Ottawa Sign Permit Guide
Everything you need to know about sign permits in Ottawa — what requires approval, how to apply, what it costs, and how Lundon Calling handles it for you.
Heritage Permit (staff-level)
With Every Lundon Install
Most permanent exterior signs in Ottawa require a building permit under Sign By-law No. 2016-326. Here is a clear breakdown of what requires approval and what does not.
Permit Required
- ✓All illuminated signs (internally or externally lit)
- ✓Freestanding signs (pylons, monuments) over minimum size thresholds
- ✓Wall signs over 0.3 m²
- ✓Projecting and blade signs
- ✓Any new sign replacing a previously permitted sign
- ✓Signs on heritage-designated properties
Typically No Permit
- —Temporary signs within size limits
- —Window graphics covering under 20% of window area in most zones
- —Certain parking and directional signs on private property
- —Interior signage
Not sure if your sign requires a permit? Lundon Calling reviews permit requirements for every project before design begins. We identify permit obligations, heritage zone restrictions, and NCC requirements upfront — not after fabrication.
Pre-Application Review
Confirm compliance with By-law 2016-326 zoning restrictions for your property. Heritage designations and BIA areas have additional rules.
Application Submission
File online through the City of Ottawa portal with dimensioned sign drawings, site plan, and elevation drawings showing dimensions, materials, and placement.
Review
Standard sign permits reviewed within 10–15 business days. Complex applications (illuminated signs, heritage properties, non-conforming requests) require additional review or a Committee of Adjustment hearing.
Installation
Permit posted on site during installation. Electrical inspections required for illuminated signs.
Final Inspection
Required for illuminated signs before energizing.
Fees from the Building Code Services Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2026.
| Sign Type | Fee (Jan 1, 2026) | Notes |
|---|
| Permanent sign (wall, fascia, most permanent signs) | $426 | Standard zone application |
| Message Centre | $677 | Electronic message boards |
| Development Sign (1,000 m² or less) | $477 | Construction / real estate |
| Digital Menu Board | $557 | Drive-through and food service |
| Static Billboard | $2,668 | Large-format freestanding |
| Digital Billboard | $3,538 | EMC / dynamic display |
| Encroachment Fee (per sign) | $400 | Signs projecting over public right-of-way |
| Sign Minor Variance | $2,487 | Signs exceeding by-law limits |
| Administrative surcharge (installed before permit) | +50% of fee | Penalty for proceeding without permit |
Signs in the ByWard Market and Lowertown West Heritage Conservation Districts require a Heritage Permit in addition to the Sign Permit. Heritage Permit fees effective January 1, 2026:
| Heritage Permit Type | Fee | Typical Timeline |
|---|
| Staff-level — Alterations (sign changes, window decals, simple wall signs) | $309 | 3–5 weeks (90-day statutory cap) |
| Staff-level — Restoration / Maintenance / Landscaping | $0 | 3–5 weeks |
| Council-level — Minor Alterations (large illuminated signs, significant alterations) | $2,799 | 8–14 weeks |
| Council-level — Major Alterations | $10,093 | 8–14 weeks |
Typical ByWard Market storefront sign: $426 (Sign Permit) + $309 (staff-level Heritage Permit) = $735 in basic City fees, assuming no Council-level review is required. The Sign Permit will not issue until the Heritage Permit is in place. See the ByWard Market sign installer page for full details on the dual-permit process.
| Scenario | Permits Required | Typical Timeline | Typical City Fees |
|---|
| Standard sign on non-heritage property | Sign Permit only | 2–4 weeks | $426 |
| Sign in ByWard Market or Lowertown West HCD (staff-level heritage) | Sign Permit + Heritage Permit | 6–10 weeks total | $735 |
| Sign in HCD requiring Council-level heritage review | Sign Permit + Council Heritage Permit | 10–18 weeks total | $3,225+ |
| Sign on designated Part IV heritage property (outside HCD) | Sign Permit + Heritage Permit | 6–10 weeks | $735 |
| Sign in Parliamentary Precinct / NCC Special Sign District | Sign Permit + NCC sign-off | Variable | $426 + NCC costs |
Fees from Building Code Services Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2026. Electrical permits for illuminated signs are separate and obtained by the licensed electrician. Verify current fee schedule with the City of Ottawa before project approval.
Properties near federal lands in Ottawa require NCC design approval in addition to the City of Ottawa sign permit. This is a common source of unexpected delays.
What the NCC Regulates
Properties near Parliament Hill, Wellington Street, Sussex Drive, and Confederation Boulevard may require NCC design approval in addition to the City of Ottawa sign permit. The NCC Design and Planning review applies to signage visible from NCC-designated areas.
Heritage Conservation Districts
Ottawa has two active Heritage Conservation Districts (HCDs) where all exterior signs require both a Sign Permit and a Heritage Permit - in the right sequence:
- ByWard Market HCD (By-law 60-91, 1991): bounded by St. Patrick Street (N), George Street (S), MacKenzie Avenue (W), Dalhousie Street (E).
- Lowertown West HCD (1994): approximately 560 designated properties east of the ByWard Market core.
The Heritage Permit must be issued before the Sign Permit can proceed. Staff-level review costs $309 and takes 3-5 weeks. Council-level review costs $2,799 and takes 8-14 weeks. A typical ByWard Market storefront runs $735 in combined City fees.
Individual properties designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act outside an HCD follow the same dual-permit process. See the ByWard Market sign installer guide for the full step-by-step dual-permit workflow.
How Lundon Calling Helps
We navigate both City and NCC approval processes and can advise on whether your location falls within an NCC-regulated or heritage zone — before design begins, not after.
Permit handling is included with every Lundon Calling installation project. Here is exactly what we manage on your behalf.
Pre-Application Review
We review By-law 2016-326 zoning requirements for your specific property before design begins. Heritage designations, NCC proximity, and BIA area rules are identified upfront.
Heritage Zone Identification
We confirm whether your property falls within the ByWard Market HCD, Lowertown West HCD, or is individually designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act - and what that means for your permit.
Drawing Preparation
We prepare dimensioned sign drawings, site plan, and elevation drawings in the format required by the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services.
Application Filing
We submit your permit application through the City of Ottawa online portal and handle any follow-up requests from the plan examiner.
Heritage Permit Coordination
For properties in HCDs or on the Heritage Register, we prepare and submit the Heritage Permit application and liaise with the City's Heritage Planning staff.
NCC Coordination
Where your property requires NCC design review, we handle the submission and follow up with NCC Planning and Design staff.
Status Tracking
We monitor your application through to permit issuance and notify you immediately when approval comes in.
Permit Posting and Inspections
We post the permit on site during installation and coordinate with the licensed electrician for any required illuminated sign inspections.
Permit handling included with every installation project. No surprises.
Do I need a separate permit for window signs in the ByWard Market?
Yes. In the ByWard Market Heritage Conservation District (HCD), all exterior signs - including window graphics - require both a City of Ottawa Sign Permit ($426) and a Heritage Permit ($309 at staff level). The Heritage Permit must be issued first. Window decals and graphics typically qualify for staff-level heritage review, which takes 3-5 weeks.
What is the difference between a Heritage Permit and a Sign Permit?
A Sign Permit is issued by the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services under By-law 2016-326. It confirms your sign meets zoning, size, setback, and illumination rules. A Heritage Permit is issued under the Ontario Heritage Act and confirms your sign design is compatible with the heritage character of a designated property or Heritage Conservation District. In the ByWard Market and Lowertown West HCDs, both permits are required and must be obtained in the right sequence.
How long does a Heritage Permit take?
Staff-level Heritage Permits typically take 3-5 weeks, within the 90-day statutory maximum. Council-level Heritage Permits - required for large illuminated signs or significant alterations - go through the Built Heritage Committee and typically take 8-14 weeks. Budget for the longer timeline if your project is in a Heritage Conservation District.
Can I install a sign while my permit is pending?
No. Installing a sign before the permit is issued triggers an administrative surcharge of 50% of the permit fee on top of the standard application cost. For a $426 permit, that is an additional $213. For a heritage property requiring a $735 combined permit, the surcharge is $367. Beyond the fee, the City can also order sign removal. Lundon Calling never installs before permits are in hand.
What design changes typically trigger Council-level heritage review?
In the ByWard Market and Lowertown West HCDs, Council-level review through the Built Heritage Committee is typically required for large illuminated signs, signs with significant structural attachments, and alterations that materially change the heritage character of a building facade. Simple sign replacements, window graphics, and small wall signs usually qualify for faster staff-level review. If you are unsure, we confirm the review level before design begins.