Ottawa Sign Permit Guide

Ottawa Sign Permits: Complete Guide to By-law 2016-326 (2026)

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.

Let Us Handle Your Permit Read the Guide

10–15 business days

Standard Permit

$175 – $1,500+

Fee Range

Additional approval required

NCC Zones

Permit included

With Every Lundon Install

Does Your Sign Need a Permit in Ottawa?

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.

How the Ottawa Sign Permit Process Works

01
Pre-Application Review
Confirm compliance with By-law 2016-326 zoning restrictions for your property. Heritage designations and BIA areas have additional rules.
02
Application Submission
File online through the City of Ottawa portal with dimensioned sign drawings, site plan, and elevation drawings showing dimensions, materials, and placement.
03
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.
04
Installation
Permit posted on site during installation. Electrical inspections required for illuminated signs.
05
Final Inspection
Required for illuminated signs before energizing.

Ottawa Sign Permit Fees

Fees are calculated on sign area under Schedule A of By-law 2016-326. Typical ranges from Ottawa-area projects as of 2026.

Sign Type	Typical Permit Fee	Notes
Small wall sign (non-illuminated)	$175 – $300	Standard zone application
Medium illuminated sign	$400 – $800	Electrical permit separate
Large or freestanding sign	$800 – $1,500+	Pylon and monument signs
Heritage area application	Add $200 – $500	Plus 4–8 additional weeks
Committee of Adjustment hearing	$1,000+	Non-conforming applications

Fees updated annually under Schedule A. Electrical permits for illuminated signs are separate and obtained by the licensed electrician completing the connection. Verify current fee schedule with the City of Ottawa before project approval.

National Capital Commission (NCC) Regulated Zones

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 Zones

Properties on the Ottawa Heritage Register require heritage review. Signs must be compatible with the heritage character of the building and area. Approval timelines are longer and design options more constrained.

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.