Sign By-law

Commercial signs along Riverside DriveThe purpose of the Sign By-law 250-2004 (see Building and Planning By-laws Online) is to:

  • Permit the effective use of signs as a means of communication
  • Encourage signs which are pleasing to the eye in terms of colour, size, design and location
  • Minimize the possibility of hazards to life or property
  • Ensure signs do not compromise traffic safety
  • Minimize the adverse impact on nearby public and private property
  • Enable the fair and consistent enforcement of detailed sign regulations

Pursuant to Section 99 of the Municipal Act, the City of Windsor's current Sign By-law regulates the erection, placement, alteration, maintenance, demolition and removal of a sign, signboard, advertisement, advertising device or structure, or any class thereof.

An application for a permit must be made to the Building Department in order to construct, alter, repair, or relocate a sign as indicated in the by-law. There are certain signs that do not require a permit. All applicants are advised to see a Development Applications Coordinator in the Building Department prior to the submission of applications. In some cases, a planner may be consulted to determine the impact of the proposed signs on the surrounding areas.

If a proposed sign is not permitted or does not comply with the regulations of the Sign By-law, the owner may contact a Planner to determine if a minor variance is required through the Committee of Adjustment or if an amendment to the Sign By-law is required. Council will consider an amendment if the proposed sign is allowed by the Official Plan and conforms to relevant Official Plan policies and the overall intent of the Sign By-law.

  • Application for Sign By-law Amendment can be downloaded from Building & Development Department. 
  • For Sign By-law Amendment, please consult a planner in the Building & Development Department prior to filling out an application form. Application forms are available online. 

For further information, please contact:

Planning & Building Services Department
350 City Hall Square West, 2nd Floor
P. O. Box 1607
Windsor, Ontario
Canada

N9A 6S1

For general information, call 311.
For detailed inquiries, call 519-255-6267.
Email: buildingdept@citywindsor.ca