Sign permits in West Vancouver

What needs a permit

• Most signs need a written application to the Building Inspector with drawings, a site plan and lighting details.
• Signs over public property also need Engineering approval.
• No permit for: real estate and contractor signs within size limits, patriotic flags, building number signs up to 0.18 m2 and a few others listed in the bylaw.

Key rules

• Prohibited: revolving, flashing, animated or moving signs; roof and balcony signs; signs above the second floor; signs on the side of a fascia, awning or canopy; and fully opaque window coverings.
• Fascia signs: projection up to 300 mm, area up to 15% of the facade or 3 m2 (whichever is less), copy up to 600 mm tall, and no more than two signs per business frontage.
• Illuminated or projecting signs must be at least 2.4 m above grade.
• Freestanding, awning and wall-projecting signs may not be back-lit, and suspended signs may not be lit from inside.
• Dundarave Village: backlighting is prohibited and awning or canopy copy is limited to 5% of the facade. Horseshoe Bay Village: back-lit boxes need light letters on a dark background, up to 300 mm tall.

How to apply

• Apply to Permits and Inspection Services, 750 17th Street. Phone 604-925-7155.
• The permit is issued once the fee is paid. Electrical signs need an electrical connection permit and approval by the electrical inspector.

Lit signs and electrical approval

The District of West Vancouver 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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