Sign permits in Sidney

What needs a permit

• Sign permits are not required, provided the sign meets Sign Bylaw No. 2058 (section 4.2).
• The Senior Building Official may require a building permit for structural alterations or additions made to hold a sign.
• The bylaw still controls sign types, sizes and the number of signs.

Key rules

• Externally lit signs are allowed in all sign districts if the lighting is downcast.
• In Sign Districts C (Downtown Commercial) and E (Industrial), internally lit signs are allowed only if just the letters and symbols are lit, directly or as a halo, and the rest of the sign is opaque. Lit copy may not exceed 50% of the display area. This suits channel letters and halo-lit letters rather than lit box signs.
• Not permitted: flashing, moving, billboard, roof, portable, fence and wall signs, wall murals and inflatables.
• Generally one sign of each permitted type per business, up to three sign types.
• Every sign must be marked with the maker's name and built from corrosion-resistant material.

How to apply

• No permit application. Email draft sign renderings to [email protected] and staff will check them against the bylaw.
• Development Services: 250-656-1725.

Lit signs and electrical approval

The Town of Sidney 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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