Sign Permits

Sign permits are issued and enforced by the Township’s By-law Enforcement department. In some cases, a building permit and approvals from other agencies may also be required prior to the installation of a sign.

Sign Compliance, Review and Approvals

The municipality's Sign By-law sets out regulations for signs and advertising devices in the Township of Springwater.

The By-law Enforcement department reviews and distributes applications to various departments and agencies.

If a proposed sign application meets mandated criteria established in the Ontario Building Code, a building permit is also required. For more information on building permit requirements, please visit our Building Permits webpage or contact the Building Services Department at building@springwater.ca

Submitting a Sign Application

Submit a sign application for all permanent or temporary signs. A completed sign permit application should be submitted, in person, by mail or through email, along with all appropriate fees, to the By-law Enforcement Department.

Contact Information:

Township of Springwater
2231 Nursery Road Minesing, ON L9X 1A8

bylaw@springwater.ca

Permit Application Requirements

All sign applications must be accompanied by drawings indicating the following:

The size of the sign;
Specifications of what is to be erected or structurally altered;
Details of supporting framework;
Description of sign materials; and,
Messaging and lighting.

All sign applications must also include a site plan that is to-scale, indicating the sign location, setbacks, street lines and other boundaries of the property.

Upon receipt of a completed application, the Township will issue a sign permit, provided the application is in compliance with the regulations contained in this By-law and any other applicable by-laws of the municipality.

The fees are prescribed in Appendix I of the Sign By-law.

Non-Compliance

The By-law Enforcement Team enforces the Sign By-law on a reactive basis for private properties and a proactive/reactive basis for Township owned properties.

Where an Officer observes a sign that does not comply with the Township’s by-laws, an Officer may provide notice to the property owner/business owner to remove the sign within an allotted time. If the property owner/business owner fails to remove the sign, an Officer may remove the sign at the property owner/business owner’s expense.

Where an Officer observes a sign erected on Township owned property, an Officer may remove the sign immediately and dispose of it within ten days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for a sign permit every year?

Yes, temporary sign permits do expire on December 31 of every year. Permanent sign permits do not expire.

Are there requirements if I want to alter or make repairs to my sign?

Yes, any substantial alteration or repair to a sign, including changing the message or content displayed, requires a permit.

How do I know if I require approvals by other agencies?

Once the sign application is submitted and circulated internally, staff may identify other approvals that are required from other agencies (e.g., the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, County of Simcoe or Ministry of Transportation).

Do I require a sign permit to advertise for a yard/garage sale?

Temporary signs advertising a yard or garage sale may be placed out for a maximum of three days without obtaining a permit.

Is there an opportunity to apply for a sign variance?

The Township’s Sign By-law does not include provisions for a sign variance process.