Declaration

1   (1.1) Citation

By-law No. 1022-2001 may be cited as the "Sign By-law, 2001".

(1.2) Application

(1) No Sign shall be erected, placed, Displayed, altered or moved within the City except in conformity with the provisions of this by-law, unless specifically permitted by another City by-law.

(2) Where there is a conflict between the provisions of this by-law and the provisions of the City’s Zoning By-law, the provisions of the Zoning By-law shall prevail.

Interpretation

2   In this by-law, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Abandoned Sign" means any Sign which no longer serves its previously intended purpose, or which is not maintained as required by this by-law.

"Accessory Produce Sales Use" means a use accessory to an agricultural use providing for the retail sale of agricultural products which are produced on the same farm operation; in the case of a nursery operation may include the limited sale of products customarily associated with the sale of nursery stock, excludes the sale of fresh growing medium for the growing of mushrooms.

"Agricultural Local Product Sign" means any Sign which advertises agricultural products for sale which are produced on the land upon which the Sign is Displayed.

"Agricultural Market Sign" means any Sign on which the Copy advertises a business Premise where farm products are the prime commodity offered for sale to the public.

"Application Sign" means any Sign which provides notice of a rezoning application for the property on which the Sign is located.

"Awning" means a fixed or retractable structure, projecting from a Building Face and supported by a fixed or retractable frame and constructed of fabric, sheet metal or other relatively light or flexible materials.

"Awning Sign" means a non-illuminated Identification Sign painted or affixed flat to the surface of an Awning, which does not extend vertically or horizontally beyond the limits of such Awning.

"Balloon Sign" means a Sign or device on which an advertising Sign is attached, and which is inflated by cold air.

"Banner Sign" means a Sign on non-rigid type materials which is not fully adhered to rigid backing or supported by framework.

"Bench Sign" means a Sign forming part of a bench located on public property at a bus stop, rest area or park.

"Billboard" means an Off-premise Sign which exceeds 3 m² and is either:

(1) poster panels or bulletins either mounted on a Building Wall or freestanding structure with advertising Copy in the form of pasted paper or a back lit translucent material; or

(2) multi-prism Sign which Displays alternating advertising messages on the one display area and using poster panels or bulletins mounted on a Building Wall or freestanding structure with advertising Copy in the form of pasted paper or back lit translucent material; or

(3) painted bulletins, where the advertiser’s message is painted directly onto the background of a wall-mounted or freestanding display area.

"Building" means any structure constructed and used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

"Building Code" means the current edition of the British Columbia Building Code, as amended from time to time.

"Building Face or Wall" means all individual wall areas of a Building in one plane or elevation.

"Building Inspector" means a person or persons designated by the City as a Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, Plan Checker, or Bylaw Enforcement Officer, and includes the supervisors for these positions. B/L 2622-2016

"Building Projection" means any projection from a Building which is not a Canopy.

"Canopy" means a permanent Roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a Building Face and which may extend over public property, Highway, or other City property, and includes a marquee.

"Canopy Sign" means a Sign attached to or constructed in or on the face of a Canopy which projects over public property, Highway, or other City property. Signs on canopies which extend over private property only shall be deemed to be Facia Signs.

"Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic)" means a Sign on which Copy can be changed automatically by electric circuitry, controlling lamps or Illuminated tubes.

"Changeable Copy Sign (Manual)" means a Sign on which Copy can be changed manually through the use of attachable letters, numbers and pictorial panels.

"City" means the City of Abbotsford.

"City Engineer" means the Director of Engineering for the City, as duly appointed by the City Council from time to time, and includes his delegated deputy.

"City Third Party Advertising Sign" means a free standing or other sign permitted only on city owned land and land leased by the City. Such signs may be owned and operated by a private third party for the purposes of displaying advertising for private third parties or public notices. B/L 2091-2011

"Commission" means the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City, as established by Council.

"Community Activity Sign" means a Temporary Sign indicating that a Community Service is to be, or is being carried on.

"Community Service" means a service performed by members of the community for the betterment of the community, sponsored by a non-profit organization, including but not limited to: Clearbrook Days, the International Band Festival, Firefighters Drive to assist Muscular Dystrophy, Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics, Figure Skating Club displays and competitions.

"Construction Project Sign" means a Sign indicating that a construction or development project is to be, or is being carried out. Such Sign may incorporate the design or layout and/or major participants in the project.

"Copy" means the wording of a Sign either in permanent or removable letters or pictorial form.

"Copy Area" means the area in square metres of the smallest geometrical figure which encloses the area of the actual Copy of a Sign. For Facia Signs, the Copy Area limits refer to the message, not the Illuminated background.

"Corner Lot" means and includes a lot at the intersection or junction of two or more streets.

"Directional Sign" means a Sign indicating the location or direction of any place, area, public service or event, excluding the advertising of any business or product.

"Directional Sign for Seasonal Farm Service" means a Sign indicating the location or direction to any place or area, for the sale of on-farm produce.

"Director" means the Director of Engineering for the City, and includes his/her delegates.

"Display" means the construction, erection, installation, maintenance and repair of a Sign.

"Electronic Message Board Sign" means a Sign which exhibits changing or moving effects at a constant intensity of illumination, or a Sign with moving letters, symbols or changing messages.

"Face" of a Sign means one side of a Sign where Copy may be placed.

"Facia Sign" means a Sign attached to, marked or inscribed on, or erected on, or placed against a wall of a Building or placed on, in, on top of, or on the face of a Building Projection and having the exposed Face thereof on a plane approximately parallel to the plane of such wall.

"Freestanding Sign" means any Sign, except Billboards, supported independently of, and separate from, a Building, and permanently fixed to the ground.

"Frontage" means the length of the property line of a parcel of land abutting a public street, excluding a lane.

"Grade" means the average ground surface elevation within a circle having a diameter of 6.5 m around the Sign.

"Highway" includes every highway and every road, road allowance, roadway, street, lane, or right-of-way designed or intended for, or used by, the general public for the passage of vehicles, and includes the shoulder, boulevard, ditch, and sidewalk area, and whatever public lands lie between the property lines of the highway.

"Identification Sign" means a Sign which is limited to the name, address and number of a Building, institution or person, and to the activity carried on in the Building, institution, or the occupation of the person.

"Illuminated" includes illuminated by an internal artificial light, or reflecting light from a source intentionally directed upon it.

"Marquee Sign" means a Canopy Sign.

"Off-premise Sign" means a Sign which advertises, or directs attention to, a business, commodity, service or entertainment not related to the Premises at which the Sign is located, or to a business, commodity, service or entertainment which is conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than on the Premises on which the Sign is located; excludes a Real Estate Directional Sign and City Third Party Advertising Signs. B/L 2091-2011

"Owner" means any person, corporation, or agent in control of the property on which a Sign is located.

"Permit" means an authorization on a prescribed form by a Building Inspector, to erect, place, display, alter, or move, a Sign.

"Portable Sign" means any Sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a Building.

"Premise" means an area of land with its appurtenances and with or without Buildings and includes, but is not limited to, a parcel, lot, property or site.

"Prohibition Sign" means a Sign indicating a prohibition or penalty respecting the property on which it is situated.

"Projecting Sign" means any Sign other than a Canopy Sign which is attached to and projects from a Building or a Building Face or Wall.

"Promotional Sign" means a Temporary Sign advertising a promotion, new business Premise or advertising the change in use or ownership of a business Premise.

"Provincial Electrical Permit" means an authorization by the Province of British Columbia to carry out electrical work.

"Real Estate Directional Sign" means an Off-premise Sign directing the public to a specific property for the purpose of selling, renting, or leasing the property.

"Real Estate Sign" means a Sign indicating that the property or Premise on which it is located is for sale, rent or lease.

"Roof" means the top enclosure of any Building.

"Roof Line" means the line made by the intersection of the wall of the Building with the Roof of the Building at or near the face of the Building.

"Rotating Sign" means any Sign or portion of a Sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.

"Sandwich Board Sign" means a Portable Sign constructed of two pieces of material and hinged together at one end, not exceeding 0.6 m² in area.

"Service Station Use" means a use providing for the retail sale of motor fuels or lubrication oils, and may include the following as an accessory use: the washing of automobiles, the servicing or repair of motor vehicles, the sale of automobile accessories, and the rental of trailers and motor vehicles, but excludes all other sales and services and an autobody repair use.

"Sign" means any structure, balloon, gas-filled figure, device, advertisement, advertising device, visual representation, beacon or searchlight intended to advertise, identify or communicate information or attract the attention of the public for any purpose; and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes any symbols, letters, figures, illustrations or forms painted or otherwise affixed to a Building; any structure or device, the prime purpose of which is to support, border, illuminate, animate, or project a visual representation; excludes official notices issued by any Court or public office or officer in the performance of a public or official duty, and traffic control Signs as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act.

"Sign Area" includes the total area within the outer edge of the frame or border of a Sign but where a Sign has no frame, border or background, the area of the Sign shall be the area contained within the shortest line surrounding the whole group of letters, symbols or figures; includes all Sign Faces in computations.

"Sub-contractor Identification Sign" means a Temporary Sign, located on a Building site which contains the names of sub-trades contracted to work on that construction site.

"Telephone Booth Sign" means a Sign installed anywhere within or on a public telephone enclosure, which is located on a road allowance.

"Temporary Sign" means a Sign Displayed for a limited period of time as permitted in this by-law.

"Transit Shelter Sign" means a Sign installed anywhere within or on a shelter placed on a road allowance for the temporary occupancy by transit users.

"Vehicle-Mounted Sign" means a Sign attached to, placed in or on or towed by a vehicle. Excludes Identification Signs painted on a vehicle or Signs on taxis or public transportation vehicles.

"Window Sign" means any Sign either painted on, or attached to, or installed inside a window for purposes of viewing from outside the Premises, but does not include merchandise located in the window.

"Zone" means Premises designated for certain uses according to the Zoning By-law, as amended.

B/L 2387-2015

Permits, fees, inspections

3   (3.1) Requirement for Permit

(1) Subject to Section 4, no person shall Display any Sign without first making application, in writing, to the Building Inspector for and obtaining a Permit for such purpose pursuant to this by-law.

(2) Subject to Section 4, no person shall rebuild, enlarge, extend or relocate any Sign, or change any part of the structural elements or lighting of any Sign, without first making application for, and obtaining a Permit.

(3.2) Application for Permit

Every applicant for a Permit pursuant to this by-law shall provide the following information:

(a) the legal description and civic address of the property, where the Sign is to be Displayed;

(b) the Sign manufacturer’s name and address;

(c) the name and address of the Owner of the property where the Sign is to be located;

(d) the Sign Area and a drawing to scale, giving the dimensions of the Sign, and the supporting structure;

(e) the maximum height and clearance of the Sign;

(f) the dimensions of the wall surface of the Building to which it is to be attached;

(g) the proposed location of the Sign in relation to the property lines, and the dimensions of the Building and/or the property upon which it is to be situated;

(h) size and location of all existing Signs on the property and/or the Building or Buildings;

(i) cost of the Sign;

(j) detailed scale drawings of the Sign indicating Copy to be used in the completion; and

(k) structural and footing details and material specifications for the proposed Sign.

(3.3) Permit fee

Every applicant for a Permit under this Bylaw shall, with each such application, pay to the City at the time of such application:

(a) a fee for a Temporary Sign Permit, as set out in the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006;

(b) a fee based on the associated value of construction for City Third Party Advertising Signs having a value of construction greater than $12,000.00, as set out in the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006; or

(c) the applicable fee for all other Signs, including a Permit to alter or move a Sign for which a Permit has been issued, as set out in the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006.

B/L 2091-2011, 2622-2016

(3.4) Permit Issuance or Denial

(1) No Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector unless the proposed Sign complies with the provisions of this by-law, the Building Code and all other Provincial and City by-laws and regulations. Every Permit issued shall expire if, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, active work is not commenced within a six month period from date of issuance.

(2) If a Permit expires, no refund of Permit fees shall be given. A full refund, less an administration fee, in accordance with the City's Building By-law, shall be made upon cancellation of a Permit before its expiry, provided, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, no active work has commenced.

(3) The Building Inspector shall refuse to issue a Permit for any Sign where, in the opinion of the Building Inspector:

(a) the Building to which the Sign is, or is to be attached is incapable of supporting the Sign;

(b) the information submitted regarding the construction of the said Building is, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, insufficient to determine if the Building will provide adequate structural support.

(4) Where the Building Inspector has reasonable concerns relating to structural, geotechnical, wind loading or other design aspects of a proposed Sign, the Building Inspector may require, as a condition of the issuance of any Permit or after inspection of any Sign, that all drawings and specifications for the Sign, or any part thereof, be prepared and sealed by, and the construction carried out, under the supervision of a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia. The Building Inspector may refuse to issue the Permit or approve the Sign until a letter is provided, signed by a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia, undertaking to supervise the work authorized by such Permit or any part thereof, and certifying that the Building to which the Sign is, or to be attached to, is capable of safely supporting the Sign.

(5) Despite any other provisions of this bylaw, no Permit shall be issued for construction without prior issuance of a Development Permit, where such permit is required by the City's Official Community Plan.

B/L 1498-2005

(3.5) Inspections

(1) The Building Inspector is authorized to enter at all reasonable times upon any property subject to this by-law to ascertain whether its regulations or directions are being complied with.

(2) Every person erecting, altering, repairing or relocating a Sign, for which a Permit is required by this by-law, shall provide at least 24 hours advance notice to the Building Department for required inspections.

(3) All Freestanding Signs shall be subject to a footing and form inspection, and all Signs shall be subject to a final inspection.

(4) All Signs, except Promotional Signs, connected to an electrical energy source, shall have a Provincial Electrical Permit, which shall be produced upon request.

(5) No person shall do any work, or continue to do any work upon any Sign contrary to the provisions of this by-law, or contrary to a notice from the Building Inspector directing the cessation of, or correction of work performed upon the Sign.

(6) No person shall alter, deface, cover, reverse, remove, or in any way tamper with any notice pasted upon or attached to any Premises pursuant to this by law except with express permission of the Building Inspector.

Signs not requiring a Permit

4   (4.1) Change of Sign

A change of Copy or colour of any Sign, other than changing the name of the Owner or business, shall not require a Permit.

(4.2) Exempt Signs

Despite any other provision of this by-law, a permit is not required for the types of Signs listed in paragraphs (1) to (18) of this subsection, provided that each such Sign shall conform to the requirements of this subsection applicable to the type of Sign to be displayed and to all other requirements of this by-law. Every person displaying such a Sign on, or over City property or road allowances, shall provide insurance coverage and enter into an agreement with the City in accordance with Section 7 (1) of this by-law.

(1) Bench Signs

(a) Bench Signs at bus stops shall be placed on City road allowances only, and shall be located as prescribed by the Director, provided that such Signs may be placed on commercial sites where the consent of the Owner has been obtained, and where the Owner has undertaken, to the satisfaction of the City, to accept full responsibility for all liability, which may arise, and to hold the City harmless, and where the location of the said Bench Sign has been approved by the Director;

(b) Every person, service club and other organization placing any bench and Bench Sign on public property shall maintain and repair the said bench and Bench Sign to the satisfaction of the Director provided the same remains on public property.

(c) Bench Signs shall not be Illuminated.

(2) Community Activity Signs

A Community Activity Sign may be Displayed for a period up to 60 days before the first day of the activity, and shall be removed within seven days after the last day of the activity. The Sign may have two Faces back to back, and shall not exceed 3 m² of area per Face except where such Sign crosses a street right-of-way. No more than one such Sign may be Displayed on any one Premise and such Sign may be indirectly Illuminated. Community Service Signs, including, but not limited to, "Neighbourhood Watch" and "Block Parent" Signs may be Displayed for an indefinite period of time.

(3) Directional Signs

A Directional Sign may be located on a street right-of-way if approved by the Director of Engineering. Each Face of a Directional Sign shall not exceed 0.6 m².

(4) Directional Sign for Seasonal Farm Service

A maximum of two Off-premise Signs are permitted in the Agricultural Zones provided the Signs comply with the following requirements:

(a) Signs may only provide directions to a property on which Accessory Produce Sales Use of products produced on the property takes place;

(b) each Sign shall not exceed 0.6 m²;

(c) no Sign may be placed on any road allowance unless approved by the Director;

(d) written permission shall be obtained from the Owner of the property on which the Sign is located;

(e) no Sign shall obstruct the view of vehicle drivers at any roadway intersection.

(5) Identification Signs

(a) For the purpose of identifying the occupant, location and type of service provided by the occupant, or the activity carried on in a Building, one Identification Sign shall be permitted for each dwelling unit or each professional office. Identification Signs may only be Displayed in the Zones listed in Schedule "A", attached to, and forming part of, this by-law.

(b) The height of a freestanding Identification Sign shall not exceed 1.5 m above Grade.

(c) One directory Sign may be Displayed on the Premises occupied by a religious, community club, service club, or similar organization, and may be indirectly Illuminated. Such Sign shall not exceed 0.6 m² in area per organization, up to a maximum size of 2.98 m² on one side and may have two Faces back to back. The Sign may also be constructed in such a manner that one Face is not more than a 90° angle to the adjacent Face.

(6) Prohibition Signs

Prohibition Signs, not exceeding 0.2 m² in area per Sign, shall be permitted for each property or Premise. A Prohibition Sign shall be one-sided only, shall not exceed 2.1 m in height above Grade, and may be indirectly Illuminated.

(7) Real Estate Signs

(a) Not more than one Real Estate Sign per parcel of land may be Displayed. The Real Estate Sign may have two Faces, and may also be constructed in such a manner that one Face is at not more than a 90° angle to the adjacent Face. Real Estate Signs may only be Displayed in the Zones listed in Schedule "A", attached to, and forming part of, this by law.

(b) Real Estate Signs shall be constructed in such a manner that they are not a hazard to persons or property.

(c) Real Estate Signs shall not occupy space allocated for parking.

(8) Real Estate Directional Signs

(a) Real Estate Directional Signs may be used in all Zones, and may have two Faces, the area of each Face not to exceed 0.2 m².

(b) Real Estate Directional Signs shall not be placed on City or Provincial Highway rights-of-way.

(9) Window Signs

(a) No Window Sign shall be permitted in residential Zones, with the exception of "Block Parent", "Neighbourhood Watch" and Signs identifying an Accessory Home Occupation Use.

(b) Not more than two permanent Window Signs shall be Displayed from the inside surface of any window, showcase, or similar facility.

(c) Total Copy Area of a permanent Window Sign shall not exceed 25% of the total window area.

(10) Construction Project Signs

Not more than one Construction Project Sign shall be Displayed on any construction site. The Construction Project Sign may have two Faces, provided that it is constructed in such a manner that one Face is no more than a 90° angle to the adjacent Face. Such Signs shall be removed within one month following the approved final inspection, or in the case of a subdivision development, upon the sale of 90% of the subdivision lots. Construction Project Signs may only be Displayed in the Zones listed in Schedule "A", attached to, and forming part of, this by-law.

(11) Sub-Contractor Identification Signs

Not more than one Sub-contractor Identification Sign, for each sub-trade, shall be Displayed on any construction site for the sole purpose of identifying sub-trades working on the site. The Signs shall be removed upon issuance of the final inspection certificates. Sub-contractor Identification Signs may only be Displayed in the Zones listed in Schedule "A", attached to, and forming part of, this by-law.

(12) Agricultural Local Product Signs

(a) An Agricultural Local Product Sign may only be Displayed in the Agricultural Zones, and shall advertise only those agricultural products grown or produced on the lot, subject to the Accessory Produce Sales Use provisions of the City's Zoning By-law.

(b) Total area for all Agricultural Local Product Signs on a property shall not exceed 3 m².

(c) Agricultural Local Product Signs shall not exceed a height of 2.5 m above Grade.

(13) Application Sign (Rezoning)

(a) An Application Sign shall be permitted in all Zones and shall advertise only a rezoning application that has been submitted for the property on which the Sign is located.

(b) Each Sign shall not exceed 3.0 m² in area.

(c) Each Sign shall not exceed a height of 2.45 m in height above Grade.

(14) Banner Signs

(a) A maximum of two Banner Signs may be Displayed on a property.

(b) Banner Signs shall be securely fastened to the Building at each corner of the Sign.

(c) Banner Signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair, and shall hang for no more than 90 days.

(15) Sandwich Board Signs

(a) Sandwich Board Signs shall not exceed 0.6 m² in area.

(b) Sandwich Board Signs shall be placed only on the property of the business or organization which is advertising, and not on City property or rights-of-way.

(c) Sandwich Board Signs shall be removed nightly.

(16) Signs Located on Parks and Recreation Property

All Signs mounted on property operated by the Commission shall be subject to its policies.

(17) Transit Shelter and Telephone Booth Signs

(a) Transit Shelter and Telephone Booth Signs may only be placed on a City road allowance in accordance with a written agreement with the City which regulates, among other matters, the type, size, location and maintenance of such Signs and provides for sharing of advertising revenue.

(b) Transit Shelter and Telephone Booth Signs may be indirectly Illuminated.

B/L 2387-2015

Prohibited Signs

5   (5.1) Prohibited Signs

Except as otherwise specifically permitted by this by-law, the following Signs or advertising devices shall not be Displayed within the City:

(a) Billboards;

(b) Projecting Signs;

(c) Signs equipped with oscillating lights or beacons;

(d) Rotating Signs;

(e) Illuminated Signs;

(f) posters, other than Banner Signs, placed on any exterior wall of any Building, post, pole, fence or tree, or otherwise Displayed where they are visible from any public way or Highway;

(g) Signs that are erected, lighted or located in a manner that may detrimentally affect the health or safety of persons and/or property;

(h) Portable Signs or Signs used as Promotional Signs;

(i) sidewalk or curb Signs;

(j) Vehicle-Mounted Signs;

(k) balloons or gas-filled figures inflated with a gas other than cold air;

(l) swinging Signs installed on an arm or spar and not permanently fastened to its supporting arm, spar, or to an adjacent wall or upright pole;

(m) Signs which purport to be, or are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic Sign or Signal and, by reason of their size, location, movement, colouring or manner of illumination, may be confused with a traffic control Sign, Signal or device;

(n) Signs in excess of the size requirements outlined in this by-law;

(o) hand held advertising Signs where such Sign:

(i) is displayed on or over a right-of-way or private property within the sight lines of an intersection as defined in the Zoning By-law;

(ii) advertises or promotes a business; or

(iii) is not associated with an event, parade, rally or function held under authority of a Special Event Permit issued by the City.

(5.2) Signs on Private Property

Except as specifically provided for in this by-law, no Sign Displayed on any Premise or lot shall advertise, identify, give information on, or attract attention to any activity occurring or any product being sold other than on the Premise or lot.

(5.3) Signs on Public Right-of-Way

(a) No Sign shall be Displayed on, or over any public right-of-way, without the written permission of the Director, or where applicable, the District Engineer of the Provincial Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

(b) No Sign shall be Displayed on, or over any public property or right-of-way or Highway, without a valid Highway Use Permit issued by the Director.

(5.4) Signs Adjacent to Provincial Highway

No Sign visible from the Trans-Canada Highway shall be Displayed within 150 m of the boundary of the right-of-way of the said Highway unless the Sign is located upon the parcel of land on which the products or Premises advertised are sold, assembled, manufactured or located, unless specifically approved by Council.

(5.5) Traffic, Visibility, Pedestrian Access

(1) The Building Inspector shall refuse to issue a Permit for a Sign which, in the opinion of the Director, may interfere or otherwise obstruct any traffic control device as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act, or in any other way interfere with visibility from one street to another.

(2) No Sign shall be Displayed in such a manner that it may obstruct any window, door opening, passageway, fire escape, walkway or similar feature.

Signs requiring a Permit

6   (6.1) Regulations for Permitted Signs

Signs requiring a Permit may only be Displayed in the Zones, or classes of Zone, designated in Schedule "A" attached to this by-law. The following regulations shall apply to the following types of permitted Signs:

(1) Freestanding Signs

(a) Not more than one Freestanding Sign shall be permitted on a lot in a commercial, industrial, agricultural, or institutional Zone unless specifically permitted under this by-law. All Freestanding Signs on institutional properties shall have a landscaped base.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, where a Premise has a Frontage in excess of 50 m, one additional secondary Freestanding Sign may be erected for each additional 50 m or part thereof, provided the Signs are at least 50 m apart. Each secondary Freestanding Sign shall have a Sign Area equal to not more than 50% of the Sign Area of the principal Sign up to a maximum of 10 m², except that where a Sign is used in the City Centre Commercial Zone (C5) to advertise a Service Station Use that is accessory to a Shopping Centre Use, as defined in the Zoning By-law, one such secondary Freestanding Sign may have an area up to a maximum of 18 m².

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, where a property fronts on more than one public right-of-way or street, excluding lanes or service ways, one additional secondary Freestanding Sign shall be permitted, equal in area to the primary Sign, provided that the distance, measured in a straight line between each Freestanding Sign is at least 50 m.

(d) Freestanding Signs shall not exceed a height of 7.5 m or an area of 1.5% of the lot area upon which the Sign is located, to a maximum of 20 m². The Copy Area of such Signs shall not exceed 45% of the Sign Area.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d) above, properties with a minimum area of 2 ha (4.94 acres) may increase the size of the principal Freestanding Sign allowed in subsection (d) above, by 1 m² for each metre the outer edge of the Sign is set back from the property line. The maximum allowable area of a Sign on these properties shall be 30 m². The maximum height of Freestanding Signs on these properties shall be 8.5 m. The Copy Area of such Signs shall not exceed 45% of the Sign Area.

(f) Notwithstanding subsections (d) and (e) above, where a portion of the principal Sign is a Changeable Copy Sign, the Sign Area for the principal Sign may exceed the allowable Sign Area, outlined in subsections (d) and (e) above, by a maximum of 6 m² provided that the additional area is no greater than that of the Changeable Copy Sign.

(g) Two or more adjacent businesses or Premises may combine their Freestanding Sign allowances to form one single Sign, the area of which shall be based on their combined lot sizes as though they were one.

(h) Where a Freestanding Sign projects over a vehicular traffic area, such as a parking lot or driveway, no part of the Sign shall be less than 4.3 m above Grade; otherwise, the minimum clearance shall be 2.4 m above Grade, except as provided in Section 6 (1) (i).

(i) Where a Freestanding Sign has a landscaped base and the landscaped area equals or exceeds the total Sign Area, less the excess allowed in Section 6 (1) (f), the minimum height requirement in Section 6 (1) (h) shall not apply, provided that the Sign is sited so that no part of the Sign extends outside the bounds of the landscaped area or obstructs visibility at an intersection, in accordance with the Zoning By-law.

(j) A Freestanding Sign may rotate provided it does not revolve more than ten times per minute.

(k) A Freestanding Sign may be Illuminated.

(2) Electronic Message Board Signs

(a) An Electronic Message Board Sign may be installed as part of a Freestanding Sign, a Facia Sign, or a Canopy Sign.

(b) The electronic message portion of a Freestanding Sign shall not exceed 75% of the total Sign Area.

(c) A date, time, and temperature Sign shall not be considered an Electronic Message Board Sign, except when incorporated into a Sign that delivers other changing messages.

(d) A freestanding Electronic Message Board Sign shall be sited not less than:

(i) 6 m from an exterior lot line where on a Corner Lot;

(ii) 3.0 m from an interior lot line.

(e) No part of a freestanding Electronic Message Board Sign shall exceed the requirements for Freestanding Signs in Section 6 (1) (d) and (e).

(3) Electronic Message Board Facia Signs

(a) An Electronic Message Board Facia Sign may be Displayed on the face of a Building fronting a street, provided the Sign is parallel to the Building Face.

(b) An Electronic Message Board Facia Sign shall conform to the requirements of Section 6 (5) except that the size of an Facia Sign shall not exceed 0.7 m in height and 5 m in length.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (5) (c), an Electronic Message Board Facia Sign shall not project beyond 46 cm from a Building Face and shall not extend above the sill of any window, above guardrails, or balustrades immediately above such Sign.

(d) The upper limit of an Electronic Message Board Facia Sign shall be the Roof Line of a Building.

(e) No portion of an Electronic Message Board Facia Sign shall be mounted lower than 2.5 m above Grade.

(4) Electronic Message Board Canopy

Electronic Message Board Signs may be installed in canopies.

(5) Facia Signs (Other Than Electronic Message Boards)

(a) Facia Signs shall be permitted on each exterior wall of a Building. Where more than one business Premise occupies a Building, Facia Signs shall be permitted for each business Premise. The total area of all Facia Signs on a Building Wall shall not exceed 1 m² for each linear metre of Building Wall. The Copy Area of a Facia Sign shall not exceed 45% of the Sign Area.

(b) No part of a Facia Sign, which projects more than 15 cm from the face of the Building, shall be lower than 2.5 m above Grade.

(c) A Facia Sign shall not project beyond 30 cm from a Building Face, unless the installation is certified by a Professional Engineer and shall not extend above the sill of any window, above guardrails, or balustrades immediately above such Sign.

(d) The upper limit of a Facia Sign shall be the Roof Line of a Building.

(e) Facia Signs may be Illuminated.

(f) A Facia Sign, or a part, may be a date, time, and temperature Sign.

(6) Canopy or Marquee Signs

(a) One Canopy or Marquee Sign shall be permitted for each side of a Canopy attached to a business Premise provided that no more than three Signs shall be permitted for each Canopy.

(b) The area of a Canopy Sign shall not exceed 1 m² for each 1 m of total length of the Canopy, and no more than 45% of the background of the Sign shall be Copy.

(c) A Marquee Sign shall not exceed 0.6 m² in area, or 30 cm in height.

(d) Marquee Signs shall be directly attached to the apron of the Canopy and shall have a clearance of not less than 2.5 m above Grade.

(e) Canopy Signs on the same Canopy shall be of uniform height. Separate canopies that are contiguous shall have the same clearance above Grade.

(f) A Sign shall not be Displayed on a Canopy unless the Canopy projects at least 1 m from the Building Face. No Sign shall be placed on the top of the Canopy.

(g) No Signs shall be placed on a Canopy where the length of the Canopy is less than the distance the Canopy projects from the Building Face.

(h) Canopy Signs may be Illuminated.

(i) A Canopy Sign, or a part, may be a date, time, and temperature Sign.

(7) Awning Signs

(a) Awning Signs shall be permitted on each exterior wall of a Building. Where more than one business Premise occupies a Building, Awning Signs shall be permitted for each business Premise. The total area of all Awning Signs on a Building wall shall not exceed 1 m² for each lineal metre of Building Wall.

(b) Copy Area shall not exceed 45% of the total surface area of the Awning.

(8) Roof-Mounted Signs

(a) Roof-mounted Signs shall be permitted where:

(i) the installation of the Sign is certified for structural integrity by a Professional Engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia and experienced in this field;

(ii) the top of the Sign does not extend above the highest point of the Roof;

(b) Roof-mounted Balloon Signs shall be permitted as Promotional Signs.

(9) Off-premise Signs

(a) No person shall Display a Sign on a lot or Building without the consent of the Owners or persons entitled to possession of the lot or Building, or their authorized representative.

(b) No business, commodity, service or entertainment of a commercial nature shall be advertised by more than one permanent Off-premise Sign.

(c) An Off-premise Sign shall only be permitted in the following Zones and shall only be of the type or types shown:

(d) Except for inward-facing advertising Signs placed around the perimeter of a playing field in the P1 Zone, not more than one Off premise Sign per lot shall be permitted. The maximum area for each Sign and for each product advertised shall be 3 m².

(e) Electronic Message Board Signs shall not be permitted as an Off premise Sign.

(f) Off-premise Signs shall be permitted as Agricultural Market Signs.

(g) For the purpose of advertising tourist-related facilities only, a maximum of two Off-premise Signs may be Displayed on private property, provided the Sign Area does not exceed 0.3 m²; and the written permission of the Owner of the property has been obtained.

(h) A maximum of four Off-premise Signs may be installed as Community Service information Signs for churches, community clubs, service clubs, or similar organizations, subject to obtaining a Building Permit and the written permission of the Owner of the property on which the Sign will be located. The Sign shall not exceed 0.6 m² in area per organization, up to a maximum size of 2.98 m² and shall not obscure visibility at any intersection of a street or a private driveway.

(i) An Agricultural Market Sign shall be permitted provided it complies with the following regulations:

(i) the Sign is advertising a licenced business that is situated within 183 m of the boundaries of the rights-of-way of the Trans-Canada Highway;

(ii) written permission of the Owner of the property on which the Sign is located has been obtained;

(iii) there is not more than one Sign per traffic direction of the Trans-Canada Highway advertising the business;

(iv) the Sign is located no closer than 1 km in advance of an off- or on-ramp of the Trans-Canada Highway; and

(v) the Sign shall not exceed:

(a) a total area of 6 m² so that each side does not exceed 3 m²; and

(b) a total height of 5 m from the average surrounding Grade.

(10) Promotional Signs

(a) A Promotional Sign shall be permitted provided: BL 1870-2009

(i) it is either a Portable Sign, a Temporary Facia Sign, a Temporary Freestanding Sign or a Balloon Sign;

(ii) it advertises a new business Premise, or the change in use or trade name of a business Premise or a promotion, and the applicant is the holder or the agent of the holder of a current City of Abbotsford Business Licence for the business Premise being advertised;

(iii) it is displayed for a period of not more than 28 consecutive days in a calendar year, in minimum blocks of fourteen days;

(iv) not more than four such Permits for existing businesses and, except for a change of owner or name, one additional Permit for a new business, are issued in a calendar year;

(v) it is not larger than 6 m² for all faces, in the case of a multi-face sign, and 3 m² for a single-face sign; and

(vi) it is placed only on the business Premise which is advertising, not on City property or rights-of-way.

(b) Balloon Signs shall be permitted provided:

(i) the inflating gas is cold air; no other gases are permitted;

(ii) the balloon is securely anchored to the surface on which it rests;

(iii) they do not exceed a maximum height of 7.9 m above the base of the air-supported structure;

(iv) they are only Displayed at a site for a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year;

(v) the balloon is mounted in such a location and manner that the collapse of the unit will not affect an access route or public right-of-way; and

(vi) if Illuminated, it does not contain flashing or running lights or animation devices, or any device designed to intensify or vary the illumination of lighting. Illumination shall be from a steady light source located within the interior of the Sign, or from an exterior light source directed at the Face of the Sign and shielded to eliminate glare when viewed by oncoming traffic.

(c) No Portable Promotional Sign shall be located on a public Highway, right of-way, other public place, or encroach upon adjacent property.

(11) Non-Profit Charitable Organization Off-premise Promotional Signs

An organization, which is a Canadian Registered Charity, as listed by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, and is incorporated under the British Columbia Society Act, may apply for an Off-premise Promotional Sign subject to the following:

(a) every such Permit shall be valid for a 56 calendar day period once per calendar year;

(b) the maximum area of one Sign shall not exceed 2.98 m²;

(c) the Sign shall have no more than two Faces;

(d) the Sign shall not be installed on City property nor on City or Provincial road allowances;

(e) the Sign shall not be erected on a property in a residential Zone; and

(f) the Sign shall not be located so as to restrict sight lines for motorists.

(12) City Third Party Advertising Sign B/L 2091-2011

(a) A City Third Party Advertising Sign can be on a freestanding or other sign design deemed acceptable by the City.

(b) A City Third Party Advertising Sign requires a Sign Permit and shall comply with Section 3, PERMITS, FEES, INSPECTIONS, of the Consolidated Sign Bylaw, 2001. No Permit will be issued by the Building Inspector unless the proposed Sign complies with the provisions of this Section, the Building Code, and all other Provincial and City bylaws and regulations.

(c) the design features of the City Third Party Advertising Sign include, but are not limited to, maximum height, clearance above finished grade, sign area, dimensions, graphics, colour aesthetic considerations and setbacks from property lines shall be subject to the approval of the General Manager of Economic Development and Planning Services.

Sign construction and maintenance

7   (7.1) Sign Construction

(1) Applicants, Owners or occupiers shall be responsible to ensure that Signs and Sign structures are designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice and in conformity with the requirements of the Building Code, this by-law and all other applicable by-laws and regulations of the City and of the Province of British Columbia.

(2) All wiring of electrical Signs and Illuminated Signs shall be Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved, or approved by a Provincial Electrical Inspector.

(7.2) Approval of Sign over Public Street or Place

(1) No Sign shall be Displayed upon or suspended over a public place unless the Owner of the Sign has deposited with the City, a subsisting policy of insurance in an amount of not less than $2,000,000, and with a deductible of not more than $500.00, and has entered into an agreement with the City governing such Display, indemnifying the City against all loss, costs, damages or expenses, which may be incurred or sustained by or recovered from the City, by reason of the Display of the Sign and maintenance thereof.

(2) In the event that the Owner fails or neglects to provide the insurance coverage required by this section, it shall be lawful for the City to, without prior notice, order the Owner to remove the Sign, which encroaches onto or over City property, Highway, a public street or public place, and the said Sign shall be immediately removed. If the Owner fails to remove the Sign, it shall be lawful for the Director to remove the Sign at the expense of the person in default, and the City shall recover the expense in like manner as City taxes on the said Premises.

The Owner shall be responsible for all loss, costs, damages or expenses, which may arise as the result of the Display of the Sign, until such time as it has been removed.

(7.3) Maintenance of Signs

(1) Normal maintenance, including replacement of Copy, lighting and refurbishing of Signs shall not require an application or Permit, but shall conform to all other requirements of this by-law.

(2) Every person Displaying a Sign, shall maintain that Sign, so that, at all times, it is structurally sound and free from all hazards caused or resulting from decay or failure of structural members, fixtures, lighting or appurtenances. All Sign Area, background, Copy, lighting and embellishment shall be maintained in readable, clean and painted condition, and the site of the Sign shall be maintained free of weeds, debris and rubbish, and in a clean condition.

Removal of Signs and enforcement

8   (8.1) Abandoned Signs

When a Sign no longer correctly directs to, or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, Owner, product or activity conducted, or product available, on the Premises where such a Sign is Displayed, the Owner of the Premises shall remove the Sign within 14 days from the date of the receipt of notice from the Building Inspector ordering such removal.

(8.2) Removal of Temporary Signs

Real Estate Signs, community activity and similar Temporary Signs, which are Displayed on any property, shall be removed by the Owner of such property within seven days of the termination of the event which the Signs advertised, failing which the Building Inspector may have the Signs removed, at the cost of the Owner.

(8.3) Repair or Removal of Signs

(1) If any Sign, except a Sign prohibited under Section 5 of this by-law, when Displayed or after modification, alteration or repair, does not conform in every respect to the provisions of this by-law or any other by-law of the City, or if any Sign is permitted to become unsafe or defective, the Building Inspector shall give written notice to the Owner to repair or remove the Sign within a period of 14 days. It shall be the duty of the Owner to repair or remove the Sign in accordance with the notice, and if the notice is not complied with within the said period, or if the Owner of the Sign cannot be located, the Building Inspector shall have the offending Sign removed at the expense of the person in default, and the expense incurred by the City in so doing may be recovered by the City from the Owner of the land on which the Sign is Displayed with costs in like manner as City taxes.

(2) Where a Sign prohibited under Section 5 of this by-law is Displayed, the Building Inspector may immediately remove the Sign, or give written notice to the Owner of the Sign to remove it within 24 hours, and the provisions contained in subsection (1) with respect to failure to comply with this notice shall apply.

(8.4) [Repealed, B/L 3063-2020.]

Every person who contravenes this bylaw commits an offence and is subject to enforcement and penalties in accordance with the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw.

Non-conforming Signs

9   (1) Any Sign lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this by-law, although such Sign does not conform with the provisions of this by-law, may continue to be used, provided it is maintained in a clean and safe condition.

(2) Any Sign lawfully in existence at the time of adoption of this by-law shall not be reconstructed, altered or moved unless in conformity with the provisions of this by-law.

Repeal

10   By-law No. 462-97, cited as "Sign By-law, 1997", is hereby repealed.

Exempt Signs - zoning specific information

1   (a) Identification Signs

(b) Real Estate Signs

(c) Construction Project Signs

(d) Sub-Contractor Identification Signs

Permitted Signs by Zone

2   (1) The following classes of Signs shall only be permitted in the following Zones or classes of Zones: