Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a sandwich-board sign?

  A sandwich-board sign is commonly referred to as an A-Frame sign. This is a sign that is not permanently attached to or affixed to the ground, a building, or a structure and is comprised of two sign faces that are hinged or otherwise attached or connected, enabling the two sign faces to be extended into a v-shape. 

• What is a mobile sign?

  A mobile sign is a sign that can be readily moved from one location to another without the use of a motor vehicle.

• I would like to apply for a Sign Permit and my business is within the Queen-Picton District. Do I need a Heritage Permit?

  Yes, a Heritage Permit and a Sign Permit Application are required. Information regarding Heritage Permits is available at https://www.notl.com/heritage-planning.  Should you have questions regarding this process, please contact the Community and Development Services Department at planning.development@notl.com or 905-468-3266.

• Other than the Sign Permit Application, do I need to submit any additional information?

  Yes, the Sign Permit Application includes submission requirements including: 

  • A drawing, diagram, or picture of the sign
  • The intended wording of the sign

  Details can be found in the sign application linked above.

• Do I need any other approvals/permits to complete this process?

  If any of the following apply to you, you may require the following approvals prior to the issuance of a Sign Permit:

  • Is the property located on a Regional Road? If yes, you will need to contact the Niagara Region.
  • Does the property exist within the jurisdiction of the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)? If yes, you will need to contact the NEC. 
  • Does the property abut a ravine, watercourse, wetland or shoreline? If so, you may need approval from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. 
  • Is the property on or near the Niagara River Parkway? If so, you may need approval from the Niagara Parks Commission. 
  • If plans are to erect a sign on a property within 400m of a Provincial Highway Right-of-Way, you may require a permit from the Ministry of Transportation. 
• Where can I find the Sign Permit Application, a Site-Specific Amendment Sign Permit, the Town's Sign By-law, and a list of Sign Permit Fees?

  Applications for a Sign Permit:
  
  Sign Permit Application Form

  If you need to apply for a Site-Specific Amendment Sign Permit, please use the following form: 

  Application for Permit to install a sign

  For more information on the Town of Niagara on the Lake Sign By-Law, 4586-12:

   4586-12 Sign By-law 

  For a list of Sign Permit Fees:

  Appendix G - Signs, Property Standards and Fence

• What would happen if I erect a sign without a permit? Or, if I erect a sign that is not permitted?

  A Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer shall issue a letter to advise of the violation of the by-law. You will be given 72 hours from the delivery of the letter to correct the violation. If you fail to act upon the letter, a Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer may enforce the provisions of the By-law by removing the illegal sign at the owner's expense and an administrative monetary penalty may be issued.