lot line.
• Signs over a pedestrian area need 2.3 m clearance.

How to apply

• Apply to the District's Building and Planning department.
• The bylaw sets the sign permit fee at $25.

Lit signs and electrical approval

The District of Oak Bay 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.

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