Submission checklists › Toronto Building

Sign Permit

City of Toronto: Toronto Building · version June 1, 2021, Rev. 2

Sign permits are not required for all signs. Toronto Building will review case by case to determine which signs require a permit. The applicant is to contact the Sign Unit to arrange for a review.

Cover letter including

1Brief description of proposed work
1Contents of the submission

Application forms and administrative documents: First Party Sign

2Application For a Permit to Construct or Demolish Form
3First Party Sign Permit Application
4Letter of Authorization from Property Owner
5Tree Declaration (ground signs only)
6Commitment to General Reviews By Architect and Engineers Form

Application forms and administrative documents: Third Party Sign

7Application For a Permit to Construct or Demolish Form
8Third Party Sign Permit Application
9Letter of Authorization from Property Owner
10Tree Declaration (ground signs only)
11Commitment to General Reviews By Architect and Engineers Form

Plans and drawings: First Party Sign

12Location: fully dimensioned drawings showing the sign proposal and location on the building or lot, including location and dimensions of any other signs on the building or lot.
13Site Plan: showing property lines and setbacks (sign and building) as well as the proposed sign location and the location of any other signs on the building or lot.
14Ground signs: height of sign above surrounding grades; distance of sign from property lines and street lines.
15Wall, projecting and overhanging structure signs: depth and height of the building; clearance from grade to the bottom of the sign; elevations including storey levels and their heights; location of windows and other openings.
16Structural information (required for most signs other than window or painted signs): loading information (snow, wind and earthquake loads) where a building permit is required for the sign; information on combustion of sign face/materials.
  • Wall signs only: cross section showing the depth of the sign and structural capability of the building or structure to which the sign is attached; sign weight and attachment details.
  • Ground signs only: foundation design and attachment details; soil parameters.

Plans and drawings: Third Party Sign

17Location: fully dimensioned drawings showing the sign proposal and location on the building or lot, including location and dimensions of any other signs on the building or lot.
18Site Plan: detailed site plan prepared, dated and signed by a practising Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) showing property lines and setbacks (sign and building), the proposed sign location and the location of any other signs on the building or lot, with:
  • The property lines and other boundaries of the lot upon which it is proposed to erect, display, modify or restore the Third Party Sign
  • The location of the proposed sign in relation to buildings and other structures on the lot
  • The location of the proposed sign in relation to buildings and other structures on abutting and adjacent lots
  • The location of the proposed sign to other Third Party Signs within the minimum distancing requirements
  • The location of the proposed sign in relation to other lots located within the minimum distancing requirements
  • The location of the proposed sign to R-Residential, RA-Residential Apartment and OS-Open Space sign districts
  • The location of the proposed sign to the nearest intersection of two street lines, where the sign is within 15 m of such an intersection
  • The location of the proposed sign to the intersection of a major street with any other street, where the sign is within 35 m of such an intersection
  • The location of the proposed sign to the nearest site-specific area restriction, if applicable and as required by §694-24A
  • All distances and relative locations shall describe the distances from the outermost limits of the proposed sign, as provided for in §694-14A
  • The applicant also files a statement confirming the accuracy of the site plan, signed by the applicant and signed and stamped by the OLS who prepared it
19Ground signs: height of sign above surrounding grades; distance of sign from property lines and street lines.
20Wall, projecting and overhanging structure signs: depth and height of the building; clearance from grade to the bottom of the sign; elevations including storey levels and their heights; location of windows and other openings.
21Structural information (required for most signs other than window or painted signs): loading information (snow, wind and earthquake loads) where a building permit is required for the sign; information on combustion of sign face/materials.
  • Wall signs only: cross section showing the depth of the sign and structural capability of the building or structure to which the sign is attached; sign weight and attachment details.
  • Ground signs only: foundation design and attachment details; soil parameters.

Technical supporting information for both first and third party sign permits

22Sign copy: details of the type of copy proposed (i.e. electronic, readograph, static).
23Lighting details: notes and details about lighting design and illumination levels for the sign.
24Photos: photographs of the site and/or building with the new sign proposal (optional).

Notes

25Fees. Note: upon submitting all the required forms and documents, the City will send a submission status letter, indicating any deficiencies. No applicable fees.
26Sample sign plans: toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/97bf-Sample-Sign-Drawings.pdf
27This Permit Application Checklist should be read in conjunction with the Permit Application Checklist – General Notes.

Submission requirements for building permit application are governed by Article 3 of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 363. This checklist identifies the scope of information typically required to support processing of this type of application in accordance with Chapter 363. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the approval authority prior to application submission to confirm the submission requirements for more complex applications. This checklist is not intended to be exhaustive. Other information necessary for the complete review of the building permit submission may be required by the Chief Building Official and in accordance with § 363.

Permits this checklist is for

Official pages

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