How do I apply for a sign permit in Ottawa?
Sign permit applications in Ottawa are filed online through the City of Ottawa portal under By-law 2016-326. You submit dimensioned sign drawings, a site plan, and elevation drawings showing dimensions, materials, and placement. A standard sign permit is reviewed within 10 to 15 business days, and runs about 2 to 4 weeks from application to installation. Lundon Calling prepares the drawings, files the application, and handles plan-examiner follow-ups as part of every installation project.
What do I need to submit with a sign permit application?
The City of Ottawa reviews a set of drawings with each sign permit application: dimensioned sign drawings showing size, materials, colours, and placement, a site plan showing where the sign sits on the property, and elevation drawings showing the sign on the building facade. For an illuminated sign, the drawings also need to show the illumination type and how the sign is lit. Lundon Calling prepares these in the format the City's Building Code Services requires.
Does Lundon Calling apply for the sign permit for me?
Yes. Permit handling is included with every Lundon Calling installation project. We review By-law 2016-326 zoning for your property, prepare the dimensioned drawings, file the application through the City of Ottawa portal, coordinate any Heritage Permit or NCC review, and track the application through to permit issuance. We never install before the permit is in hand.
Do I need a permit for an illuminated sign in Ottawa?
Yes. Every illuminated sign in Ottawa requires a City sign permit under By-law 2016-326, whether it is internally lit (channel letters, lightbox cabinets, push-through acrylic) or externally lit. A standard illuminated wall or fascia sign is permitted as a permanent sign at the $426 fee. Illuminated signs also require a separate electrical permit and a final inspection before the sign is energized. In a Heritage Conservation District, a large illuminated sign can also trigger Council-level heritage review.
How long does an illuminated sign permit take in Ottawa?
A standard illuminated sign permit is typically reviewed within 10 to 15 business days, and runs about 2 to 4 weeks from application to installation once the drawings are ready. Illuminated signs in a Heritage Conservation District take longer: staff-level heritage review adds 3 to 5 weeks, and Council-level review for large illuminated signs adds 8 to 14 weeks. The electrical permit and final energizing inspection are handled by the licensed electrician.
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.